This article talks about interesting places, beaches and attractions of Balaklava and its surroundings. What to see, where to go in Balaklava.
Balaklava (Crimea) is a beautiful place in the southwest of the peninsula, which is often called the “Crimean Venice”. A charming town, steeped in legends and mysteries, located on the quaint shores of Balaklava Bay, which can be seen in numerous photographs. Some people associate the word “balaclava” with the mask worn by robbers. But it does not mean “mask”, but “fish bag” - Turkish origin.
Until 1957 it was a separate settlement, and then became a suburb of Sevastopol. The map shows that Balaklava is separated from it by 15 kilometers. You can arrive from any Crimean city by car or public transport. For those wishing to visit Balaklava, there are several ways. You can arrive by bus "Sevastopol - Balaklava" or by car. You can get there from Simferopol - 78 km, if you follow the highway, you need to cover 63 km in a straight line. The distance from Alushta to Balaklava is 108 km, and if you drive in a straight line by car, it is only 67 km.
Climate and weather
The climate in Balaklava is reminiscent of Italy, Spain, France, it is so similar to the Mediterranean. On summer days it is mostly dry; it rains, but not often. Even if it is hot outside, it is easily tolerated, since there is no excess moisture in the air, and a cool breeze blows from the sea.
The city of Balaklava is located in a place where the swimming season is quite long. Tourists usually arrive in early May, and in the middle you can already swim. The temperature stays at +25 degrees and above. The hottest period occurs in July, when the temperature does not drop below +28 degrees, and sometimes reaches +38. The season ends on September days, when the thermometer shows approximately +23 degrees.
Autumn is mild and warm, without sudden temperature changes. The velvet season lasts until mid-October - the thermometer does not drop below +25 degrees. On winter days there is no frost - -5-+8 degrees. But in spring it is noticeably cool, and warmth comes only in mid-April.
In summer the water warms up to +22-+26 degrees, in autumn it cools down to +20.
Church of the Twelve Apostles
Address: Rubtsova street, 41
The Church of the Twelve Apostles is a small functioning temple in the center of Balaklava. Historians suggest that the temple was founded back in 1357 near the Chembalo fortress. This theory is confirmed by writings left on a stone that was found during the restoration of the church. The inscription says that construction began under the Genoese consul Semono de Orto.
It is unknown to whom the temple was originally dedicated. Following the Crimean War, it was called the Church of St. Nicholas.
As a result of hostilities, the temple was destroyed; only fragments of the foundation were preserved, which served as the basis for restoration work (carried out in the 18th century). During Soviet times, the church premises were given to the House of Pioneers. After the collapse of the USSR, the building again acquired its religious significance; the temple was dedicated to the 12 apostles.
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Sights of Balaklava and the surrounding area
This unique place has always attracted poets, writers, historians, and travelers. They were and are attracted by the grandeur of ancient ruins, the interesting architecture of temples, the rustling of waves and fantastically beautiful nature. Centuries have passed, but nothing has changed: Balaclava, like in bygone times, attracts romantics who not only relax by the sea, but also explore local attractions with great pleasure. Balaklava, a tour of which will be a real pleasure, offers about 30 interesting places that are worth visiting.
Balaklava Bay
Balaklavskaya has always been an excellent place to moor a ship. Its width varies from 200 to 400 m, and its depth is approximately 17 m. Due to its unusual configuration, Balaklava Bay does not allow wind to pass through. The rocky shores made it almost invisible from ships sailing in the Black Sea. That is why its owners were numerous nationalities.
Wrangel Mansion
Most not only tourists, but also local residents, believe that at 19 Kalicha Street there may be an interesting attraction. All because of the simplicity of the building’s appearance: the usual rectangular shape, symmetrical lines, simple windows. Surprisingly, this building was owned by the architect M. Wrangel. The Bolsheviks appointed Mikhail Wrangel to the position of chief architect of the city, despite the fact that he was a nobleman.
