20 most beautiful places in Crimea

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Crimea is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful and ancient corners of our planet. Local nature and cultural sites have been repeatedly transferred to the canvases of great artists. But not a single picture is capable of conveying the grandeur and richness of the colors of the peninsula. Diverse, magical and breathtaking – Crimea contains many bays, waterfalls, mysterious caves, magnificent palaces and many other gems of nature and architecture. To your attention 20 beautiful places from many magnificent ones.

Magic beauties of Crimea: top 20 most impressive places of the peninsula

Nomination	a place	Sight	rating
Magic beauties of Crimea: top 20 most impressive places of the peninsula	1	Vorontsov Palace	5.0
	2	Cape Ai-Todor	4.9
	3	Chufut-Kale	4.8
	4	Taraktash trail	4.8
	5	Uchan-Su waterfall	4.7
	6	Massandra Palace	4.7
	7	Ai-Petri	4.7
	8	Koyashskoe lake	4.6
	9	Lavender fields	4.5
	10	Marble cave	4.5
	11	Jur-Jur waterfall	4.5
	12	Baydarskaya valley	4.4
	13	Foros Church	4.4
	14	Tarkhankut	4.3
	15	Ak-Kaya (White Rock)	4.3
	16	Yusupov Palace	4.2
	17	Temple of the Sun	4.1
	18	Lake Panagia	4.1
	19	Cape Chameleon	4.0
	20	Mount Roman-Kosh	4.0

Vorontsov Palace

Attraction rating (Crimea): 5.0

The massive building located in Alupka was once the property of the Russian prince Vorontsov. Designed by an English architect, the complex is a multi-layered work of art: several styles were used during the construction process. The northern facade is in the Tudor style, the facade facing the sea is in the Moorish. The southern entrance is securely guarded by marble lions. In general, the architecture of the palace can be called neo-Gothic.

The historical object is represented by five interconnected buildings, consisting of 150 rooms. There is also a billiard room, library, chapel, dining room and even a winter garden inside. The Vorontsov Palace is considered one of the most picturesque on the peninsula and very significant from a historical point of view: its halls display luxurious collections of paintings, porcelain, and exquisite furniture.

All this splendor is complemented by a park that spreads over 40 hectares around the palace. This green paradise was created by the German gardener Karl Kebach. He managed to create a real natural amphitheater, which displays more than 200 species of flora from all over the world.

There is also an impressive structure for tourists called 'Chaos'. A 10-meter-high object, represented by huge pieces of diabase, is located in the upper part of the park. She is more restrained, perhaps even harsh. The lower part of the park is a veritable collection of magnificent fountains, slender cypresses, magnolias and small lakes. An amazing combination of incompatible things makes this park unique and worthy of attention even for a sophisticated tourist.

Cape Ai-Todor

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.9

Deservedly considered one of the most spectacular and memorable natural beauty of the Crimea. This is a huge rocky massif, practically inaccessible from the sea. The protected landscape to most tourists seems to be a real trident of Neptune, cutting into the sea water column. Such a vivid picture is created by rocky spurs, like blocks of stone going into the sea. The central and largest of them is the 'Burun Monastery'. In medieval times, the monastery of St. Theodore was located here, from whose name the name of the cape originated.

But the middle spur (more precisely, its eastern part) has been known for more than a hundred years as the place where one of the most famous architectural landmarks of the peninsula, Swallow's Nest, is located. The castle, towering 40 meters high, built in the Gothic style, was the idea of ​​an unknown Russian officer, who took the liberty of building a unique structure, as if soaring between the sky and the sea. Today Swallow's Nest annually attracts thousands of tourists, becoming the visiting card of the peninsula.

No less famous is the third rapids of the cape, the southernmost and highest among all – Ai-Todorsky. For many centuries it has served as a reliable reference point for sailors. Back in 1835, a lighthouse was built here, which not only has survived to this day, but is still functional.

Chufut-Kale

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.8

Located in close proximity to Bakhchisarai, this ancient cave city began its existence even before our era. And in the 5th century (presumably) AD it turned into one of the most powerfully fortified Crimean fortresses. Historians believe that the fortress originates from a small settlement of Fulla, records of which are found in the Byzantine chronicles. In those distant times, Chufut-Kale was actively developing: handicrafts flourished here, minting of coins, book printing was born.

After 10 centuries (in the 1500s), the famous Bakhchisarai, the future residence of the Crimean khans, began to grow rapidly near the city. Over time, Chufut-Kale began to gradually fade into the background: it turned into a prison, but far from the most ordinary one. At one time, noble captives were kept here, for whom a good ransom could be obtained.

