Past and present merged together in the resort town of Feodosia. It conceals still unsolved secrets and attracts with its clean beaches and attractions. Many will say later - this is the city of dreams.
Photo of Feodosia:
Geography and climate
Feodosia is located in the southeast of the Crimean Peninsula on the gentle slopes of the Tepe-Oba mountain range. The city is located on the shores of the Black Sea bay of the same name and is surrounded by low mountains to the south and west. The climate of Feodosia is transitional between temperate continental and subtropical. It is characterized by hot, often dry summers and mild winters with rare frosts.
Feodosia at sunset
Transport connection
You can get here by several means of transport:
- firstly, by train (for example, there is a direct train from Moscow to Feodosia),
- secondly, get to Simferopol, and from there by bus or minibus, which run from the bus and railway stations,
- thirdly, across the Kerch Strait by ferry (you can use the ferry if you are traveling by bus from Krasnodar, Novorossiysk or Gelendzhik or traveling by car).
In Feodosia itself, transport is represented mainly by minibuses and cars; you can also use the services of taxi drivers.
- How to get to Feodosia from Simferopol
Story
Feodosia is one of the oldest cities in Crimea and the world. The settlement here was founded by the Milesian Greeks back in the 6th century BC. In the 4th century BC. Feodosia is part of the Bosporus Kingdom. After 8 centuries, the ancient city was destroyed by the Huns and fell into decay. In the 5th century AD the settlement came under the control of the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines controlled Feodosia almost until the 13th century. Then the settlement was subjugated by the Golden Horde.
The name of the city is translated from Greek as “given by God.”
In the 13th century, Theodosius was bought by Genoa. The Genoese built a fortress and a large trading port here, renaming the city Caffa. By the 15th century, Caffa's population surpassed even Constantinople.
Feodosia. Genoese fortress
In 1475, Feodosia was conquered by the Ottomans and renamed Küçük-Istanbul. The city was under the control of the Ottoman Empire for two centuries. At the end of the 18th century, Feodosia, like the whole of Crimea, became part of the Russian Empire.
In the 19th century, Feodosia was visited by Pushkin and Chekhov. The famous artist Ivan Aivazovsky also lived and worked here.
Housing
Feodosia, whose photos of the city and beaches mark its long coastline, has a large selection of housing near the sea.
Hotels
Most hotels and guest houses offer comfortable rooms, a private beach and maximum recreational amenities.
| Hotel | Standard/rub. per day | Lux/RUB per day | Service | Address |
| "Scarlet Sails" 4* | 5400/7220 | 12600/14340 | Private beach, rooftop restaurant, SPA center, gym | Aivazovsky, 47B |
| "Feodosia" 3* | 2390/3060 | 3250/12340 | Transfer, meals, SPA center, casino | Pushkina, 11 |
| "Lydia"3* | 3120/3150 | 5150/5420 | Meals, gym, sauna, indoor pool | Zemskaya, 13 |
| "Gulliver" | 1200/1700 | 3400 | Transfer, full board, golf course | Mayakovsky, 53 |
| "Cafe" | 1000/1200 | 1500/2000 | Parking, barbecue area | Listovnichey, 15 |
Recreation centers
For those who like to combine decent service and proximity to the sea, there are also recreation centers with full or partial amenities and boarding facilities.
| Recreation center | Guest room 2 | Guest room 3 | Service | Address |
| "Papaya" | 1600/2600 | 2000/3600 | Parking, barbecue, children's playground, full meals | Kerch highway, 70 |
| "Sail" | 1800/2500 | 2800/3000 | Parking, grill, excursions | Primorsky, Ozernaya, 7 |
| "Light" | 2300/2700 | 3000/4400 | Sauna, grill, cafe | Starshinova Boulevard, 1 |
| "Coronelli" | 800/1200 | 1400/2400 | Swimming pool, playground, barbecue | Beregovoe, Koronelli, 8 |
The cost of housing in the private sector depends on proximity to the center, size and condition of the apartment.
Attractions
Genoese fortress
Genoese fortress is one of the main attractions of Feodosia, built in 1343. It is interesting that this powerful fortification was built in just a few years. During its heyday, the fortress had 11-meter walls with a length of about 5 km, which were protected by three dozen towers.
To this day, the Kaffa fortress (compared to a similar building of the Genoese in Sudak) has not been preserved very well. The southern wall and several of its towers are best preserved.
One of the best-preserved towers of the fortress is the Tower of Clement, built in 1348 and named after the Pope of the same name. The tower has several tiers, loopholes and a battle platform at the top.
Tower of Constantine
The Tower of Constantine is considered one of the main symbols of Feodosia. It was built in the first half of the 14th century and named after the Byzantine emperor of the same name. The tower is made of limestone blocks and topped with stone battlements. The walls, whose thickness reaches 2 m, are equipped with loopholes.
