What to see in Crimea by car - 15 interesting places

The true pearl of the Black Sea is the Republic of Crimea. This is one of the most beautiful corners of modern Russia. Due to the variety of natural beauty, distinctive history and mild climate, the peninsula has attracted millions of tourists for more than a decade. Here there is everything that even the most sophisticated vacationer, curiosity seeker and incorrigible romantic dreams of. Enchanting landscapes are created by majestic mountains, picturesque bays, beautiful beaches, cliffs, caves, forest reserves and an abundance of vegetation.

Admiration is caused by the emerald warm waters of the Black Sea, luxurious palaces and historical cultural monuments, parks and squares, a combination of mountain and sea air. Only an independent trip on a personal or rented vehicle will provide an opportunity to experience the absolute freedom of travel without limiting the distance and time. Among the variety of noteworthy resort towns and places, it is important for tourists to determine what to see in Crimea by car.

The advantages of car rental

For a thorough acquaintance with the famous landmarks of the peninsula, a rented car is ideal. This type of voyage will allow tourists to go on an exciting and comfortable journey along the desired route, without burdening themselves with finding the desired public transport flight and studying the travel schedule. You can make stops on scenic sections of the road and take with you as many things as you need.

Renting a car in Crimea is as easy as in other civilized countries. Many local rental offices provide their services here. It is recommended to book a car a few months before the trip through an online aggregator, which will select the best rental offers from trusted local car rental companies. Thus, the client will be offered a large selection of cars of different classes at an affordable price. You can get the car directly upon arrival at the Simferopol airport or indicate any settlement where the customer will be delivered the transport.

It is important to remember that before making a lease, you must study the terms of the contract. You should pay attention to the intricacies of insurance, limiting the daily mileage of the car, the amount of the deposit and the general rental pricing. All information is detailed on aggregator sites. Upon receipt of the car at his disposal, the tourist must conduct an external and internal inspection of the transport for damage.

The territory of the peninsula is penetrated by an extensive network of highways. Routes to the famous resorts of Crimea run through steppe regions and steep mountain serpentines. While in cities and towns, you can leave your car in the parking lot and go on an exciting walk. Most of the Crimea's attractions are located along the vast coastal strip of the peninsula.

Kerch

At the eastern end of the peninsula is the hero-city of Kerch, the historical chronicle of which has been going on since the 6th century BC. This small port site has been of great strategic importance from time immemorial. The city stands on the strait of the same name, connecting the waters of the Black and Azov seas. Fierce battles were fought for the possession of this piece of land, as evidenced by the walls of the fortresses of Yeni-Kale and Kerch. Citadels are masterpieces of the fortification art of the 18th-19th centuries.

Kerch is famous for its abundance of historical sights. On one of the well-groomed seaside streets there is the Church of St. John the Baptist. The Byzantine style church was built in the 8th century. Mount Mithridates rises in the center of the city, the top of which is definitely worth climbing. In fact, it is a 92-meter-high hill. To get to the highest point of the mountain, you need to climb 436 steps of a staircase decorated with sculptures of griffins (mythical winged predators) and vases. From the slope, tourists can see an amazing view of the city, immersed in greenery, the obelisk of glory to the Soviet troops, the "eternal flame", as well as unique antique ruins.

Feodosia

The eastern resort of Crimea - Feodosia hospitably welcomes its guests. The city, located at the junction of mountains and steppes, attracts tourists with beautiful landscaped streets with picturesque parks, magnificent sandy beaches and cultural and historical museums.

The hallmark of Feodosia is the embankment with a characteristic architectural flavor. The appearance of the main street of the resort is determined by the villas of the 19th century. The facades of the buildings are decorated with columns, arches, towers and balustraded terraces. Shrubs and flower beds are planted along the alleys. Near the embankment, there are picturesque parks where you can relax in the shade of trees. Walking around the city, you can see many monuments, ancient churches, fountains and playgrounds.

A visit to the National Art Gallery named after I.K. Aivazovsky. The richest collection of seascapes is located in the personal home of the world famous artist born in Feodosia. You can also visit the museum of another talented master - the writer A.S. Green. This is a literary and memorial institution that demonstrates to visitors the atmosphere in which the famous romantic writer lived and worked.

