Characteristics and location of Cape Chameleon in Crimea

Crimea is not in vain considered to be one of the most picturesque corners of our vast country. A huge number of attractions and interesting places with a long history are located on a small square and amaze tourists with its beauty. One of the most mysterious places in the eastern part of Crimea is Cape Chameleon, shrouded in an interesting legend. A huge number of tourists every year visits this monument of nature to admire the beautiful view and the main feature of the cape - the ability to change color.

Cape Chameleon is located on the eastern part of the Crimean peninsula, near the village of Koktebel. Outwardly, it resembles a long and narrow strip that stretches 70 meters into the sea and separates 2 bays. The highest point is located at 61 meters above sea level. The pointed chameleon was formed from the ash of clay rock ejected, judging by the results of geological studies, a large volcano Karadag.

This landmark is a natural boundary that separates 2 famous natural bays: Silent and Dead. They are also the site of a large number of tourists. The quiet bay is located on the eastern side of the cape and is thus named because of the calm climate, which even during a storm did not disturb the calmness of the inhabitants. The dead is from the west, here the winds raged with might and main and caused the wreck of many ships. In the museums of the Crimea, you can find ancient nautical charts dated XIV century, they depict Cape Chameleon.

This place got its name for two reasons. First of all, due to its main feature - the ability to change color. The fact is that the ridge consists of clay slates, which take a variety of shades depending on the angle of the incident sunlight. For a unique feature of the clay rock can be observed throughout the day and see all sorts of changes.

Such transformations occur throughout the year, even in winter. It is recommended to observe the cape from the coast, and not from the sea, so you can better get acquainted with its uniqueness. Another reason why the ridge received such a name is its shape, resembling a lizard, when viewed from the side or from the air. Landmark has another name. Toprakh-Kaya, which in translation from Tatar into Russian means “clay rock” or “mud rock”. It is this title that the cape denotes on ancient maps.

Unfortunately, in the spring of 2016 the rock was partially destroyed. The foundation of Toprakh-Kaya was washed away with water and collapsed right into the sea; more than 100 m2 of clay went into Koktebel Bay. The gradual destruction of the cape is impossible to stop, however, according to scientists, the process of the complete disappearance of the cape will last for several more centuries. The clay structure is too soft to resist heavy rain and water from melting snow in spring.

Water flows gradually erode the shale and leave large cracks on them. If you take a closer look, you can find that the whole Toprach-Kai is littered with them. Judging by the old maps, the destruction began a long time ago, since it can be seen on them that in the 14th century the Chameleon Cape was much longer and wider.

There is an interesting story connected with the name of the cape, which guides love to tell tourists. Found it in one of the Turkish sources. Legend has it that in 1475 one of the ships of the Ottoman Empire accidentally went into one of the bays, where they were attacked by a monster of enormous size, very similar to a hybrid of a chameleon and a snake. Unfortunately, the Turkish warriors could not defeat the monster and killed one and all.

Among the passengers of the ship was a Turkish witch who, according to legend, turned the chameleon into a clay rock. Of course, this all sounds somewhat unbelievable, but, as they say, in every legend there is at least a small, but a grain of truth.

Guides recommend to visit the sight of Koktebel bay as soon as possible, because due to the destruction it is already very dangerous to walk around the cape, and to reach the head of the Chameleon are solved only the most desperate extreme lovers. The trail has become very narrow, and if the collapses continue with the same frequency, it can be closed altogether in order to protect people from collapse. Most likely that after a couple of decades, even the beginning of the path will become inaccessible to tourists.

Many complain that the path is already so narrow that it is difficult to walk along it, and the slightest breeze can pull it down. For this reason, the passage through Toprach Kaya is strictly prohibited to children, and many adults themselves refuse to take such an extreme walk, even with the tip of the cape and a stunning view of the entire Koktebel Bay and the coast of Crimea.

While the cape stands still, and it is visited annually by thousands of people resting on the east coast of Crimea. From Koktebel to the Cape about 4 kilometers, which is quite a bit. Nearby is another attraction - the tomb of one of the famous silver age writers M. Voloshin. He is buried at the top of the mountain Kuchuk-Enishar.

The easiest way to go to the stone lizard by car, as this transport drives right to him. You can reach by bus or bus, however, so have to walk a couple of kilometers on foot. To be on the ridge, you must first come to the village of Koktebel. Regular buses reach the dirt road that connects the cape with the neighboring village of Ordzhonikidze, you can take a car or walk straight to the cliff.

In reviews, tourists recommend visiting Chameleon in the summer, when the climate is most pleasant. Many are advised to come to the cape in the afternoon, or better at sunset, to better see how the Chameleon changes color.

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