Sights of Alushta and surrounding areas

Alushta is a small, distinctive city in the south of the Crimean coast; it is worth visiting not only for the healing air and relaxation on the beach. The main attractions of Alushta: the Black Sea and the Crimean Mountains, a beautiful embankment, many beaches, a water park, a dolphinarium and an aquarium. As well as parks, several museums and ancient beautiful palaces and dachas.

In the vicinity of Alushta there are the deepest waterfall in Crimea, Jur-Dzhur, a cluster of bizarrely shaped rocks - the Valley of Ghosts, and of course, mountains: Demerdzhi with the MAN cave, Kastel, Chatyr-Dag.

A few facts about Alushta

Alushta is a resort city on the southern coast of Crimea (South Coast).
Alushta is part of Big Alushta, an administrative region of Crimea. Big Alushta also includes several resort villages and stretches along the Black Sea coast for about 80 km.
The population of Alushta is about 30 thousand people.
Leonid Gaidai’s comedy “Prisoner of the Caucasus” was filmed here.
The distance from Alushta to Simferopol is about 47 km, to Yalta - 35 km.

How to get to Alushta and where to stay

There are no trains from Simferopol to Alushta, only road transport. You can get from the capital of Crimea by trolleybus, which follows a beautiful mountain road for 1 hour and 40 minutes, during which time you can enjoy gorgeous views from the window of the transport.

For those who like to drive fast, there are buses and minibuses; such transport will reach Alushta in 50 minutes. On the way, your ears will become blocked due to pressure changes and the mountain road. The bus will take you to the bus station, from which you need to walk 2 km to the sea. The trolleybus will take you straight to the sea.

If you come to Alushta and don’t know where to stay, then it’s better not to use the services that will be offered near the station - such housing, as a rule, costs several times more. It is better to use websites specializing in rental housing to find a suitable option. In the summer there are a lot of options, you can easily find where to stay.

Alushta - interesting and useful video

Read about the sights of Sochi here.

Professor's Corner

Professor's Corner (Ternak) is a coastal area of Alushta with beaches and sanatoriums, and Embankment Street stretches here. The Professor's Corner got its name back at the end of the 19th century, when dachas of famous scientists who chose this cozy region began to appear here.

Some of the beaches here belong to boarding houses and sanatoriums, and entry is paid. But it is not as crowded here as on the city beach of Alushta, which allows you to stay with greater comfort.

Museum-estate of A.N. Beketova

On the territory of the Professor's Corner, near the foot of Eagle Mountain, there is the house-museum of A.N. Beketova. At the end of the 19th century, this talented architect himself developed a project for his future dacha in Alushta, where he came to relax with his family every summer. The building is a two-story stone mansion, gravitating towards the Moorish style. Light shades of stone are harmoniously combined with warm tones of wood, from which the spacious carved veranda is made.

In one of the small halls of this Alushta landmark, documents and photographs related to the ancient Beketov-Alchevsky family are presented. In another room, the atmosphere of Beketov’s office was recreated. The architect's desk, easel, drawings, paintings and other belongings have been preserved here. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions and themed creative evenings.

Alushta embankment

The center of any seaside resort city is its embankment, and Alushta is no exception. The Alushta embankment is a place for walks and meetings; it is considered one of the best in Crimea.

Rotunda of Alushta

The most important symbol of Alushta, where tourists traditionally take photographs, is the Rotunda on the Embankment. It is a snow-white colonnade of six columns with the inscription: Alushta-resort. In Soviet times, the inscription was different: “Citizens of the USSR have the right to rest.” The rotunda was built in 1951.

City of Alushta (Crimea)

Alushta is a resort town on the southern coast of Crimea, located between Sudak and Yalta. This is a small town on the Black Sea coast, surrounded by picturesque green mountains, which is considered one of the best resorts on the Crimean Peninsula. Alushta is famous for its warm and clean sea, abundance of sunny days and beautiful nature. Despite the ancient history, few ancient monuments have been preserved here, and most of the attractions are beautiful natural places and resort infrastructure.

Aluston Fortress

Built back in the 6th century by the Byzantines to protect against the attacks of nomads, today this dilapidated fortress is one of the main attractions of Alushta. It is within walking distance from the city beach.

There are signs leading to the fortress, but finding and seeing it in reality is not so easy: the approaches to it are too densely built up with modern private sector houses. This fortress is worth a visit to touch the history and see the contrast between the old ruins and the buildings of our time, located in such close proximity.

Walking route in the center of Alushta for 1 day

The best way to walk around historical Alushta is on foot. The city, which is at least 1,500 years old, has a lot to offer travelers - historical monuments, entertainment, and a unique southern flavor. The ideal start for a walk is on the city embankment.

Alushta embankment

As in any resort town, the embankment in Alushta is the center of attraction for tourists and townspeople. You can find something to do here almost around the clock: have a snack, choose souvenirs and excursions, watch a concert and listen to street musicians. City festivals are often held here, and in winter a beautiful Christmas tree is erected.

Alushtinskaya embankment is the longest in Crimea, its length is 7 kilometers. Because of this length, it is even customary to divide it into three parts: Eastern, Central, and Professor’s Corner.

