Southern coast of Crimea: features of rest

The south coast is a real pearl of the Crimean peninsula. It is often called simply and shortly - South Coast. This paradise, along with the French Riviera, is recognized as the second world resort for the effectiveness of the treatment of various diseases.

The name itself speaks of the geographical position of the southern coast. The not very wide coastal strip of the Black Sea - its width is from two to eight kilometers, stretching 170 kilometers from west to east from Cape Aya to the legendary Karadag, the main ridge of the Crimean Mountains protects from northern winds.

From the southernmost point - Cape Sarych, only 142 nautical miles to Turkey. In Soviet times, it was a protected area, which allowed preserving rare species of plants and animals here. And now this coast covered with huge boulders remains wild, there are practically no beaches here, the underwater world is very rich and diverse, which attracts tourists and divers here.

The unique location on the southern coast creates a special climate, which generally refers to the subtropical Mediterranean, but is also subdivided into dry, semi-dry and semi-wet types. This separation depends on altitude and winds. In a narrow sense, the South Coast includes a stretch of 80 kilometers from Cape Aya to Alushta. Here the climate is more humid and gentle.

In the area from Alushta to Feodosiya, the climate becomes hotter and arid. Strictly speaking, this is the south-east coast, where the mountains recede from the sea by 10-12 kilometers. The temperature and humidity are regulated by the Black Sea, which is cool in summer and warm in winter.

Winter on the South Coast is mild, but cloudy and rainy. In January, the average temperature very rarely drops below +4, and the daily temperature is below +7. In the afternoon, it can increase even to + 18-20. This is a time of storms and strong east winds. In spring, windy and unstable weather persists, the average temperature rises to +14 degrees.

The holiday season begins in early May and continues until the end of October. This is longer than on the climate-friendly Cote d'Azur of France and the Italian coast. Strong heat (+ 28-35 degrees) is softened by sea breezes. You can swim from June to October, the water temperature in July-August reaches 26 degrees, in September it remains the same, by October it drops slightly, but remains comfortable until the 20th day of the month.

The flora of the southern coast is very peculiar. Many of the species existing here are endemic, that is, they live only in this natural zone, and no fewer species have been imported from other countries. The Mediterranean climate, landscape features, economic and cultural activities of man - a combination of all these factors have led to the uniqueness and uniqueness of the South Coast flora.

Parks, gardens, vineyards merge here with evergreen wild thickets. In the famous parks of Livadia, Gurzuf, Massandra, Alupka, Nikitsky Botanical Garden, brought exotic species have been growing for more than 200 years, and relics and endemicians are carefully guarded in the reserves located here. Precious beeches and oaks, living from 250 to 1000 years, can now be found throughout the coast. This is largely the merit of biologists, since previously whole groves were cut down mercilessly.

Small-fruited strawberries are listed in the Red Book. This evergreen tree with edible fruits resembling strawberries can reach a height of 6 meters and has a bizarre winding trunk and branches. In Crimea, it is found only on the south coast and belongs to endemic species. Evergreen coniferous cypress is valued for its unique healing properties. The bactericidal properties of its essential oils contribute to the suppression of many pathogenic bacteria. Even in ancient times, figs were brought to the South Coast, the fruits of which are very useful for the body.

It is simply impossible to list and describe the richest plant collection; it has more than 1.5 thousand species. One can only wonder at the beauty and fertility of this amazing land. But the fauna of the southern coast can hardly be called very rich. These are hares, squirrels, foxes, hedgehogs, martens, badgers, rodents and bats adapted to the Mediterranean climate.

In winter, the bird kingdom is increasing. In spring, migratory birds fly away and cormorants, laughing gulls, white-bellied swifts, city swallows, gray crows, wild pigeons, kestrels remain on the coast.

Reptiles are represented by many lizards, among which are the endemic Crimean gecko and the relic legless yellow-lizard. The leopard snake is listed in the Red Book. This beautiful snake is almost destroyed and is extremely rare.

The southern coast of Crimea has a developed infrastructure. All cities and towns have their own special atmosphere and are ready to receive tourists at any time of the year, therefore, when going on vacation, it remains only to decide on individual preferences. The pearl of Crimea and its resort capital is the beauty of Yalta.This city is also called Russian Nice. The temperate Mediterranean climate allows you not only to relax, but also ideal for the treatment of many diseases.

