Rest in Simeiz (Crimea): where to stay and where to go?
The resort Simeiz is located on the southern coast of the peninsula of Crimea, 18 kilometers west of Yalta. Its history begins with the settlement of the ancient tribes of the Taurians, in the Middle Ages, the Byzantines seized the territory, a little later - the Genoese and the Ottomans.
Description
The name of the resort is of Greek origin, which means “sign, sign, sign”. And indeed General view of the area is very remarkable: the Ai-Petri mountain range rises from the north, the Koshka mountain in the west, and the most beautiful rocks are located nearby: Diva, Panea, Swan's Wing. These hills served as landmarks for ancient navigators, following the expanses of the Black Sea from one place to another.
Mount Koshka, at the foot of which Simeiz is located, was one of the main navigation points of that time. According to another version, the name is connected with the fact that when a foreign fleet entered the bay, the brands kindled a signal fire, which served as a sign of the enemy invasion and was visible throughout the district.
Today Simeiz is a small resort town with a developed infrastructure. On the map of Crimea you can see that it is located between the town of Alupka and the resort Katsiveli. There are only 20 streets in the village, in the fall and winter it is quiet and calm, the permanent population is about 3,500 people. But in the summer months, due to the large number of visitors to rest, it becomes crowded and full of life boils.
For tourists, rooms are rented in hotels and the private sector, there is a wide variety of canteens, cafes, restaurants, discos are held on the embankment.
There is a clothing and food market, shops, a post office, a bus station, a pharmacy, an Orthodox church, a mosque, and several ATMs. Due to the beautiful nature, mild climate and warm sea, Simeiz is a great place to relax.
Weather
Weather conditions in Simeiz ideal for a vacation. The village is located in remoteness from industrial enterprises, which provides perfectly clean air. The climate is subtropical, there is no large difference in atmospheric pressure and temperature. Surrounding the mountains helps to protect against strong winds. It is a good place for recovery of adults and children prone to bronchial and lung diseases.
The swimming season starts in May and ends in October. The largest influx of tourists is from mid-June until the end of August.
In early June, the water does not always have time to warm up well, there are rainy days, so if you plan to travel with small children, then it is better to carry it out not earlier than the second half of the first summer month. The average daily temperature in June is 24 ° С, the maximum rarely exceeds 28 ° C, the night temperature is 17-18 ° C. The average water temperature warms up to 22 ° C, maximum - 25 ° C.
In July and August, the warmest days come in Simeiz. During the day, the air warms up to 25-27 ° C, sometimes it can reach 35 ° C, and at night it drops to 21 ° C.
The water temperature is favorable for swimming - 24-26 ° C. The probability of precipitation in the form of rain is small. The heat is generally well tolerated, as the sea breezes help her to survive.
In September and early October, the temperature regime is similar with June. During the day - 21-24 ° С, at night - 16-18 ° С. The water temperature in the sea is 22-23 ° C. Rains are possible, but not too often.Ultraviolet rays are very active, so you can sunbathe using sunscreen. The recommended time is 11 am and after 3 pm.
Housing options
Simeiz is a cozy and peaceful place, with a large choice of accommodation for tourists. There are plenty of options: motels, guest houses, hotels, guest houses.
For those who want to combine the rest with medical procedures, you can think about purchasing a voucher to the health facilities of the resort village. Many people who want to support their or their children's health stay in the following sanatoriums.
- "Simeiz". Since the time of the Soviet Union it is considered the most prestigious in the Crimea. Its main building is located on the territory of a beautiful park. The institution specializes in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract and cardiovascular system. All comfortable conditions for rest and treatment are created.
- Name Semashko. It is the oldest in the village, has been operating since 1922. There are 5 buildings available. There are no special excesses, there are quite modest rooms with different levels of amenities. In comparison with other resorts, prices are low. Treatment profile: diseases of the upper respiratory tract, rheumatism, nervous system disorders.
- "Moscow". Children's sanatorium, located near the coast. Children with pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases suffering from the consequences of environmental disasters are accepted for recovery. Rooms are designed for 4-8 people, all amenities are located on the floor. School hours are provided during school hours. For parents who came to visit the children, there are rooms in another building on the site.
- "Youth". Rest and treatment for adolescents and adults is provided. Adults and children are settled in different buildings. In the children's building rooms are designed for 4-5 people, amenities on the floor. Rooms for adults - triple, amenities in the room. Beach resort - 200 meters from the buildings. The institution specializes in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases.
People who prefer to organize their own holidays, you can rent cheap rooms in the private sector - both economy class and suites.
The cost of rent depends on the location to the beaches, and not on the availability of shops or stops. The closer to the sea, the higher the price. Also, pricing is affected by the availability of fresh renovation, modern furniture, air conditioning, household appliances, and a bathroom in the room or on the floor.
