Travelers are now worried for many reasons: exchange rates are rising, prices are also rising, and flights to many countries are being canceled. What to do? There is a way out - and this is Crimea. Someone who has already been to the Crimea, from year to year returns to their favorite place, but someone is just getting ready to discover all the charm of a holiday on the peninsula that is gaining popularity.
To make it easier for those who go there for the first time, or maybe just decide to update old memories, we have written this article, in which you will find all the useful information about the most popular sights of Crimea. If this is not enough, and everything has already been studied, then in this case we have an article “10 most unusual sights of Crimea”, which we advise you to look into.
The only one of its kind, the Bakhchisarai Palace is a unique example of Crimean Tatar architecture and annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. On the vast territory of the palace there is not only the palace complex itself, but also a mosque, gardens with fountains and museums: an art museum, museums of the history and culture of the Crimean Tatars and, of course, the main exposition of the museum itself, which includes not only the decoration of the palace, but also an impressive exhibition of cold weapons.
The palace is located, as you might guess, in the city of Bakhchisarai, which is about 50 kilometers from Sevastopol and 30 kilometers from Simferopol. You can get to the city by car - from the nearest large cities the road will take about an hour, but, for example, from Yalta or Evpatoria - an hour and a half, from Feodosia - two and a half. Except by car, you can get to Bakhchisarai from Sevastopol and Simferopol by buses departing several times a day from the bus station, and by train. The Bakhchisaray Palace itself is not difficult to find in the city, it is located at the address: River Street, 133.
The opening hours of the palace vary depending on the time of the year: in winter, the ticket office is open from 9 am to 5 pm, in the summer - from 9 am to 6 pm. A visit to the palace is possible only with a guided tour at a fairly affordable price: 275 rubles for adults and about 150 rubles for students.
The swallow's nest is one of the symbols of the Crimean peninsula. This small, but so strongly reminiscent of a knight's castle, architectural monument is located right on top of the sheer cliff of Ai-Todor. Initially, the Swallow's Nest was wooden and only very remotely resembled a modern building. But periodic restorations and reconstructions after earthquakes and wars have done their job, and now you can’t take your eyes off the Swallow’s Nest. 
There is a restaurant and an observation deck inside, there are no museums or exhibitions in the Swallow's Nest. The "castle" is located in the south of the peninsula, about 15 kilometers from the city of Yalta. You can get there by car or by buses No. 32 and No. 102. In addition, local travel agencies offer to get to the sights by water - by boat or by boat.
Ai-Petri is the highest mountain in the array of mountains located in the south of the peninsula, not far from the city of Yalta. Its height is 1231 meters. Actually, this figure speaks for itself - it is definitely worth climbing to the top - for the sake of air, for the view of the mountains on one side and the sea on the other, for the sake of beautiful nature. You can climb on foot, by car or by cable car, which originates in the village of Miskhor on the south coast. 
In winter, in addition to walking and climbing the mountain, you can also go skiing, as many locals do. And in the summer there is the possibility of excursions even on horseback. In addition, there are interesting caves and waterfalls along the way, so in order not to miss anything, it may make sense to take an excursion. On the other hand, the “conquest” of Ai-Petri without an excursion group gives completely different, more intense impressions.
Minibuses run regularly from Yalta to Miskhor. The cost is 25 rubles, the journey takes about an hour.
One of the main attractions of the Crimea and the largest waterfall of the Uchal-Su Peninsula is located 7 kilometers from Yalta, on one of the hiking trails to Mount Ai-Petri, which we wrote about above. 
Almost 100 meters, or rather 98 and a half - this is the height of Uchal-Su. Powerful streams of water, tending to break on the rocks at the foot of the waterfall, do not leave anyone indifferent. With one exception. During the most popular tourist season in Crimea, that is, in summer, the waterfall dries up, and it is likely that during the hot months you will not see the power that delights tourists and locals. The best time to visit Uchal-Su is the rainy autumn and spring months or winter, when you can even catch a frozen waterfall, which, although it happens, is quite rare.
The closest tourist trail to Uchal-Su is the Taraktash trail, which is also the most picturesque of all. You can also get to the waterfall by transport: by taxi No. 30 from the bus station of the city of Yalta and by car along the M18 highway.
