Feodosia is a cozy resort town on the eastern coast of Crimea with a one and a half kilometer pebble beach. Feodosia has a beautiful embankment, there is where to walk and what to see. Holidays in Feodosia can be called inexpensive compared to other beaches in Crimea. We tell you from our experience how to go to Feodosia on your own, where to live, what interesting sights to see in the city, where to swim, what are the prices for food in cafes and canteens.
Where to stay in Feodosia
You can stay in any area along the embankment. There will be a better location between Aivazovsky Avenue and Fedko Street. In Feodosia, everything is developed along the sea. Just choose a hotel closer to the sea. Here are good options:
- Grand Astoria
- New World in Feodosia
- Hotel Lydia
- Hotel Alye Parusa
We lived at the New World hotel. A modern room with a balcony, air conditioning, hot water and internet was rented for 2,500 rubles. The beach is 5-7 minutes walk. Our accommodation is described in detail here.
When is the best time to go?
The climate of Feodosia is Mediterranean. The air temperature from mid-July to August is +30°C and slightly higher. In cold months - from -5°C to +15°C. The beach season lasts from mid-May to October. Parents with small children and older tourists love to come to Feodosia in September to enjoy the delights of the velvet season.
GFO: “We vacationed in August. The summer was cool, so the sea at the beginning of our vacation was a little cold, but after August 15 it was like fresh milk. I talked to those who vacation there all the time: the cool sea at this time is nonsense, it was always warm.”
- Holidays in Crimea in summer
- When is the best time to vacation in Crimea?
Beaches of Feodosia
When approaching the beach you immediately feel the “smell of the sea”. The same smell that we all remember and love from childhood. The water is blue from a distance. Near the shore it is transparent in good weather, but if there are waves, it can be cloudy.
The beach is pebble, not sand. It’s called “Kameshki Beach”. We advise you to immediately buy swimming shoes so as not to suffer when entering the water. Walking barefoot on stones is painful, especially if you are not used to it.
The beach is separated from the city by railway. This does not cause any inconvenience. Trains run very rarely now. But the composition passes through a couple of times a day. Be careful when crossing.
The beach is clean. There is also no garbage in the sea. All tourists carefully throw candy wrappers into trash bins; no one leaves garbage on the shore. The clean beach really surprised us, because on the Internet they write only horror stories about Crimea. But in reality it turned out that now everything has changed for the better. At least along the coastline in the city, cleanliness is definitely maintained.
The long shore is divided by breakwaters. There are sun loungers for 100 rubles per hour or 300 rubles per day. There are also large umbrellas under which you can spread your towel for free. Most tourists sunbathe on the rocks all day so as not to spend extra money on sun loungers. This is not prohibited. You are also allowed to bring your own umbrella.
There are changing rooms and lifeguard towers on the beach. But there is still a lot of tension with the toilets. Toilets are very few and far between. In Russia, in principle, there is tension with public toilets, and Crimea was no exception. Toilets are paid and usually cost 15-20 rubles. If you still can’t find the nearest one, then you can ask to go to the canteen; sometimes they even let you in for free, they’re kind people. There are also no fresh water showers on the beach.
Watch the video
Watch our short video to see what the current situation is like on city beaches:
Is it possible to swim in Feodosia
Entry into the sea is smooth. The depth is not immediate. Convenient to swim with children. Waves during the season are usually minimal or non-existent. The water is clear, the bottom is visible, but mainly only near the shore.
It is not recommended to swim at the very beginning of the beach near the Aivazovsky Gallery. There a stinking river flows into the sea. And close to the port.
We found a time when a lot of algae washed ashore. They give off a smell and the water in such a place is slimy. So far, algae have only been found in Feodosia.
It is better to swim approximately in the center of the beach, in the area of the sanatorium of the Ministry of Defense (General Gorbachev Street). On the map there is a point “First City Beach”.
Country beaches or sandy beach in Feodosia
There are also sandy beaches in Feodosia. Golden Sand Beach is located a couple of kilometers east of the city towards the village of Beregovoe. You can get there by public transport on bus No. 4 for 17 rubles (sometimes they ask for 23 rubles).
Read more about this beach in our review.
Embankment
A wide promenade stretches along the entire beach. It's nice to walk near the sea with beautiful views or sit on a bench. The promenade has been completely landscaped. Benches, small park areas, a square with a fountain. The embankment in Feodosia is a crowded place for tourists both during the day and in the evening.
Several busy streets branch off from the embankment, with many cafes and restaurants, kebabs and pasties are fried everywhere, music plays, souvenirs and delicious ice cream are sold. We liked it here.
Parallel to the embankment runs a kind of second embankment, separated from the main railway. Evening walk with a view of the strange dachas-palaces on the shore.
