Southern coast of Crimea: features of rest

The southern coast is a real pearl of the Crimea peninsula. It is often called simply and shortly - the South Coast. This heavenly place, along with the French Cote d'Azur, 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. Not very wide coastal strip of the Black Sea - its width is from two to eight kilometers, stretching for 170 kilometers from west to east from Cape Aya to the legendary Karadag, protects the main ridge of the Crimean Mountains from the north winds.

From the southernmost point - Cape Sarych, only 142 nautical miles to Turkey. In Soviet times, it was a protected area, which allowed to save here rare species of plants and animals. 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-divers here.

The unique location on the southern coast creates a special climate, which generally refers to the subtropical Mediterranean, but is also divided into dry, semi-dry and semi-humid types. This division depends on the height above sea level and winds. In the narrow sense, the South Coast of the South-East Coast region includes a section of 80 kilometers from Cape Aya to Alushta. Here the climate is more humid and gentle.

In the area from Alushta to Feodosia, the climate becomes hotter and arid. Strictly speaking, this is the southeast coast, where the mountains recede from the sea for 10-12 kilometers. Temperature and humidity regulate the Black Sea, which is cool in summer and warm in winter.

The winter on the South Coast is mild but overcast and rainy. In January, the average temperature very rarely drops below +4, and daytime - below +7. During the day, it can rise even to + 18-20. This is the 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 lasts until the end of October. This is longer than on the climate of the French Riviera and the Italian coast. Strong heat (+ 28-35 degrees) soften the 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 decreases slightly, but remains comfortable up to 20 days 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 yet not a smaller number of species are imported from other countries. The Mediterranean climate, landscape features, economic and cultural human activity - a combination of all these factors led to the uniqueness and uniqueness of the flora of the South Coast.

Parks, gardens, vineyards merge here with evergreen wild thickets. In the famous parks of Livadia, Gurzuf, Massandra, Alupka, Nikitsky Botanical Garden for more than 200 years, imported exotic plants have grown, and in the reserves located here, relicts and endemics are carefully protected. Precious beeches and oaks, living from 250 to 1000 years, can now be found throughout the coast. This is largely due to biologists, as previously whole groves were mercilessly cut down.

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

It is simply impossible to list and describe the richest plant collection, it has more than 1.5 thousand species. We 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 also increases. In the spring, migratory birds fly away and cormorants, laughter gulls, white-bellied swifts, city swallows, gray crows, wild pigeons, kestrels remain on the coast.

Reptiles are represented here by a multitude of lizards, among which are endemic Crimean gecko and relict legless yellow-lizard lizard. Leopard snake is listed in the Red Book. This beautiful snake is almost destroyed and is extremely rare.

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

Administratively distinguish Greater Yalta - this is the territory from Foros to Krasnokamenka, which includes many villages, several cities and the port city Yalta itself. The city is located on three hills in the valley of the mountain rivers Uchan-Su and Derekoyka, surrounded by a half-ring of mountains. On the territory of the Big Yalta on the basis of natural forests created beautiful parks. Yalta Reserve is considered a public domain.

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

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

Gursuf - an old town, with a special charm attached to the narrow streets, beautiful embankments and numerous stairs. Large city beach allows you to freely accommodate all travelers.Gurzuf is famous for its unique climate, it is no coincidence that the famous children's camp "Artek" is located here. The names of famous natural formations - Suuk-Su cape, Ayu-Dag mountain, Adalary rocks, are familiar to many since childhood.

Livadia - This is a small urban-type settlement, which is part of Big Yalta and has a very rich history. Since the III millennium BC, its surroundings have already been densely populated. It was here in the middle of the XIX century the residence of the royal family was located. Livadia Palace, which keeps the decor and interiors of the tsarist time, the palace park complex with valuable plant species, with many sculptures of Italian masters and beautiful fountains attract many excursions here.

Massandra - one of the suburbs of Yalta, the center of winemaking. The Massandra 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 to the 1775 harvest. Local resorts offer even an unusual course of vinotherapy. This protected area is immediately surrounded by three protected areas: “Cape Martyan”, Yalta and Crimean nature reserves.