The surroundings of Mount Ai-Petri are rich not only in natural attractions and beaches, but there are also several interesting architectural structures and museums. One of such sights of Crimea is the Vorontsov Palace, which is essentially a whole palace complex, consisting of several buildings and a beautiful well-groomed park. It was created at the beginning of the 19th century, and in 1990 it was given the status of a museum-reserve. 
It can take a lot of time to visit the Borontsov Palace. If you want to walk around the territory and look at the palace from the outside - plan that it will take from a few hours to half a day. Well, if the visit plan also includes an inspection of the palace from the inside, then it’s better not to plan anything else on the same day, the museum-reserve is so rich in various “interesting things”. In addition, there is a beach in the park at the palace, which will allow you to combine the cultural program with holidays at sea.
The Vorontsov Palace is located in the city of Alupka, not far from Yalta, on the southern coast of Crimea. You can get from Yalta by taxi No. 32, which stops in the city center, or No. 102, which departs from the bus station. Minibuses No. 107 and No. 115 are also suitable, they just stop a little further - about 15 minutes walk to the palace.
The Palace Museum is open every day from 9 am to 5:30 pm. Ticket offices close at 16.15. In addition to the main exposition, there are exhibitions on the territory of the museum that receive visitors every day, except Monday and Wednesday.
Tickets for each exhibition or exposition are sold separately and cost from 50 to 300 rubles for an adult and from 25 to 150 rubles for a child. There is no single ticket.
One of the most prominent artists of Russia has many fans both at home and around the world. The great marine painter became famous during his lifetime, and after his death and to this day, Aivazovsky's fame is only growing. 
In Feodosia, where the artist was born, he himself opened an exhibition of paintings in his own house, which now bears the proud name of the Aivazovsky National Art Gallery. It is not surprising that it contains the largest number of Aivazovsky's works, and it is also not surprising that most of them were written in the Crimea.
Moreover, in the museum you can see not only the paintings themselves, but also the personal belongings of the artist. And the gallery guides will be happy to tell you more about the artist's work.
The museum is open all days of the week, except Wednesday, from 10 am to 5 pm. The box office closes at 4pm. Tuesday is a short day, so the gallery is open until 2pm. The ticket price with a guided tour is 250 rubles for adults and 125 for children. The Aivazovsky Museum is located near the railway station of the city of Feodosia, on Galereinaya Street, house 2.
The ancient Genoese fortress Cembalo is located on the Fortress Hill in the city of Balaklava, which, in fact, is only a district of Sevastopol.
The fortress, after its centuries-old history, has not been preserved very well, or rather, even badly. But this does not diminish the interest of travelers who travel from all over Crimea to look at a historical monument of this magnitude. 
Today, the Genoese fortress is an open-air attraction, free and not fenced in anything. Now restoration and restoration work is being carried out here, since quite recently the already destroyed fortress suffered from a heavy downpour, which almost brought down the main tower. But from the hill on which Cembalo is located, a beautiful view of the city and Balaklava Bay opens up.
The ascent starts from the Nazukin embankment. It is better to wear comfortable shoes and stock up on food and water. And at the top you can even have a picnic with a view of the sea, if, of course, the weather is favorable.
The westernmost point of the city of Sevastopol bears the name of Cape Khersones, which is definitely worthy of the attention of a tourist. There are many reasons for this: beautiful views of the sea, the lighthouse of the same name, a rocky coast (although there is also a sandy beach), but the main reason is the ruins of an ancient Greek city. Agree, well, where else in Russia can you see the ruins of buildings of this ancient civilization? 
Today the cape has the status of a national reserve called Tauric Chersonese. And pleases the variety of leisure activities offered by the administration of the reserve. Be it the guided tours that take place here for free every hour from 9:30 to 15:30. Or be it excavations, in which, by prior arrangement, you can take part. Thematic exhibitions are constantly held here, and lectures are given for children and adults and, in general, they are engaged in scientific and educational work with might and main.