It is worth considering that in recent years, rest in the village is gaining increasing popularity, so it is better to book accommodation in the private sector in advance. Of course, upon arrival it is also quite realistic to rent rooms, but there is no guarantee that their cost, accommodation conditions and proximity to the coastal zone will be 100% in line with expectations.
There are no five-star hotels in the village, but there are private guest houses with a high level of comfort and service.
Rooms must be reserved in advance, as they often cooperate with travel agencies.
Simeiz can be divided into three parts.
- Coastal area. The cost of housing is the highest, the way to the beach - a maximum of 5 minutes. But it is worth considering that there are cafes and stalls with higher prices on the embankment, there are no other important sources of industry here. The shops will need to climb up towards the center.
- Centre. The main street that runs through the entire resort is Sovetskaya. On it and in its vicinity all the benefits of civilization are concentrated. Good for living is considered to be close to the center of the area "Ring". The road to the sea on average takes about 10 minutes, if you walk slowly - 15.
- Top part. The streets are located above the village council and stretch towards the South Coast Highway. Here are very picturesque corners of nature, and at quite reasonable prices you can rent a house in comfortable guest houses overlooking the sea. Walk to the sea takes 20-30 minutes.The return journey, respectively, will be uphill.
Beaches
Tourists spend most of their leisure time swimming in the sea and sunbathing on the beach. All beaches in the resort village are free, covered with small pebbles, protected from strong waves and wind by mountains and cliffs.
- Central beach. Well equipped, meets all sanitary standards, but is very crowded and has a narrow beach strip. From all sides there are shops, there is a rental of sun loungers, a variety of water entertainment. To the right of the beach there is a pier, from where boats take sightseeing walks along the Black Sea.
- At the rock diva. The most favorite place for tourists. You can reach it by the bus station, turning in the direction of the hotel "Chaika", and go down to the embankment or proceed through the seaside park. As well as on the central beach, there are changing rooms, a shower, a toilet, cafes are located nearby.
From water entertainments there is a ride on a motorcycle and a banana, the work of the dive center in the building of the boat station is organized.
- In the slipways. A small cozy beach, ideal for families with children, as the entrance to the water is very convenient. Available to all. Nearby on the waterfront there is a cafe where you can have lunch.
- "Pioneer". Located under the historic villa "Miro-Mare", between the central beach and the hotel "Assol". It has several areas for swimming. A small area (paddling pool) is a great option for small children, its depth is no more than one meter. A little further is the zone, fenced from the sea plates. The greatest depth reaches 3-3.5 meters. The plates can be reached not only by swimming, but also on foot, by a special embankment.
Many vacationers love to dive with them, armed with a mask, because under the water a beautiful view opens - you can see the underwater inhabitants and feel the warm undercurrent. Minus the beach - uncomfortable entrance to the sea, large stones and boulders.
- At the hotel "Assol". Comfortable pebble beach with a gentle entry into the water. Belongs to the hotel, but admission is free for everyone, you only need to pay for the rental of deck chairs.
- Blue Bay. It has no infrastructure at all, it is not very convenient to get there, the path lies along narrow paths through the rocks. But because of the beautiful views and the cleanest sea is popular with people who prefer to relax far from noisy companies. Not suitable for spending time with children.
- Nudist beach. Located at the foot of the Swan Wing cliff. The place itself is very beautiful, but the entrance to the water is extremely inconvenient. There are no cafes or food outlets here. Restrictions on the terms of taking a tan does not exist.
Each sanatorium has its own well-equipped beach, the best place is considered to be at the sanatorium "Simeiz". People on such beaches are much smaller, but it is difficult for simple vacationers to get to them, the entrance is made according to resort books.
sights
Not every resort can boast such an abundance of historical and memorable places like this cozy village.
Mount Cat
It is considered to be the main attraction of Simeiz. The name is often explained by the similarity of the outlines of the mountain with the silhouette of a reclining cat. In fact, the name comes from the Crimean Tatar word "Kosh-Kaya", which translated means "pair rock". Tourists from all over the Crimea come to see the interesting outlines of the cliff.
On the slopes of the mountain, there are rare plants listed in the Red Book: a strawberry tree, a Crimean cistus, a rare Fuman thyme shrub.
The mountain is a historical and archaeological monument. Here was found the Taurus cemetery of the 6th-2nd centuries BC and the ruins of the fortifications of the Middle Ages.
There is an observation deck on the mountain, which can be reached via an ecological path. The climb is also available for tourists with children.
