Obviously, a holidaymaker is usually not limited to just one beach holiday. Whether in Crimea, Krasnodar Territory, Turkey or Europe, the soul asks for something that can give new and unusual sensations. Sea, sun, water attractions - it's wonderful! But on the 3-4th day the monotonous variety begins to get boring. And the jaded gaze inevitably begins to look for entertainment that is not so obvious.
Fortunately, there are no problems with having fun and memorable leisure time on the South Coast. On the contrary, there is a different kind of inconvenience: how to see all the sights during a standard two-week vacation.
Leisure
Rock climbing
For those who like to have an active holiday and try something new, Yalta provides the opportunity to take a course of rock climbing lessons and make the first ascent with experienced instructors. Lessons are held in Oreanda on the Alima rock. You can read more details here.
The cost of the first lesson is 1,190 rubles, the full seven-day course is 21,000 rubles.
Paragliding
Lovers of heights can discover new places in Crimea from above. The Paraplanix club organizes group and individual paragliding flights.
Despite the fact that the club itself is based in Simferopol, some flights are carried out near Yalta . The most interesting and suitable routes for these purposes are the peaks of Ai-Petri, Demerdzhi and the Valley of Ghosts located near Yalta.
The programs are designed for people with different levels of training. The club has several programs and a large number of routes in its arsenal. Official website of the club.
The cost of the “Light” program is 3000 rubles. from 15 minutes, the most intense program with a breathtaking view of Yalta - 8000 rubles. in 40 minutes.
Golf
Guests of Yalta have the opportunity to spend time playing golf in a pleasant atmosphere in the fresh air, not far from the Uchan-Su waterfall. The training center of the Yalta golf club provides excellent conditions for quality recreation, providing a large selection of professional equipment.
The complex has a mini-hotel, a bathhouse, and a restaurant.
Address: Yalta, Vinogradnoe village, Bakhchisarai highway, 9v.
Group excursions
Group excursions in Yalta are trips on buses with other tourists or walks in groups of 5-20 people. This is exactly how most tourists imagine walks and trips with a guide. There will also be other travelers with you, but the cost per person will be minimal (it’s cheaper to just walk on your own).
For example, for 650 ₽ you can go on a sightseeing tour of Yalta, lasting 2 hours, and for 1,500 ₽ you can visit the palace complex of the Southern Coast of Crimea (6 hours). In spring and summer, “health” excursions with trekking in the mountains are popular. For 1200 ₽ you can climb to a height of 1234 meters on Mount Ai-Petri with an experienced guide, and for 2000 ₽ you can visit scenic routes, including the Temiar River bed, Diana’s font and the Iograph ridge.
If you are traveling alone, then group walks are the best option in terms of price-quality ratio, and if you are traveling with a group, then it would be more profitable to consider individual excursions in Yalta.
Fitness clubs
"Fort Prestige"
The largest fitness club in Yalta offers its guests a gym with modern equipment, a cardio studio, a fitness bar, a SPA area with a massage room, a sauna, and a solarium. Both personal and small group training are provided: strength, dance, aerobic, yoga. You can read more about subscriptions and training here.
"Saigon"
Fitness club "Saigon" equipped with the latest professional equipment, the club is located at Yalta, park named after. Gagarina, 4.
The club includes 2 halls for classes in different areas: fitness, aerobics, as well as oriental dancing and Pilates. One of the features of the club is the picturesque view of the city from the panoramic windows. Official website of the club.
The cost of one visit is from 250 rubles, a subscription for 8 classes - 1800 rubles, for 12 visits - 2400 rubles.
BULLDOG GYM
The BULLDOG GYM gym, with an area of 500 sq.m., is located on the territory of the Prestige Hotel at the address Yalta, st. Dzherzhinsky, 17.
The cost of a one-time personal training is 250 rubles, a monthly subscription is 1000 rubles.
Where to go with the whole family
When coming on a family vacation, you need to decide in advance what to visit in Yalta with children, where to go and what to see. We advise you to show your child the following places.