The Tauric Chersonese Reserve is open to visitors daily from 8:30 am to 6 pm. The box office closes at 5 o'clock. You can get from the center of Sevastopol by bus number 22.
A huge mountain range called Ayu-Dag, and popularly simply "Bear Mountain" is located in the south of the Crimean peninsula, separating Greater Yalta and Greater Alushta. The height of the mountain is 577 meters above sea level, and more than two kilometers separate the far edge from the coast, so be sure that Bear Mountain will not go unnoticed by you and all visitors to Yalta. 
Today it is a landmark natural monument of the Crimean peninsula, which also boasts the ruins of a medieval settlement. Archeology lovers will be pleased.
The mountain is dotted with hiking trails and paths, which are simply impossible to get around in full in one day. Ayu-Dag has a very diverse flora and fauna, so you are guaranteed delays due to admiring outlandish plants. Several species of animals and plants on Bear Mountain are listed in the Red Book, so behave respectfully towards nature. However, it is worth doing it always and everywhere.
The entrance to the reserve is through a checkpoint because of the sanatorium located here, but the entire fence is dotted with holes, which tourists successfully use.
The Karadag nature reserve is an amazing combination of unearthly landscapes, an interesting history full of legends and myths, rich flora and fauna, and a long-extinct volcano. It is located in the southeast of the Crimean peninsula, half an hour from Feodosia. There are hotels on the territory of the reserve, which is ideal for those who do not want to limit their visit to one day. And there are many such travelers, because the total territory of Karadag is almost three thousand hectares on land and at sea. 
You can take a guide and start exploring the reserve on foot. Moreover, if you ask, the guide will not refuse to show not only the most popular routes, but also protected trails.
And many tourists choose another way to view Karadag - from the sea. Boats and motor ships go here from Sudak, Feodosia and Koktebel, and the views of the coast are such that, without exaggeration, it takes your breath away. Well, as a bonus - you will see Shaitan-Kapa (Golden Gate) - a rock that has the shape of an arch sticking out of the water. Sometimes ships even sail through the arch.
The sights of Crimea are evenly dispersed throughout the peninsula and to visit them all at once, a whole month is not enough, so when going on a trip, you will need to carefully plan the route.
When planning a route, it is worth considering how you will travel - by car, by public transport or by hitchhiking. By the way, Crimea is the only place we've been to where you can drive a few hours along a mountain serpentine on a trolleybus, from the railway station in Simferopol to Yalta, for example.
The Crimean peninsula, no doubt, can be called a "museum of sights." Such a quantity and variety of locations can hardly be found anywhere else: mountains, palaces, fortresses, cave cities, beaches, museums, churches - sights for every taste. Natural objects are not left without attention: the Botanical Garden, Karalar Park, the Golitsin Trail, Cape Fiolent, Mount Ai-Petri with its cable car and more than 300 parks.
Very detailed map - 100 sights of Crimea! To enlarge, open in a new tab.
(the author of the map, unfortunately, is unknown, but if information appears, we will definitely add it)
It so happened that most often we stop in Yalta. Yalta is the most popular tourist city, from here you can easily go to various sights of the Crimea, then return back “home” and go for a walk on the busy embankment in the evening (even in January). Housing here is mainly rented out by local residents in the coastal line, something like guest houses built in a unique chaotic order - on top of each other. Sometimes even the first time it is difficult to remember how to get back to your room through the winding corridors and streets.
Yalta is a very convenient city for a starting point when visiting nearby attractions. If you plan to travel to the “far” part of Crimea, consider accommodation options in Sevastopol.
What sights of Crimea to visit by car
Traveling by car, you can visit many more sights, but it is worth considering that the roads in Crimea are in average condition in some places (except for the main ones), and also set a budget for parking in advance, where you will be warmly welcomed by "parking valets". This applies to almost all popular places.
Thanks to the opening, now there are much more chances to see the sights of Crimea by car, and most importantly - cheaper. Travel across the bridge is free, unlike the ferry at the Kerch crossing.
The width of the strait from the Chushka spit to the port of Crimea is about 4.5 km (ferry crossing), instead of 15 km from the side of the bridge, but despite this, it is unlikely that anyone will now want to cross by ferry.