The eastern part of the promenade is considered the least touristy section. The calmest, suitable for a leisurely rest is the Professor's Corner, and the most cheerful and lively, of course, is the Central . This is where resort guests prefer to walk: it’s noisy, tasty, fun, lively. No real traveler leaves here without a photo with the snow-white rotunda arch

Alushta embankment Photo: © Natalia Semchina

Alushta Museum of History and Local Lore

From the rotunda it is convenient to go to the central Lenin Street. It will become a convenient reference point for you - there are many attractions here and in the surrounding area. All history fans, as well as those who want to learn more about the city, should take a look at the Alushta Local Lore Museum .

It contains historical, cultural, archaeological artifacts telling about all periods of the “life” of Alushta. The archaeological part of the exhibition will tell about the peoples of ancient Taurida, the role of Byzantium and the Aluston fortress, the history of Christianity in these lands, trade relations and the culture of the ancient inhabitants of Crimea. The continuation of the collection is dedicated to the Crimean Khanate, the events of the Russian-Turkish wars, and the annexation of Crimea to the Russian Empire. The resort history of Alushta, its famous residents and natives is covered.

Museum of Local Lore in Alushta Photo: © Alushta Museum of History and Local Lore

Museum-restaurant "Jules Verne"

Next to the Museum of Local Lore there is an interesting historical site, the Jules Verne museum-restaurant. It is opened in a historical mansion of the 19th century, the house of Dr. Steingolts. The famous doctor lived in Alushta, and at the beginning of the last century, after a significant acquaintance with the writer Jules Verne, he opened an elite hospital - the club house "Doctor Shteingoltz's Dacha".

Later there was a postal station here, for travelers to rest, and under Soviet rule - a residential building. Here you can not only dine in style, but also appreciate authentic historical documents: letters, manuscripts, old photographs, first editions of Jules Verne’s novels. There are many interesting places for photos near the restaurant - this is the zero mile, and a memorial plaque mentioning famous residents, and a beautiful summer terrace.

Museum-restaurant “Jules Verne” Photo: © Natalia Semchina

Dacha "Golubka"

Walking along Lenin Street, it is impossible to miss another architectural monument, especially since it is almost 200 years old. The Dove Dacha is one of the most interesting historical mansions in the city; many important events are associated with it. The villa received its name from the owner, General Golubov.

A classic example of the southern coastal architecture of Crimea, the dacha was also the site of the fateful meeting of Tsarevich Nicholas, the future emperor, with the Austrian princess Alice. Later, Joseph Stalin visited the Dove, and today the central city library is located within the walls of the mansion. Interestingly, you can visit the mansion every day and for free.

Church of All Crimean Saints and Theodore Stratilates

After walking past residential buildings, you will come to the main temple of the city - the Church of All Crimean Saints and Theodore Stratelates. This unusual temple is a historical shrine; it was built during the era of the development of the Alushta resort. Its style is defined as pseudo-Gothic - something similar cannot be found on the entire peninsula.

The customer and ideological inspirer of the church was the governor of Taurida, a man with great taste, Governor General Mikhail Vorontsov. The temple was erected on the personal instructions of the emperor; the design of the cathedral belongs to the Odessa architect Toricelli.

The ceremonial consecration of the temple took place in 1842. The temple is interesting to explore not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Don't miss the beautiful doors with elegant carvings, bright frescoes, and ancient icons. The temple welcomes visitors daily and free of charge.

Read more: Church of All Crimean Saints and Theodore Stratilates

Church of All Crimean Saints and Theodore Stratelates Photo: © Natalia Semchina

Yukhari-jami Mosque

You can also visit the only Muslim shrine in Alushta, the Yukhary-Jami Mosque . It was built in the middle of the 19th century, on a high hill. The name of the temple is translated as Upper Mosque; previously it was not the only sacred institution of the Islamic religion in the city.

The mosque has survived a lot: revolution, wars, years of desolation during the Soviet era. The most damaged were the beautiful interior paintings of the mosque walls, stained glass windows, and lace beams. Nowadays, all this former beauty is being restored, but nevertheless, the mosque is open to the public. Representatives of any religion can see it.

Before visiting the mosque, pay attention to your appearance; covered elbows and knees are required; girls should wear a headscarf. On the contrary, shoes must be removed before visiting an Islamic temple. Having examined the mosque from the inside, do not rush to leave - next to the shrine there is an excellent observation deck with a good overview of Alushta.

Yukhari-Jami Mosque Photo: © grau59

Aluston Fortress

One of the advantages of Alushta is that everything is close in this resort town. Thus, the main historical attraction, the same age as the city, is the Byzantine fortress of Aluston, located within walking distance from all major tourist routes. This is the very “historical business card” of Alushta, which must be included in a walk around the city.

In fact, from the previously powerful citadel, only one tower and a section of the fortress wall have survived to this day. It is believed that the fortification complex was built in the 6th century, on the orders of Emperor Justinian. In the Middle Ages, the Byzantine fortress was rebuilt by the Genoese, and now we can see fragments of those fortifications. 20 minutes is enough to explore them: the territory of the citadel is not too large.

Park "Crimea in miniature"

In the afternoon, you should go for a walk through the park of Crimean mini-masterpieces. A collection of more than 50 of the most famous Crimean attractions awaits you in the center of Alushta. If you don’t have time for a large-scale tour of the peninsula, all the main “business cards” can be seen in one place.

Miniatures are created in proportions from 1:25 to 1:100. There are fortresses, cave cities, palaces of the South Coast, and popular natural reliefs. You can walk here until late in the evening: at night, the exhibits are illuminated by pleasant lighting.