"Aquatorium" dolphinarium
The pool is located in the village. Vinogradnoye, near the Livadia Palace. You will be able to attend an exciting show, accompanied by a musical performance, in which dolphins, beluga whales and fur seals take part.
Yalta Zoo with an aquarium
You need to go here for the whole day. A vast territory with an abundance of terraces and natural views, equipped with spacious enclosures housing more than 1,000 fauna.
Space Museum
This place was repeatedly visited by politicians, astronauts and pilots. It was their concern for children and the future that prompted the organization of an astronautics exhibition here, the founder of which was Yuri Gagarin himself. The exhibits are located on the site of the famous children's camp "Artek".
Water park "Atlantis"
The water park was built near the sea. Its design will undoubtedly delight the little members of the family - destroyed cities are imitated on the territory and statues of ancient heroes are installed. An exciting rendezvous awaits you on slides of varying heights and complexity. There is entertainment here for lovers of a relaxing holiday and true extreme sports enthusiasts.
Yoga
Studio "Space"
Yoga studio “Space” is focused on individual and group training in hatha yoga, yoga in hammocks. Classes are held for children.
The cost of one lesson in hatha yoga is 250 rubles, eight - 1600 rubles, twelve - 2200 rubles, one lesson in hammock yoga - 300, eight - 2200, twelve - 3200 rubles.
Address: Yalta, st. Chekhova, 26, official website.
Yoga Yard Meditation Studio
The Yoga Yard meditation studio offers classes in various areas: hatha yoga, yoga nidra, yoga sound, as well as master classes, relaxation art, and musical evenings.
The cost of a one-time lesson is 200 rubles, a subscription for 8 lessons is 1200 rubles.
Address: Yalta, Chernomorsky lane, 6, official website of the studio.
Yoga House Studio
The Yoga House studio conducts classes in the following areas: yoga in hammocks, hatha yoga, yoni yoga, yoga for pregnant women, for children, for beginners.
The cost of a trial lesson is 1 dollar, a one-time lesson is 300 rubles, an individual hourly lesson is 1200 rubles. a subscription for 8 classes costs 2190 rubles, for 12 – 2990 rubles.
Address: Yalta, st. Kirova, 39, official website of the studio.
Beaches and sea
In Yalta, there are pebble beaches with a sharp increase in depth. This has a positive effect on the cleanliness of the water, but a negative effect on those who cannot swim. Be careful with children!
Almost all beaches are city, public, with free entry. The most “densely populated” beaches in summer are Primorsky and Massandra beaches. The first one has not changed much over the past 20 years: the same scattered cafes, stalls, old-school sun loungers and changing cabins.
But Massandra beach has been greatly transformed: sectors, retail outlets, cafes and restaurants are made in the same style, everything is clean and beautiful. There are three VIP zones (Corona, Havana and Grand-M beach), where you can rent sun loungers for 300-500 rubles per day. There are also bungalows for 500 rubles per hour. Gastronomic festivals are often held on the territory of Massandra Beach.
A beach holiday can also be organized on a couple of land plots on the embankment, but the water there is much dirtier (bay + boats), and it’s somehow awkward to sunbathe in a swimsuit in the middle of the city.
Beach hotels in Yalta >>
Diving
There are few interesting diving spots in the vicinity of Yalta. In order to see the most breathtaking underwater landscapes, you should choose Sevastopol, Balaklava, Cape Tarkhankut, Sudak and Novy Svet.
However, there are organizations in Yalta that provide such services.
Dive
Dive offers various options for programs and training courses: both an introductory dive for beginners and programs for experienced divers.
Cost – from 2500 rub.
Address: Yalta, Morskoy Descent, 5, beach at the Donbass boarding house, official website.
Flybro company
) offers individual and group dives (up to 3 people) to a depth of up to 8 meters with an experienced instructor. It is possible to conduct underwater video shooting (600 rubles).
The cost of the service is 3000 rubles. in 90 minutes.
Address: Yalta, town. Kurpaty, Alupkinskoe highway, 12a, Palmira Palace hotel, official website.
Individual excursions
Individual excursions in Yalta are private walks and trips with a guide who will work only for you and your company. At first glance it may seem that it is much more expensive, but do not rush to give up. Individual excursions are paid for the work of the guide (fixed cost), and not for the number of people, this is their difference from group excursions.
