All about Turquoise Lake in Crimea

Not far from Alushta there is a lake with the picturesque name Turquoise. This reservoir has several names. In some reference books it is also called Emerald. And the name Jubilee is also found. In the Tatar language the name sounds like Milyan-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 extraordinary bright green hue. Due to this, the reservoir has a very picturesque view, which attracts crowds who want to admire its beauty. Numerous guidebooks on the Crimea vied with each other to praise this amazing place, crowds of tourists come here every year in pursuit of new impressions and the opportunity to take a selfie against the backdrop of this beautiful body of water.

Here you can relax from the everyday hustle and bustle, gain strength, put your thoughts in order, 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 200 by 400 meters. This is explained by the fact that this object is man-made, and not of natural origin, as one might think from the very beginning. Even during the Soviet era, a limestone deposit was discovered at this place, so it was decided to dig a pit and develop a quarry.

However, it later turned out that groundwater flows here, which one day made themselves known by a large fountain. All work on the extraction of minerals were curtailed, and the pit was filled with water. Thus was formed a lake with an unusual color of water.

This version is very doubtful, given the fact how many people here are constantly. 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 place is to reach it by car. on the highway Yalta - Alushta - Simferopol.

If we consider the option of public transport, from Yalta to the nearest settlement to the lake, you can take a shuttle bus Yalta - Patenit, as well as trolley buses No. 52, 53 or bus No. 110. From Alushta to the reservoir goes bus number 103.

Farther from Zaprudnogo, you need to go on foot, or use the services of local entrepreneurs who offer their services for the carriage of passengers on their own transport for a certain amount. Some desperate travelers venture to travel this distance by bike. There are many minibuses from Yalta to Partenit, the distance between settlements is about 20 km.

However, the system of public transport movement is not well established in the Crimea.Therefore, if you are moving towards the Turquoise Lake from more remote parts of the peninsula, such as the town of Krasnoperekopsk on the north coast or from the Koreiz village, popular with tourists, located in the northeast of Partenit, There is no communication between these settlements.

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

Turquoise lake attracts primarily the surrounding nature. Here is an amazingly beautiful flora and fauna. The shores of the lake are surrounded by dense mixed forest and mountains. From the coast there are stunning views of the Ayu-Dag mountain. 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 enjoy the singing of other birds.

The surroundings of the reservoir are equipped with parking for cars and a place for camping. There is also a special place for bonfires, and if you wish, you can stay here with your family or company for a few days. There is no need to worry about fresh water - to the north of the lake there is a beautiful mountain spring with crystal clear water. Fans of fishing will be able to take the soul to catch small fish such as perch, rudd or roach.

As mentioned above, the water in the lake is very cold, so despite the convenient approach to the water, not everyone is going to dive into it. Those brave souls who are not afraid of the cold, argue that the water in the lake instantly removes the accumulated fatigue and charges with energy. Perhaps that is why the lake is considered healing, and certain miraculous abilities are attributed to it. So, the locals claim that the water in it is not only healing, but also capable of removing the crown of celibacy.

Usually, The first animals do not attack people, but just in case it is strongly recommended to have a travel kit with you. And also in the case of overnight stay, you should take a gas cylinder and a camp stove with you - it is forbidden to make fires on the lake’s territory without authorization. For cooking and eating on the coast there are special places with barbecues, tables and benches.

In addition to the Turquoise Lake itself, there are some interesting places to visit in the area.

If you are staying here for a few days, you should take a stroll around the neighborhood. Here you can find many interesting objects. For example, literally a couple of kilometers from the Turquoise Lake there is a house-museum of brownies. It was discovered by a couple Nikanorovs relatively recently - in 2009. Spouses Nikolai and Natalya make wooden amulets and charms 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 elevation during excavations were found the remains of an ancient basilica belonging to the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul. A little away from the ruins, one can observe centuries-old oak and pistachio trees growing right on the rocks. Their power and beauty are admirable.

This attraction is located on the territory of the recreation 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 size, looks like a fabulous goblin or a brownie.On the territory of the park there is a beautiful waterfall, a swimming pool, in which you can plunge if desired, admire elegant sculptures and flower beds, and after all this magnificence relax in the shade of one of the gazebos.

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

The 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 purple, 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 intoxicating aromas of flowering plants, and you can admire the flight of butterflies and bumblebees. In winter, the lake is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountain peaks filled with ringing silence, in which you can listen to yourself, bring order to 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 hiking trip of tourists to the Turquoise Lake.