Man lived in Crimea tens of thousands of years before our time. In the caves and grottoes of the mountainous part of the Crimean peninsula, archaeologists have found about 100 sites of people from the Old Stone Age (Paleolithic). They contained tools of primitive man, bones of animals he hunted, and in the Kiik-Koba cave the bones of man himself were found. There are also human sites of the Middle and New Stone Ages (Mesolithic and Neolithic) and settlements of the Bronze Age. The first historically known peoples who inhabited Crimea BC were the Tauri and Scythians. It was after the Taurians that the Crimean Peninsula was named Taurida. On the southern coast of Crimea, in the mountains, you can find Taurian burial grounds in the form of stone boxes, and on the passes - the remains of Taurian fortifications. In the steppe Crimea lived the Scythians, who also inhabited the Northern Black Sea region and the Dnieper region. For several centuries (from the 2nd century BC to the 3rd-4th centuries AD), the capital of the Scythian state was Scythian Naples (Novgorod), which was located near present-day Simferopol. From the 6th century BC. e. Greeks began to settle on the coast of Crimea and founded colonies here: Panticapaeum (Kerch), Feodosia, Chersonesos near Sevastopol and others. Their population was mixed - Greek and local. Panticapaeum became the capital of the Bosporus state, which existed for about a thousand years. In the 1st century BC. e. In the Bosporus there was a large uprising of slaves and Scythian farmers, led by the slave Savmak. This was the first popular uprising known in history on the territory of our Motherland. In the III-IV centuries. n. e. Eastern Slavs formed in Crimea. Traces of the presence of the Slavs were found in Kerch, in a number of places on the southern coast and south-eastern Crimea. Economic, political, and cultural ties with Russia were of exceptional importance for Crimea. They were especially wide and lively in the 10th-12th centuries, when Korchev (Kerch) was part of the Russian Tmutarakan principality. In the Middle Ages, the population of the mountainous Crimea, during frequent raids by nomads, left the valleys under the protection of fortifications built on high, inaccessible mountains of the second ridge. In the cliffs, residents cut down caves in which they built living and utility rooms and kept domestic animals. This is how the cave cities of Mangup-Kale, Tepe-Kerman, Fulla (Chufut-Kale), Bakla and others arose, the remains of which have survived to this day. The ruins of Genoese fortifications on the coast date back to the late Middle Ages - in Balaklava, Gurzuf, Alushta, Sudak, Feodosia. The historical and architectural monument is the Bakhchisaray Khan's Palace with the “Fountain of Tears”, glorified by A. S. Pushkin. Many historical places and monuments speak about the struggle of the Russian and Ukrainian peoples against the Crimean Khanate and Turkey in the 16th-18th centuries, about the victories of Russian troops over the Turks and Tatars, about the activities of the great Russian commanders A.V. Suvorov and M.I. Kutuzov. Numerous monuments document the 349-day defense of Sevastopol in 1854-1855. from the combined forces of England, France and Turkey. A number of places recall the events of the revolution of 1905-1907. Glorious pages of the civil war, the struggle of the Soviet people against the White Guards and imperialist interventionists, are connected with Crimea. The monument on Perekop testifies to the heroism of the Red Army, which defeated the Wrangelites under the leadership of M. V. Frunze in November 1920. From Perekop to Sevastopol, from Kerch to Yevpatoria, in cities and villages, on former battlefields, there are monuments that immortalize the events of the Great Patriotic War, the defense of Sevastopol in 1941-1942, the liberation of Crimea from fascist invaders in 1944, the exploits of Soviet soldiers and partisans in the struggle for the honor, freedom and independence of the Motherland.
Travelers are now worried about many reasons: exchange rates are rising, prices are also rising, and flights to many countries are being cancelled. What to do? There is a way out - and this is Crimea. Someone who has already been to Crimea returns to their favorite place year after year, while others are just getting ready to discover all the charm of a holiday on the increasingly popular peninsula.