After the Crimean Peninsula is annexed to the Russian Empire, Chufut-Kale begins to gradually die. At the end of the 19th century, the last inhabitants left the city. Today it is one of the most significant and well-preserved ancient historical monuments, attracting many tourists.

Taraktash trail

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.8

This is the most famous and convenient route from Yalta to Ai-Petri. The trail has a rather steep slope, so going down it is a pleasure, but the ascent will be more difficult. And yet, the view that opens up is so mesmerizing that you immediately forget about all the hardships of a traveler on the road. One of the most impressive natural places of Crimea – the Tarakash tract – causes wild delight among tourists when passing the trail.

The trail of the same name is one of its main attractions. It was laid at the beginning of the 19th century. And, although it can hardly be called easy, it was she who gained the greatest popularity both among locals and among guests of the peninsula.

The arcuate rock rises several tens of meters above the terrain, being the highest point and pearl of the Taraktash ridge – it is located at an altitude of 1160 m above sea level. The trail leads through a hollow and then through a rather narrow passage located in the rocks, from where you can get out. This passage is often called the Taraktash rocks and the impressions from it are sometimes a little eerie, but the delight of arriving at the desired place and its incredible beauty make you forget about everything.

The lonely rock is a multi-layer formation with rather thin walls at an impressive height. Surprisingly, time does not seem to affect her: there are absolutely no traces of erosion on it. Those who manage to climb the cliff at lunchtime, when the sun is high, will be lucky enough to see the cliff walls shimmer with various shades of yellow. And during the descent along the trail, tourists unexpectedly find themselves at another equally impressive attraction – the Flying Water Falls.

Uchan-Su waterfall

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.7

The largest waterfall of the Crimean peninsula at one time received a truly poetic name, because from the Turkic 'Uchan-Su' is translated as 'Flying water'. This is exactly the impression that a powerful jet of water makes, effectively throwing down on the stones from almost 100 meters (98.5 meters). This beautiful natural landmark has become the 'brainchild' of the river of the same name, flowing along the slopes of the Yalta Yaila at an altitude of almost 400 m.

The mountain river effectively meets the steep massif, creating an incredible sight. You can see the waterfall in full force during the period of rains or melting snow. But in hot summer, the waterfall dries up almost completely. More than one legend has been written about this incredible natural creation. One of the brightest is the legend about the beautiful Zeinab, who received the name Wuchang for her dexterity. She was kidnapped by a mountain spirit, who, listening to her prayers, allowed her to turn into a mountain stream, saving her family from drought. Since then, Zeinab has been rushing from a height with a noisy stream, overcoming a huge rocky barrier.

Massandra Palace

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.7

The palace is considered one of the most beautiful on the peninsula, although in its entire short history it was of little interest to its owners. The building was designed by a French architect, and the construction began in 1881. Initially, the palace belonged to Prince Vorontsov, who did not live to see the end of its construction. Then the palace was bought by Emperor Alexander III, after which the construction process was completed with some amendments. But the Russian ruler, not having time to live in Massandrovskoye, died.

After the palace passed to Nicholas II, but he preferred summer holidays in Livadia. Massandra Palace is a striking example of the French Renaissance. Inside, there are many open galleries, spiral staircases, beautiful balconies. The interior of the palace is rather restrained, but one cannot fail to notice clear notes of luxury in it. Today the Massandra Palace is open to free visits, and the entrance is absolutely free.

Ai-Petri

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.7

An impressive mountain range belonging to the main ridge of the Crimean Mountains stretches for 25 kilometers from east to west. The highest point of Ai-Petri is Mount Rroka, which rises majestically at an altitude of 1347 meters above sea level. However, it was not she who became most famous among the guests of the peninsula, but her smaller 'sister' – Mount Ai-Petri. This incredibly picturesque plateau with a height of 1234 meters stretches in the form of a natural rocky formation, incredibly similar to a dilapidated castle with powerful sheer walls. Spectacular scalloped battlements of the mountain peak have been forming for millennia. Once upon a time, Ai-Petri was a huge coral reef located at the bottom of an ancient sea. The mountain got its present appearance thanks to the efforts of the wind, inexorably blowing out the limestone rock from the former reef.

It is not difficult to get to the famous massif: from the nearest village (Koreiz), a cable car was built especially for tourists, no less famous than the mountain itself – it has the longest unsupported flight in Europe. Those who venture to climb Mount Ai-Petri will be rewarded with an impressive view of the South Coast.