Administratively distinguish Big Yalta - this is the territory from Foros to Krasnokamenka, which includes many villages, several cities and the port city itself - Yalta. The city is located on three hills in the valley of the mountain rivers Uchan-Su and Derekoyki, surrounded by a semicircle of mountains. On the territory of Big Yalta, beautiful parks have been created on the basis of a natural forest. Yalta Reserve is considered a state property.

All these natural features create a special microclimate in the city and attract many who wish to improve their health. Back in 1886, Professor S. P. Botkin discovered the special healing properties of Yalta air, drunk with sea salts and volatile. Here palaces for the royal family were built, aristocrats, wealthy industrialists and merchants built mansions, representatives of the creative intelligentsia sought here.

Just 37 kilometers from Yalta is the second largest resort city of the South Coast - Alushta. Big Alushta, stretching for almost 40 kilometers along the coast, except for the city itself, includes another 26 settlements. Alushta is considered the cleanest and greenest city on the coast.

Gurzuf - An old town, special narrow charm of which is given by narrow streets, beautiful embankments and numerous ladders. A large city beach allows all vacationers to freely accommodate. Gurzuf is famous for its unique climate, it is no coincidence that the famous Artek children's camp is located here. The names of famous natural formations - Cape Suuk-Su, Ayu-Dag mountain, Adalara rocks, are familiar to many from childhood.

Livadia - This is a small urban-type village, which is part of Big Yalta and has a rich history. Starting from the III millennium BC, its surroundings were already densely populated. It was here that in the middle of the XIX century the residence of the royal family was located. The Livadia Palace, which preserves the atmosphere and interiors of the Tsarist era, the palace park complex with valuable plant species, many sculptures by Italian masters and beautiful fountains attract many excursions.

Massandra - one of the suburbs of Yalta, the center of winemaking. Massandra's wine collection is one of the largest in the world and contains a million bottles. The oldest wine brand is Jerez de la Frontera, dated from the 1775 harvest. Local motels even offer an unusual course of wine therapy. Three protected territories surround this settlement at once: “Cape Martyan”, Yalta and Crimean nature reserves.

Mishor - a place of rest for the creative intelligentsia. Here lived and worked Gorky, Mayakovsky, Chaliapin. The Swallow's Nest, which has become a symbol of the Crimea, is located here, on Cape Ai-Todor. And to the summit of Ai-Petri you can make an unforgettable climb along the cable car listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Laspi Bay. Catherine II called this place a fairy-tale mirage from The Thousand and One Nights. The relic juniper grove in combination with mountain air creates an unusually healing microclimate here. In addition, the coast here is richly mineralized clay, which gave the name to the bay itself. Its origin is associated with the existence of a large number of geothermal sources here in the past. After the springs dried out, the water here became so transparent that it was recognized as the cleanest on the entire coast, and the bay became a favorite place for diving enthusiasts.

Foros - One of the oldest settlements in the South Coast, it is here that the Government Cottage is located. A fairly large village is considered the most expensive on the coast, although it is located quite far from the rest of the resort areas.

Blue Flag of the European Union - this insignia is awarded to the best beaches that meet international standards. The beaches of the southern coast of Crimea have proved that they are worthy to establish it on their territory. Almost all pebble beaches, equipped with everything necessary: ​​there are locker rooms, showers, bathrooms, sunbeds, umbrellas. But with young children you have to worry about security - the bottom in many places drops sharply. Entrance to almost all beaches is free, you only have to pay for amenities. There are also elite paid beaches, mainly they belong to hotels or resorts.

Golden Yalta beach is covered with legends. Usually “golden” is called sand, but here, as elsewhere - pebbles. But compared to other beaches, it is smaller and lighter. There were times when pebbles from this beach were worth its weight in gold and exported as building material, being for owners of a real "gold mine". In addition, unique healing properties are still attributed to her.