We recommend the excursion: Feodosia through the centuries - to see the main places of the seaside city and learn their history on an auto-walking tour

• Alye Parusa 4 * - 50 meters from the Black Sea coast, indoor and outdoor pools, roof terrace with sun loungers
• Atlantic 3 * - to a private beach 10 meters, outdoor pool, sauna
• TOSK Primorye 3 * - 150 m has its own sand and pebble beach, an outdoor pool

Koktebel

In a picturesque, cozy bay, framed by low mountain ranges, there is the wonderful village of Koktebel. As is typical of the Crimean resort place, acceptable conditions for recreation have been created here - a well-groomed coastal strip, clear sea, hotels of different levels, landscaped parks, a spacious embankment with an abundance of entertainment.

Koktebel fascinates with its famous extinct volcano Karadag, which is a protected area, where walking and sea excursions are organized. This is a unique place, which contains rare representatives of flora and fauna listed in the Red Book. The surface of the mountain was riddled with traces of eruptions. The volcano's slopes are covered with bizarre cliffs, polished by the winds. The sea part of the massif is indented by bays. At the foot of the reserve there is a high arched rock. Because of the overgrown yellow lichen, this geological formation is called the Golden Gate.

Sunny Valley

Tourists who prefer solitude with the surrounding nature without hustle and bustle will love the village of Solnechnaya Dolina. This place, located 12 kilometers from Sudak and 3 kilometers from the sea, is considered one of the least populated in Crimea, even in the midst of the summer season. Harsh huge rocks, forming a group of picturesque cliffs, tightly surround the settlement and protect the area from cold winds. Forest plantations and vineyards set a special tone for the local landscape.

The best varieties of grapes are grown in the Sun Valley, which is facilitated by a special microclimate. It is warm and sunny for more than 300 days a year, and there is also little rainfall. The heart of the village is the winery named after Prince L.S. Golitsyn, founded by him in 1880.Among the abundance of exotic plants and flower beds are hidden long tunnels of cellars with barrels and bottles of the noble drink. In the tasting room, tourists are offered to experience the unique taste of several varieties of wines.

The nearest pebble and sandy beach is located in the village of Pribrezhnoe. Along the coastal strip you can find guest houses for vacationers and a green alley with stalls and small cafes.

New World

Among the juniper groves and pine forests, framed by majestic cliffs, there is a small town - New World. The coastline is indented with cozy windless bays, in which Ottoman pirates have sheltered their ships for a long time. The winding serpentine roads penetrate the hilly reliefs that surround the village. The resort was born thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of Prince Lev Golitsyn, who founded a winery here in 1878. Barrels of wine were kept in the caves of the rock formations.

The amazingly beautiful landscapes of the New World make a memorable impression on travelers. Tourists are advised to walk along the Golitsyn trail to see the breathtaking Crimean nature. The road is made of stone steps cut out on the side of the mountain, fenced with a curb. The trail is 3 kilometers long and runs along a cliff over the edge of the sea coast and under high rock canopies. Overcoming the path, you can visit the grotto beaten out by the waves in the rock. Its height is 30 meters. The cavity of the cave is occupied by stone arches.

The end point of the Golitsyn trail is Cape Kapchik. The rocky ledge resembles the outline of a lizard quenching thirst with the waters of the Black Sea. This is a natural border between two bays with steep mountains. The sea waters here amazes with its transparency and the cleanliness of the pebble beaches pleasantly surprises. The highest coral reef in Europe, Mount Sokol (472 meters), rises nearby.

Zander

The sunny city of Sudak is located in the coastal highlands of the southeast of the peninsula. The resort is great for families with children. There are many sandy beaches, as well as a gentle and safe entrance to the sea. A narrow alley of cypress trees leads to the lively and well-maintained embankment, teeming with entertainment establishments. There are pleasant places where you can spend time in a measured way surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation.