"Bounty"
The second part of “City Beach No. 2” was called “Bounty,” although, of course, this is an exaggeration. Don't expect heavenly solitude and a landscape with palm trees here. But excellent fine sand, a very wide coastline, a gentle slope into the water, in general, everything that the beaches of Feodosia can be proud of, reviews of which cause envy among vacationers, is present here. “Bounty” is good because it has not only a comfortable shore, but also a pleasant-to-the-touch seabed, without large stones and algae. Cleanliness and long shallow waters make this beach an excellent place for families with children. But other vacationers are also provided with a full range of services. At the water entertainment bureau you can book a boat, scooter or banana boat ride. For those who want to combine business with pleasure, there are “massage tents” on the beach, decorated in the form of Caribbean dwellings, which is reminiscent of Bounty Island.
What to see in Feodosia in 1 day
All excursions take you to different parts of Crimea. There are few attractions in the city itself. Here are the most significant of them:
- Aivazovsky Gallery . An exhibition of paintings by a famous artist is located on the central embankment right by the sea. Entrance costs 200 rubles for adults. Crimeans are now arguing whether the originals of Aivazovsky’s works are still in this gallery or whether they were sent to Moscow and copies were hung here. What do you think about this?
- Genoese fortress . A small fortress in the west of the city, more modest than Sudak, but also interesting to see. The entrance is free. More details
- Ancient houses - dacha Stamboli and Milos , which are located on Aivazovsky Avenue (understudy of the embankment)
- Alexander Green Museum
- Feodosia Museum of Local Lore
- Aivazovsky Fountain
- Fountain to the Good Genius
- Take a walk in parks and squares. In each such park you will find monuments to famous people of Feodosia and all of Russia
- St. Catherine's Church
- Mufti-Jami Mosque
- Take your children to the Nemo Dolphinarium. Shows are held every day at 12, 15 and 18 o'clock.
- Relax on the sandy beaches in Beregovoe (“beach 117″)
- Take a walk along Galereynaya Street, take a photo with the “Couple under an Umbrella” fountain and the “Brigantine” ship on the wall.
City swimming spots
Among them there are sandy, pebble, and mixed options, where the coastal strip is covered with small pebbles, and the bottom is lined with the finest sand. Sometimes it is difficult to determine clear boundaries of zones. Having started a walk along one, you can unnoticed end up on another.
Central or Kameshki
It is called artificial because initially the rounded multi-colored pebbles were imported crushed stone. Over time, the waves lovingly leveled them, smoothed out the sharp corners and the place became one of the most popular for family holidays. Its territory reaches the edge of the city port. During the season, you have to come early to get a place closer to the water. When the coastal part was cleared, large boulders were removed, but at shallow depths there are still boulders and you need to be careful when entering from the shore.
It is very convenient to combine relaxing on the beach and exploring local attractions. There are light and music fountains nearby, and open-air concerts are held on the embankment.
The infrastructure here is at a good level. Entrance is free, but you will have to pay for additional comfort in the form of umbrellas and sun loungers. Those who are not used to walking barefoot will need flip-flops, as the pebbles are a bit large.
For entertainment, water attractions, paragliding, and a visit to the Africa entertainment complex are offered. Nearby there is a network of small cafes where you can have a snack or a hearty lunch.
First city
It is adjacent to Central, adjoining it on the north side. In Feodosia there are few beaches with sand; pebble or artificial strips are more common. Due to the long shallow waters, quick warming of the water, convenient location and earlier swimming season, this part of the coast has a second name - Children's. It was the first in line for improvement, and now it is comfortable and safe to relax on it. The sea is clear, well heated, the surroundings are clean, there are changing cabins and fountains for drinking. A symbolic entrance fee guarantees the absence of noise and disorder seekers; the funds collected allow you to use the facilities on site for free.
There is a lot of entertainment, the main one is gaming. There are several attractions, including banana and cheesecake rides. In the evening, children are replaced by young people, gathering for exciting themed parties.
Suvorin stones
The recreation area is located near Komsomolsky Park, bordering the Cote d'Azur. It has a calm environment. The narrow and long strip is covered with large pebbles, which is not comfortable to walk on without shoes. Photos of this part of the coast of Feodosia often appear on advertising brochures of travel companies, as an illustration of the beauty of the surrounding nature and escape from the noise and stress of the big city.
There are indeed huge flat boulders here, as if scattered by the hand of a giant. Many of them are chosen by vacationers as convenient sunbathing areas.
Nearby there is a seasonal restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine and a rich fish menu, and there is a full range of traditional resort entertainment, including attractions.
Cote d'Azur
The best option for those who come to Feodosia to see the sea, the beach and taste a real southern holiday. It is magnificent in its combination of cleanliness and comfort; the sand coating is complemented by small shell rock and small inclusions of pebbles. Admission is free, after 23.00 the area is closed for cleaning. An interesting solution was found to increase space. A concrete parapet under cozy awnings was erected over the sandy strip. It turned out to be 2 levels, where it is convenient for all vacationers, even at the height of the season. The strict smoking ban adds to its popularity.
Infrastructure and entertainment are presented:
- changing cabins;
- toilets;
- storage rooms;
- beach shops;
- cafe;
- rental of sports equipment;
- attractions.