To make the task easier for those who are going there for the first time, or maybe just deciding to refresh old memories, we have written this article in which you will find all the useful information about the most popular attractions of Crimea. If this is not enough, and everything has already been studied, then in this case we have an article “10 most unusual sights of Crimea”, which we advise you to take a look at.
One of a kind, the Bakhchisarai Palace is a unique example of Crimean Tatar architecture and annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. On the vast territory of the palace there is not only the palace complex itself, but also a mosque, gardens with fountains and museums: an art museum, museums of the history and culture of the Crimean Tatars and, of course, the main exhibition of the museum itself, which includes not only the decoration of the palace, but also an impressive exhibition of cold weapons.
The palace is located, as you might guess, in the city of Bakhchisarai, which is approximately 50 kilometers from Sevastopol and 30 kilometers from Simferopol. You can get to the city by car - from the nearest large cities the journey will take about an hour, but, for example, from Yalta or Yevpatoria - an hour and a half, from Feodosia - two and a half. Besides by car, you can get to Bakhchisarai from Sevastopol and Simferopol by buses departing several times a day from the bus station, and by train. The Bakhchisaray Palace itself is not difficult to find in the city; it is located at 133 Rechnaya Street.
The palace's opening hours vary depending on the time of year: in winter, the ticket office is open from 9 am to 5 pm, in summer - from 9 am to 6 pm. A visit to the palace is only possible with a guided tour at a fairly affordable price: 275 rubles for adults and about 150 rubles for students.
Swallow's Nest is one of the symbols of the Crimean Peninsula. This small, but so strongly reminiscent of a knight’s castle, architectural monument is located right on top of the steep cliff Ai-Todor. Initially, the Swallow's Nest was wooden and only very vaguely resembled a modern building. But periodic restorations and reconstructions after earthquakes and wars have done their job, and now you can’t take your eyes off the Swallow’s Nest. 
There is a restaurant and an observation deck inside; there are no museums or exhibitions in the Swallow's Nest. The “castle” is located in the south of the peninsula, approximately 15 kilometers from the city of Yalta. You can get there by car or by buses No. 32 and No. 102. In addition, local travel agencies offer access to the attraction by water - by boat or motor ship.
Ai-Petri is the highest mountain in the mountain range located in the south of the peninsula, near the city of Yalta. Its height is 1231 meters. Actually, this figure speaks for itself - it’s definitely worth climbing to the top - for the air, for the view of the mountains on one side and the sea on the other, for the beautiful nature. You can climb it on foot, by car or by cable car, which originates in the village of Miskhor on the southern coast. 
In winter, in addition to walking and climbing the mountain, you can also go skiing, as many locals do. And in the summer there is the possibility of excursions even on horseback. In addition, there are interesting caves and waterfalls along the way, so in order not to miss anything, it might make sense to take an excursion. On the other hand, “conquering” Ai-Petri without a tour group gives a completely different, more intense experience.
Minibuses run regularly from Yalta to Miskhor. The cost is 25 rubles, the journey is about an hour.
One of the main attractions of Crimea and the largest waterfall of the peninsula, Uchal-Su, is located 7 kilometers from Yalta, on one of the tourist trails to Mount Ai-Petri, which we wrote about above. 
Almost 100 meters, or more precisely 98 and a half - this is the height of Uchal-Su. Powerful streams of water tending to crash against rocky rocks at the foot of the waterfall do not leave anyone indifferent. With one exception. During the most popular tourist season in Crimea, that is, in summer, the waterfall dries up, and it is likely that in the hot months you will not see the power that delights tourists and local residents. The best time to visit Uchal-Su is the rainy autumn and spring months or winter, when you can even catch a frozen waterfall, which, although it happens, is quite rare.
The closest tourist trail to Uchal-Su is Taraktashskaya, which is also the most picturesque of all. You can also get to the waterfall by transport: by minibus No. 30 from the Yalta bus station and by car along the M18 highway.
The surrounding area of Mount Ai-Petri is rich not only in natural attractions and beaches, there are also several interesting architectural structures and museums. One of these attractions of Crimea is the Vorontsov Palace, which is essentially an entire palace complex consisting of several buildings and a beautiful well-kept park. It was created at the beginning of the 19th century, and in 1990 it was given the status of a museum-reserve. 