Aivazovsky Fountain
The Aivazovsky Fountain is a structure in a traditional oriental style, built over a reservoir with drinking water. The famous artist donated a water source to the city and used his own funds to build a pipeline here.
Church of St. Sergius
Temple of St. Sergius (Surb Sarkis) is a medieval Armenian church built in 1330. This simple limestone building, decorated with khachkars (stone crosses), is one of the oldest buildings in Feodosia.
Dacha Stamboli
Stamboli's dacha is a striking Moorish-style structure built in the second decade of the 20th century.
St. Catherine's Church
The Church of St. Catherine is a monument of the Russian-Byzantine style of architecture, a temple with five domes built at the end of the 19th century.
Iversky Temple
The Iversky Temple was built in the 14th century, and maybe even earlier, being one of the most famous landmarks of Feodosia. Interestingly, the church consists of two parts: a simple square extension and an arched structure with columns, topped with a dome.
There is another ancient church in Feodosia, named after the archangels Michael and Gabriel. This building was built at the beginning of the 15th century. Fragments of frescoes and remains of old slabs have been preserved inside. A beautiful bell tower is attached to the building. Unfortunately, the ancient temple is closed to visitors and is in dilapidated condition.
Mufti-Jami
Mufti-Jami is a medieval mosque built in the first half of the 17th century. It is the only surviving structure of the Ottoman period in Feodosia. The building has a squat dome and a slender minaret.
Golden Gate
The Golden Gate is one of the most famous natural attractions of Crimea, located near the village of Koktebel. It is a rock made of yellow basalt, which protrudes 8 meters out of the water.
Kara-Dag
Kara-Dag is an ancient extinct volcano located near Feodosia.
Armenian fountain
The Armenian Fountain is a medieval structure at the foot of Mount Mithridates, built at the end of the 16th century.
Kazan Cathedral
Kazan Cathedral is the main temple of Feodosia. Built at the beginning of the 20th century in the Russian-Byzantine style and has a rich interior decoration.
Vvedenskaya Church
The Church of the Presentation was founded between the 8th and 9th centuries. Its current appearance does not correspond to the original one from the early Middle Ages.
Greene House Museum
Holiday options
Holidays with children mean visiting interesting places and plenty of entertainment. The resort has a dolphinarium, museums and art galleries, parks and easy walking routes.
Beaches
Feodosia, whose photo of the city and beaches attracts with the beauty of the coast and transport accessibility, is not for nothing a popular resort. The length of the coastline is 17 km, there are equipped and wild recreation areas.
List of beaches:
- City beach "Kameshki" located in the center, next to the Africa entertainment center. The place is famous for its combination of rolled pebbles and sandy floor bottom. The depth increases gradually, the relief of the bay protects the shore from high waves. There is a rental of umbrellas, sun loungers, sports equipment, there are changing cabins and fresh water showers. Visiting is free.
- The wide “Pearl” beach starts from the Black Sea embankment. The coastal sand is mixed with pieces of shells and glitters brightly in the sun. The entry into the water is gentle, the depth begins 15-20 m from the shore, so the place is popular with families with small children. The visit is free, equipment rental is available, and there are beach activities.
- Well maintained Sunrise beach is located at 117 km of the Kerch highway, can be reached by minibus No. 106. The coast is covered with soft sand, the shallow sea near the shore is safe for children. The area is equipped with water slides, trampolines, and an inflatable pool. Lifeguards are constantly on duty. Visits are free during the day; discos are held on the shore every evening.
- The wild beach “Peschanka” is located in the suburbs of Feodosia, the village of Primorsky. This is the most remote vacation spot; even in July there are few people here. Guests of Feodosia note that photos of the city and beaches do not convey the beauty of the long sandy coast. There is no infrastructure here; you need to take food and drinking water with you.
Leisure
Holidays on the seashore mean not only swimming and sunbathing; in the vicinity of Feodosia you can find active entertainment for every taste and age.
Active recreation options:
- Horseback riding along the paths of Mount Tepe-Oba is designed for guests with different experience levels. A popular route is to the top of the mountain with stops at two observation platforms. Experienced riders are offered a route through the mountains to the sea lasting 3 hours or swimming with horses in the lake. The group is accompanied by an instructor. Cost 800 rub. Conducted by KSK "Argamak", tel. +7 (982) 263-52-51.
- Lessons at windsurfing school “Wild Beach” will help you learn how to stand on a board and feel the power of the wind and sea. The bay has ideal conditions: there are no undercurrents, no hidden rocks, and the wind always blows. Programs have been developed for individual and group training, and equipment rental is available. Instructors have more than 5 years of coaching experience. Address; Feodosia-Kerch highway, 123 km, telephone for inquiries. Website: Surfcrimea_ru.
