All about Cape Kazantip in Crimea

Cape Kazantip is a unique natural reserve visited by thousands of tourists every year. Let's put the dots right away and remind you that the ring reef no longer has any connection with the sensational Kazantip project-festival. The vibrant nightlife gave way to a calm and sporty rest, so now the cape is distinguished by a rather harsh, austere beauty, which people come to admire from all over the world.

The cape acquired its name long ago. It was based on the Crimean Tatar words kazan - "cauldron" and tyup - "bottom", which together merge into the "bottom of the cauldron". The reason was not some legend associated with witches and their terrible seething cauldrons. The cape got its name due to its shape, which was formed in the process of gradual raising of the bottom.

The cauldron reaches about 4 kilometers in diameter, most of which is shallow water (the bottom rises 20 meters above sea level), and the wall-mountains that frame the cauldron stretch 40 meters upward, although at their highest peak they reach an impressive 106 meters.

Nature really did its best to create this stony steppe. Along the perimeter of the entire coast from Kazantip to Arabat Bay, you will observe an alternation of vertical cliffs and cozy bays with crystal clear water and fine white sand. In some bays, there are even creeks with fresh water.

Numerous backwaters and grottoes, like a real ancient cave city, invite you into their cool refreshing shade.Incredible natural arches and awnings, stones that seem to have frozen in intricate poses and resemble fantastic creatures that are ready to wake up at any moment.

Of course, such a place should simply be surrounded by legends and secrets. Basically, they are all associated with hidden treasures, which, according to legend, are located in hidden underwater caves. These caves, like the rooms of the Hermitage, are interconnected and turn into a labyrinth. Divers love to explore the canals, hoping not for chests of gold and precious stones, but for the wealth of underwater flora and fauna.

The climate in this part of the Azov coast can be described as arid. In autumn and winter, north-east winds prevail here, and in spring and summer wind speed rarely rises above 7 m / s. At the height of the tourist season (from June to October), the temperature is kept around the + 24 ° C mark. Precipitation is rare. Due to the fact that the cape is in shallow water, and the coastline is heavily indented, disturbances of the water surface are minimal.

Eastern part of Crimea. Near the cape, south of the isthmus, on a hill, there is the small town of Shelkino. If you want to merge with nature as much as possible and do not want to stay in the city, you can settle in the village of Mysovoye, its location is practically on the isthmus itself.

Some people prefer to stop in Kerch, and from there go by car to the cape and explore the nearby territories. The road will take no more than two hours, so if you wish, you can go to the beaches every day. A path similar in duration, but on the other hand, can be done from Feodosia. The Crimean peninsula is very compact, if you correctly plan the route, you can visit a huge number of iconic places in a week.

If you prefer proven options, and do not want to find hidden natural bays and storm wild beaches on your own, we recommend that you opt for four options.

• Beach in the Tatar bay. This is a rather secluded place. Several shops with related goods, the ability to rent sun loungers and umbrellas, clean sand and gentle sea. Here's what to expect at this place. This beach is at the bottom, and if you get bored with swimming and tanning, you can go explore the caves and grottoes. The local fauna will not disappoint you.

• Another beach is located in the Russian bay... Its infrastructure is more developed, there is more life and tourists, respectively. The beach is about 3 kilometers long, so there is no crowding, but the feeling of solitude in this place is problematic.

• Beach at the recreation center "Lavender". It has no restrictions on the place of your residence, even if you do not belong to the guests of the base, they will let you through. For families with children, this is perhaps the best place. For the convenience of parents, there are many playgrounds equipped here, and the bottom is quite shallow so that kids can learn to swim without fear for their lives.

• If you want the beach to have not only an imposing vacation, but also a little movement, we recommend going to Tatarka. The place is located near Shchelkino and offers sun loungers, umbrellas, many cafes and summer parties in season.

There are also sights here, and not only natural ones.

Diversify your beach holiday and go on an excursion to the conservation area. The fact is that excavations and archaeological finds have shown that people have inhabited this place since antiquity. According to current data, the first settlement appeared in the IV-III centuries BC. Places with such a history, rooted in antiquity, are always best visited with guides.

They will definitely tell you about the finds, show you the remains of the foundations, lead you on secret paths and slightly open the curtain that separates the eras. In addition to man-made beauties, the reserve has many natural surprises. Rare plants grow on its territory. Of the hundreds of plants presented, 25 species are listed in the Red Book - do not miss the chance to admire them.

The fauna will also delight you with abundance. According to official figures, The reserve is home to 188 species of vertebrates and 450 species of invertebrates. Agree, there is something to see.

Fans of post-nuclear aesthetics and steampunk are recommended to look into this place. This symbol of a bygone era froze almost immediately after the Chernobyl disaster. Construction was never completed and the station was never launched. They began to use it for other purposes. In the 90s of the last century, it was given to be torn apart by the Kazantip festival. Later, in the early 2000s, the station was nominated as an object for the creation of the Shchelkinsky Industrial Park - unfortunately, the project has not yet received funding and has stopped.

In Shchelkovo, on Cape Turtle, there is a picturesque "Rotunda". It rises alone on a promontory, overlooking the romantic surrounding landscape. People love to come here at sunset, when the sun paints the water and the sky with the most incredible colors. The views are amazing, be sure to take the time to visit the gazebo.

In general, those who need to come to this part of the Crimean peninsula who are tired of the bustle of the city and want to delve into their own thoughts or want to arrange a carefree lazy rest... Diversify your beach activities with diving, windsurfing or kiting. If such activity is not to your liking, take up the study of nature, you can spend a lot of time on this, there is more than enough material to study.

In the next video, you will find a short overview of the Crimean Cape Kazantip.