If you are traveling in a group of several people, then the cost per person will be the same as taking a group excursion. And in terms of comfort and level of service, individual excursions are much higher. You can ask questions, adjust routes, and tailor the walk to best suit your interests. So if you are traveling with a group of 3-5 people, then such excursions are much more profitable.
For example, an individual tour of Yalta for 1–7 people (children included) for 3 hours costs 3,500 rubles. You will see the historical and modern side of the city, and you will be able to ask any questions to your local guide. For 2550 ₽ you can take an individual tour of Yalta - a familiar stranger for 1-4 people. Next, it’s easy to calculate how much such walks will cost for everyone. There are a lot of options for individual excursions - from Resort Alupka, Livadia Palace and Swallow's Nest Castle to trekking to the top of Ilyas-Kaya and to the Temple of the Sun.
Fishing in the sea
Flybro (Art-Line LLC) also provides services for organizing one of the most popular types of recreation in Crimea - exciting and exciting sea fishing. Fishermen off the coast of Yalta can expect a good catch: haddock, horse mackerel, katran, fox fish, stingray.
Cost: 1500 rub. – for 180 minutes for 1 person, 12,000 rubles. – in 180 min. for 10 people.
Boat trips, fishing and picnics on the open sea on the Simeiz boat are organized by Sky Travel LLC . Vacationers have a cabin, fishing gear, barbecue, stove, and dishes at their disposal. There is a flexible system of discounts.
Address: Yalta, st. Lenina, 1 – Embankment.
What to see in Yalta
The Ai-Petri plateau, dominating this part of the Crimean coast, and the famous battlements at an altitude of 1253 meters are the most famous attractions of the region. Few who have been to the South Coast have never climbed this mountain peak. Moreover, this is relatively easy to do.
The cable car from Miskhor - its cheerful yellow cabins rush at a low altitude above the Yalta Highway - is the most convenient option to go up. The price (400 RUB in 2022) is a bit steep. But this is a vacation at sea - who counts money during it?
They climb Ai-Petri along the highway, the most serpentine in Crimea. Or on foot: along one of the trails. The last option is also suitable for children over 7 years old.
The Nikitsky Botanical Garden in the tiny village of Nikita is another significant attraction of Yalta. Open all year round, it has the largest collection of plants throughout Russia.
Seasonal events are especially interesting: the tulip parade in April, and the chrysanthemum ball in October-November. The main ticket costs 300 RUB.
If you are vacationing without children or with children over 14 years old, it makes sense to take part in a winery tour. During it, visitors will learn about how wine is made and aged. They will see the local collection of alcohol, one of the largest and most expensive in the world.
Only those over 18 years of age will be allowed to demonstrate the products. The cost of the excursion is 300 RUB, tasting - 450. Individual tours are also available: massandra.su/degustaciya.html)
Buildings and museums
The Swallow's Nest is a famous emblem of Crimea. Few who have visited the peninsula would not deign to visit the tiny palace nestled on the Aurora rock. The place is atmospheric, the view from the observation deck on the terrace, however, is not so “strong”. By the way, many scenes of the cult Soviet film “Ten Little Indians” were filmed at Cape Ai-Todor.
Entrance to the territory is free; visiting the palace will cost 50-250 RUB. From the nearest parking lot on the highway it is almost a kilometer walk to the place. You can arrive by boat (there is a pier below) and explore it as part of an organized excursion from Yalta.
The Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky is not the most famous landmark of Yalta. That is why we recommend seeing with your own eyes this luxurious building, designed in the old Russian style. The temple was erected at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, that is, during the peak period of the main resort of Crimea. Entrance inside is, of course, free.
The Chekhov House-Museum with a small garden around it captivates with its special atmosphere. Every second visitor “complains” that he felt a special uplift after visiting this amazing place. It is not surprising that plays that make up the glory of Russian drama were created here: “Three Sisters”, “The Cherry Orchard”, “The Lady with the Dog”. The visit costs only 200 RUB, and this amount includes a tour with a museum worker: yalta-museum.ru.