Read more: Park “Crimea in Miniature”

Park “Crimea in Miniature” Photo: © Park of Miniatures

Seaside Park

Another pleasant place for walks around Alushta (free this time) is the beautiful Primorsky Park . This park has always been a favorite vacation spot for townspeople and resort guests; it is beautiful and well-groomed. Bright flower beds, plane tree and cypress alleys, and comfortable seating areas delight the eye. By the way, this park is not only for walking, but also for entertainment.

If you come to Alushta in the warm season, visit playgrounds and outdoor playgrounds. However, there is also something for adults to see in the park - the main point of attraction is the old elegant mansion of the merchant Stakheev.

Seaside Park Photo: © Natalia Semchina

Villa Otrada

A beautiful villa, an architectural monument of the century before last, does not stand idle. A center for children's creativity was opened within its walls. Be sure to take a walk through the picturesque park surrounding the property; it was designed with the assistance of philanthropist, merchant and industrialist Nikolai Stakheev.

Hundreds of plants grow in the park, and there are rare, unique specimens. The old resident of the park is the famous 300-year-old plane tree. Admire the graceful lines of the mansion: a beautiful façade with columns, a corner tower, a dome, stucco moldings. The entire building looks airy and light. Walking through the park around the Otrada mansion, it’s nice to end such a busy day in Alushta.

Villa Otrada Photo: © Natalia Semchina

Park Crimea in miniature

Website: park-miniatur.ru Address: st. Gorky 7. Opening hours: from 09.00 to 23.00 (May-September), from 09.00 to 20.00 (October-April).

When listing the sights of Alushta, one cannot fail to mention the famous miniature park, where you can see all the architectural objects of Crimea in a reduced form and without leaving the city.

This open-air park is located in the very center of the city, not far from the Alushta Aquarium. Its exhibits on a scale of 1 to 25 represent all the famous palaces of Crimea - Vorontsovsky, Livadia and Swallow's Nest. After getting acquainted with the miniature structures, you can choose which of them are worth seeing in reality.

Palaces and parks

The fabulous Karasan Palace is an architectural structure created in a variety of styles, located in the village of Utes, 16 km from Alushta. A magnificent park was laid out at the palace of General Raevsky in 1820. Now the sanatorium is part of the Karasan Atalika hotel complex and visiting the park is in question. Previously, on Monday 10.00-12.00 and on Thursday 14.00-16.30, visits were free. Website: atelica.ru/hotel
In the same area is the Palace of Princess Gagarina . A Gothic miniature castle built in memory of her late husband. A church was erected nearby, and a lush, albeit small, park stretches around. The visit costs 300 rubles, but for 250 rubles. You can shop at the local pizzeria “Elephant”. Website: san-utes.ru
The park of the Aivazovskoye sanatorium is a picturesque place for walks in Partenit, among forest and garden areas divided into zones, unique sculptures and architectural structures. In 2022, the long-awaited Japanese Garden opened in the park. Tickets: 1200-600 rub. depending on the season. Website: aivazovskoe.rf

Also in Alushta itself there are other equally picturesque parks: Primorsky, Central, the park of the Center for Children and Youth Creativity.

Dolphinarium "Watercolor"

Website: dolphinarium-alushta.ru Address: st. Gorky, 7D.

The sights of Alushta will also delight those traveling with children. A visit to the dolphinarium is a great holiday option for the whole family. In addition to performances with dolphins and fur seals, there are a number of additional services: swimming with dolphins, which is carried out both in groups and individually.

Dolphin therapy is useful for children with primary autism, mental and speech development disorders. Treats communication with these friendly mammals and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, depression and chronic fatigue.

Seahorse in Alushta

Since the summer of 2015, a sculpture depicting a seahorse has been installed on the Central Embankment, where it intersects with Gorky Street. Initially, the Seahorse was installed next to the Alushta Aquarium. That is why on its rotating base there is the inscription “Alushta Aquarium” - with love for the city 2015.” The words “Alushta” and “Meeting Place” are also engraved there. And indeed, many people make appointments at this expressive art object. The seahorse is made of stainless steel and is about 2.5 m high. Since its base rotates, children use the sculpture as a makeshift carousel. Guests and residents of Alushta love to take photographs here.

Alushta Aquarium

Website: alushta-aqua.ru Address: st. Gorky 4 (trolleybus ticket office building).

4 halls of the Alushta Aquarium offer visitors to get acquainted with the rich world of the underwater kingdom.

In addition to 250 species of fish, including sharks and piranhas, you can also see sea turtles and crocodiles. The guide will tell you a lot of interesting things about the life of these underwater inhabitants, many of which were brought from different parts of the globe.

Alushta Museum of History and Local Lore

In the area of Primorsky Park, in a beautiful building built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Alushta Museum of History and Local Lore is located. Its history dates back to 1923, but the exhibitions have been closed and reopened several times. The museum opened its doors as a local history museum in 1971. Its exhibitions are based on objects reflecting the history of the development of Alushta and the Crimean Peninsula. The funds contain more than 10,000 exhibits belonging to the categories “Archaeology”, “Weapons and Equipment”, “Numismatics”, “Painting”, “Nature”, etc. Here you can see household items used by residents at different times, personal belongings of famous people, various documents and many photographs “telling” about the city.