The main symbol of Sudak is the legendary Genoese fortress. This is a unique architectural monument of medieval Crimea, erected at the turn of the XIV-XV centuries by colonialists from the Genoese Republic. The citadel stretches along a steep cliff, from where a picturesque view of the city's outskirts opens, and occupies 30 hectares of territory. The fortress structure consists of powerful battlements and quadrangular towers, the height of which reaches 15 meters. The historical building blends harmoniously with the sea and mountain landscape.

• Soldaya Grand Hotel and Resort 4 * - 300 m from the coast, outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, buffet breakfast
• Assol Meganom 3 * - swimming pool, terrace, bar and free private parking

Alushta

You can walk through the historical and memorable places where the legendary "Prisoner of the Caucasus" was filmed in one of the best resorts on the southern coast of Crimea - Alushta. The city is surrounded by a chain of majestic mountain ranges, which contributes to the constant circulation of air currents. The long and wide central embankment is dotted with fluffy crowns of evergreen conifers, under which rows of benches are lined up. In addition to a separate alley with restaurants, the city's iconic symbols are located on the embankment. This is a rotunda with six columns, a monument to the Olympic "Bear", a fountain "Boy with a fish" and a large park with an abundance of vegetation and flower beds.

The surroundings of Alushta deserve attention. You should definitely visit the Valley of Ghosts on the slopes of Mount Demerdzhi. It is literally a natural open-air museum, where, as a result of weathering, huge stone pillars have taken on bizarre shapes. The thick fog settling on the valley gives the figures a special mystery. Walking through these places, you can see the famous tree from where the hero of Yuri Nikulin threw nuts. The rock formations of the valley, which have their own names, are mesmerizing. For example, you can see the rock "Catherine's Head" as it resembles the profile of the Empress.

• We recommend excursion: Valley of Ghosts, or in the footsteps of the "Caucasian Captive" - ​​visit the filming locations of famous films and admire the mountain landscapes on a jeep tour

In 30 kilometers from Alushta there is an amazingly beautiful temple of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The church, erected in the form of a lighthouse, is dedicated to the lost travelers at sea. The temple is crowned with a gold cross instead of a dome. In the basement of the shrine, there is a unique museum of maritime disasters, in which the walls and ceilings are decorated with shipwrecks.

Yalta

The most famous and popular resort of the Republic of Crimea is the unsurpassed Yalta, which is definitely worth a visit. This is the visiting card of the southern coast of the peninsula. Mountain ranges, landscaped parks and squares, palm and cypress groves, the azure Black Sea and many interesting places, full of attractions, give a special ambiance to this city.

The long seafront promenade of Yalta is a favorite street of tourists and locals, where you can take a pleasant walk, admiring the natural beauty. Alleys of palm and coniferous trees, sculptural compositions, marinas with yachts and many entertainments for every taste delight the eye here. Along the promenade, there are old buildings of the 19th century lined up in a long row, the facades of which are decorated with columns and roof balustrades. The embankment is favored by street musicians and artists.

While in Yalta, there is the opportunity to go on an air trip by cable car, which passes over the old streets of the city. Tiny double cabins climb up to Darsan Hill. During the trip, you can see the gilded domes of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and historical buildings. An amazing panoramic view of the city opens from a height of 138 meters.

The park and palace complex in the village of Massandra, which is 5 kilometers from the center of Yalta, will leave pleasant impressions. On a mountain slope, surrounded by forests and well-groomed alleys, rises a castle built for the Emperor Alexander III. The beautiful architecture of the three-storey palace is delightful. The facade is decorated with galleries, balconies, towers with spiers. The terraces are framed by balustrades with flowerpots. In front of the building, there is a small artificial pond with goldfish and a fountain. Those who wish can inspect the interior decoration of the premises and get acquainted with the conditions of the tsarist life of those times.

Gaspra

The famous symbol of Crimea "Swallow's Nest" is located in the cozy resort village of Gaspra, 12 kilometers from Yalta. This place attracts vacationers with its picturesque landscapes and beneficial maritime climate. The village is literally covered with mountain ranges, so cold winds do not reach here. The town is dotted with garden and park complexes, in which palaces, fortresses and estates are located.