South and North Forts
The location of the Southern Fort is the city of Asceti. Nearby, on the town of Kefalo-Vrisi, is the Northern Fort. The British built forts during the Crimean War. Then the Russians completed and rebuilt the fortification more than once. The death barrel appeared in the South Fort during the war with Nazi Germany. It was used as an observation post. The terrible name arose as a result of stories about how the Nazis threw Russian prisoners out of here.
FAQ
can you go with children in Balaklava Central beach of Balaklava, Monument to Lesya Ukrainka, Object 825GTS (Balaklava underground museum complex), Museum of the History of Balaklava.
What can you see in Balaclava for free? Monument to A.I. Kuprin, Temple of the 12 Apostles, Yusupov's Hunting Lodge.
2 main attractions of Balaklava that are definitely worth a visit? Tavricheskaya embankment of Balaklava, Nazukina embankment.
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Wellness in Balaclava
The unique climate has a positive effect on the respiratory organs, cleansing them. Beach, relaxation, sea air, walks on the mountain slopes have a beneficial effect on the heart, blood vessels and the musculoskeletal system. Balaklava is a city where many sanatoriums and health centers have been built, where both adult and young travelers can improve their health. On the premises there are swimming pools, playgrounds and sports halls. For vacationers, medical and health procedures, after which health noticeably improves.
Batiliman tract
How to get there:
- From Sevastopol: at the bus station, take the bus to Yalta and get off at the “Laspi” stop. From the stop go down to Laspi Bay.
- Take the Yalta highway to Laspi Bay (drive about 40 km).
The Batiliman tract is a coastline running along the rocks and surrounded by forest. The name is translated from Greek as “deep harbor”.
This place is ideal for relaxation. There is fresh air, clean sea and beautiful scenery. People of creative professions love to come to the tract for inspiration.
If you want to take beautiful shots or just admire the terrain and views, be sure to climb the Kush-Kaya rock (altitude about 650 meters).
Many plants on the territory of the tract are listed in the Red Book. Particularly significant and valuable are the different species of juniper, which make the air healing. Therefore, people suffering from diseases of the respiratory, nervous, and cardiovascular systems, as well as children, should visit the tract for health purposes.
Beaches
The city has four beaches where tourists can have a good rest, sunbathe, and engage in active sports.
Yashmovy Beach
Jasper is popular in Crimea. The beach is covered with multi-colored pebbles: red, green, bluish-gray, brownish, black. It stretches for 450 m. The entrance to the water is not very steep. The infrastructure is well developed: sun canopies, a first-aid post, a toilet, places for changing clothes, trash cans, a kiosk with souvenirs, tents with ice cream and soft drinks. You can rent sun loungers and vehicles for boating.
Vasili Beach
Located near Cape Fiolent. The width is 30-40 m, the length is small - about 300 m. The beach area is well equipped: toilets, changing rooms, rescue service, sun canopies, sun loungers. The entrance is gentle and very comfortable.
Beaches Golden and Silver
Not so long ago they were wild, but now they have become popular among holidaymakers. They now have minimal infrastructure: a rescue post, equipment rental, dry closets.
Shaitan Beach
A small beach with a length of approximately 20 m and a width of about 10. When there is a storm at sea, the beach area is drowned, so it is not possible to stay on Shaitanka for a long time.
You may be interested: 10 best beaches in Koktebel.
How to get to the village
It is located 15 km from Sevastopol and is an autonomous settlement that is part of the Balaklava region. The large flow of tourists required the establishment of regular transport links, so you can get here in several ways:
- From Sevastopol - from the bus station, at short intervals there are regular bus No. 17 and minibuses No. 17, 20, 26. You need to get to the final stop and transfer to a vehicle that will take you to the center or the Submarine Museum.
- A more convenient way is to call a taxi. The cost of the trip will be approximately 800-860 rubles, but they will deliver you directly to the place without transfers.