Palaces of the South Bank
A lot of them! But not all are open to the public. But what kind!
Livadia Palace with a park. The former residence of the last Emperor of Russia and his family, where they spent a couple of autumn months every year. The luxurious-looking white building, which has fully preserved the original appearance of the early 20th century and a number of historical interiors, is loved by tourists. So much so that excursions with museum guides fly through the halls like a meteor, leaving only fragmentary memories in the memory.
The entrance ticket will cost 400 RUB, children are admitted free of charge.
Vorontsov Palace with a park. Located in Alupka, a separate resort that is part of Greater Yalta. The appearance of the estate, which belonged to the Vorontsov counts, is definitely enchanting. A relatively small number of visitors and perfectly preserved interiors from the first third of the 19th century are the hallmarks of the palazzo.
The cost of visiting for adults starts from 350 rubles per adult. A single ticket for all exhibitions costs 830! Website: worontsovpalace.org.
The Massandra Palace in the style of a French chateau is extremely photogenic. But, as they say, it doesn’t have the best aura: it’s not for nothing that none of the owners lived in it. The residence has been turned into a museum and furnished in accordance with the tastes of the early 20th century. A ticket will cost 350-500 RUB.
The Yusupov Palace is under the jurisdiction of the Presidential Administration and has been turned into a luxury hotel - only guests and organized tourist groups are allowed into the territory. The former grand ducal villa “Dulber” in Koreiz is today occupied by a sanatorium of the same name.
Shopping
According to many tourists, shopping in Yalta is an expensive pleasure . Prices here are high and aimed at visitors. The city's shopping centers offer a wide range of services for shopping and recreation.
Trade
The trade and office center is located at Yalta, st. Kyiv, 24B. There is a large assortment of branded and casual clothing, in particular: “Venta”, “TVOE”, “Collezione”.
Shopping center "Confetti"
In one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers, fashion boutiques are presented, including Popilov, Only Italy, Just Lady, AZZA Enrico Cerini, Marine Pool, Respect , cosmetics and perfumes - L'Etoile.
The shopping center also has a food supermarket, a fitness club, a children's entertainment center, a motel and a food court.
Address: Yalta, st. Bolsheviskaya, 10.
Trade
The Moscow shopping center offers a huge selection of goods, including outerwear, shoes, and bags. The boutiques offer jewelry, children's products, perfumes and cosmetics.
Address: Yalta, Moskovskaya st., 3.
Districts of Yalta
Note: there is Yalta (city), and there is Big Yalta - this is the territory from Foros to Krasnokamenka, which includes Yalta-city.
I'll tell you about the first one. Yalta is a small city, without traffic jams you can drive through it in 30 minutes. When choosing where to live, look at the distance from the sea and the topography. There are a lot of climbs in the city, and a short distance from home to the beach does not guarantee an easy path, especially if you are with children and strollers.
Many tourist sources write that there is an old Yalta with rickety houses and a new one with modern buildings. In fact, everything here is mixed: dilapidated buildings and new high-rise buildings, there are also residential areas.
If you are traveling on your own and planning to rent an apartment, here are my 2 tips:
- Look for housing on Sutochno.ru (here Yalta residents rent out their rooms, apartments, studios)
- Take a closer look at the following areas:
— Gogol Street (from Pionersky Park to the embankment). Quiet, flat area, near Pushkinskaya Alley.
— Kirova Street (from the embankment to the Institute of Grapes and Wine). 10-15 minutes to the sea, tiny Yalta courtyards, stone houses of the 19th century.
— Drazhinsky Street (above Massandra Beach). 5-10 minutes to the sea, a large selection of housing: from granny's rooms to luxury hotels. But it’s very narrow here, the houses are right next to each other.
— Kyiv and Moskovskaya streets (run from the bus station to the embankment). Quiet flat areas 10-15 minutes from the center, there are markets.
— Massandra and Livadia. Urban-type settlements, but in reality these are already districts of Yalta. Can be reached in 20 minutes from the center. I love them for the tranquility and lack of crowds during the season. Of the minuses: it’s a 20-30 minute walk to the sea (and it’s also uphill to get back), there are few cafes and shops. But there are palaces and forest paths!