Traveling by car will allow you to enjoy places that are inaccessible to backpackers, but there is a caveat. For example, a dirt road to the Karalar Nature Park sometimes becomes impassable for a city car, and the asphalt in the area is “C grade”, to put it mildly. And other similar locations are no exception. Therefore, before the trip, you need to decide whether you will be a “city tourist” or want to live in a tent, on the seashore, away from noisy cafes and standard sightseeing routes, depending on your desire and the vehicle’s cross-country ability.
What to see in Crimea in the first place
If you are going to the peninsula for the first time, for a few days, you have probably made a decision: to feel the history of Crimea, with the help of the best, most popular sights and simply famous and very beautiful places. Here is a list of what to see in Crimea in the first place, according to the Yugokhod website.
There are many attractive places on the map of Russia, but one of them has a particularly amazing magnetism in its essence - this is Crimea, tourists are attracted not only by a beach holiday, but also by the sights of Crimea, which absolutely everyone who comes to rest on the Crimean peninsula for the first time needs to see. It is here that you want to come for a portion of patriotism and mountain adrenaline, for positive emotions from admiring the majesty of the sea, exploring caves and diving into the water column, for new knowledge of history and geography, culture and religion. A visit to the peninsula for guests of this part of Russia often ends with a plan to purchase housing in Yalta, Sevastopol, Alushta, Kerch, Feodosia, Simferopol or Evpatoria.
Detailed information on the specified settlements on our resource is presented in specialized sections. Why are Crimean cities and small settlements attractive from the point of view of international tourism?
Interesting places of Crimea: emphasis on historical and cultural value
For travelers who are not familiar with Crimea and its sights, it is best to turn their attention to interesting places in Crimea that are of historical and cultural value not only in Crimea, but throughout Russia. On the territory of this Russian object there are many sights that should be attributed to those of historical importance for the modern generation and those who like to look for answers to the questions of the present in the past.
The object is located on the territory of the city of Sevastopol. Taken under the protection of UNESCO, is under the special control of the government of the city and the country. Here you can feel the spirit of history, find evidence of representatives of an ancient civilization staying on the territory of Crimea. Every summer, performances are held on the territory of the Antique Theater, during which the audience is immersed in the past.
Sudak and its legacy
Sudak fortress will be interesting for tourists of all ages. It organizes special costumed performances, sells souvenirs, offers horseback riding and a visit to the museum complex.
Crimean palaces
Livadia Palace
Residence of the Romanovs on the Crimean coast. The museum, which has the status of a reserve, is located in the immediate vicinity of Yalta. It is interesting that the well-known royal family lived here, and many years later the Crimean conference of the heads of major world powers took place.
Muslim style, the Middle Ages and the English Renaissance are intertwined in the ensemble of this architectural monument. The palace dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, but even today it attracts the attention of both tourists from Russia and guests from other countries of the world.
Yusupov Palace
Located in Koreiz. It belongs to the most beautiful heritage of the peninsula. The architect Krasnov took the Art Nouveau style as a basis for creating this object. The most powerful Ai-Petrinsky ridge rises above the Palace.
Khan's Palace
Bakhchisarai landmark of the sixteenth century. Found reflection in the work of Pushkin. The spirit of Islam reigns here, interesting collections of printed publications, household utensils and decorations are presented. Majestic and luxurious not only for past times, but also by the standards of the modern day.
Treasures of Crimea: Pyrodny sights of Crimea
The Crimean mountains, the sea, nature reserves, caves and canyons are the real treasures of Crimea, we will get to know the most significant and popular ones a little closer.
Mount Ai-Petri
The top of the mountain (1346 meters) can be reached in three ways:
- cable car (additional impressions from the views of Crimea opening from the trailer are guaranteed to tourists);
- rent of special transport or travel on your own car along the serpentine;
- hiking (more suitable for experienced hikers).
At the top, the most amazing views of the coast, the mountain forest reserve of Yalta await the guests.
Demerdzhi
The Valley of Ghosts and Funa Fortress are not the only advantages of a geographical feature located near the village of Radiant. To realize that Heaven on Earth exists, it is worth climbing Demerdzhi at least once. Here the weather is completely different, amazing stone statues, the cleanest air. For some, Demerdzhi is harsh and impregnable, for other travelers, the mountain becomes one of the favorites on the peninsula.
