Overview of Crimean reserves

Recently, more and more Russian tourists prefer our domestic recreation areas to overseas coasts. And one of them is the Crimean peninsula. The amazing natural world and the healing air of the Black Sea coast, coupled with the peaks of the Crimean mountains, work wonders with vacationers.

You must agree that it is not possible to combine pleasant with useful, comfortable holidays and wellness trips to unique places in all corners of our planet.

The unique fauna and flora of the Crimean peninsula contributed to the fact that a considerable number of reserves (5.4% of the area) are concentrated here on a small (relatively) territory. There are many places that are practically not affected by the rapidly developing activities of mankind.

The authorities of the Crimean peninsula take care to protect natural monuments. Based on the hydrological results of the study of water resources that ensure the life cycle of nature reserves, people hope that pristine nature will be preserved for future generations. Reserves in Crimea began to appear at the beginning of the last century, and the most famous of them today:

• Crimean nature reserve;
• Yalta;
• Cape Martyan;
• Karadag natural reserve;
• Kazantip;
• Opuksky;
• Swan islands;
• Astana floodplains;
• Hapkhal reserve;
• Nikitsky Botanical Garden.

Of course, there are much more protected areas, and Crimean residents have a careful attitude to each of them. Any vacationer is allowed to enjoy the beauty of such natural monuments, the main thing is not to litter them and not to leave behind “vivid memories”.

On the southern coast of the Crimean peninsula are famous Karadag reserve, Botanical reserve Paragilmen, cape Fiolent, Arbat reserve, cape Martyan. From south to north, the largest Crimean reserve. Its area covers more than 44 thousand hectares of the peninsula and impresses with its originality. On the south side is located and Yalta Nature Reserve.

In the west of Crimea are the famous Swan Islands, Cape Ayia, on the northwest coast Cape Kazantip and in the western part of the Tarhankut Peninsula - amazing natural boundary Dzhangul. The latter is located on the landslide of the coast, so it may immediately seem that there are harsh and wild places. Rather, Dzhangul resembles the scenery of a science fiction film, the main decoration of which is a limestone column, whose height is 40 meters.

General's natural beaches Karalar reserve, located in the eastern region of the Crimean peninsula, located 35 kilometers from the city of Kerch. Secluded bays with clear water, endless steppes with unique vegetation, sandy beaches with warm sand, hills and hills, peerless fishing - many vacationers feel very comfortable here.

Kalinovsky park or reserve covers an area of ​​12 thousand hectares and was created thanks to the initiative of local residents who are worried about the ecological condition of this territory. There are more than 150 species of birds.

The most popular and most accessible reserve for visiting Crimea is Karadag. To him are enthusiastic and coming here vacationers, and a galaxy of scientists. It is located 36 kilometers from the city of Feodosia.

Volcanic massif Kara-Dag ("Black Mountain"), 150 million years rising above sea level, has become the most beautiful corner of the Crimean peninsula. In 1914 there was opened a research station named after T.I. Vyazemsky. Later, the famous academician A.P. Pavlov in 1922 proposed the establishment of a nature reserve here. His idea was realized much later, at the end of the 70s of the last century. therefore Karadag reserve is the youngest of all existing.

The history of the ancient volcano is covered with many myths and legends, one of which is the existence of the Karadag snake or monster. The reserve covers an area of ​​more than 3,000 hectares. Bizarre rocks and mountains make up a special attraction of the Crimean landscape: The Holy Mountain, an arched formation of 15 meters in height, the Golden Gate, which are the hallmark of the reserve. More than 2500 different species of flora will surprise curious travelers, 52 of which are endemic.

In the depths of the bowels of the Karadag reserve there are many gems: jasper, rock crystal, agates, etc. More than 3000 animals live in the protected areas of Karadag. You can travel here both by land and by sea. The Karadag volcanic massif is literally riddled with gorges and plate-shaped massifs, which is a pretty picturesque picture.

Yalta Mountain Forest Reserve "began" in 1973. Today it is 40 kilometers long with wonderful views and natural landscapes. Its total area is almost 143 square meters. km The main part of it is covered by forests that replace mountain eggs, and the highest point of the reserve is Mount Roka (1349 m).

Half of the reserve is a Crimean pine forest, there are also beech, juniper, pistachio and strawberry plantations. Representatives of the fauna are quite diverse, many of which are listed in the Red Book: burial eagle, peregrine falcon, leopard snake. The landscapes of the Yalta Reserve leave a lasting impression - from the monumental Ai-Petri Mountain (1234 m) and the Devil's Stairs to the Three-Eyed Cave.

Tired tourists can relax in the thicket Cherry Orchard, in the so-called teas. There is also a museum on the territory of the reserve, where exhibits representing the flora and fauna of the Crimean peninsula are presented.