Waterpark "Almond Grove"

Website: aquaparkhotel.ru/akvapark Address: st. Embankment, 4a

Water park "Almond Grove" is one of the largest open water parks in Crimea, located on the Black Sea coast.

In addition to the water slides and pools themselves, there are many other entertainments: a gaming complex - tennis, bowling, gym, sauna, as well as cafes and bars. The water park is equipped with showers, toilets and storage rooms.

Temple of All Crimean Saints and Theodore Stratilates

This temple was built in 1842 by order of Count Vorontsov and designed by the famous Odessa architect Toricelli. The appearance of this Alushta temple is very unique. Experts find in it similarities with English rural churches with an admixture of Gothic. The temple is named after the Roman military leader who preached Christianity among the pagans. Before the eyes of Emperor Licinius, he smashed many pagan idols, for which he was executed.

Unlike many other churches, after the establishment of atheistic power, the temple functioned for a long time, but several of its clergy were repressed. Attempts to close the temple were made in 1936 and 1938. In 1944, as part of the warming of relations between the state and the church, worship services resumed. In 1964, during Khrushchev’s persecution of the church, the temple was closed, the bell tower was destroyed, and the building was given over to a club.

The current appearance of the temple is the result of restoration begun in the 90s of the last century. It is slightly different from the original appearance. During the new consecration, Crimean saints were added to the name.

Temple of All Crimean Saints and Theodore Stratilates

Address: st. Khromykh, 14. Opening hours: 8–20. Directions: by trolleybuses 51 and 53 or minibuses 2, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 26 to the Sovetskaya Ploshchad stop.

House of merchant Stakheev in Primorsky Park

This ancient mansion, built in the 19th century, is one of the most beautiful buildings in Alushta. Previously, it belonged to the wealthy merchant Stakheev, who did a lot for his beloved city: with his funds, the first theater was opened in Alushta and the embankment was landscaped, which today is a place of attraction for all vacationers. At one time, the house of the merchant Stakheev was visited by many famous cultural figures.

The seaside park which this mansion is located is a popular place for relaxation and leisurely walks along the shady alleys. There are many attractions here that will delight both children and adults.

Routes around Alushta in stories and tips from tourists

Are you thinking about what to see in Alushta in 1 day? To prepare for your trip to this southern city, check out the materials from our authors. There is a lot of interesting and useful information in the stories, advice, and photo albums of tourists. There are options for walking, lists of the most impressive sights, and recommendations on what to see first.

Look for routes around Alushta in city guide
An excellent option for a walk around the city is offered by Natalia Semchina in the photo album “Winter Resort Alushta”;
Impression of the Professor’s Corner in the review “Beautiful mountain above the Professor’s Corner” by tourist Victor;
Read Nastya Nozdrina’s report “Mountain November Crimea” for what to do in Alushta in winter.

All reviews about holidays in Alushta on Turister.Ru

Mount Demerdzhi

Mount Demerdzhi in the village of Luchistoye, not far from Alushta, is part of the Crimean Mountains range. Translated, its name means “blacksmith,” which is associated with an ancient legend that local guides like to tell.

Below, at the foot of Mount Demerdzhi, there are the ruins of the ancient Funa fortress - the route begins from there. You can climb the mountain on foot or use the services of the equestrian club located below. From the top of the mountain there is a beautiful view of Alushta.

Geography and climate

Alushta is located in the south of Crimea, 36 km from Yalta. The resort is located on the Black Sea coast in a natural basin surrounded by the Crimean Mountains. The mountain rivers Demerdzhi and Ulu-Uzen flow through the city.

Alushta has a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by wet winters and hot, dry summers. The city's climate is slightly colder and windier than in Yalta. The resort is famous for its abundance of sun and warm sea. The sea warms up to 27 °C in summer. In winter, the water temperature rarely drops below 7-8 °C.

Alushta

Valley of Ghosts

The closest settlement to the Valley of Ghosts is the village of Luchistoye. It can be reached from Alushta by trolleybus.

The famous Valley of Ghosts is located on the slopes of Mount South Demerdzhi. It represents dozens of huge stone figures, elongated in shape, to which the wind has given bizarre shapes over millions of years: in the form of mushrooms, fingers, animals or mysterious creatures. This is a real open-air natural museum.

Thick fogs often settle on the Valley, giving the figures a mysterious quality, for which it received its name - the Valley of Ghosts.

The most gigantic stone sculpture is the “Giant” rock - 25 meters high, 5 meters wide. Many rocks have names: Catherine's Head, Sphinx, Gnome, Frog, Monomakh's Cap and others.

In the middle of the trail there is an observation deck with views of the sea, Alushta and Ayu-Dag. It is a large clearing with many interesting rocks in the shape of animals.

Natural objects

Valley of Ghosts

South Demerdzhi surprises with its stone exhibitions, more reminiscent of original sculptures, where not only bizarre shadows, but also the stones themselves seem to be frozen creatures from our and the other world.

In short, because this amazing place deserves a separate article , this mountain range with two peaks - South and North, is considered one of the most picturesque in Crimea. The view opens from the Angara pass itself.

An easy climb along the path and simply unrealistic landscapes make the walk pleasant and memorable. You will be able to rise above the clouds, see unique natural phenomena, and capture the conquest of the Crimean peaks in a photo.

The landmark is still the same village of Radiant. You can get there by regular bus and then walk for a long time, you can go in your own car or even horses from the Zolotaya Podkova .