— Otradnoe. If the prices for a holiday in Yalta by the sea are steep, you can stay in this beach town, it’s only 5 minutes from the city by car.
Cinemas
"Oreanda"
The Oreanda cinema is located near the Primorsky Park in a hotel building. The comfortable hall seats 160 spectators.
Ticket prices start from 150 rubles.
Address: Yalta, Embankment named after. Lenina, 35/2.
"Saturn IMAX"
The modern cinema complex is located in the very center of the city and has the only IMAX hall in Crimea with a widescreen curved screen, the height of a five-story building, as well as halls for showing 2D and 3D films. The 3 cinema halls of the complex can accommodate more than 700 spectators.
Ticket prices start from 150 rubles.
Address: Yalta, st. Kievskaya, 4. Official website of the cinema.
"Devil's Staircase"
Another excursion from Yalta in 2022 - to the Baydar Valley, Karadag Forest, the “Devil's Staircase” along the Bosa River and Belyansky Cave . A route for those who love mountains and are willing to walk a lot. The Baydar Valley is the so-called “place of power” in Crimea. It is completely surrounded by mountains, here you can see rich nature, canyons, rivers, waterfalls. Belyansky Cave is a new open cave in Crimea, it was accidentally discovered by climbers in 2008.
- Trekking to the top of Ilyas-Kaya and to the Sun Temple along the iron trail - an excursion with an experienced guide. You will see the Belyansky Cave, and, of course, the famous trail on the mountain pass - the “Devil's Staircase” and the Kalend Trail. It was here that the ancient route from the center of Crimea to the coast passed. The ascent ends on the Kapurkai trail near the Bosa River, from here you need to descend back to the village of Oliva. The entire track is 14 km long, the elevation difference is 700 meters. The price of the excursion from Yalta includes lunch on the mountain.
Zoos
"Fairy tale"
“Skazka” is the first privately owned zoo created in the former Soviet Union. The zoo is located in the west of Yalta, on the way to Kuibyshevo. The entire territory of “Fairy Tales” of 30,000 m² is a multi-level terrace with exotic plants, flowers and trees, decorated with original sculptures and fountains.
Hundreds of species live here : mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Among the pets of “Fairy Tales” are lions, Amur tigers, pumas, roe deer, llamas, monkeys, bears, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, snakes, more than 1,500 animals in total.
The cost of an adult ticket is 500 rubles, for children from 3 to 10 years old – 250 rubles. Ticket to the sea aquarium: 300 rub. adult, 150 rubles – children, exotarium – 100 and 50 rubles. respectively.
Address: Yalta, st. Kirova, 156 , official website of the zoo.
Contact park "Planet of the Apes and Wild Cats"
At the Yalta-Intourist Hotel there is a zoo, whose inhabitants are over 170 mammals, fish and birds, rare wild cats and primates. Among the inhabitants of the zoo are cheetahs, caracals, pumas, servals, alpacas, gibbons, chimpanzees and many others.
A visit to the zoo is available to everyone as part of the Megaday project , which includes entrance, access to the aquarium, Olympic swimming pool, diving pool, fitness center, baths and saunas, playground and children's room.
The cost of the intensive program is 1500 rubles.
Address: Yalta, st. Drazhinsky, 50, official website of the zoo.
Excursions to the palaces of Yalta
First of all, Yalta is associated with palaces and vacation spots of famous people. In general, Yalta was lucky with palaces; there are several of them in the area: Vorontsovsky, Yusupovsky, Massandra, Dulber and the palace in Livadia . The Yalta Conference took place here. Churchill and his companions settled in the Vorontsov Palace (Count Vorontsov, they say, built it according to the design of the English architect, the author of Buckingham Palace in London). The Yalta Conference is also known for the amazing mutual understanding of the three countries (Great Britain, the USA, the USSR), which soon disappeared for many years. There are several options for excursions to the palaces of Yalta:
- Resort Alupka, Livadia Palace and Swallow's Nest Castle is an excursion-trip along the southern coast of Crimea. The route passes through a picturesque area between high mountains and the blue sea. First, the program includes a visit to Gurzuf, then Massandra, Yalta and Alupka. Along the way, the guide talks about Bear Mountain and Ai-Petri, the legendary children's camp "Artek", where white nutmeg grows in Crimea and which wines are best to choose. You can ask any questions along the way. You can read more about this excursion in Yalta by following the link.
