Using our detailed review of the “best sights in Crimea”, you can make your trip to this hospitable city unforgettable. When developing a rating of what to see in Crimea, we certainly took into account the recommendations of qualified guides and reviews from vacationers.
What to see in Crimea first of all
Excursions in Crimea are numerous and varied. Which of them deserve attention more than the rest? Experienced guides in Crimea give such advice:
1. Swallow’s nest
Modern view of the Swallow’s Nest and Cape Ai-Todor Priest Maxim Massalitin
Even if you are an inexperienced tourist, and your trip to Crimea will be the first, you must have heard about this architectural monument more than once. It is located on the sheer Aurora rock at an altitude of 40 meters. Despite its compact size, the recently renovated castle attracts a lot of attention from visitors to the city. You will be able to see the unforgettable landscapes of the water surface, as well as enjoy the performances and concerts that take place in the surrounding area in the evenings.
Official website: https://lasto4kinognezdo.ru
2. Vorontsov Palace
The southern facade of the Vorontsov Palace Derevyagin Igor
Few sights in the Crimea can boast of such an amazing view. In fact, the object is both the former summer residence of the count’s family, and a park complex, and a museum reserve that preserves its chic interiors. numerous magnolias and cypresses, as well as Ai-Petri Mountain, create a decent exterior. The filming of such paintings as “Ten Little Negroes” and “An Ordinary Miracle” was carried out here.
Official website: https://worontsovpalace.org
3. Livadia Palace
Snow-white Livadia Palace surrounded by a green park
The date of construction of the snow–white royal palace is over a hundred years ago. It is also a museum reserve, famous for its incredible architectural beauty. In the exhibition centers, you can see thematic expositions dedicated to the Romanov family. If you don’t know what to see in Crimea in 1 day, come here.
Official website: https://ливадийский-дворец.рф
4. Massandra Palace
The eastern facade of the Massadrov Palace
Another palace complex of the 19th century, which at one time was the property of Count Vorontsov. The building is decorated in the style of the time of Louis the Thirteenth. Today there is a museum on its site.
Official website: https://worontsovpalace.org
5. Khan’s Palace in Bakhchisarai
The Grand Mosque and courtyard in the Khan’s Palace in Bakhchisarai
If you are interested in the culture, way of life and architecture of the Tatar-Crimean people, where to go in Crimea you have just found out. The former khan’s residence was supposed to become a “paradise on earth.” However, over the many hundreds of years of its existence, it has been destroyed and redone more than once. However, even today in this cultural and historical reserve you can look at the decoration that was in the harems of the wives and private chambers of the Tatar rulers. Other attractions include the famous Fountain of Tears, the Sarah Guzel Baths and mosques.
Official website: https://handvorec.ru
See the beautiful places of Crimea in this wonderful video!
6. Foros Church
Foros Church on a steep cliff — a red rock above the village of Foros in the Crimea
An exquisite and small 19th century temple built at an altitude of 412 meters above sea level. Look at it from below, and it will seem to you that it is floating in the air. The Church is active: weddings, baptisms and services of the clergy are held here. From the observation deck you can look at the surrounding areas and Foros.
7. Assumption Cave Monastery
Assumption cave monastery on the slope of the Crimean Mountains, in the picturesque Mariam Dere gorge
Talking about the best places in Crimea, it is necessary to mention this men’s temple, created by the monks of Byzantium back in the 13th century. The building has existed for such a long time that even the Khan of the Crimea came to worship the local shrines. During the USSR, the temple was closed and almost destroyed, but about 25 years ago it was completely restored.
Official website: https://lavra-crimea.ru
8. Nikitsky Botanical Garden
Blooming summer garden and gazebo in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden
The territory of the botanical garden is dozens of hectares. The 19th century square is home to research centers, all kinds of flowers, plants and trees. There are many greenhouses and even its own museum with a unique herbarium. Regular excursions are organized for fans of the fauna, flower festivals, exhibitions and balls are organized.
Official website: https://nikitasad.ru
9. Bear Mountain (Ayu-Dag)
View of Ayu-Dag from Gurzuf Papa Q
A natural and archaeological monument with a rich history, preserving the remains of the city from the 8th to 14th centuries. According to legend, Ayu-Dag is a giant petrified bear that was laid to rest by the sea king. Over 10 species of rare animals of the Red Book live in the area of the mountain’s protected area.