- The summer base of the diving center conducts dives in the bays of the Karadag Nature Reserve. The closest object is the motor ship Jean Jaurès, which sank in 1942 and remains at a depth of 16 m. You can choose an introductory dive or diving courses with subsequent issuance of a submariner’s certificate. The cost of a trial dive is 1,600 rubles, a five-day training course is 20,000 rubles, the minimum age is 10 years. The center is located at: Kerch highway, 70D.
The resort's excursion agencies offer guests ATV tours, mountain hiking, hot air balloon and paragliding flights.
Nightlife
As evening approaches, the city streets come alive: the Light and Musical Fountain turns on, live music plays in beach cafes, and a motor ship departs for a night cruise on the sea. The city has entertainment for every taste and age, from youth parties to 80s-style disco.
Nightlife options:
- Beach Club 117 operates in the suburbs of Feodosia, on the sand of Golden Beach. It features a stylish interior with oriental motifs, techno-trance parties, animation programs and themed discos. Address: 117th km of the Simferopol-Kerch highway.
- Fans of club music will appreciate the vibrant parties at the Arcadia summer club. The interior is made in antique style, dance music of all styles and directions is played. Every evening there are animators, guest DJs perform, and striptease shows on weekends. Located in the city center: Galereynaya St. 1/Aivazovsky Ave., 13.
- The Baron club hosts retro music parties every Thursday, and on other days there are erotic shows with the participation of visitors. The highlight of the club is the 22 m long bar counter and the red convertible flying above the entrance. Address: Aivazovsky Avenue, 17a.
Interesting museums of Feodosia:
- The Museum of Antiquities is one of the oldest museums in Europe, founded in the early 19th century. Its collections span the period from Antiquity to the 20th century.
- House-museum of the famous writer A. Green, in which he lived from 1924 to 1929.
- Museum of Money - interesting collections of ancient coins and modern banknotes.
- The Aivazovsky Gallery is a magnificent art gallery that includes more than 10 thousand paintings of marine themes, including several dozen works by the legendary master.
Where to eat
The cuisine of coastal cities is distinguished by an abundance of fresh fish, seafood and vegetables.
Many restaurants have open summer areas right on the coast:
- The Ai-Petri restaurant is famous for its combination of European and Oriental cuisine, fish delicacies and surprises from the chef. Check for dinner 900-1700 rubles. Address: Beregovoe, st. Primorskaya, 53.
- Restaurant "Golden Fleece" known for its original recipes for fish and meat dishes, savory soups and salads. A summer terrace, veranda and two main halls are open to guests. Open all year round, from 10:00 to 02:00. Address: st. General Gorbachev, 5.
- The menu of the bar-restaurant "Veles" on the street. Chkalova, 113B, dishes according to long-forgotten recipes of Eastern and Russian cuisine. Average bill from 1000 rub.
- Cafe "Old Town" offers a large selection of sushi, rolls, several types of pizza and pancakes with hearty fillings. Located: st. Haberdashery, 9. Average bill 1000-1300 rubles.
- At the Yellow Fish cafe, on the Black Sea embankment, guests will be served skillfully prepared fish from the morning catch. Bill from 400 to 800 rubles. for dinner.
- The “At Home” dining room is open all year round from 9:00 to 20:00. European and Russian cuisine, bill from 200 rubles. Address: Aivazovsky Ave., 9.
Recreation on lakes and rivers in the vicinity of Feodosia (fishing, therapeutic mud)
For those holidaymakers who want new impressions and emotions, I can suggest that instead of the sea, go to a lake with healing mud. In Feodosia it is Adzhigol, located in the outskirts of the city, near the village of Primorsky. A small, shallow estuary reservoir is rich in mud, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the body.
Lake Adzhigol, Feodosia
According to scientists, the mud of Lake Adzhigol may well compete with the Saki mud. Many tourists, despite some pollution of the lake, independently use the mud to treat diseases of the skin and other organs and systems.
You can have a good time on the rivers of Feodosia, especially for those who prefer to sit on the banks with a fishing rod. At the mouth of the Baibuga River at the end of August, pelengas are caught using worms. In general, the best time for fishing is spring and early autumn. An excellent period, you can fish in the open sea, and near some beaches, in quiet bays.
Water parks
There are no water parks in the city itself, but after spending a little time on the trip you can visit one of the best water amusement parks in Crimea - Koktebel. On the southern coast, it is considered the largest. A huge number of slides for adults and children, swimming pools, and hot tubs provide an opportunity to have fun with the whole family.
Waterpark Koktebel
Particularly popular is the “Family Rafting” attraction, in which the descent from the slide takes place on a raft. There are also shops, lockers, a medical center, showers, locker rooms and toilets on the territory. The prices are quite reasonable, an adult ticket for the whole day is 1200 rubles.
All water parks of Crimea are here