Koyashskoe lake

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.6

Koyashskoye Lake is a source of pride for the inhabitants of the Kerch Peninsula. It is located in the Opuksky Nature Reserve, where the harsh steppe meets the raging sea. Nearby are the cape and mountain of the same name with the reserve. Koyashskoe Lake belongs to the closed drainage reservoirs of estuary origin. True, this salty reservoir cannot boast of a large area – only 5 square meters, and the greatest depth is even more modest – only 1 m.

But there is one thing that makes Koyashskoye Lake truly magnificent – the color of its water. Throughout the year, it surprises with a variety of incredible shades, ranging from pale pink to deep red. In addition to water, salt crystals are also colored, periodically acquiring a violet aroma. The reason for this amazing phenomenon lies in the microparticles produced by the algae that lives at the bottom of this reservoir. Not every microorganism can survive in such salty water, and Dunaliella salina is one of them.

Spring is considered the best time to visit this place: at this time of the year, the pink lake is literally buried in dense steppe greenery. But in the summer, the water from the lake evaporates, leaving whole icebergs, consisting of salt.

Lavender fields

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.5

Those who plan to visit the Crimean peninsula from June to July should definitely take the time to visit the local lavender fields. This sophisticated evergreen shrub, which is native to the Mediterranean, has taken root well in the Crimea. It was first grown here on an industrial scale (with the aim of obtaining essential oil) in 1928.

Although over the past few decades, many plantations have been abandoned. But there are still a few so large and beautiful that they can be safely compared with the famous French Provence. Tourists find fields of magical beauty near Bakhchisarai (the village of Turgenevka), near the villages of Rastuschee and Zavetnoye (in the mountains), close to the suburb of Alushta (in the village of Lavanda), etc.

An endless purple sea, intoxicating with an incredible aroma and changing its hue depending on the time of day – such a wondrous beauty opens up to the traveler's eyes. Impressions from what he saw will certainly be remembered for a lifetime.

Marble cave

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.5

A huge underground formation with a whole system of complex, intricate passages was discovered not so long ago (in 1987): cavers stumbled upon an amazing cave located in the lower plateau of the Chatyr-Dag massif. Soon several tourist routes appeared here at once, and today thousands of tourists visit these mysterious marble halls every year.

The cave is located at almost a kilometer height, its depth is 60 m, and the length of the halls exceeds 2 km. Each of the many halls of the cave amazes the imagination with its beauty and the names of many speak for themselves: there is the Palace Hall, the Lustra Hall, the Fairy Tales Gallery, the Chocolate, etc. The most outstanding (literally) is the Perestroika Hall, which is considered the largest on the peninsula: its the length is 100 m, and the height reaches 28 m.

The incredible underground palace consists of complex, indescribable compositions, reminiscent of columns, chandeliers. There are fishnet baths with water and even waterfalls. The amazingly beautiful composition, unusual 'decor' and the scale of the cave make it one of the most beautiful not only in Crimea, but throughout the world.

Jur-Jur waterfall

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.5

The deepest among the Crimean waterfalls, Dzhur-Dzhur is hidden in one of the high-mountain gorges of the peninsula (Khapkhal, the village of Solnechnogorskoe), overgrown with dense forests. The waterfall got its uncomplicated name from onomatopoeia of rushing water. The river Ulu-Uzen Vostochny, flowing through the gorge at an altitude of almost 470 m above sea level, gave life to an extraordinary natural formation.

Dzhur-Dzhur got its name not in vain: huge streams of colossal power rush down from a 15-meter height into a huge pit, and even in the dry season, the waterfall does not subside for a minute. Often, along with the flow of water, stones also fly down, so it is not recommended to come too close to the waterfall. Better to enjoy its magnificent view from a distance. By the way, not far from the waterfall there is a cave of the same name, hidden in the wilderness.

Baydarskaya valley

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.4

The valley combines many amazing natural beauties. Located in the southeast of an enormous size, the pit is surrounded on all sides by colorful green mountains. Numerous rivers flow here from everywhere, forming the same small, but very spectacular waterfalls.

Visitors to the valley can find landscapes for every taste. In its center is the Chernorechenskoye reservoir – the largest on the peninsula. It is filled with moisture by the crystal clear mountain river Chernaya. In the northwest there are several large canyons, in the southeast (to the delight of speleologists) a couple of caves. Sun-drenched meadows immersed in the aroma of mountain flowers will delight the eye and give aesthetic pleasure. About 50 plant species can be found in the valley. Among them are medicinal herbs, relict trees and much more.

Due to its incredible beauty and very mild climate, the Baydar Valley acquired another name – Crimean Switzerland. Its picturesque places are beautiful at any time of the year, so the valley can be visited all year round.