- By personal transport you need to drive through the ferry crossing, then the P-29 highway will lead to Balaklava.
- From Moscow and other Russian cities it is easier to fly to Simferopol, and from there get there by taxi or public transport.
Cafes and restaurants in Balaklava
In addition to a beach holiday and visiting interesting places, every tourist should take care of food. Balaclava, where many restaurants, cafes and canteens are open, offers the most popular:
Restaurant "Tatyanin Mys".
A place where famous people like to spend time. The staff organizes trips to the sea, fishing, and special events.
Art restaurant "Egoist".
It features a cozy atmosphere, luxurious interior decoration, and low prices.
Cafe "Corporal".
The cafe has comfort, coziness, and a calm atmosphere. Guests are offered dishes of European and Caucasian cuisine.
In addition, you can visit the Prince restaurant, the Fisherman’s Hut cafe, the Shustry Kok pizzeria and other catering places.
Barrel of Death
Address: Mount Asceta
The barrel of death is an iron structure in the shape of a semicircle with loopholes on both sides; it is located above an abyss. Its height is 2 meters and its diameter is 1.7 meters. This barrel was part of the “South Fort”, which was built during the First World War. Initially there were two such barrels, but one of them was either cut off or knocked down during hostilities.
There were rumors that the barrels were used not as a fortification element, but as a place for executions. They say that during the German occupation, captured sailors were shot in barrels and their bodies were thrown into the abyss. This is evidenced by bullet holes at head level. In addition, confirmation of this version was published in the 60s. in the magazine "Ogonyok".
Now the barrel of death is a kind of memorial and a place with a beautiful view of the open sea. Some extreme sports enthusiasts like to climb onto the outer front of the barrel and hang from it.
What to bring as a souvenir
There are two in the city and “Zolotaya Balka”, where they sell good drinks. You can bring a bottle of wine or champagne as a souvenir for friends and relatives. Rapana shells are a popular souvenir. They offer personalized sinks, as well as with various pictures. Tourists collect pebbles from the rocks to remind them of a wonderful vacation, buy magnets with pictures of landmarks, striped shirts - a symbol of the city and the fleet, badges with symbols, and antiques. Travelers certainly bring home photos of the Balaclava. A photo session in Balaclava is an integral part of your vacation. If you liked Balaklava, you can bring the drawing home as a souvenir - local artists exhibit their works.
Nazukina embankment
The title of the most crowded street in Balaklava rightfully belongs to the Nazukin embankment. It originates from the 1st May Square and stretches to Rubtsova Street. The embankment was named after the Bolshevik and submariner Ivan Nazukin. The first construction work dates back to the mid-18th century. Then the laid wooden floorings were completely taken away for firewood. In 1880 the street was paved with paving stones. Since then, her appearance has hardly changed. The embankment is extremely low and is located almost flush with the water surface. However, the bay is not subject to storms, as it is reliably protected by a mountain range.
Nazukina embankment has a developed tourist infrastructure. There are cinemas, yacht clubs, cafes and restaurants. From here there are excursions to capes Fiolent and Aya.
Cape Fiolent
The famous cape is located 10 kilometers from Balaklava towards Sevastopol. It is believed that it was formed as a result of a powerful volcanic eruption that occurred 160 million years ago. Petrified lava flows still give the protected landscape a provocative originality.
Another story is connected with the ancient name of Cape Fiolent - Cape Georgievsky. The legend dates back to 800 AD and is associated with Greek sailors seeking salvation during a wild storm. The Greeks believe that St. George, the patron saint of travelers, saved the sailors from death. Having arrived at the cape and examined the surroundings, the rescued discovered in the cave an icon depicting the Saint.
Now Fiolent has the status of a nature reserve, but its beaches and natural attractions are available to guests all year round. A variety of grottoes and caves, clear sea and fresh air - all this annually attracts travelers from all over the world.