Scala Diva
It has a height of 51 meters, is washed on all sides by the sea, with only a small stone staircase connecting it to the shore.There is an observation deck at the top, but not everyone is at risk of going up there, since there is no railing on the stairs, and 260 steps are needed to overcome. The rock is also notable for the fact that famous Soviet films were shot on it and in its district: “Amphibian Man”, “Elusive Avengers”, “Ten Little Indians”.
Scala Panea
Located close to the rock diva. The name has Greek roots, and means "Most Holy." It has the second name - “Genoese”, since in the XIV – XVI centuries the Genoese built a defensive fortress here. Now only fragments of it are preserved. The peaked shape of the rock reaches a height of 70 meters. At its summit, there are the best views of the Diva rock, the neighborhood of the village and the sea distance.
Simeiz Park
The most visited place of the village. Presented about 200 species of plants. Cypresses and pines look very beautiful and stately. On the territory of the park there is a large juniper grove, thanks to which the air here is the cleanest and healthful.
Cypress Alley
Adjacent to the park. It has another name - "Apollo Alley", as its decoration is the numerous statues of Apollo. Good place for evening walks.
Observatory
Located on the mountain cat, founded in 1912. During its work, scientists discovered 8 comets, 149 asteroids, 150 nebulae, 149 asteroids, and were among the first in the world to receive photos of the invisible side of the moon. One of the minor planets was named Simeiz. Today, in the evening there are organized regular tours. Visitors are shown equipment, familiar with the principles of its work, allowed to observe space objects.
The tour will be interesting for adults and children.
Villas "Xenia" and "Dream"
They are considered the best works of architecture of the beginning of the XX century, visible from any place of the resort, have the status of historical monuments. According to some reports, the villa "Dream" was the property of a banker from Poland, but he left it during the revolution. In the Soviet period there was a hospital building. Villa "Xenia" was built in 1911 by the architect Krasnov. Locals say that Count Tolstoy stayed in it. The exact fate of the villas is currently unknown. It is not possible to go inside, but you can walk from their outside and capture beautiful objects in the photo.
Where to go with children?
Families traveling on holiday with children, always think out options for entertainment for their fidget. There is no large amusement park in the village, but kids will be able to actively play and frolic in the playgrounds. They are equipped on the streets:
- Lenina - next to the cypress alley;
- Paustovsky - in the area of the sanatorium named after Semashko;
- Star - next to the villa "Xenia", there is organized rental of children's electric cars and bicycles.
But, of course, a great joy for children will be delivered by a visit to the Blue Bay water park.
It is located in the western part of Simeiz. Not only children, but also adults will receive positive emotions from water activities. For kids, the water park provides a shallow water pool with an area of 310 square meters with slides and fountains. The safety of young visitors is monitored by lifeguards. In the park animators spend fun games and competitions.
Children from 8 years old can, together with their parents, make descents on the following attractions
- "Multipista" - straight classic descents from a height of 8 meters;
- “Big hole” - is a closed pipe with two turns, the height of the descent - 9.5 m, length - 116 m;
- "Tobogan" is an open slide with smooth turns, 8.1 m high and 78 m long.
From the age of 14, the descent from the Tsunami slide is allowed - it is a wide strip with a gradual manifestation of the pendulum effect for skiing on a “cheesecake”, has a height of 13 m and a length of 95 m. The Kamikaze attraction is allowed from the age of 16 - a direct descent from a height of 14.5 meters, a length of 50 meters, with high speed and a sharp release into the pool.
The remaining 3 rides: Virage, Serpentine and Family Constrictor are only allowed from the age of 18. The water park has 6 swimming pools, beach volleyball and table tennis, a quiet VIP-area, cafes and bars.
To diversify the time of rest, you can go on an excursion to the Swallow Nest on your own with your children, admire the beautiful old castle. The distance to it from Simeiz is only 12 kilometers.
A worthy and interesting place in the tourist route with the children will be a visit to the Dreamwood Adventure Park in Yalta.
For them, a huge amount of not only motor, but also cognitive entertainment has been thought out. In the park you can overcome the rope course, see interesting experiments and experiments, ride a jeep, play golf, visit the mine, designed in the style of the XVIII century, take part in interesting quests. In the park there is a hall of robotics, you can learn a lot of information about the manufacture of robots. Also in the park are many attractions and labyrinths, there is also a zone with water activities.
To get to Yalta is not difficult, from the bus station constantly run buses, you can get on the bus.
Reviews
Almost all the reviews about the rest in this place are positive. Tourists admire the beauty of mountain and sea landscapes, an abundance of vegetation, air, saturated with the scent of juniper, clean sea, the presence of attractions and developed infrastructure of the village.
Among the shortcomings vacationers call overcrowding of the central beach, a small amount of nightly entertainment for young people. Tourists living in the upper part of the village, noted a steep rise from the sea, and do not recommend choosing this area to families with small children.
Video review Simeiz in the next video.