Foros Church

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.4

The Red Rock is a bright point that figuratively connects Yalta and Sevastopol, the mountain range and the raging sea. On this rock, like a small toy in the palm of a giant, stands the famous Church of the Ascension of Christ. This place is very well viewed from the nearby highway, and literally everyone involuntarily turns their heads in order to hold their eyes on this architectural wonder for a couple of seconds.

Standing on a steep slope at an altitude of more than 40 meters above sea level, the Foros Church is deservedly considered the highlight of the South Crimea. Its chiseled outlines stand out brightly against the surrounding area – among gray rocks, azure sea and bright greenery. Baptisms and weddings take place here every day, and the site itself is included in all local must-see listings.

According to historical facts, the construction of the church was preceded by a real miracle: in 1888 a train traveling from Crimea to St. Petersburg crashed. This very train was followed by Emperor Alexander III with his family. Miraculously, no one was hurt. Then the local tea magnate Alexander Kuznetsov ordered to build a church nearby as gratitude to God for the salvation of the Russian all-powerful. There is also a more prosaic version of the story: in those days, the monopoly on the sale of tea belonged exclusively to the royal family, and the church was a kind of ransom. Be that as it may, the Emperor liked the gift: he attended her quite enough, being on the peninsula.

Tarkhankut

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.3

The wild peninsula and the westernmost point of the Crimea, most likely, will remain a place inaccessible to man. He looks too formidable: harsh steep cliffs and inaccessible deep caves under water. The sea here is so clean that from the height of the cliff you can see stones at the bottom of the sea. But Tarhankut has the most impressive view from the sea side: impressive sea grottoes sharply cut through the peninsula, and then pass into caves and rocks of a bizarre and slightly frightening shape.

Sometimes the force of nature brings down part of the coastal rocks and then new architectural forms open up to the eye. On the territory of Tarkhankut there is a protected area – Atlesh, represented by a whole cascade of white limestone rocks. Among them there are truly magical sculptural creations of nature. The Chalice of Love is a rock in the form of a 6-meter-deep circular pool. You can get into it only through an underwater tunnel. The turtle is a rock, in shape resembling this particular armored animal. There are also completely unexplored natural objects here. Among them is a 150-meter cave, which you can get inside only by swimming under a steep cliff overlooking the sea.

Ak-Kaya (White Rock)

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.3

An imposing white stone plateau rises pompously above the valley, ending in a steep, powerful rock of 150 meters in height. Ak-Kaya is a real testimony to the multimillion-dollar history of these places. After all, once this limestone plateau with an admixture of sandstone was nothing more than the seabed. An attentive tourist will definitely pay attention to the unusual 'footprints' on the walls of the rock: these are the fossils of the underwater inhabitants of the ancient world. Here you can see sea urchins, crabs, mollusks, and in the later layers (almost on the surface of the plateau) – even whale bones and shark teeth.

The natural stone formation is an invariable decoration of the valley and can be proudly seen from afar. If you come directly to the foot of the cliff, its height will exceed 300 meters and seem endless. From afar, the White Rock seems to be perfectly flat, as if faceted, but up close it is noticeable that this is not so: on its surface there are many ledges, thresholds. Only the most experienced climbers dare to conquer this peak.

In the 20th century, archaeological research was actively carried out here, which bore fruit: the remains of the Neanderthals, the tools of their labor, as well as traces of the habitation of mammoths, cave bears, saigas, were found on the plateau, which is not typical for the modern Crimean fauna. The White Cliff is located in the valley of the Biyuk Kara-Su River. This is the Belogorsk region of Crimea.

Yusupov Palace

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.2

One of the most beautiful places in Crimea hides an architectural pearl of no less beauty – the Yusupov Palace. On one of the steep rocky cliffs of Koreiz stands the most mysterious and unparalleled palace and park complex of the peninsula. Made in the style of the Italian Renaissance, the palace amazes the imagination with the perfection of architecture and luxury of the interior.

Throughout its existence, it has repeatedly passed from hand to hand. So, its first owner, at whose request the complex was built, was Princess Golitsyna – one of the most mysterious women of the 19th century. The willful granddaughter of Peter I was distinguished by unconventional outlooks on life and a taste for luxury. The 'Pink House' built for her was distinguished by its graceful appearance, and the exquisite park laid out around it effectively complemented the picture.

After the princess, the winemaker Morozov owned the complex, and by 1880 the palace became the property of the Yusupov family, who completely renovated the estate to their liking, giving it a neo-Romanesque style. All facades were adorned with marble lions, which today unwaveringly 'guard' the palace. Today it is included in the top 20 must-see sights of the South Crimea and is considered the visiting card of Koreiz.