10. Ai-Petri Mountain
Ai-Petri Mountain in clear weather Alexander Batyashev
A mountain peak that used to be the location of the Greek temple of St. Peter. A cable car, almost three kilometers long, stretches through Ai-Petri. The ascent to the top point is carried out in special cabins.
11. The White rock of Ak-Kai
The white rock of Ak-Kaya rises above the valley of the Biyuk-Karasu River Seitmemetoff
A rocky massif formed by white limestone grades. At the foot of the mountain, the sites of primitive people, their fossilized bones and tools were discovered. Nearby Ak-Kai stands an 800-year-old oak tree, under which Suvorov held military talks with representatives of the Sultan of Turkey.
12. The cave city of Chufut-Kale
Preserved caves of the medieval fortress city of Chufut-Kale in the Crimea Peter Ashton
An ancient fortress-city built by the Byzantines in the 3rd century. It is here that ancient architectural and natural masterpieces – grottos, caves and foundations – have been preserved in the best condition. In addition, wonderful panoramas of the canyon can be seen from the territory of the city (an area of 90 hectares). By all means, go to the local men’s temple, which is located directly on the rocks.
13. Marble Cave
“Mammoth” in the Gallery of fairy tales of the Marble Cave in Crimea
According to historians, the formation was formed millions of years ago, and is gradually expanding in size. Inside there are spacious halls, about one and a half kilometers long. If you don’t know where to go in Crimea, come to the Marble Cave and look at the unique varieties of local stalactites and crystals.
Official website: https://onixtour.com.ua
14. Tauric Chersonesos
Ruins of Tauric Chersonesos in Crimea
The remains of an ancient city that was created by the Greeks over 2.5 thousand years ago. Nearby there is a museum with archaeological artifacts, the Vladimir Temple and a park complex.
Official website: https://chersonesos-sev.ru
15. Genoese fortresses
Fortress walls with towers and the ancient mosque of the Genoese fortress in Sudak
Three fortified forts, once used to defend against attacks from the water. By agreement between the Genoese and the Tatars, the fortresses became part of the Genoese Gazaria. Later they belonged to the Ottomans. Today, anyone can look at such interesting places in Crimea.
Official website: https://sudak-museum.ru
16. Dolphinarium in Koktebel
Trained dolphins at the Koktebel Dolphinarium
What to visit in Crimea with children? Dolphinarium, the main characters of which are: a snow-white northern whale, seals and Black Sea bottlenose dolphins. Each “artist” has his own room and coaches. The opening date of the site is summer 2008. In the warmer months, the complex is open-air. In winter, it is covered with a dome.
Official website: https://koktebel-delfin.com
17. Dinopark in Yevpatoria
A life-size dinosaur in the Yevpatoria Dinopark
Dinosaur Park, which is home to “real dinosaurs”. 16 objects are made in full size, and are also outdoors. They not only move and growl, but even breathe.
18. Water park in Sudak
Slides of various lengths and steepness in the Sudak Water Park
The park with water attractions is located on an area of more than 20,000 square meters. meters, and is divided into 3 parts. The number of slides, cascades and pools is pleasantly surprising. People of any age can become guests of the complex: there is entertainment for both kids and adults. There are several cafes where you can enjoy soft drinks and ice cream.
Official website: https://www.sudak-aquapark.com
19. Panorama Museum “Defense of Sevastopol”
Fountain in front of the panorama building “Defense of Sevastopol 1854-1855” Cmapm
A grandiose building telling about the days of the defense of the Crimea. You can only see it by buying a ticket to the tour group. The museum is located in a park area.
Official website: https://sevmuseum.ru
20. Monument to the sunken ships
Monument to the sunken ships on the main embankment of Sevastopol
A monumental object submerged in water. The monument was created in memory of the events of the 19th century (Russian ships were flooded in the local bay in order to cut off the waterway to the most powerful fleets of England and France – on the instructions of Prince Menshikov).
Crimean sights: what else to visit in Crimea?
