Overview of Crimean nature reserves

More and more Russian tourists have recently preferred our domestic recreation areas to overseas coasts. And one of them is the Crimean Peninsula. The amazing natural world and the healing air of the Black Sea coast, coupled with the peaks of the Crimean mountains, work wonders for vacationers.

Agree, combining business with pleasure, a comfortable vacation and health-improving walks in unique places is not possible in all corners of our planet.

The unique fauna and flora of the Crimean peninsula contributed to the fact that it is here on a small (relatively) territory that a considerable number of nature reserves are concentrated (5.4% of the area). There are many places here that are practically not affected by the result of the rapidly developing activities of mankind.

The authorities of the Crimean peninsula take care of protecting natural monuments. Relying on the hydrological results of the study of water resources that provide the life cycle of nature reserves, people hope that the pristine nature will be preserved for future generations. Reserves in Crimea began to appear at the beginning of the last century, and the most famous of them today are:

• Crimean natural reserve;
• Yalta;
• Cape Martyan;
• Karadag nature reserve;
• Kazantip;
• Opuksky;
• Swan Islands;
• Astana floodplains;
• Khapkhal reserve;
• Nikitsky Botanical Garden.

Of course, there are much more protected areas, and the residents of Crimea respect each of them. Any vacationer is allowed to enjoy the beauty of such natural monuments, the main thing is not to litter them and not leave behind "vivid memories."

On the southern coast of the Crimean peninsula there are well-known Karadag reserve, Paragilmen botanical reserve, Cape Fiolent, Arbat reserve, Cape Martyan. The largest one stretches from south to north Crimean reserve. Its area covers more than 44 thousand hectares of the peninsula and is striking in its uniqueness. On the south side is located and Yalta nature reserve.

In the west of Crimea, there are the famous Swan Islands, Cape Aya, on the north-west coast is located Cape Kazantip, and in the western part of the Tarkhankut peninsula - an amazing Dzhangul tract. The latter is located on the landslide part of the coast, so it may immediately seem that there are harsh and wild places here. Rather, Dzhangul resembles the scenery of a science fiction film, the main decoration of which is a limestone column, whose height is 40 meters.

General's beaches natural Karalar reserve, located in the eastern region of the Crimean peninsula, located 35 kilometers from the city of Kerch. Secluded bays with clear water, endless steppes with unique vegetation, sandy beaches with warm sand, hills and hills, incomparable fishing - many vacationers feel very comfortable here.

Kalinovsky park or reserve covers an area of ​​12 thousand hectares and was created thanks to the initiative of local residents who are worried about the ecological state of this area. More than 150 species of birds are found here.

The most popular and most accessible nature reserve in Crimea is Karadag... Vacationers who come here are delighted with it, as well as a whole galaxy of scientists. It is located 36 kilometers from the city of Feodosia.

Volcanic massif Kara-Dag ("black mountain"), Rising above sea level for 150 million years, it has become the most beautiful corner of the Crimean peninsula. In 1914, a research station named after T.I. Vyazemsky was opened there. Later the well-known academician A.P. Pavlov in 1922 proposed to establish a nature reserve here. His idea was embodied much later, at the end of the 70s of the last century. That's why The Karadag reserve is the youngest of all.

The history of the ancient volcano is fanned by many myths and legends, one of which is the existence of the Karadag snake or monster. The reserve covers an area of ​​over 3000 hectares. Bizarre rocks and mountains make up a special attraction of the Crimean landscape: The Holy Mountain, an arched formation of 15 meters in height, the Golden Gate, which are the hallmark of the reserve. Curious travelers will be surprised by over 2,500 different flora species, 52 of which are endemic.

In the depths of the bowels of the Karadag reserve there are many gems: jasper, rock crystal, agates, etc. More than 3000 animals live in the reserved places of Karadag. You can travel here both by land and sea. The Karadag volcanic massif is literally riddled with gorges and plate-like massifs, which is a pretty picturesque picture.

The Yalta mountain-forest reserve "began" in 1973. Today it is 40 kilometers long with wonderful views and natural landscapes. Its total area is almost 143 sq. km. The main part of it is covered with forests, which are replaced by mountain yayls, and the highest point of the reserve is Mount Roka (1349 m).

Half of the reserve is Crimean pine forests; there are also beech, juniper, pistachio and strawberry plantations. Representatives of the fauna are quite diverse, many of which are listed in the Red Book: burial eagle, peregrine falcon, leopard snake. The landscapes of the Yalta reserve leave an indelible impression - from the monumental Mount Ai-Petri (1234 m) and the Devil's Stairs to the Three-Eyed Cave.

Tired tourists can relax in the thickets Cherry Orchard, in the so-called teapots. On the territory of the reserve there is also a museum, which displays exhibits representing the flora and fauna of the Crimean peninsula.