Temple of the Sun

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.1

One of the most mysterious places in Crimea. For some, this is a place of accumulation of cosmic energy, but for others – the Holy Land. But all who once visited the Temple of the Sun have forever preserved it in their memory. Natural education was 'born' over 150 million years ago. It was during this period that the formation of the Crimean Mountains was completed. The reasons for the appearance of such an unusual rock are still unclear to scientists. Some believe that this is the work of ancient people, others consider it a magical action of nature.

The first mentions of the object appeared only in the 13th century, when the Greeks erected a Christian church in honor of St. Elijah on a mountain near the Temple of the Sun. Later, the mountain was called Ilyinskaya. When Crimea became part of the Russian Empire, the old name was returned to the grief.

The area surrounding the temple was once home to the Scythians, Alans, Goths, and only nature itself knows what secrets it keeps. There are many legends about this place. According to one of them, the temple is the brainchild of an ancient civilization (possibly Atlanteans), which drew cosmic energy from here. There is another version belonging to the supporters of pagan cultures. According to her, the temple is a place of power that served as a gateway to the other world.

Which option is more likely, everyone decides for himself. One thing is for sure: this place has long attracted a lot of people regardless of religion. There are Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and even Old Believers here. And in the temple itself, offerings are often left to the gods in the form of personal things: amulets, coins, fruits, flowers, etc.

Lake Panagia

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.1

Crimea is known for the diversity and beauty of its water bodies, but Panagia Lake stands out the most among them due to its mesmerizing appearance. Its waters have a turquoise hue of amazing purity and brightness, perfectly in harmony with the surrounding lush greenery. The lake is located near the village of Zelenogorye (a suburb of Alushta) in the tract of the same name. The picturesque gorge is framed by severe mountain peaks, which are reflected in the waters of the lake. Local Christians consider it to be protected by God, supporters of the occult call it 'a place of power'.

The lake is of glacial origin. Today, the water level in it is maintained by the Kushen-Uzen River. The pond resembles a 'plump' comma in shape. It is quite difficult to estimate its size, since it often changes them depending on the season. Panagia reaches its maximum by May: at this time its depth is 10 meters. By summer it grows shallow, but never dries up.

The reservoir is considered a reserve, like the territory that surrounds it, nevertheless, once you get here, you can not only enjoy the stunning beauty of the natural landscape, but also plunge into the water: it is warmer here than in the sea. It is not recommended to light fires, therefore, although it is allowed to set up tents here, tourists prefer to stay in the nearest settlement.

Cape Chameleon

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.0

Koktebel Bay and Tikhaya Bay are secretly separated by an inconspicuous at first glance natural border – a narrow stone ridge of low height. But everything is not so prosaic: the cape has an unusual shape, which it acquired (according to the ancient Crimean topographic maps) over several centuries. The land, consisting of clay rock, was gradually eroded by the rains, cut by the sea and the wind, significantly changing its appearance and decreasing in size.

But the cape got its unusual name not at all because of changes in its appearance. The thing is that its surface is capable of changing its shade depending on weather conditions and the characteristics of natural lighting. Phenomenally colorful and diverse, Cape Chameleon changes color up to 20 times a day. In the morning it can be seen in a delicate blue-gray shade. With the onset of sunset, the rock in a bizarre way is painted by the sun's rays in a golden color, gradually giving way to lilac colors. Those who plan to visit Koktebel should definitely find this place and see with their own eyes its bewitching beauty.

Mount Roman-Kosh

Attraction rating (Crimea): 4.0

The highest point of Babugan Yayla is at the same time the highest mountain range of the Crimean peninsula. Those who once visited the top of this mountain will remember the breathtaking panoramic view that opens up to their eyes for a lifetime. From a height of 1545 meters, almost the entire Crimea is visible at a glance. Having visited here, you can enjoy the incredible beauty of the picture of the peninsula, breathe in the air filled with the delicate aroma of steppe flowers and fragrant herbs, feel harmony and incredible peace.

According to one version, the name of the mountain is translated from Indo-Aryan as 'the highest rest'. There is also a more prosaic version: in Turkic it is 'the top of a mountain'. The path to the mountain is not short, and it should be started by reaching first to the nearest village – Gurzuf. The path to the top goes through a dense pine forest. In the valleys of Roman-Kosh, you can often find a graceful roe deer and a fast deer. The view of the mountain at sunset leaves an indescribable impression. Officially, Roman-Kosh is located on the territory of the Crimean Nature Reserve, and today climbing there is prohibited.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.