Walking in this area is best done in the company of experienced guides or travelers. Numerous lakes, waterfalls and baths will be remembered along with fragrant herbs, numerous flowers. But here it is beautiful and interesting not only in spring. At other times of the year, many pleasant surprises are hidden in the canyon for guests.
Karadag Reserve
You can explore the object both from the sea and on foot. Both options are interesting and will give a lot of impressions from the natural treasures seen.
Crimean cave cities
On the territory of the peninsula, there are several dozen cave objects that were once full-fledged ancient settlements and cities. The most visited and famous of them are:
- Mangup;
- Chufut-Kale;
- Eski-Kermen;
- Tepe-Kermen;
- Kachi-Kalion.
Basically, the ancient settlements are concentrated in the central part of the Crimea. Acquaintance with these objects will be correctly done with standard tourist preparation, the presence of a map of the area and a guide.
Memory of wars and exploits in the Crimea, objects of military importance
This year, it will not be enough to spend a few days, since the city of heroic glory cannot be thoroughly studied even in a month of stay in it. But there are still some key attractions that you should definitely pay attention to for the first time a tourist in Sevastopol:
- Malakhov Kurgan;
- Historical Boulevard and Panorama of Sevastopol;
- Diorama and complex Sapun Mountain;
- Count's Quay and Nakhimov Embankment;
- Memorial board of honor;
- Museum of the Black Sea Fleet;
- bayonet and sail complex, monument to Soldier and Sailor;
- 35 Coastal battery;
- Mikhailovsky battery.
Each monument, each building and construction of Sevastopol has an amazing story. This is definitely a story of honor and valor.
Surroundings of Balaklava
submarine base
The object is interesting in that it was secret for a long time, it was of great importance for ensuring the security of the peninsula. Today, daily tours are held here, during which guests are introduced to the purpose of creating the structure and its history.
Kerch
In the hero city of Kerch, you should definitely visit such objects as:
- Adzhimushkay quarries;
- Mount Mithridates;
- Museum of the Eltigen landing.
Extreme and adrenaline on the peninsula
Here, nature itself has created ideal conditions for diving into the water column with special equipment and exploring the marine world. The thicket of love, numerous underwater caves and tunnels, and along with them the "Alley of Leaders" will leave the most pleasant impressions in the hearts of diving enthusiasts. Finding an experienced instructor on Tarkankut to master the science of diving is not difficult.
Mount Klementieva
It is from here that all events related to air sports start. Paragliding, mastering the parachute direction, rising above the ground in balloons - all this is now available to everyone who comes to the eastern part of the peninsula to explore new areas or hone skills in already chosen areas.
Karabi yayla and its numerous unequipped caves
Here is a real paradise for people who are fond of speleology. Getting here is extremely problematic, but rest on the Yayla will become really full, serene and calm. You can not only discover new caves, but also enjoy the fragrance of Crimean herbs, which are countless here.
Crimean heritage for romantics and creative people
Koktebel
The Voloshin Museum, aqua diving stations, an amazing embankment and a private cognac company - all this is in Koktebel. And every year in August, an international jazz festival is held here, which gathers a large army of fans of this musical direction.
swallow's Nest
The building-castle in the Gothic style is located on the very edge of the Avrorino cliff. Geographically, the object belongs to the village of Gaspra. From the observation deck, which underwent a solid reconstruction several years ago (but some work continues to this day), an insanely vivid emotional view opens up.
Arbor of the winds
It is located on the highest point of Shagan-Kaya. Created from stone in 1956. The wind rose becomes the floor mosaic, hence the name of the object. From the gazebo you can see in clear weather Gurzuf, Partenit, Ayu-Dag and the Black Sea.
Feodosia
One of the most famous art galleries in the world is located in this city, which presents the works of Aivazovsky.
Yalta and Nikitsky Botanical Garden
Balls and flower festivals - this is what can add a romantic touch to the relationship of lovers. Find this "flower doping" near Yalta - in the famous Nikitsky Botanical Garden on the entire coast. Here, every season of the year, exhibitions of different varieties of plants are held, created thanks to the work of the employees of the scientific department of the institution.