Mishor - a place of rest for the creative intelligentsia. Gorky, Mayakovsky, Shalyapin lived and worked here. "Swallow's Nest", which became a symbol of the Crimea, is located right here on Cape Ai-Todor. And on top of Ai-Petri, you can make an unforgettable climb on the cable car, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Laspi Bay Catherine the Great called this place the fairy-tale mirage from Thousand and One Nights. Relic juniper grove in combination with mountain air creates here an unusually healing microclimate. In addition, the coast is rich in mineralized clay, which gave the name to the bay itself. Its origin is connected 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 whole coast, and the bay became a favorite place for diving enthusiasts.

Foros - One of the oldest settlements of the South Coast of the South-East Coast, exactly here is the Government Dacha. A fairly large settlement is considered the most expensive on the coast, although it is far enough away from the rest of the resort areas.

Blue flag of the European Union - this distinction is awarded to the best beaches that meet international standards.. The beaches of the southern coast of Crimea proved that they deserve to install it on their territory. Almost all beaches are pebbly, equipped with everything necessary: ​​there are changing rooms, showers, bathrooms, sun beds, umbrellas. But with young children will 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 convenience. There are also paid elite beaches, mainly they belong to hotels or sanatoriums.

Golden Yalta beach is covered with legends. Typically, the "golden" is called sand, but here, as elsewhere - pebbles. But compared to other beaches, it is smaller and lighter. There were times when the pebbles from this beach were worth their weight in gold and exported as building material, being for the owners 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 is gently sloping here, that’s why it is preferred by families with children. The left side of the beach belongs to the sanatorium "Kurpaty", and on the right side you can get absolutely free. Leads to the territory of the legendary staircase, built more than 50 years ago. From the city to this coastal strip is about 8 kilometers, so there is a little less rest than on the city beach, but a comfortable rest is provided here.

Massandrovsky beach is the proud owner of the European blue flag. This is one of the most comfortable and lively beaches on the coast. Comfortable territory is divided into several zones, three of which have the status of "VIP". Admission is mainly paid, prices in each zone are different.

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

Another blue flag flutters over the beach of the famous hotel "Yalta-Intourist". This is a world-class beach, appropriately equipped and providing tourists with a lot of interesting entertainment. There is also a fitness center, massage parlor, children's water park, and rides. Use of the beach for hotel guests is free, for guests - paid. The high level of service implies the corresponding prices.

Beach in Livadia It is considered one of the cleanest and most beautiful, it is distinguished by medium-sized and very smooth pebbles, on which you can even walk barefoot. The descent to the sea is quite steep, but elevators are provided here. The beach area is small, but it has everything you need: changing rooms, showers, cafes, rental.

This beach will prefer lovers of silence and solitude. There are no animators and a large influx of tourists.

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

• Landscape Park "Paradise", also known as "Aivazovsky" - a magnificent monument of park art. Located at the foot of the mountain Ayu-Dag in the village Partenit. Remarkable park complex original modern design, which are based on the history of the Crimea, its legends and myths, as well as the achievements of gardeners in other countries. This is a landscape museum under the open sky.

• The “everlasting babbling” Jur-Jur waterfall on the Ulu-Uzen River is the most affluent. 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 eliminate all sins and diseases.

• Not so full of water, but very beautiful waterfall Dzhurla - one of the famous Crimean waterfalls. You can see the fascinating 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. The castle floating in the sky invariably causes surprise and admiration, and from its observation deck offers a magnificent view of the mountains, the sea and Big Yalta.

• 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, walk along the Tsar's trail and admire one of the best park in the Crimea.

• Foros Church and Foros Park are located near the southernmost point of the Crimea - Cape Sarich. The Church of the Ascension of Christ - another "flying" monument of the Crimea. This building of the end of the XIX century was built in the Byzantine traditions and 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 Vorontsov, Yusupov, Massandrovsky 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 deep, many of them often dry up in the summer heat.The largest rivers in many respects are man-made, since without human intervention it would be impossible to provide areas with fresh water.

The southern shore of the Crimea - a tourist paradise, where there is something to do at any time of the year. In the spring, this is an amazing journey through the flowered parks and gardens. Amazingly beautiful plants, clean air, interesting excursions and walks along the famous Tsar's trail, the charming architecture of resort towns - all this magnificence will not leave indifferent lovers of outdoor activities.

In summer, the first place is a beach holiday. Water attractions, water parks will help to diversify it. In the rental you can take any equipment for fun on the water and sports games. On large beaches, you can use the services of animators. Sanatoriums, boarding houses, hotels, villas, private housing stock are never empty on the South Coast of the Crimea. Noisy youth companies, families with children, and lovers of interesting and informative excursions can have a great rest here.

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