All about the Turquoise Lake in Crimea

Not far from Alushta there is a lake with the picturesque name Turquoise. This reservoir has several names. In some reference books it is also called Emerald. And there is also the name Jubilee. In the Tatar language, the name sounds like Milyan-Gol.

It is believed that the name Turquoise was given to the reservoir because of the unusually beautiful color of the water - it is not the usual blue or blue here, but an extraordinary bright green hue. Thanks to this, the reservoir has a very picturesque view, which attracts crowds here who want to admire its beauty. Numerous Crimea guidebooks are vying with each other to praise this amazing place, crowds of tourists come here every year in pursuit of new experiences and the opportunity to take a selfie against the backdrop of this beautiful reservoir.

Here you can take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle, gain strength, put your thoughts in order, just go fishing. Another feature of this attraction is the fact that the water in the lake is not fresh, but brackish.

The lake has the shape of a regular rectangle 200 by 400 meters. This is due to the fact that this object is man-made, and not of natural origin, as one might think from the very beginning. Back in the days of the Soviet Union, a limestone deposit was discovered at this place, so a decision was made to dig a pit and develop a quarry.

However, it later turned out that underground waters flow here, which one fine day made themselves felt with a large fountain. All work on the extraction of minerals was curtailed, and the pit was filled with water. This is how a lake with an unusual water color was formed.

This version is very dubious, given the fact how many people are here all the time. However, the legend is beautiful and helps to attract tourists.

Turquoise Lake is located in the mountains near the village of Zaprudnoye and the village of Partenit. The most convenient way to visit this attraction is to get there by car on the highway Yalta - Alushta - Simferopol.

If we consider the option of public transport, then from Yalta to the nearest settlement to the lake, you can get by minibus Yalta - Patentit, as well as by trolleybuses No. 52, 53 or bus No. 110. There is a minibus No. 103 from Alushta to the reservoir.

Further from Zaprudny you need to walk, or use the services of local entrepreneurs who offer their services for the transportation of passengers on their own transport for a certain amount. Some desperate travelers dare to cover this distance by bicycle. There are many minibuses from Yalta to Partenit, the distance between settlements is about 20 km.

However, in Crimea, the public transport system is not so well-established. Therefore, if you move towards Turquoise Lake from more remote parts of the peninsula, such as the city of Krasnoperekopsk on the northern coast or from the popular tourist village Koreiz, located in the northeast of Partenit, be prepared for the fact that there is a direct bus there is no communication between these settlements.

You need to make a change in Simferopol, or get there by private transport. From Partenit to Krasnoperekopsk about 200 km, to Koreiz and Gaspra - about 40 km.

The turquoise lake attracts primarily by the surrounding nature. The flora and fauna are amazingly beautiful here. The shores of the lake are surrounded by dense mixed forest and mountains. Stunning views of the Ayu-Dag mountain open from the coast. Not far from the lake is the Crimean nature reserve, where about 60 species of various birds live. In clear weather, you can watch the flights of eagles and vultures from the coast. And you can also enjoy the singing of other birds.

The surroundings of the reservoir are equipped with a parking lot and a camp site. And also there is a specially designated place for fires, and if you wish, you can stay here with your family or company for a few days. You don't have to worry about fresh water - there is a beautiful mountain spring with crystal clear water to the north of the lake. Fishing enthusiasts will be able to take their souls for catching small fish such as perch, rudd or roach.

As mentioned above, the water in the lake is very cold, therefore, despite the convenient approach to the water, not everyone decides to plunge into it. Those brave souls who were not afraid of the cold claim that the water in the lake instantly removes the accumulated fatigue and energizes. Perhaps that is why the lake is considered curative, and some miraculous abilities are attributed to it. So, local residents claim that the water in it is not only curative, but also capable of removing the crown of celibacy.

Usually, animals do not attack people first, but just in case it is strongly recommended to have a travel first-aid kit with you. And also in case of spending the night, you should take with you a gas cylinder and a camping stove - unauthorized making fires on the territory of the lake is prohibited. For cooking and eating on the coast, there are specially designated areas with barbecues, tables and benches.

In addition to the Turquoise Lake itself, there are some interesting places in the area that you can visit.

If you are staying here for a few days, it is worth taking a walk around the area. Many interesting objects can be found here. For example, literally a couple of kilometers from Turquoise Lake is the House-Museum of Brownies. It was opened by a married couple of Nikanorovs relatively recently - in 2009, the spouses Nikolai and Natalya make wooden amulets and talismans at random. The size of the figures can be different: from 20 cm to half a meter in height. The material is juniper, walnut and pistachio trees.

The name is translated from the Tatar language as Bear Mountain. At the foot of this hill, during excavations, the remains of an ancient basilica belonging to the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul were discovered. A little away from the ruins, you can see centuries-old oak and pistachio trees growing right on the rocks. Their power and beauty are admirable.

This attraction is located on the territory of the health complex, 5 kilometers from the reservoir. The park is famous for its olive grove and vineyards. There is also a unique mammoth tree - sequoiadendron. This coniferous tree, impressive in its gigantic size, outwardly resembles a fabulous goblin or brownie. On the territory of the park there is a beautiful waterfall, a swimming pool, which you can plunge into if you wish, admire graceful sculptures and flower beds, and after all this splendor, relax in the shade of one of the gazebos.

It will appeal to those who are interested in rocks and minerals. Some specimens are not only beautiful in appearance - they have some scientific value.

The Emerald (or Turquoise) Lake is beautiful at any time of the year.

In early autumn it is no less picturesque than in summer: trees covered with gold and crimson reflecting in the water give it a special shade. In spring, when the riot of greenery begins, the air around will be filled with the heady aromas of flowering plants, and you can admire the flight of butterflies and bumblebees. In winter, the lake, surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, is filled with ringing silence, in which you can listen to yourself, put things in order in your own thoughts and desires, and understand for yourself whether your life is moving in the right direction.

In the next amateur video, you can watch tourists walking to Turquoise Lake.