The famous structure "Swallow's Nest" was erected on a steep forty-meter cliff of Cape Ai-Todor in 1912. The Gothic architectural style of the castle with its characteristic crenellated camps and lancet windows recalls the times of the valiant knights of the Middle Ages.The palace is crowned with a round tower with spiers.

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• Park Hotel Marat 3 * - private beach, sauna, indoor and outdoor pools

Alupka

The city of Alupka, located between the magnificent Mount Ai-Petri and the sparkling Black Sea, seemed to stand still in silence and tranquility. Here, enchanting landscapes are saturated with lush vegetation, and the combination of coniferous and sea air creates a healing boost of energy.

Alupka owes its popularity to the Governor-General of the Novorossiysk Territory M.S. Vorontsov. In the first half of the 19th century, on the initiative of the count, a luxurious castle was erected, which is framed by a fragrant subtropical park with exotic plants and ornate paths. Vorontsov Palace is a majestic and austere monumental complex that combines several architectural styles at once.

The southern facade includes elements of oriental architecture. These are arches covered with stucco ornaments, thin columns, low minarets and open terraces with sculptures. The northern facade of the palace is decorated in the medieval Gothic style, which is characterized by battlements, round and quadrangular towers, pinnacles and protruding polyhedral columns.

The program of walking in Alupka is unthinkable without climbing to the top of Mount Ai-Petri. Its mighty stone walls rise to the sky at 1234 meters. You can climb up by cable car or by car, overcoming the winding mountain serpentine. During an independent trip along the picturesque road, you will meet famous mountain objects: Uchan-Su waterfall, Turtle Lake and Silver gazebo. Once on a plateau covered with trees, a breathtaking panorama opens up in front of tourists.

Sevastopol

The legendary naval port of Sevastopol is located on the western coast of Crimea along several bays. Inspired by the spirit of historical glory and great accomplishments, the hero city is replete with numerous attractions that will not leave anyone indifferent. The architectural ensembles of the city reflect the greatness, valor and honor of the Russian people.

It is worth starting the walk from the central square of Nakhimov. Here, attention is drawn to the monument to Admiral Pavel Nakhimov, a memorial defense wall with a relief image of a warrior, an alley of glory and the "Eternal Flame".

Next to the square is the Grafskaya pier, the main entrance of which is a snow-white colonnade with a massive attic, built in 1846. Going down to the sea along a wide staircase, you can see a monument to the sunken ships 20 meters from the coast. The monument is presented in the form of a seven-meter column set on a granite rock and crowned with a bronze eagle.

Grafskaya quay smoothly turns into the embankment, from where a panoramic view of the Sevastopol Bay opens. The powerful Mikhailovskaya and Konstantinovskaya batteries, which provide protection from the entry of the enemy fleet into the sea area of ​​the city, will stand out. Pleasant impressions are left by Primorsky Boulevard, which is adjoined by a picturesque alley with lawns, trees, fountains and numerous architectural structures. There is a theater, a palace of culture, an oceanarium and a dolphinarium.

The museum complex "35th Coastal Battery" should be a must-see point of view of the hero-city. During the defense of Sevastopol in 1941-1942, the fortress with artillery guns in the Cossack Bay to the last resisted the fascist invaders. On the territory of the complex there are two battery towers, a pantheon in memory of the heroes of the defense, artifacts of weapons and military equipment.

In the vicinity are the largest ancient Greek ruins of cultural value for mankind. This is the national archaeological reserve Chersonesos-Tavrichesky. Tourists have a unique opportunity to stroll through the city, founded in 420 BC. On a vast territory of more than 500 hectares of land, there are ancient ruins, columns, fragments of buildings and structures. A significant place in Chersonesos is the Cathedral of St. Vladimir. According to legend, Prince Vladimir converted to Christianity here in 988.

Bakhchisarai

The once capital of the Crimean Khanate, which existed under the patronage of the Ottoman Empire until 1783, is located in a mountain gorge among dense vegetation and far from the coast. This is the picturesque city of Bakhchisarai. Narrow streets with small old houses immerse you in the atmosphere of antiquity.