Crimean Astrophysical Observatory
Admire distant constellations, watch a meteor shower or see the Moon through a modern telescope - these options will especially appeal to those who are in awe of the night sky and every time a star falls, they are in a hurry to make a wish. Now you can realize a star dream in a special center located in the village of Nauchny (located at the turn from the Sevastopol-Simferopol highway). Excursion service is available for groups and in an individual format by appointment.
Where to gain health: a healing and empowering peninsula
Health resorts of Evpatoria, Sak and South Coast
On the territory of Crimea there are all the proper conditions for the treatment of almost all types of diseases known today. In sanatoriums and health resorts, patients are offered physiotherapy, mud therapy, massages using hydro equipment, visits to hydropathic clinics with special health baths. Both in the western and southern parts of the peninsula, the approach of specialists to treatment is extremely responsible and serious, for this reason Crimea has long deserved the title of a unique health resort.
Paths of health:
Taraktash road
The Wuchang-Su waterfall will become the starting point from which the specified route will start. Then the trail will go up to the Ai-Petri plateau, and on the way you can admire the views of the Taraktash rocks. Recommended for experienced hikers.
Green's trail
A well-known writer in Russia gave the name to this road of health, since he himself loved to enjoy the beauty of the Crimean nature, while taking unhurried walks through the forest. The beginning of the path will be a point in the Old Crimea, and then 17 kilometers will have to go through the mountains, as a result of which we will reach Koktebel.
Shtangeevskaya road
One of the first tourist trails in the world. 2, 6 km, taking into account the height difference, the tourist will overcome on average in two hours. Start from the Uchan-Su waterfall, finish the trail at the top of Stavri-Kaya.
Of no less interest to adherents of a healthy lifestyle are traveling along such Crimean roads as:
- Botkin trail;
- Pushkin trail;
- royal road;
- Roman way;
Religious objects on the peninsula
Church of the Resurrection of Christ
This religious object has another name - Foros Church. It is often used, since the building is located above the village, located under the Red Rock. The church rises 400 meters above the sea, which makes it visible from the Sevastopol-Yalta highway.
Monastery of St. Anastasia
The church belonging to this monastery is called today the "bead temple". Its decoration (both external and internal) is unique. There is a certain similarity with the ethnic style in the way this religious object is decorated.
Juma-Jami Mosque
The second name of the mosque was Khan-Jami. Located in Evpatoria. It is perfectly visible from the sea, and along with it from the coastline. The well-known Turkish architect Khoja Sinan worked on the object.
St. George's Monastery
Located on Fiolent, in 891 it was founded by Greek sailors. The Holy Great Martyr George came to their aid at the moment when the sailors were shipwrecked near the Fiolent rocks. In honor of his appearance to the sailors, the Rock of the Holy Apparition with a cross, located in the water near Jasper Beach, was also named.
St. Clement's Monastery
Near the monastery are the ruins of the Byzantine Kalamita. The monastery itself is perfectly visible even from the railway tracks. This place once became a refuge for Christians hidden in the rocks.
St. Nicholas Church
The building is in the shape of a pyramid. It is located on the hill of the Fraternal Cemetery in Sevastopol. It is a monument to people who defend the city from enemy attacks. This year the temple turns 160 years old.
Temple of Donators
Placed in a hard-to-reach place of the Crimea. It is difficult to find it among the Eski-Kermen massifs, but having accomplished such a feat, tourists will not be able to contain their emotions. The tiny cave-type church is beautifully painted with frescoes. The monks have been hiding here for a long time.
The lighthouse, which is also a temple, is located in the heart of the village of Malorechenskoye, not far from Alushta. It can be seen from different points of the peninsula, as the structure rises above the sea. There is also a unique operating museum, which contains exhibits from sunken ships (from the Titanic to the Kursk) from different eras.
Synagogue Egia-Kapai
It is also called handicraft, since it was the artisans who invested most of the funds in the construction of this object in 1912. There is a tour guide.
Karaite kenas