But it’s better to do as we did “A Portion of Adrenaline in the Upper Demerdzhi” by renting a jeep on this site. This is not the first time we have done this and it turns out to be more comfortable and no more expensive than renting a jeep on the spot. Moreover, they will pick you up right at the Alushta bus station.

Filming location for "Prisoner of the Caucasus"

Nikulin's Nut
The surroundings of Mount Demerdzhi became famous for the fact that many scenes of the film “Prisoner of the Caucasus” were filmed here. Thus, tourists can see Nikulin’s famous nut, from which the hero threw nuts at Shurik. The tree is marked with a corresponding sign.

Natalia Varley's stone

Here is also the stone on which Nina, the heroine of Natalia Varley, danced.

Best hotels in Alushta

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Cave MAN

On the northwestern slope of Mount Demerdzhi there is also the famous MAN cave, which received its name in honor of the Small Academy of Sciences, where the schoolchildren who discovered this unique natural object studied.

The entrance to the cave is hidden behind rock ledges - which is why it was unknown for many years. Inside there are two floors: the upper, main hall, and the lower - a grotto, which can be reached through a long deep well, which requires special equipment.

In the lower hall you can see the bones of ancient animals, as well as stalactites and stalagmites and a beautiful underground lake. Traces of rock paintings left by primitive people have also been preserved in this cave.

What is the sea and beaches like in Alushta?

Alushta is a beach resort. The strip of pebble and sand-pebble beaches stretches for 80 km. They are free, but sun loungers and umbrellas cost 100-150 rubles per person. Some have free showers and changing cabins.

The beaches are not wide and there are quite a lot of people during the season.

If you like to sunbathe on the sand, come to the beaches in the Professor's Corner area. Sea water is clean everywhere. Not the most transparent in Crimea, after all Alushta is a city, but tourists are happy.

UTKONOS-IK: “The sea is unusually clean, especially in comparison with other domestic beaches. Even at a distance of 2 meters from the shore, you can see jellyfish swimming past through the water.”

12 best beaches in Crimea
Overview of cities and resorts of Crimea

Panorama of the beach in Alushta

Jur-Jur waterfall

Address: Generalskoye village.

The sights of Alushta are represented by many natural beauties. Not far from the city, in the picturesque, wooded Khapkhal gorge, there is the deepest waterfall in Crimea - Dzhur-Dzhur. Its height is about 16 meters, formed by the Eastern Ulu-Uzen River. Translated from Turkic languages, the name of the waterfall means “murmuring”.

Jur-Jur waterfall is a popular tourist destination. Next to it there is a cave 750 meters long with the same name. If you go up from the waterfall, you can see three natural bowls with clear water.

According to legend, each of these bowls has healing and magical properties: if you take a bath in the first, all sins will be forgiven, the second bath will give you youth and health, and the third will give you good luck in love. It is not surprising that there are always a lot of people who want to take a dip here, despite the fact that the water is very cold - no more than 10˚C.

What to see in Alushta and the surrounding area

Sights of Alushta and the surrounding area photo with description. Next, I’ll tell you about the most interesting places in my opinion in the local region. If you still know about any interesting non-trivial attractions in the area, share in the comments)

I advise you to read: Excursions in Crimea: prices, descriptions and reviews

Turquoise lake in the village of Zaprudnoye

What to see in Alushta and its surroundings - attractions. Few people know, but not far from Alushta there is a stunningly beautiful place - Turquoise Lake. This cozy place is very popular among locals, but it is not yet particularly popular among tourists; not everyone knows about it, since it is located away from the main tourist areas.

Turquoise Lake is located at an altitude of 610 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains and forest. The color of the water is amazing, it looks like it was photoshopped.

This is an ideal place for relaxation and a picnic, but you need to bring your own food, there is no infrastructure in the surrounding area, only nature.

If you are vacationing in the Yalta or Alushta area, be sure to visit this wonderful place

Where is it located: the village of Verkhneye Zaprudnoye, between Yalta and Alushta

How to get there: by car, move towards the village of Zaprudnoye (located in the vicinity of Partenit in the mountains), first pass lower Zaprudnoye, then Verkhnee Zaprudnoye. If the car is low, we leave it in the parking lot and then walk for about 1 km along a dirt road. If the car is more powerful, you can drive almost to the lake itself. From Yalta to Zaprudny there is minibus No. 110, and from Alushta minibus No. 103.

Mount Demerdzhi and the Valley of Ghosts

Sights of Alushta that are worth visiting. Mount Demerdzhi and the Valley of Ghosts are certainly among the TOP best attractions in Crimea, a must-see.

It was in these places that some scenes from the famous “Prisoner of the Caucasus” were filmed; for example, here you can see “Nikulin’s nut,” that is, the tree from which Nikulin’s hero fell in the film. You can also take a photo on the stone where Natalya Varley danced to the song “Somewhere in the White World...”. But this is only a small and very touristy part, all the most beautiful things are further away and you will have to walk quite a bit.

What to see around Alushta for yourself? I definitely recommend visiting the Valley of Ghosts . This is a fantastic, mystical and extremely photogenic place.

This place was nicknamed the Valley of Ghosts because fog often descends on the valley, and then all these stone sculptures look even more mystical.

Thousands of giant stone pillars-sculptures created by nature itself are bizarrely hidden here. One of the most interesting figures is a huge stone profile of a human head, popularly dubbed “The Head of Catherine II”.