Tavricheskaya embankment
The second most popular street in Balaklava is Tavricheskaya Embankment, which occupies the entire western part of the city bay. Local residents and tourists who have been coming to Balaklava for several years know that just a few years ago the Tavricheskaya Embankment did not exist. The coast is a continuation of Marble Street and was originally inseparable from it. During the Soviet era, a military unit was located here, so they did not develop the coastline. Only in 2007 the embankment gained independence and was renamed Tavricheskaya.
In the 18th-19th centuries, the coastal land was occupied by the mansions of the main representatives of the aristocracy. Thus, the famous palace of the Yusupov princes was located on the coast. Now Tavricheskaya Embankment is a well-groomed promenade with hotels, restaurants and entertainment complexes.
Chembalo Fortress
A significant cultural and historical heritage of the city is the defensive fortress of Cembalo, built by the Genoese in 1343. The building is located on Fortress Hill and is the main tourist attraction of the city.
The history of the name of the resort is also connected with the defensive complex. Once upon a time, there were two cities in the fortress: Upper - for officials and treasurers and Lower - for ordinary residents. They were surrounded by a complex of 8 defensive towers. It was almost impossible to get into the fortress, built on steep cliffs. However, in 1475 the Turks captured it and named the settlement Balyk-Yuve (Balaklava).
For a long time the fortress was in good condition, but during the liberation of Crimea in 1945 it was badly damaged. Today, only the earliest towers of the fortress remain on the steep cliffs of Balaklava Bay.
Great Sevastopol Trail
A magnificent walking route begins in Balaklava, designed to introduce you to the main attractions around Sevastopol, as well as its flora and fauna.
Of course, this is not a frivolous walk of a couple of hours, so prepare for the hike in advance. It is best to look at the official website, our article or the tourist information center in Balaklava itself.
The entire route is laid from Balaklava to Lyubimovka, a distance of 117 km. The local section Balaklava - Laspinsky Pass for 18 km will take you about 6 hours.
Vin
The rare plant has been a trademark of Balaklava and the entire Crimea since 1889. One of the pioneers of sparkling wine production, with well-deserved awards and international victories.
In 2015, incredible brand promotion events were held here. Today the plant produces a wide range of sparkling wines from its own vineyards.
By visiting a champagne shop, you can not only purchase products and visit a restaurant with a view, but also take part in one of the wine tours , of which there are a dozen.
Under the patronage of Zolotaya Balka , entertainment events are organized near the plant in the summer. The most noisy ZBfest is in August, where our stars come: the Leningrad group, Dima Bilan, ILO and others.
- Address: st. Krestovsky, 66 at the entrance to Balaklava from Yalta
- Tours and excursions around the plant website: zbtour.ru
- Official website of the plant: zolotaiabalka.ru
Where to eat delicious food here?
It is not surprising that people come to a place with such a name not only for the amazing museums and other attractions. People come here to try the delicious Black Sea fish. Restaurants in Balaklava serve freshly prepared seafood, freshly caught from sea water. Walking along the picturesque shores, you can find many tempting restaurants offering to taste freshly fried mullet, eat crispy horse mackerel, aromatic red mullet, or treat yourself to a rich fisherman’s fish soup (also known as the famous Balaklava-style fish soup). You can also eat oysters here. It's really delicious!
Interesting! Experts say that the Crimean oyster has always been valued above the best French varieties for its sweetness and tenderness. This difference in taste was explained by the composition and properties of the Black Sea waters. Therefore, modern restaurateurs and oyster breeders are confident that along with the cultivated population of these delicious mollusks, their unique taste has also returned.
Fedyukhin Heights Park
Friends, don’t miss this fascinating historical living history park in the neighboring village of Pervomaiskoye. It will be of interest not only to fans of the history of the Crimean War, but also to children and inquisitive adults.
There are several themed areas to visit:
- Roman fort of the 1st-3rd centuries - a theater for gladiator fights
- Genoese manor of the 15th century - a piece of medieval life
- Crimean War - several sites, redoubts, fortifications
Entrance to the territory without a tour is free. A ticket is required to visit thematic exhibitions. Themed entertainment takes place during the season.