Visiting the Borontsov Palace can take a lot of time. If you want to walk around the grounds and look at the palace from the outside, plan on it taking from several hours to half a day. Well, if your visit plan also includes an inspection of the palace from the inside, then it’s better not to plan anything else for the same day, the museum-reserve is so rich in various “interests”. In addition, there is a beach in the park at the palace, which will allow you to combine a cultural program with a seaside holiday.
The Vorontsov Palace is located in the city of Alupka, not far from Yalta, on the southern coast of Crimea. You can get from Yalta by minibus No. 32, which stops in the city center, or No. 102, which departs from the bus station. Minibuses No. 107 and No. 115 are also suitable, they just stop a little further - about 15 minutes walk to the palace.
The Palace Museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5-5:30 p.m. The ticket office closes at 16.15. In addition to the main exhibition, there are exhibitions on the museum’s territory that welcome visitors every day except Monday and Wednesday.
Tickets for each exhibition or exposition are sold separately and cost from 50 to 300 rubles per adult and from 25 to 150 rubles per child. There is no single ticket.
One of the most prominent artists in Russia has many fans both in his homeland and around the world. The great marine painter became famous during his lifetime, and after his death and to this day, Aivazovsky’s fame is only growing. 
In Feodosia, where the artist was born, he himself opened an exhibition of paintings in his own home, which now bears the proud name “National Art Gallery named after Aivazovsky.” It is not surprising that it contains the largest number of works by Aivazovsky, and it is also not surprising that most of them were written in Crimea.
Moreover, in the museum you can see not only the paintings themselves, but also the artist’s personal belongings. And the gallery guides will be happy to tell you more about the artist’s work.
The museum is open all days of the week except Wednesday, from 10 am to 5 pm. The box office closes at 4 pm. Tuesday is a short day, so the gallery is open until 2 pm. The price of a ticket with a tour is 250 rubles for adults and 125 for children. The Aivazovsky Museum is located near the railway station of the city of Feodosia, on Galereynaya Street, building 2.
The ancient Genoese fortress of Chembalo is located on Fortress Mountain in the city of Balaklava, which, in fact, is just a district of Sevastopol.
The fortress, after its centuries-old history, has not been preserved very well, or rather, even poorly. But this does not diminish the interest of travelers who travel from all over Crimea to look at a historical monument of this magnitude. 
Today the Genoese fortress is an open-air attraction, free and unfenced. Now restoration and restoration work is being carried out here, since quite recently the already destroyed fortress suffered from heavy rain, which almost collapsed the main tower. But from the hill on which Chembalo is located there is a beautiful view of the city and Balaklava Bay.
The ascent begins from the Nazukin embankment. It is better to wear comfortable shoes and stock up on food and water. And at the top you can even have a picnic overlooking the sea, if the weather cooperates, of course.
The westernmost point of the city of Sevastopol is named after Cape Chersonesos, which is definitely worthy of tourist attention. There are many reasons for this: beautiful views of the sea, the lighthouse of the same name, the rocky coast (although there is also a sandy beach), but the main reason is the ruins of an ancient Greek city. Agree, where else in Russia can you see the ruins of buildings of this ancient civilization? 
Today the cape has the status of a national reserve called “Tavrichesky Chersonesus”. And we are pleased with the variety of leisure activities offered by the administration of the reserve. Be it excursions, which are held here free of charge every hour from 9:30 to 15:30. Or be it excavations, in which you can take part by prior arrangement. Thematic exhibitions are constantly held here, and lectures are given for children and adults and generally engaged in scientific and educational work.
The Khersones Tauride Nature Reserve is open to visitors daily from 8:30 am to 6 pm. The ticket office closes at 5 o'clock. You can get there from the center of Sevastopol by bus No. 22.