As part of a regular group excursion, tourists see only a small part of the beauty. If you have the desire and time allows, be sure to walk further to the sunny meadow Demerdzhi itself . The views from there are simply gorgeous; if you wish, you can also walk to the ancient Funa fortress .

I recommend an excellent individual excursion to Demerdzhi

Demerdzhi captivates, everything is beautiful here, the trekking trail itself, the pine trees on the rocks, beautiful locations for photos, and gorgeous panoramic views.

Several hiking trails lead to the top of Demerdzhi, the fastest way is from the village of Luchistoye to South Demerdzhi. There is also a route through the Angarsk Pass to Northern Demerdzhi.

Personal experience: climbing Demerdzhi is not an easy walk; it will be difficult for a person with poor physical fitness, as well as for older people.

How much time do you need: a leisurely exploration of the Valley of Ghosts and trekking to one of the peaks of Demerdzhi, with a visit to the glade of fairy tales and the Funa fortress will take the entire daylight hours.

Horseback riding is popular in the surrounding area, and there are several horse farms.

Location: outskirts of Alushta, village of Luchistoye

How to get there: the fastest option is to get to the village of Luchistoye, and then walk along the trail. You can visit with an organized excursion or come by personal car or bus.

Chatyr-Dag Mountain and Chatyr-Dag Caves

What to see in Alushta and the surrounding area on your own? Go for a walk on the Chatyr-Dag plateau. Chatyr-Dag is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges of Crimea. Chatyr Dag formally consists of two flat picturesque plateaus (lower and upper). On the upper one, two peaks are clearly visible: Angar-Burun and Eklizi-Burun. Climbing Eklizi-Burun, on the top of which there is a church cross, is very popular. Pilgrims go up to the cross every year.

The plateau was previously considered the highest point of Crimea (1527 m), but now Mount Roman Kosh has taken the palm.

Chatyr Dag is one of the best observation platforms in Crimea, from here the whole of Crimea is at your fingertips. The Chatyr Dag plateau also attracts with a large number of caves, the most popular among tourists are Mramornaya, Emine-Bair-Khosar and Emine-Bair-Koba. They are equipped and organized tourist groups come here. There are also many wild unequipped caves on Chatyr-Dag - Binbash-Koba (Thousand-Headed), Suuk-Koba (Cold). There are also caves here that are accessible only to experienced athletes and you shouldn’t go here without special equipment, for example, the Koshina mine.

I recommend an interesting walking tour of the Chatyr-Dag plateau, you will see all the beauty of the Crimean Mountains.

Where it is located: outskirts of Alushta (45 km), can also be reached from Simferopol (30 km).

How to get there: you can drive to the lower plateau (where all the tourist caves are), but you can only get to the top on foot. There are several hiking trails, the most popular are from the Lower Plateau, as well as from the Angarsky Pass through Bukovaya Polyana.

How much time is needed: climbing Chatyr Dag will take all daylight. A visit to Chatyr Dag is an excellent 1-day hike in the vicinity of Alushta.

Nuances: the climb to Chatyr-Dag is difficult, I do not recommend it for people with poor physical fitness and the elderly.

Marble Cave

Sights of Alushta and surrounding areas. The surroundings of Alushta are rich in a variety of caves. One of the most popular caves in Crimea is located on the Chatyr-Dag plateau and is called Mramornaya.

Everything in the cave is equipped for convenient and safe movement through the underground halls (paths, steps, and railings). Several tourist routes are laid through the halls and galleries of the cave. Visiting the cave is only possible in groups with a guide, not on your own.

Cost: the price depends on the chosen route:

500 rub.: gallery of fairy tales (duration 30 minutes)
600 rub.: gallery of fairy tales - pearl lakes (50 minutes)
600 RUR: gallery of fairy tales - tiger move (1 hour)
RUB 700: all available cave routes (80 minutes)
1400 rub.: melodies of Chary Dag (2 hours)

Children under 5 years old are free, children under 12 years old have a 50% discount.

How to get there: buy an excursion or by private car from Alushta or Simferopol go to the village of Zarechnoye, and then towards the village of Mramornoe, turn towards the garden partnership “Mramornoe”, and drive another 8 km along the dirt road to the cave (the dirt road is in poor condition). Taking a bus is not very convenient; you will have to walk a lot, 6-8 km, depending on the chosen route.

You can explore Marble Cave on this private tour with a local guide.

Recommendation: you need to take warm clothes with you; all year round the temperature in the cave does not rise above 9 degrees. There is a rental of warm jackets at the entrance.

You can read more about the cave on the official website of the speleotourism center.

Emine Bair Khosar Cave (Mammoth Cave)

Crimea Alushta attractions photo with description. Another popular cave on the Chary-Dag plateau. Located just a couple of kilometers from Mramornaya.

Popularly the name Mammoth is attached to the cave, since the cave conceals the remains of a baby mammoth, which apparently once fell through there. Now this is almost the main attraction of this cave.

In addition to the remains of ancient animals, here you can admire tall stalagmites and gaze at the underground lake. There are a total of 12 halls in the cave, but not all of them are accessible to tourists; the lower halls are today a nature reserve.