- You can get from Balaklava by bus No. 8 or taxi, because the distance is only 8 km.
- Official website: feduhpark.ru
Monument to Kuprin
At the beginning of Nazukin Street there is a bronze monument to the Russian writer Alexander Kuprin. Kuprin loved Balaklava very much and called it a “quiet blue haven.” It was here that he worked on his main story, “The Duel.”
The monument was made in 2009 by local sculptors Konstantin Tsikhiev and Georgy Grigoryants. The decision to install it was made in 2005. Several masters competed for the title of chief sculptor, but the famous Sevastopol artist Stanislav Chizh won the competition.
Stories: ancient, ancient, modern
The bay, amazing in shape and beauty, has attracted the attention of people since ancient times. People who lived here for a long time left behind numerous and varied monuments. Ancient Greek authors paid tribute to this unusual place in numerous stories. Homer in his Odyssey places a tribe of warlike giants, the Laestrygonians, on these shores and gives a fairly accurate description of the bay, sandwiched between the rocky shores. Then A.I. Kuprin called Balaklava fishermen “descendants of Laestrygonians” in his stories.
Pliny mentions this place in his Natural History. Strabo describes the bay as a haven for Taurus pirates, who took advantage of the fact that the entrance to the bay was so camouflaged by rocks that it was practically invisible from the sea. Until the 1st century, there really was a Taurus village.
The Romans were based here in the 1st century AD. They ousted the Tauro-Scythians from these places and created their own military camp in Symbolon. This is proven by the remains of Roman buildings found here. Further, historical documents note the Byzantine settlement of Yamboli in this place. It is assumed that this word is a corruption of the previous name Symbolum.
The next owners here were the Genoese, the same ones who built the Chembalo fortress. Following them came the Ottoman Empire. It is interesting that Afanasy Nikitin mentions Balaklava in his travel book. After the Ottomans, Russia reigned here. Already in the 19th century, a popular resort developed here.
Interesting! The English soldiers who stood here during the Crimean War experienced all the discomfort of the Crimean winter. The weather was clearly not on their side. To make their way through strong winds and heavy snow, they had to create unique hats that covered their faces from the weather. This is how the “balaclava” hats, which are now so popular among various extremist elements, appeared.
Secret suburb
Balaklava became a modest, inconspicuous suburb for a special reason: here is the location of a special secret facility. In 1957, a specific narrow bay became an underground submarine base hidden from prying eyes. Spacious adits were carved into the rock. They stored atomic weapons and housed repair shops and workshops where submarines were modernized.
From them, submarines went out to sea completely unnoticed by American tracking satellites. Since 1994, since the departure of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, this amazing unique structure has been destroyed. Only in 2003 did restoration and creation of a fascinating museum based on a secret base begin. Now here you can see very interesting exhibitions and listen to excursions.
Balaklava red mullet
Red mullet in Balaklava is the same as smelt in St. Petersburg. Not just fish, food or even a living. This is a kind of symbol, a tourist hook and the true love of the locals. The red mullet is found not only in Balaklava and not only in the Black Sea, but in this bay it doesn’t care if it’s covered in honey.
Baked red mullet is a symbol of Balaclava
A small fish, no more than 15 cm long, surprisingly not bony, the meat is easily separated. And the taste is beyond words!
In general, visiting Balaklava and not trying red mullet (it can be lightly smoked in bulk or grilled in a restaurant) is a big miss. Since the fish is tiny, its normal portion is up to 10 pieces. You can try Balaklava red mullet at the Fisherman's Hut or the Balaklava restaurant. They cook it deliciously at Barkas, but this is in Artbukhta.
By the way, in Crimea it is considered cool to have a proven “drummer”. It's like having your own butcher or hairdresser. And it is not cheap - from 500 rubles. per kg.
