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

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

A rocky formation resembling an arch is located near 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 not on the coast, but in the 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 above-mentioned city first of all go to admire an amazing natural monument, which proudly towers above the blue waters of the sea. The rock is often called a man-made work of art. Specialists who investigate the terrain, believe that In this location was previously a volcano. Over the years, under the influence of winds and waves, a large volcano turned into a beautiful arch.

Such an unusual form was the reason for the name of the sights “Golden Gate”. The size of the cliff is small: the height above the sea is 8 meters, the width is 6 meters. In this area, the maximum sea depth is 10 meters, and the water enchants with a pleasant turquoise hue. The distance from the coast to the cliff is 85 meters. If the word in the name "gate" is derived from the form, then the addition "golden" is associated with the peculiarities of color. At noon, the rock is flooded with bright sunlight, which makes it seem to glow.

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

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

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

It is also believed 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 living in the local lands believed in special strength.Representatives of this nation believed that the rock hides the entrance to hell. Belief in the amazing power of the rock was displayed in the name "Shaytan Kapu", which means "Devil's Gate".

The above-mentioned natural landmark is located near (a few meters from the coast) of the Karadag natural reserve. His administration is located in the nearby village "Resort". For many years, the Golden Gate rock was a must-see point for nature excursions. Every day, a lot of boats and boats sailed through a hole in a mountain formation.

In 2012, representatives of the Ministry of Nature imposed restrictions on the coastal zone and mountain forest area of ​​the reserve. Also introduced a law on tourist routes in the waters of the Black Sea. In view of the changes, it was impossible to sail through the rock, and also to 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 Nature Reserve is working and happy to receive everyone. The price of admission is quite affordable.

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

The last point - turn onto the road M17 and get to the city. Reaching the specified region, use the navigation system or map. Focus on 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, buses start walking less often. This is a practical and cost effective option. Also from nearby cities you can get to Feodosia and then transfer to Koktebel by bus.

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 rock. The average duration of such an excursion is about 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 Kurortnoe. Throughout the tour guide will acquaint you with interesting stories and myths.

To get to the famous natural monument can be under its own power. To do this, buy a ticket and visit the nearby reserve. Due to the constant influx of holidaymakers, especially during the holiday season, joining the tourist group is not difficult. The standard length of the walking tour is about 7 kilometers. It is worth noting that such a walk requires physical training. We will often have to overcome descents and ascents.

Connoisseurs of the creative work of the Russian writer Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin know that he was personally acquainted with a natural phenomenon. It happened back in 1820, during his travels to the Crimean coast. The route passed from Feodosiya to Gurzuf. It is worth noting that the world-famous poet did not indicate this landmark when recording memories.Also, the mention of the rock was not in the works of the writer.

However, 3 years after the visit to the Crimea, the Golden Gate drawing decorated 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.