Cost: the price depends on the chosen route:

500 rub.: northern gallery (duration 30 minutes)
600 rub.: northern gallery - hall of idols - Kecskemet (80 minutes)
700 RUR: all available cave routes (1.5 hours)

Children under 5 years old are free, children under 12 years old have a 50% discount. The price includes a visit to the underground paleontological museum.

How to get there: by car or on foot from Perevalnoye along one of the walking trails (Ishacha Trail, Eagle Gorge, Red Trail). You can also walk from Mramornye

You can read more about the cave on the official website of the speleotourism center.

Cave Emine-Bair Koba

Alushta city attractions and surroundings. Emine-Bair Koba is another popular cave on the Chaty Dag plateau. It is of interest because here you can feel like a real speleologist and go through a sports tourist route with all the equipment and equipment.

Cost: price depends on the route:

400 RUR: standard tourist route (20 minutes)
1000 RUR: extreme route with special equipment (80-120 minutes)

Read more about the cave on the website of the speleotourism center.

I recommend reading: How much does a vacation in Crimea cost: calculating the travel budget

Stone mushrooms of the Sotera Valley

Alushta attractions interesting places. Stone Mushrooms are a unique natural attraction of Crimea. Stone sculptures with caps like mushrooms were formed over time under the influence of wind and water. Currently, the height of the tallest ones reaches 3-6 meters, and they continue to grow.

In general, this area is considered a protected area, because these “mushrooms,” despite their beauty, are very vulnerable. It is not recommended to push, touch or test them for stability. During periods of heavy rain or wet weather, the stems of the mushrooms become less durable due to the abundance of moisture and may fall off.

Where is it located: the village of Sotera between Alushta and Sudak.

How to get there: turn up from the Alushta-Sudak highway, get off by bus at the “16th kilometer” stop (landmark - roadside cafe). There is a path opposite the cafe. You can walk or drive along the path to a wide clearing. From the clearing there will be a descent to the river, we walk along the river. We reach a gentle slope, then climb to the right and walk for a couple of minutes along a narrow path through juniper thickets.

Coordinates: 44.748338, 34.462163

Cheese rock in Malorechenskoye

Crimea Alushta attractions. A very interesting, unique and photogenic rock that looks like a huge piece of cheese with holes. It is believed that no analogues can be found in Crimea. I saw similar ones in the Bakhchisarai region, but this particular one is the most picturesque.

This unusual type of rock is the result of natural processes. The sea and wind acted on the quartz for a long time, giving the rock an unusual appearance.

Personal experience: To get as close as possible to the rock, you will have to climb a little, holding on to the “cheese holes”, be careful.

Where it is located: located in the village of Malorechenskoye on the way from Alushta to Sudak. But you can’t see it from the highway; if you don’t know the coordinates, you won’t be able to find it.

How to get there: by car you can drive almost to the rock itself or walk from Malorechenskoye. You can also visit it as part of this excursion.

Coordinates: 44.754079, 34.557073

Of course, it’s not worth making a special trip through the whole of Crimea here, but if you’re in the area, I recommend stopping by. There is a path leading to the rock from the village, there is a sign.

Temple-lighthouse in Malorechenskoye and museum of water disasters

What to see in Alushta and its surroundings - attractions. In Malorechenskoye there is another interesting object - the Temple-Lighthouse of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (patron saint of sailors). The temple is relatively new, but attracts attention with its unusual appearance and location right on the cliff.

This is where the Museum of Water Disasters is located. Here you can watch documentaries dedicated to famous maritime tragedies; a world map showing the largest disasters in the seas and oceans is of interest.

How to get there: The temple is visible directly from the highway if you move from Alushta to Sudak. The nearest stop is with the same name “Temple of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker”.

Jur-Jur waterfall

Alushta what to see and where to go? If you like waterfalls, I recommend visiting the Jur-Jur waterfall. Although this is not the highest, it is the deepest and most spectacular waterfall in Crimea. It is located on the Ulu-Uzen River and the water here falls from a height of 15 meters. In a second, the waterfall passes almost 300 liters of water

Where it is located: near the village of Generalskoye, between Alushta and Sudak.

Recommendation: it is better to visit in spring or autumn; the waterfall is fuller during this period, and by summer it dries out a lot.

How to get there: with a tour, by private car or by bus. From Alushta there are minibuses to Rybachye with a call at the village of Generalskoye. From Generalskoe you need to walk another 2 km along the path. Generalskoe also offers a transfer to the waterfall. If you have an SUV, you can drive the whole way.

The surrounding area near the waterfall is considered a protected area, so there is an entrance fee, but the fee is symbolic, 100 rubles. adult and 50 rub. - for children.

The place is very popular, so the tourist infrastructure is well developed here - there are hiking trails and paths, observation platforms are equipped, and there are handrails.

Although the water of the waterfall is refreshing on a hot day, it is not recommended to swim; you can get injured, since the powerful flow of water also carries stones with it.

Zelenogorye, Panagia tract and Arpat waterfalls

What you can see in the vicinity of Alushta. Few people know, but the small village of Zelenogorye is fraught with a number of attractions: there is the Panagia tract, the Arpatian waterfalls, Lake Panagia and much more.

The area is ideal for trekking and weekend hikes. There is a lot of greenery, beautiful nature and landscapes. The Panagia tract is surrounded on all sides by mountains, which is why this region is popularly nicknamed the Crimean Alps.

A marked tourist trail has been laid along the Panagia tract; along the way you will encounter small waterfalls, water cascades and baths (bath of youth, health and love).