A huge mountain range called Ayu-Dag, or popularly simply “Bear Mountain,” is located in the south of the Crimean Peninsula, separating Greater Yalta and Greater Alushta. The height of the mountain is 577 meters above sea level, and the far edge is separated from the shore by more than two kilometers, so rest assured, Bear Mountain will not go unnoticed by you and all visitors to Yalta. 
Today it is an iconic natural monument of the Crimean peninsula, which also boasts the ruins of a medieval settlement. Archeology lovers will be pleased.
The mountain is dotted with hiking trails and paths, which are simply impossible to cover in full in one day. Ayu-Dag has a very diverse flora and fauna, so you are guaranteed to be delayed due to admiring strange plants. Several species of animals and plants on Bear Mountain are listed in the Red Book, so be respectful of nature. However, it is worth doing this always and everywhere.
Entrance to the reserve is through a checkpoint from behind the sanatorium located here, but the entire fence is riddled with holes, which tourists successfully take advantage of.
The Karadag Nature Reserve is an amazing combination of unearthly landscapes, an interesting history full of legends and myths, a rich flora and fauna, and a long-extinct volcano. It is located in the southeast of the Crimean Peninsula, half an hour’s drive from Feodosia. There are hotels on the territory of the reserve, which is ideal for those who do not want to limit their visit to one day. And there are many such travelers, because the total territory of Karadag is almost three thousand hectares on land and sea. 
You can take a guide and start exploring the reserve on foot. Moreover, if you ask, the guide will not refuse to show not only the most popular routes, but also protected trails.
And many tourists choose another way to explore Karadag - from the sea. Boats and motor ships go here from Sudak, Feodosia and Koktebel, and the views of the coast are such that, without exaggeration, they are breathtaking. Well, as a bonus, you will see Shaitan-Kapa (Golden Gate) - a rock shaped like an arch sticking out of the water. Sometimes ships even sail right through the arch.
Representatives of the royal family of the Russian Empire were able to appreciate the beauty and healing nature of Crimea. The southern coast of the peninsula was chosen as the location for their summer residences, characterized by its excellent climate, picturesque nature and proximity to the sea. Such residences are the Massandra Palace and the Livadia Palace. The famous Yalta architect Nikolai Petrovich Krasnov was entrusted with developing the design of the royal palace in Livadia. He was also assigned to lead [...]
In the area of the Western coast of the Crimean peninsula, not far from the Evpatoria-Saki highway, near the village of Pribrezhnoye, on the Kara-Tobe hill, archaeological excavations are being carried out on the site of an ancient Greco-Scythian settlement. The name Kara-Tobe translated from the Turkic language is Black Hill (“kara” means black, “tobe” means hill, peak), and it was given to this settlement. In it in the 4th century. before [...]
The resort village of Alupka is located on the southern coast of Crimea, a few kilometers from Yalta. Tourists are attracted here by the famous palace of Count Vorontsov and the picturesque park laid out around it. In the center of the village stands the Church of St. Michael the Archangel with a very interesting history. The need for a Christian church arose in Alupka at the end of the 19th century, after the village expanded [...]
The Crimean Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places on planet Earth. It is rightly nicknamed “an open-air museum.” This place harmoniously combines various forms of relief, climatic conditions, and exotic plants. This is a crossroads of many civilizations and peoples; its history is filled with the most incredible events and unexpected turns. The monuments of Crimea are very diverse; there are many unique historical, architectural, and natural attractions.
Vorontsov Palace
The famous residence of Count Vorontsov is one of the main historical monuments of Crimea; it brought enormous popularity to the city in which it is located - Alupka.
The building and the luxurious park surrounding it have become a complex and interesting phenomenon in architecture. This beautiful creation is considered the best project of the royal architect E. Blore.
The facades of the palace are made in different styles:
- Northern resembles the scenery for a film about noble knights of the Middle Ages;
- Yuzhny takes you to an oriental fairy tale.
When vacationing in Alupka and its surroundings, set aside one day to visit the complex. You will get a lot of positive emotions from a tour of the rooms of the castle and the luxurious view that opens from the Lion’s Terrace. Take a walk through the huge park with exotic plants, centuries-old trees, cozy benches, picturesque fountains and romantic gazebos.
