Golden Gate in Crimea: description of the rock, where is it and how to get to it?

Crimea attracts tourists not only with its clear sea, comfortable climate and developed infrastructure, but also with many natural and historical monuments. One of the most popular cities is the resort of Koktebel. Next to it, in the waters of the Black Sea, the Golden Gate rock flaunts. This amazing attraction, created by nature, attracts the attention of people visiting these places every year.

A rocky formation resembling an arch is located next to the Karadag mountain (this object is located on the territory of the Karadag natural reserve). The peculiarity of the rock lies in the fact that it is located not on the shore, but in sea waters. This object is known to most tourists who prefer to relax on the peninsula. The rock is considered the hallmark of Koktebel. It is often depicted on souvenirs: posters, postcards, magnets.

Many guests of the aforementioned city first go to admire the amazing natural monument, which proudly rises above the blue waters of the sea. The rock is often called a miraculous work of art. Surveyors believe that in this location there was previously a volcano. For many years, under the influence of winds and waves, a large volcano has turned into a beautiful arch.

Such an unusual form has become the reason for the name of the attraction “Golden Gate”. The dimensions of the cliff are small: height above the sea - 8 meters, width - 6 meters. In this area, the maximum depth of the sea is 10 meters, and the water captivates with a pleasant turquoise ebb.The distance from the coast to the cliff is 85 meters. If the word in the name “gate” comes from the form, then the additions “gold” are connected with the peculiarities of the color. At noon the rock is flooded with bright sunlight, because of which it seems to glow.

According to the reviews of local residents and vacationers, sometimes you can witness a natural phenomenon of amazing beauty - sunrise through an opening in the rock. This is a rare occurrence that can only be seen for a few days during the winter solstice. During this period, there are few tourists on the peninsula.

According to experts the Karadag massif is approximately 150 million years old. It appeared due to the frequent eruptions of a large Middle Jurassic volcano. Hot lava, falling into the waters of the sea, solidified and formed rocks. The process of rock formation lasted for several thousand years. As a result, a coastal ridge with a large number of volcanic formations was formed.

A popular place has become the object of various stories and myths. Many legends tell during city tours. The most famous local tradition is to throw a coin in the waters of the sea, but before that it must touch the rock and ring loudly. If you managed to do this trick, you can safely make a wish. On clear days, when the sea is calm, you can see a lot of coins at the bottom.

There is also an opinion that the rock is tightly connected with otherworldly forces and is a portal to other worlds. This belief is several hundred years old, it was invented by local residents. Many believed that if you go through the "gate", you can get into the world of the dead. The Crimean Tatars, who live on the local lands, also believed in special strength. Representatives of this people believed that the rock hides the entrance to the underworld. Belief in the amazing power of the rock was reflected in the name “Sheitan Kapu”, which means “Devil's Gate” in translation.

The above natural attraction is located near (several meters from the coast) of the Karadag natural reserve. His administration is located in the nearby village of Kurortnoye. For many years, the Golden Gate rock has been a must-see destination for nature excursions. Every day, many boats and boats floated through a hole in the rock formation.

In 2012, representatives of the Ministry of Nature imposed restrictions on the coastal zone and mountain reserve of the reserve. They also introduced a law on tourist routes in the waters of the Black Sea. Given the changes, it was impossible to swim through the rock, as well as stay at a distance closer than 100 meters from the coast. Such measures were taken to preserve and protect the beauty of the nature of the region. At present, the Karadag Reserve is working and is glad to welcome everyone. The price of admission is quite affordable.

You can get to the Golden Gate by car. This method is most often chosen by local residents or guests who stayed in the area of ​​the Kerch ferry. First you need to get to the city of Koktebel. From Kerch you need to go along the highway E97. The average travel time is about 2 hours. First you need to move to the intersection with Kirov Street, then turn onto Marshal Eremenko and drive along Gorky Street.

The last point is to turn onto the M17 road and get to the city. When you reach the specified region, use the navigation system or map. Be guided by the Karadag reserve.

The next way to get to Koktebel is by bus. From Simferopol in this direction regularly goes public transport. Only at the end of the holiday season do buses begin to run less frequently. This is a practical and affordable option.Also, from nearby cities, you can get to Feodosia and then transfer to the bus to Koktebel.

Sea excursions are in great demand, during which you can comfortably enjoy the beauty of the Crimean peninsula. Given the popularity of attractions, in Koktebel often organize walks by sea with a visit to the cliff. The average duration of such an excursion is approximately 2 hours.

The cost depends on various factors: the number of people in the group, the route, the size of the vessel and other features. Water transport departs either from the coast of Koktebel or from the village of Kurortnoye. Throughout the tour, the guide will introduce you to interesting stories and myths.

You can get to the famous natural monument on your own. To do this, you should buy an entrance ticket and visit the nearby nature reserve. Due to the constant influx of vacationers, especially in the holiday season, joining a tourist group is not difficult. The standard walking distance is approximately 7 kilometers. It is worth noting that such a walk requires physical training. Often have to overcome the slopes and climbs.

Connoisseurs of the Russian writer Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin know that he was personally familiar with the natural phenomenon. This happened back in 1820, during his travels on the Crimean coast. The route passed from Feodosia to Gurzuf. It is worth noting that the world famous poet did not indicate this attraction when recording memories. Also mention of the rock was not in the writer's works.

However, 3 years after visiting the Crimea, the drawing of the Golden Gate adorned the outline of the book "Eugene Onegin." In the fields of the notebook you can clearly see the rock towering above sea level.

Boat trip to the Golden Gate rock see below.