Among the numerous protected areas of the Crimean peninsula, there are especially popular ones, where tourists who are completely unfamiliar with the pearls of the Crimea go. The list of such record-breaking places is quite impressive:

• Kazantip nature reserve;
• Karalar Natural Park;
• Opuksky, albeit small, but memorable forever;
• "Swan Islands".

A cape in the Sea of ​​Azov, more reminiscent of an elongated gear in shape, called Kazantip, fascinates at first sight. Even if there is no lush vegetation habitual for the Crimean mountains, but its geological and natural features, sometimes even a little harsh, were especially fond of travelers.

To some, Kazantip looks like a deserted coast, but such a picture can only take place during the particularly hot months of summer. Then the coastal zone of the reserved place resembles Martian landscapes.

But in the spring, after heavy southern rains, the steppe nature seems to wake up - the territory of Kazantip is covered with indescribable emerald greenery, it is here that a rare type of marigold butterflies grows, and several of their varieties at once. On the territory of the protected area there are famous monuments of antiquity - menhirs and ancient settlements, which are considered sources of vital energy. Small castles from the past centuries attract the attention of many tourists.

The oldest and largest reserve of the peninsula, Krymsky, was founded in 1923 and occupies the largest area in comparison with its “brothers”: from Yalta to Alushta. During the war, the reserve was badly damaged by fires that destroyed nature and destroyed many animals, but in 1944 the reserve began to be restored.

The exciting begins from the very beginning of the trip - a serpentine mountain along the Romanovskoye Highway, a trout farm, a wonderful Kosmo-Damianovsky Monastery... From the pass you can see the highest mountain peak of Crimea - Mount Romash-Kosh... Later, tourists are waiting for the famous Gazebo of winds, from where the entire southern coast of the Crimean peninsula is visible. Have rocks red stonesurrounded by Crimean vineyards, you can breathe in the purest southern air.

Many rivers of the Crimean Peninsula begin in this natural zone: Kacha, Alma, Ulu-Uzen and others. More than 300 natural mountain springs and springs are famous for their healing properties. The most famous of them is Savlukh-Su, whose water contains silver ions. There are many caves and grottoes, natural wells.

More than a thousand species of plants grow on the territory of the reserve, a considerable part of which listed in the Red Book. Oak, oak-pine and beech-pine forests grow on the slopes of the mountains. After the forests, mountain meadows and yayls begin, and different types of fish live in rivers and mountain lakes.

Swan Islands is one of the most romantic and unforgettable vacation spots on the peninsula. This protected area is part of the Crimean Nature Reserve, although it is located at a decent distance from it. This is a so-called specially protected area, which can only be reached by sea with a special permit. The real kingdom of birds, which can only be seen by getting here, includes pink flamingos, gulls, pelicans, cormorants and graceful swans.

Hunting here is strictly prohibited, as well as catching Black Sea salmon. All kinds of Black Sea dolphins splash in the waters of the Kazantip Reserve, there are also seahorses here.

Cape Martyan appeared only in 1973 and immediately gained popularity among travelers. The size of the cape is only about 240 hectares, it is located on the territory of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. Despite the small area, there are magnificent exhibits of the Black Sea flora: more than 500 species of trees and shrubs, almost 50 species of moss, about 250 lichens.

Here you can see more than 148 bird species, 28 of which are rare: the yellow heron, stilt sandpiper, peregrine falcon. And what is most attractive, the warm weather on the cape lasts for almost six months. The remains of the stonework of the medieval fortress Ruskofil-Kale, where curious tourists come, are located on a steep cliff.

Opuksky reserve was founded quite recently - in 1998. It is located in the south of Crimea and is named after the eponymous mountain Opuk, which is 185 meters high. At its western foot is the Koyashskoe salt lake.

The local landscape is quite unusual - rocks, islets, heaps of stone accumulations, sea grottoes, and in the distance, in the sea - Rocks-Ships. For a long time, the Opuksky Nature Reserve was a closed territory, therefore many representatives of flora and fauna survived without suffering from human hands.

On the territory of the reserve, a number of rare species of plants are noted, quite rare representatives of reptiles are found, many species of birds winter here, and sturgeons, beluga, seahorse and a monk seal frolic in the coastal waters.

When visiting the protected areas of the wonderful Crimean peninsula, you must remember that not all of them can be visited by tourists only of their own free will. The nature, flora and fauna of the reserves are too fragile and sensitive to the impact of human civilization.

To keep them intact, travelers visit them at a certain time and only with permission and accompanied by the reserve staff. Therefore, getting ready for the road and deciding to visit the best protected areas of Crimea, be sure to contact the administration through the official website and discuss all the details.

Choose closed clothes and shoes for hiking in the reserves, as well as all kinds of insect bite sprays and sunscreen. And, of course, you need to take water on a trip - at least a liter per person... Then your vacation will definitely bring you a lot of pleasure and discovery.

For a video review of the Crimean reserves, see below.