Massandra Palace
The palace museum was built in a secluded corner of the peninsula, surrounded by dense forest. The construction of the estate was initiated by Count Vorontsov in 1881, but he died in 1882. In 1889, the unfinished estate was purchased for Emperor Alexander III, but he was not able to live in it.
During the Soviet period, this beautiful architectural landmark was closed to ordinary citizens. The royal palace became a resting place for party leaders. Now the palace has become a museum, and excursions are regularly held there.
bird home
This is probably the most recognizable landmark of Crimea. The romantic castle was built on a high cliff of Cape Ai-Todor near Yalta. His image appears on millions of postcards, photographs, and paintings.
The building was built at the beginning of the twentieth century according to the design of the talented architect V. Sherwood, who also designed the Historical Museum on Red Square. In 1927, Crimea experienced a strong earthquake, but the mini-castle was practically undamaged. For several years the library of the Zhemchuzhina sanatorium was located here. Then the building was declared unsafe and closed.
Only in 1968 its reconstruction began, the following work was carried out:
- A small part of the structure was dismantled and a monolithic reinforced concrete slab was placed under its base;
- The castle was reinforced with a metal frame, which protects against seismic influence.
Now there is an Italian restaurant in the castle.
Genoese fortress
The stronghold of the Genoese was built in the XIV-XV centuries in compliance with the best traditions of engineering art of that time. Thanks to its location and powerful fortifications, it was practically crime-free:
- On the western, southern, eastern sides, the invaders are stopped by steep cliffs;
- From the northeast there is a deep ditch.
The future historical and architectural monument was protected by powerful walls with defensive towers.
The fortress is well preserved; its picturesque objects are often used in the filming of historical and adventure films.
Chersonesos
This large city for two centuries was the center of political, cultural and economic life of the Northern coast of the Black and Azov seas. The ancient polis was founded by Greek colonists in the 5th century BC. The Byzantines simply called it Kherson. Over the course of two thousand years, the settlement has undergone architectural changes more than once. In the 14th century, Chersonesus was captured and destroyed by the Mongol-Tatars.
Jur-Jur
This unique natural monument is the most unique and picturesque waterfall in Crimea. A huge cascade, which does not dry out even in the hottest time of the year, is located near Alushta, in the Khapkhal crevice.
Characteristics:
- Height 15 meters;
- Width 5 meters.
The waterfall is surrounded by an ancient forest, and it is always cool here.
Skel menhirs
The monument, created by primitive man, is located in the heart of the Baydar Valley. They are large blocks of stone standing vertically. Menhirs are the oldest architectural example of conscious human construction work.
There are two menhirs in total:
- The height of the first is almost three meters, the average thickness is about a meter;
- The second one is two times lower, its thickness is half a meter.
Turkish bath
The multi-domed building has been well preserved to this day. The monument of medieval architecture is located in Yevpatoria, it was built in the 16th century. The building with marble walls, benches and baths was visited not only by city residents. Slaves who were captured in villages in Russia, Ukraine, Poland and other countries were brought here. The invaders paid the bath attendants well so that the slaves could wash themselves and look healthier. Then they can be sold on the slave market at a higher price. Young women were sent to harems.
One of these slaves was Anastasia Lisovskaya, who married the Turkish Sultan Suleiman I. Now she is known under the name Roksolana.
Cave cities
These ancient policies are mainly located high in the mountains, on a plateau, and have been surprising and delighting tourists for decades. There are more than one legend about the origin of Eski-Kermen, Chufut-Kale, and Mangup-Kale. Researchers believe that cave cities were built on the orders of Byzantine emperors in the 6th-7th centuries in order to strengthen their positions. In the XIV-XV centuries, the largest cave cities even became capitals.
The monuments of Crimea are located very conveniently. No matter how you plan your trip, there will always be something interesting along the way. Everything is collected here to satisfy the needs of the most inquisitive tourist: deep caves, royal palaces, amazing parks, picturesque waterfalls, ancient fortresses and much more.