- Palaces of Yalta - the most popular 5-hour tour of the palaces in Yalta among tourists. It covers a visit to the Royal Summer Residence in Livadia, the Swallow's Nest Castle and the residence of Count M.S. Vorontsov in Alupka, and is inexpensive. The tour ends at the famous Yalta embankment. Price 1500 ₽.
Night clubs
"Seagull on the Beach"
The restaurant, karaoke and night club “CHAIKA on the Beach” is located on the beach of the Yalta-Intourist hotel at Yalta, st. Drazhinsky, 50.
Distinctive features of the establishment: location by the water, oyster bar, live music, DJ, karaoke. At night, the establishment operates in the format of a nightclub, where the most active parties on the coast are held.
The average bill is 1500-3000 rubles.
"Matrix"
The club, located on the fourth floor of the Oreanda Premier Hotel , is one of the most famous in Yalta. Events of various formats, vibrant show programs, parties, and celebrity performances are held here.
The average bill is from 1500 rubles.
Address: Yalta, Lenin Embankment, 35/2.
"Palma Kitchen&Bar"
The establishment “Pālma Kitchen&Bar” operates in the format of a cafe, bar and night club. During the daytime, business lunches are available to visitors. The menu includes burgers, wok, tom yam.
The average bill is from 1000 rubles.
Address: Yalta, st. Ignatenko, 20.
Strip club "Riviera"
The strip club is also located at Yalta, Lenin Embankment, 35/2 on the 3rd floor of the Oreanda Hotel, the official website of the club.
The club offers a rich entertainment show program and karaoke. Guests of the club are offered hookah, European cuisine, as well as sushi and rolls.
The average bill is from 2000 rubles.
Holidays in sunny Yalta can be varied, eventful and bright. In order for your leisure time to be truly interesting and fruitful, you need to plan it in advance.
How to get to Yalta? Ticket prices
In Yalta there is neither an airport nor a train station nearby. And this is more of a plus than a minus: the city is cleaner and more secluded, and getting to major transport hubs is not a problem.
You can get to Yalta like this:
- By plane - fast, comfortable, but not super cheap.
Search for flights on Aviasales or Skyscanner.
In the 2022 season, direct flights fly from 50 cities in Russia. Thus, a plane ticket from Moscow costs from 10,000 rubles per person round trip, from St. Petersburg - from 15,000 rubles.
Passengers arrive at the only “air gate of Crimea” – Simferopol Airport. From there you can get to Yalta by bus (from 200 rubles, 2 hours travel time), trolleybus (165 rubles, 3 hours travel time) or taxi (from 1500 rubles).
- By bus - long and cheap.
See available flights on Tutu. There are about 20 routes from Russian cities to Yalta. For example, a 30-hour bus adventure from Moscow costs from 3,000 rubles one way.
- Traveling by train is a chore.
There is no railway connection between the peninsula and the mainland. But there is a “Unified” ticket, which takes you by train to Anapa or Krasnodar, and then by bus to Yalta or other Crimean resorts. Both tickets are purchased together. For example, the Kazan-Anapa train costs from 3,000 rubles one way + an additional payment for a bus to Yalta of 700 rubles.
- By car - for lovers.
On May 16, 2018, the Crimean Bridge opened, connecting the peninsula with the mainland. But for now, motorists are not happy: 85 km from the crossing, traffic jams begin. From the bridge to Yalta, drive 300 km, which is a 6-hour drive (through Sudak along a mountain serpentine road). I advise you to lengthen the road by 1 hour and drive through Simferopol if you get motion sickness on sharp turns.
As for me, the most comfortable and time-efficient way to get to Yalta is by plane + taxi (especially if there are 3-4 people in the company).