The main pearl of the city is the vast residential area of ​​the Crimean Khanate. This is a palace complex of buildings that forms a labyrinth of unique oriental buildings. The two-storey buildings are decorated with openwork window grilles, high minarets, galleries and paintings reflecting the traditions of Tatar culture. On the territory of the complex there are gardens, fountains, gazebos, utility buildings, a harem, a stable, baths, a falcon tower and a mosque.

Walking through the small rooms of the khan's residence, you can pay attention to oriental luxury. The halls of the palace are decorated with bright floral ornaments, decorative patterns, and carpets. In addition, there is a museum of culture, art, history of the Crimean Tatars.

After getting acquainted with the traditions and way of life of the Crimean Khan, it is recommended to go to Chufut-Kale. This is one of the masterpieces of cave cities, located on a rocky plateau of sheer cliffs 600 meters high. Here in the Middle Ages lived mainly Karaites, professing a religious doctrine similar to Judaism. In the stone formations, utility and living quarters are skillfully cut. At the time of the Crimean Khanate, a mint was located in the cave fortress.

Simferopol

Simferopol is the capital of the Republic of Crimea and the gateway to the peninsula that welcomes tourists arriving at the international airport. An exciting journey by car begins here. A highly developed transport network of roads leads to absolutely any resort areas of the Crimea. Most travelers are often carried away by a trip to the coast, so Simferopol is left without proper attention. However, the city has something to see and where to walk.

The central street is Lenin Square, where a monument to the leader of the proletariat, the building of the government of the republic and the academic theater are erected. You should walk along the pedestrian Pushkin Street. The boulevard is lined with old buildings from the 19th century. Park named after Gagarin is replete with vegetation, manicured lawns, fountains, monuments, memorials, benches and entertainment areas with attractions. The central part of the vast territory of the park is occupied by a lake with a small island in the middle, which can be reached by catamaran.

The refined Vorontsovsky Park with a botanical garden, rich in flowers and rare plants, is worthy of attention. More than 200 types of roses of all colors of the rainbow are grown here. In the garden, you can retire in gazebos, walk along narrow forest paths or along wide alleys under the crowns of tall trees. On the territory of the park there is a small estate of Count Vorontsov with classical columns. The visiting card of Simferopol is the railway station, built in 1951. The majestic building is adorned with a clock tower and a graceful arcade gallery. The architectural ensemble forms a courtyard with a broken square and a fountain.

Evpatoria

The amazing resort Evpatoria is one of the few Crimean cities that combines comfort, entertainment and cultural monuments of architecture. Wonderful sandy beaches, marvelous beautiful parks, a refined promenade with endless entertainment venues and various historical buildings evoke enthusiastic feelings among tourists.

Evpatoria is famous for its religious architectural buildings. You can see the multi-domed Juma-Jami mosque, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the temple complex of the ancient Karaites, the Armenian church, and the synagogue. Shrines reflecting the cultural heritage of different nations amaze with beautifully designed facades. The city is full of sculptures and monuments dedicated to the historical past, famous figures, fairy-tale characters. For lovers of active and cultural recreation, there is a water park, a dolphinarium, a zoo, a theater and a museum.

Cape Tarkhankut

Cape Tarkhankut is the pearl of the western part of the peninsula. This place attracts tourists with its pristine nature untouched by civilization. The lack of vegetation is compensated by numerous coastal cliffs rising vertically up from the sea. For a thousand years, waves and wind have carved caves, arches and bizarre boulders along the coast.

Among the enchanting landscape, the natural aquarium "Chalice of Love" deserves attention. This picturesque place is a heart-shaped pool surrounded by boulders. The bowl is filled with water thanks to an underwater tunnel pierced by waves in the coastal cliffs.

The coast is mesmerizing with the incredible beauty of bays, wild beaches and emerald waters of the Black Sea. On the sun-scorched steppe area of ​​Cape Tarkhankut, there are no structures and signs of villages, which creates a special flavor. Arriving by car, you can pitch a tent on a steep rock or on a sandy shore and enjoy your vacation away from the bustle of the city, noisy crowds of tourists and festive Crimean embankments.

Route by car in Crimea on the map