Among the many protected places of the Crimean peninsula, there are especially popular ones where tourists who are completely unfamiliar with the pearls of Crimea go. The list of such record-visited places is quite impressive:

• Kazantip Nature Reserve;
• Karalar Natural Park;
• Opuksky, though small, but memorable forever;
• "Swan Islands."

The cape in the Sea of ​​Azov, more reminiscent in shape of an elongated gear, called Kazantip, is fascinating at first sight. Although there is no lush vegetation habitual for the Crimean mountains, its geological and natural features, sometimes even a little harsh, were especially loved by travelers.

Kazantip seems to some to be like a deserted coast, but such a picture can only take place in the particularly hot months of summer. Then the coastal zone of the protected area resembles Martian landscapes.

But in the spring, after the abundant southern rains, the steppe nature seems to wake up - the territory of Kazantip is covered with indescribably emerald greenery, it is here that a rare type of marigold butterflies dwells, moreover, several of their varieties. On the territory of the conservation area are the famous ancient monuments - menhirs and ancient settlements, which are considered sources of vital energy. Small castles of past centuries attract the attention of many tourists.

The oldest and largest peninsula nature reserve, Crimean, was founded in 1923 and occupies the largest area compared to its "brothers": from Yalta to Alushta. During the war, the reserve was badly damaged by fires that destroyed nature and destroyed many animals, but in 1944 the reserve began to be restored.

The fascinating thing starts from the very beginning of the trip - a mountain serpentine along the Romanovsky highway, a trout farm, wonderful Cosmo Damian Monastery. From the pass you can see the highest mountain peak of Crimea - Mount Romash-Kosh. Later, tourists will find the famous Arbor of the winds, from where you can see the entire southern coast of the Crimean peninsula. At rocks red stonesurrounded by Crimean vineyards, you can breathe in the cleanest southern air.

Many rivers of the Crimean peninsula begin in this natural zone: Kacha, Alma, Ulu-Uzen and others. More than 300 natural mountain springs and springs are famous for their healing properties. The most famous of them is Savlukh-Su, whose water contains silver ions. There are many caves and grottoes, natural wells.

Over a thousand plant species grow on the territory of the reserve, a considerable part of which listed in the Red Book. On the slopes of the mountains grow oak, oak-pine and beech-pine forests. After forests, mountain meadows and yayl begin, and different types of fish live in rivers and mountain lakes.

Swan islands - one of the most romantic and unforgettable vacation spots on the peninsula. This conservation area is part of the Crimean reserve, although it is at a decent distance from it. This is the so-called specially protected area, which can only be reached by sea with special permission. The real kingdom of birds, which you can only see when you get here, includes pink flamingos, gulls, pelicans, cormorants and graceful swans.

It is strictly forbidden to hunt here, as well as to catch Black Sea salmon. In the waters of the Kazantip reserve all kinds of Black Sea dolphins splash, there are also sea horses.

Cape Martian appeared only in 1973 and immediately gained popularity among travelers. The size of the cape is only about 240 hectares, it is located on the territory of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. Despite the small area, magnificent exhibits of the Black Sea flora grow here: more than 500 species of trees and shrubs, almost 50 species of moss, about 250 lichens.

Here you can see more than 148 species of birds, 28 of which are rare: yellow heron, sandpiper, stilt, peregrine falcon. And the most attractive, warm weather on the cape lasts almost six months. The remains of the masonry of the medieval fortress Ruskofil-Kale, where curious tourists come, are located on a steep rock.

Opuk Nature Reserve It was founded recently - in 1998. It is located in the south of Crimea and is named after the mountain of the same name Opuk, whose height is 185 meters. At its western foot is the salt lake Koyashskoye.

The local landscape is quite unusual - rocks, islets, piles of stone clusters, sea grottoes, and in the distance, in the sea - Rocks-Ships. For a long time, the Opuk reserve was a closed territory, therefore many representatives of flora and fauna survived without being injured by human hands.

A number of rare plant species have been recorded on the territory of the reserve, quite rare representatives of reptiles are found, many species of birds winter there, and sturgeons, beluga, seahorse and monk seal frolic in coastal waters.

When visiting the protected areas of the wonderful Crimean peninsula, it must be remembered that not all of them can be visited by tourists only on their own. The nature, flora and fauna of nature reserves are too fragile and sensitive to the effects of human civilization.

To keep them in their original form, travelers visit them at certain times and only with permission and accompanied by the staff of the reserve. Therefore, going on the road and deciding to visit the best protected areas of Crimea, Be sure to contact the administration through the official website and discuss all the details.

For hiking in the reserves choose closed clothing and shoes, as well as all kinds of sprays from insect bites and sunscreen. Well, of course, you need to take water on a trip - no less than a liter per person. Then your vacation will surely bring you a lot of pleasure and discovery.

Watch the video review of the Crimean reserves below.