Pearl
It has always been popular, at first it was called the Second City, then the name was changed to a more poetic one.
What excursions in Feodosia
There is nothing particularly interesting in the city itself, so all excursions take you to other cities of Crimea, from Koktebel to Sevastopol. In eastern Crimea they offer only the city of Kerch and a walk along the Crimean Bridge by bus and by sea.
Other excursions take you to the Southern Coast of Crimea (SC). It’s quite possible to see all the main attractions of Crimea.
It is now customary not to indicate prices for excursions; everything needs to be clarified with the sellers. Also, the price does not include entrance tickets anywhere. For example, an excursion to Taigan Park from Feodosia costs 800 rubles. There is an additional entrance fee of 1000 rubles. And so on all routes.
Here is a photo of a random excursion brochure. As always, there are no prices, but you can at least get an idea of where to go.
Capes
Not far from Feodosia there is one of the most popular hills of this region - Cape Ilya. The unique area amazes anyone with its beauty. The cape looks especially impressive from the sea. Its main decoration is the lighthouse. While walking through the hilly terrain, you can see unique monuments of the Second World War - German pillboxes.
Cape Ilya and Ilyinsky Lighthouse
Cape Chameleon is located in Koktebel, not far from Feodosia. Its main feature is the change in appearance. At one time he seems so cute, at another - threatening. An optical illusion causes bright images. Depending on the lighting, Cape Chameleon can be green, purple or even pink.
Cape Chameleon
Cape Chauda is a geological natural monument that adorns the eastern part of the Feodosia Bay. On a small hill (height from 15 to 30 m) you can see many rare plants, including orchids and two-flowered tulips, listed in the Red Book.
Where to eat in Feodosia
There are no problems with food. There are plenty of different cafes and canteens along the embankment. Prices are approximately the same everywhere. Moreover, canteens are no cheaper than cafes. Our average bill for two is about 1000 rubles ($15) for 2 dishes, 2 side dishes and drinks, no salads, no soup and no dessert.
We ate a couple of times at the Home-style Dining Room. Not cheap. Meat, fish steak, potatoes and beer with questionable coffee came out to 1070 rubles.
We also had lunch at one of the restaurants on Gorbachev Street near the sea. Delicious shish kebab, two servings of potatoes, eggplants with cheese and beer with juice cost 900 rubles. At the same time, this cafe is practically on the first line. In canteens, food can be even more expensive than in cafes
Reviews for Feodosia
We didn’t even expect that we would like Feo so much. Clean, cozy and green resort town. Excellent wide embankment. And a bunch of other places to take a walk. We traveled a lot in Asian countries and there we really missed such space and places for walking.
Feo is full of life. Already in June there are crowds of tourists on the embankment, ice cream and souvenirs are sold everywhere. The aromas of barbecue, sea and cypress trees are in the air. Feodosia combines both a city and a beach holiday. It's very developed here.
Despite the huge number of vacationers, there is so much space that there is no feeling of a crowd. We like such lively cities, because people create that very atmosphere of relaxation and resort mood.
Walking around the city, you feel like you are back in childhood. Time travel to the Soviet past. It seems to me that for people born before 1990 this will be a plus. The rest will say "scoop"
The beach is huge and clean, the water in the sea is clean. I've read a lot of horror stories on the Internet about all sorts of sewer drains and garbage dumps. There's definitely no trash. And if something is drained, it is in the port area. And where are the beaches these days where things are not drained? A stinking river was spotted on the right side of the beach. Perhaps everyone considers it a sewer. In other countries, there are also such stinking rivers on the beaches.
There is public transport. Travel around the city costs 17 rubles. The buses are small and cramped - Ukrainian Bogdans and our PAZikis. Of course, without air conditioning. But you can travel around the city and surrounding area on a budget.
Disadvantages of holidays in Feodosia
- It is not convenient to get from the airport on your own. It’s a long ride in a stuffy and cramped bus without air conditioning (2-3 hours). Therefore, we highly recommend that you take a taxi.
- The beach is stone. Walking barefoot is painful (buy coral slippers, don’t skimp on the essentials).
- There are no mountains and beautiful views, like in other resorts of the South Coast
- Hotels are expensive, but the quality rarely matches the price.
- Food prices are the same as in Moscow. Although, on the other hand, this is a resort, and prices are higher all over the world near the sea.
"Pebbles"
Feodosia, whose city beach was created back in the 19th century, is often associated with pebble shores. The main beach of the city, nicknamed “Pebbles,” has exactly this kind of coverage. It stretches for 1 km and has a width of 30-40 m. The entrance to the water here is long and smooth, the beach has everything you need for relaxation. The convenient location within the city limits means that there are a lot of people here on summer days; you won’t find any secluded relaxation here. But the beach has excellent infrastructure in the form of cafes, clubs, and an amusement park. People relax here until late at night, watching the sunset at the tables of coastal restaurants.