Where is it located : the village of Zelenogorye, between Alushta and Sudak

How to get there: it’s convenient to get to Zelenogorye by private car from Alushta (65 km) or Sudak (30 km), you can park the car in the parking lot near the lake, and from there walk along the paths to the tract and to the waterfalls. You can also get to Zelenogorye through Belogorsk, but the road there is much worse and is only suitable for SUVs. If you don't have a car, you can book a tour to the waterfalls.

Recommendations : you will need comfortable shoes, because in addition to walking along the trail you will have to climb aerial bridges and hanging iron ladders.

Choban-Kule Tower

What to see in Alushta attractions. Choban-Kule or Chaban-Kale is a dilapidated, very ancient tower (the age of the structure is more than 600 years). It is located in a picturesque place, on the high Cape Agira and is an excellent viewing platform for the Crimean coast.

From here you can see the sea coast from Meganom to Ayu-Dag. Archaeologists say that in the Middle Ages there was a whole castle and fortress, residential buildings and a church, but only fragments of its former beauty have survived to this day.

Where it is located: between the villages of Privetnoye and Morskoye (on the Alushta-Sudak highway).

Museum of Disasters on the Waters

Website: water-disasters-museum.ru

In the village of Malorechenskoye, on the edge of the cape, there is the famous lighthouse temple of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It has the shape of a ship, the bow of which faces the sea.

Under the temple there is an unusual museum, the exhibition of which is dedicated to the most famous tragic incidents on the water, dead sailors and sunken ships. The interior and lighting of its halls are designed in such a way that it feels as if you yourself are under water. The museum is included in the memorial complex “In memory of those killed on the waters.” This museum is unique in its kind - there are no others like it in our country.

Bus station

This is not a landmark of Alushta, but simply the beginning of the route. We'll come back here at the end of the day. Address - Simferopolskaya st., 1.

After arriving in Alushta, you need to cross the road to the other side via an underground passage and go right along Gorky Street down towards the sea for 1 km. You will see a semicircle, on the left there will be a trolleybus station and behind it the Alushta Aquarium, on the right across the road is the Aquarelle Dolphinarium and the Crimea in Miniature Park.

Everything is nearby, on one “heel”.

Crimean Nature Reserve

Website: comcrimea.ru/park Address: Alushta, Partizanskaya st., 42.

The Crimean Nature Reserve is one of the largest in Crimea - its territory is more than 44 thousand hectares. The history of the reserve begins in 1913 - at first it was an imperial reserve, where hunting took place for bison, deer and mouflon specially brought here.

Today, the territory of the reserve is mountains and forests inhabited by rare species of animals and birds (badger, bustard, eagle owl) and overgrown with more than 1,200 species of plants, many of which are listed in the Red Book.

In the Crimean Nature Reserve there is also the highest point of the peninsula - Mount Roman-Kosh (1545 m), on which stands a beautiful snow-white gazebo. The views from this peak are fantastic.

"Animal Park" in Alushta

While visiting this attraction of Alushta, you can see many animals that are found in different parts of our planet. The zoo's pets are placed in accordance with the geography of their habitat in natural conditions. There are zones of Africa and Madagascar, Australia, Western Europe and India, South America. Visitors can watch playful monkeys, leisurely lemurs, fennec foxes with large ears, funny raccoons, graceful fallow deer and deer. There are exotic noses, porcupines and kangaroos. In total, the petting zoo is home to more than 50 species of animals. Some of them can be touched and fed.

Kosmo-Damianovsky Monastery

On the territory of the Crimean Nature Reserve there is also one of the main shrines of the peninsula - the Kosmo-Damianovsky Monastery, built in the 19th century. It got its name in honor of two saints who dedicated their lives to treating people.

Icons depicting Cosmas and Damian are kept within the walls of this active monastery, as well as the unique icon of the Mother of God from the holy Mount Athos. On the territory of the monastery there is the Savlukh-Su spring with healing water containing magnesium, manganese and silver.

Alushta is a small but rich city with attractions. Its natural beauty and architectural monuments, as well as many places for family recreation and cultural leisure, make Alushta popular among tourists who visit Crimea every year.

Story

The foundation of Alushta is considered to be the 6th century, when the Byzantine Emperor Justinian ordered the construction of the Aluston fortress here. After Byzantine rule, the settlement was part of the Khazar Khaganate and the small principality of Theodoro. In the late Middle Ages, the Genoese settled here.

Alushta

Then Alushta, like the entire southern coast of Crimea, was conquered by the Ottomans. At the end of the 18th century, the Crimean peninsula was annexed to the Russian Empire, and Alushta became the center of the volost. At the end of the 19th century, the settlement began to develop as a resort. In 1902, Alushta received city status.

Reviews from vacationers about the Central embankment of the city of Alushta

Alushta is famous not only for the beauty of its sea coast; other areas are also beautiful. Vacationers often note in their reviews the healing air, which is especially noticeable on the embankment. Many who have been here are trying to come here on vacation next year . If you look at the reviews about the embankment, many tourists note that it is especially beautiful in the evening, when the lighting and backlighting are turned on. They just write that the beaches are still a bit dirty, and the asphalt in many areas is old.

You can see what the Alushta embankment looks like in 2022 in this video review:

Alushta embankment in the Photo:

Gorky embankment in Evpatoria
Embankment in Koktebel
Black Sea embankment in Feodosia