We have told you about the main sights of Crimea briefly. In addition, take the time to explore such city values as:
21. Balaklava Bay
Panoramic view of Balaklava Bay in Crimea
A compact bay with rugged colorful coasts. There is also a Genoese fortress. If there is an opinion that the first buildings appeared on the shore of Balaklava Bay back in the 8th-9th century BC. During the Crimean War, a British military base was located here, and later – under the USSR, a secret facility.
22. Object 825GTS
Entrance to the underground submarine base – Object 825GTS Russianname
The previously classified military facility of Balaclava and an underground station for underwater vessels. At the time of the Soviet Union, the bay was not even mapped. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the landmark was looted and destroyed. But 15 years ago, the Ukrainian authorities set up a museum here with expositions dedicated to the fleet.
Official website: https://muzey-sevastopol.com
23. The Grand Canyon of Crimea
The landscape of the Grand Canyon of Crimea
It is included in the list of “the best natural attractions of the Crimea”. The site is known for its basins and bizarre baths, waterfalls and relic forests. Please note: it is quite difficult to get here by public transport. Many hotels in Crimea organize excursions here: It is recommended to visit with a group. A large landscape canyon is an extensive crack in the rock, along which cliffs–capes stretch. Hiking trails are laid along the surrounding area and along the bottom of the crack (there are equipped observation decks).
24. Valley of Ghosts
A cluster of bizarrely shaped rocks in the Valley of Ghosts in the Crimea
More than a hundred stones of various sizes cast original shadows at sunset and at dawn, intertwining with each other and “moving”. The size of some rock blocks is over 25 meters. There are no spirits here, the name was given to the area just taking into account the extraordinary ability of the stones to “change their location.”
25. Cape Fiolent
View of Cape Fiolent in Crimea
A landscape object with unique flora and fauna. The territory has several attractions of its own, such as Jasper Beach and St. George’s Monastery (connected to each other by several hundred stairs). We can recommend a visit to this cape to everyone, but especially to those who are passionate about diving. Because ships almost never dock here and 100% visibility at sea.
26. The Golitsyn Trail
Golitsyn Mountain Trail off the coast of Blue Bay in Crimea
The length of the trail, arranged by order of the Golitsyn princes in the eastern part of the peninsula, is 3 kilometers. Fragrant pine trees grow on the famous tourist route, and several observation decks are equipped. The attraction has become a huge success, thanks to the picturesque landscapes and fantastic views from the mountain peaks. The Golitsyn trail skirts the magnificent Novosvetsky bays – Blue, Blue and Green.
27. Djur-Djur Waterfall
Jur-Jur waterfall in the picturesque area of the Haphal gorge
A wonderful place, pleasing with its beauty and coolness even on hot days. The height of the famous full-flowing waterfall with an average water consumption of 270 liters per second is 15 meters. Buy a ticket and you will be able to view the territory of the Haphal Gorge, including from the observation deck. It is proposed to get to the waterfall by jeeps along mountain paths.
28. Novy Svet Champagne Factory
Monument to Prince Lev Golitsyn on the territory of the champagne factory “New World” Ta2Ed
An organization that produces champagne using classic French technology. The length of the tunnel facility of the enterprise is seven kilometers. During the year, about one million six hundred thousand bottles of sparkling wines and champagne of excellent quality are produced here. The plant was founded on the orders of Prince Golitsyn back in 1878. After 12 years, it was decided to produce drinks in industrial volumes. As for our days, organized excursions are conducted around the enterprise: their purpose is to increase the culture of alcohol consumption and familiarize guests and residents of the city in detail with branded products. Experienced oenologists and winemakers work in the exhibition halls, advising in detail on all issues of product selection. Both elite and budget alcoholic beverages are available for sale.
Official website: https://nsvet-crimea.ru
29. Massandra Winery
The tower of the main wine cellar of the Massandra plant Pavel Mozhaev
In addition to the enterprise with a beautiful facade, there are cellars and basements unique in their architectural design on the winery square (legendary bottles of wine with fabulously high cost are securely stored in them). It is also recommended to visit the factory as part of an excursion group. You will be able to conduct personal tastings of vintage drinks, as well as learn about how various wines are produced. There is an opportunity to purchase Massandra brand products.
Official website: https://massandra.su
We are sure that those sights of Crimea, photos with names and descriptions of which you have just seen, aroused your interest. When you arrive on the peninsula, be sure to inspect them.
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