All about Turquoise Lake in Crimea

Not far from Alushta there is a lake with the picturesque name Turquoise. This pond has several names. In some reference books it is also called the Emerald. And also the name Yubileinoe is found. In Tatar, the name sounds like Miljan-Gol.

It is believed that the name Turquoise was given to the reservoir because of the unusually beautiful color of the water - it is not the usual blue or blue color, but an unusual bright green hue. Thanks to this, the reservoir has a very picturesque appearance, which attracts crowds here who want to admire its beauty. Numerous guides to the Crimea vying eagerly praise this amazing place, crowds of tourists come here every year in pursuit of new experiences and the opportunity to take a selfie against the backdrop of this beautiful reservoir.

Here you can relax from the hustle and bustle of the day, gain strength, put in order thoughts, just go fishing. Another feature of this attraction is the fact that the water in the lake is not fresh, but brackish.

The lake has the shape of a regular rectangle of 200 by 400 meters. This is because this object is man-made, and not of natural origin, as you might think from the very beginning. Back in the days of the Soviet Union, a limestone deposit was discovered at this place, so a decision was made to dig a pit and develop a quarry.

However, later it turned out that underground waters flow here, which one day made themselves felt by a large fountain. All mining operations were curtailed, and the foundation pit was filled with water. Thus a lake with an unusual color of water was formed.

This version is very doubtful, given the fact how many people are here all the time. However, the legend is beautiful and helps to attract tourists.

Turquoise lake is located in the mountains near the village of Zaprudnoye and the village of Partenit. The most convenient way to visit this attraction is to get to it by car. on the highway Yalta - Alushta - Simferopol.

If we consider the option of public transport, then from Yalta to the nearest settlement to the lake can be reached by shuttle bus Yalta - Patenit, as well as by trolleybus number 52, 53 or bus number 110. From Alushta to the reservoir goes minibus number 103.

Further away from Zaprudny you need to walk, or use the services of local entrepreneurs who offer their services for the transport of passengers on their vehicles for a certain amount. Some desperate travelers dare to travel a given distance by bicycle. From Yalta there are many minibuses to Partenit, the distance between settlements is about 20 km.

However, in Crimea, the public transport system is not so well tuned. Therefore, if you are going to move towards Turquoise Lake from more distant parts of the peninsula - such as, for example, the city of Krasnoperekopsk on the north coast or from the popular village of Koreiz located in the north-east of Partenit, be prepared for direct bus There is no communication between these settlements.

It is necessary to make a transfer in Simferopol, or to get by private transport. From Partenit to Krasnoperekopsk about 200 km, to Koreiz and Gaspra - about 40 km.

The turquoise lake attracts primarily with its surrounding nature. The flora and fauna are amazingly beautiful here. The shores of the lake are surrounded by dense mixed forest and mountains. Stunning views of Ayu-Dag Mountain open from the coast. Not far from the lake is the Crimean reserve, where about 60 species of various birds live. In clear weather from the coast you can watch the flights of eagles and vultures. And you can also enjoy the singing of other birds.

The surroundings of the pond are equipped with a parking lot and a place for a campground. There is also a designated place for bonfires, and if you wish, you can stay here as a family or company for several days. You can not worry about fresh water - to the north of the lake there is a beautiful mountain spring with crystal clear water. Fishing enthusiasts will be able to take their souls out of catching small fish such as perch, rudd or roach.

As mentioned above, the water in the lake is very cold, therefore, despite the convenient approach to water, not everyone decides to plunge into it. Those daredevils who were not afraid of the cold argue that the water in the lake instantly removes accumulated fatigue and energizes it. Perhaps that is why the lake is considered healing, and some miraculous abilities are attributed to it. So, local residents claim that the water in it is not only healing, but also able to remove the crown of celibacy.

Usually, animals aren’t the first to attack humans, but just in case, it is highly recommended that you carry a first-aid kit with you. And also in the event of an overnight stay, you should bring a gas bottle and camping stove with you - it is forbidden to make bonfires on the territory of the lake. For cooking and eating on the coast there are specially designated places with barbecue facilities, tables and benches.

In addition to Turquoise Lake itself, there are some interesting places in the district that you can visit.

If you stayed here for a few days, it is worth taking a walk in the surrounding area. Here you can find many interesting objects. For example, just a couple of kilometers from Turquoise Lake is the House-Museum of Brownies. It was discovered by a couple of the Nikanorovs relatively recently - in 2009, the couple Nikolay and Natalya make wooden charms and talismans at random. The size of the figures can be different: from 20 cm to half a meter in height. The material is juniper, walnut and pistachio trees.

From the Tatar language the name translates as Bear Mountain. At the foot of this hill during excavations, the remains of an ancient basilica belonging to the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul were discovered. A little away from the ruins, one can observe centuries-old oak and pistachio trees growing directly on the rocks. Their power and beauty are admirable.

This attraction is located in the health complex 5 kilometers from the reservoir. The park is famous for its olive groves and vineyards. There is also a unique mammoth tree - sequoiadendron. This coniferous tree, impressive in its gigantic dimensions, resembles a fairy goblin or a brownie. The park has a beautiful waterfall, a pool where you can plunge if you wish, admire the graceful sculptures and flower beds, and after all this splendor, relax in the shade of one of the gazebos.

It will appeal to those who are interested in rocks and minerals. Some specimens are not just beautiful in appearance - they have some scientific value.

Emerald (or Turquoise) lake is beautiful at any time of the year.

In early autumn, it is no less picturesque than in summer: trees covered with gold and scarlet, reflected in the water, give it a special shade. In the spring, when the riot of greenery begins, the air around will be filled with heady aromas of flowering plants, and you can admire the flight of butterflies and bumblebees. In winter, the lake, surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, is filled with ringing silence, in which you can listen to yourself, clean up your own thoughts and desires, and understand for yourself whether your life is moving in the right direction.

In the next amateur video, you can watch the tourists travel to Turquoise Lake.