Golden Beach is an amazing place. It is located on the territory of a beautiful park, surrounded on three sides by mountains, and the water in the sea is famous for its transparency. The bottom here is gently sloping; therefore, families with children prefer it. The left side of the beach belongs to the Kurpaty sanatorium, and the right side can be reached absolutely freely. The legendary staircase, built more than 50 years ago, leads to the territory. There are about 8 kilometers from the city to this coastal strip, so there are fewer vacationers than on the city beach, but a comfortable rest is provided here.

Massandra Beach is the proud owner of the European blue flag. This is one of the most comfortable and busy beaches on the coast. The comfortable territory is divided into several zones, three of which have the status of "VIP". Admission is mostly paid, prices in each zone are different.

No one will be bored here, there is plenty of entertainment: from fun with animators, sports to relaxing and wellness massages. You can rent water equipment, have fun in the rides, have a bite to eat in the restaurant, and in the evening watch a concert or go to the dance floor.

Another blue flag waving over the beach of the famous hotel "Yalta-Intourist". This is a world-class beach, suitably equipped and provides vacationers with a lot of interesting entertainments. There is also a fitness center, a massage parlor, a children's water park, and attractions. Use of the beach is free for hotel guests, for guests - paid. A high level of service implies appropriate prices.

Beach in Livadia It is considered one of the cleanest and most beautiful, has a small and very smooth pebble, on which you can even walk barefoot. The descent to the sea is quite steep, but there are elevators. The beach area is small, but it has everything you need: dressing cabins, showers, cafes, rental.

This beach is preferred by lovers of peace and solitude. There are no animators and a large influx of vacationers.

The list of natural and man-made attractions of the South Coast is very extensive. It is almost impossible to refrain from excursions and devote time only to beach vacations. What can you admire here?

• Landscape Park "Paradise", also known as "Aivazovskoe" - A magnificent monument of park art. Located at the foot of Ayu-Dag Mountain in the village of Partenit. The park complex is noteworthy for its original modern design developments, which are based on the history of Crimea, its legends and myths, as well as achievements of gardeners in other countries. This is a whole landscape open-air museum.

• The “eternally murmuring” Jur-Jur waterfall on the Ulu-Uzen river is the most full-flowing. Its height is 15 meters, and the water temperature does not exceed 7 degrees. It is forbidden to swim in the waterfall, but tourists still try to do it, because, according to legend, its waters relieve all sins and diseases.

• Not so full, but very beautiful Jurla Falls - one of the famous Crimean waterfalls. You can see the mesmerizing water cascade only in spring, when snow melts in the mountains.

• Symbol of Crimea - A unique architectural monument "Swallow's Nest" in the village of Gaspra. A castle soaring in the sky invariably causes surprise and admiration, and from its observation deck a magnificent view of the mountains, sea and Big Yalta opens.

• Livadia Palace and Park - A historical monument where you can get acquainted with the life of three generations of the royal family, visit museums dedicated to other events taking place here, take a walk along the Tsar’s path and admire one of the best parks in Crimea.

• Foros Church and Foros Park are located near the southernmost point of Crimea - Cape Sarych. The Church of the Ascension of Christ is another “flying” monument of Crimea. This building of the late XIX century was built in Byzantine traditions and is dedicated to the salvation of the imperial family. Foros Park is famous for its unique collection of rare plants collected literally from around the world.

• Palaces Vorontsovskiy, Yusupovskiy, Massandrovskiy and adjacent parks - The most famous sights of the southern coast, which are impossible not to visit.

• Crimean rivers can not be called deep and full-flowing, many of them often dry out in the summer heat. The largest rivers are largely man-made, since without human intervention it would be impossible to provide areas with fresh water.

The southern coast of Crimea is a tourist paradise, where there is something to do at any time of the year. In the spring it is an amazing journey through flowering parks and gardens. Amazingly beautiful plants, clean air, interesting excursions and walking along the famous Tsar’s path, the charming architecture of resort towns - all this splendor will not leave indifferent fans of outdoor activities.

In summer, beach vacation comes first. Water rides, water parks will help diversify it. You can rent any equipment for entertainment on the water and sports games. On large beaches, you can use the services of animators. Sanatoria, boarding houses, hotels, villas, private housing are never empty on the South Coast. Here, noisy youth companies, families with children, and lovers of interesting and informative excursions can perfectly relax.

About where to stay on the southern coast of Crimea, see the next video.