The most popular resort in Crimea is a huge number of attractions, the best infrastructure and incredibly beautiful nature. Take a look at the Ai-Petri battlements, ancient palaces and the transparent sea, and you will love Yalta for life!
- Tripster - unusual author's excursions in Yalta.
Yalta is often called the Crimean Sochi, but this is only partly true. The first vacationers appeared in Yalta in the second half of the 19th century, while Sochi received the status of a resort only in 1925.
Many ancient monuments have been preserved in Yalta and its environs - royal palaces, elegant mansions, temples, castles and baths. But that's not all. The resort itself has a lot of interesting things: pleasant promenades by the sea, a breathtaking view of the coast from the cable car cabins, cozy parks where the smell of pine needles and flowers. We will tell you why it is impossible not to fall in love with the beautiful Yalta!
Read about the rest in Yalta.
The embankment
Free attraction of Yalta is a wonderful promenade along the Black Sea coast. This is the oldest street in the city. Nekrasov, Chekhov, Bunin and Gorky wrote about the beautiful embankment in Yalta, many artists painted it.
The promenade, over a kilometer long, contains the best restaurants and discos. The street is decorated with fan palms, monuments and ornate lanterns. It is pleasant to walk here, dream, admire the sea and feed the seagulls.
Uchan-Su waterfall
Want to see the "flying water"? This is how the name of one of the most famous waterfalls in Crimea is translated. Handsome Uchan-Su is hiding at an altitude of almost 400 m above sea level. Water rushes from a 98-meter ledge and, hitting limestone rocks, breaks into a myriad of sparkling splashes. It seems that it does not fall, but really flies!
Find out more about the Uchan-Su waterfall.
"Glade of fairy tales" in Yalta
The amazing world of fairy-tale heroes near Yalta is designed for children, but adults in the Glade of Fairy Tales Museum are never bored! Amusing figures stand in the glades of Russian and Ukrainian fairy tales, the meadow of Pushkin's fairy tales and the meadow of fairy tales from Europe and America. You will see the house of Baba Yaga, a Slavic settlement and the Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors.
Learn more about the Glade of Fairy Tales.
Nikitsky Botanical Garden
Nikitsky Botanical Garden is the oldest, most beautiful and largest park on the peninsula. Tulips, irises, chrysanthemums, orchids, clematis and other flowers cover an area of almost 1000 hectares. If you are dearly in love with flowers and plants, or are simply not indifferent to beauty, be sure to check out this magnificent park not far from Yalta!
Learn more about Nikitsky Garden.
Yusupov Palace
One of the adornments of the southern coast is the luxurious palace of the former governor of Moscow, Felix Yusupov. You should definitely visit this landmark of Yalta: the beautiful building was built in the neo-Romanesque style with elements of the Italian Renaissance, and the interior decoration is made in the Art Nouveau style. The entrance is decorated with terracotta lions.
Learn more about the Yusupov Palace.
Swallow's Nest
A crenellated castle with the romantic name Swallow's Nest hangs right above the sea on the high Aurora rock. The miniature architectural monument fits perfectly into the landscape of Cape Ai-Todor and attracts tourists. It seems that the building on top of a 40-meter cliff is many hundreds of years old, but it did not appear until 1912. Learn more about the Swallow's Nest.
But to the editors of our site, this castle seemed overrated and they ranked it among the most boring places in Crimea.
Livadia Palace
The beautiful white palace is known as the residence of the royal family and the site of the Yalta conference during the Second World War. It was built in the best traditions of the Italian Renaissance with elements of the Tudor style.
According to many, the most attractive place in the palace is the elegant Italian courtyard with a garden of roses. And around the palace there is a large picturesque park, where it is so pleasant to walk! Find out more about the palace.
Learn more about the Livadia Palace.
Massandra Palace
The romantic castle of the Russian Emperor Alexander III resembles the elegant buildings of the French Renaissance. The architectural monument captivates with open galleries and picturesque balconies.
In the palace park there are many old trees, well-groomed flower beds, medicinal plants and roses are planted. Walk along shady park paths and admire the sculptures and fountains! Find out more about the palace.
Learn more about Massandra Palace.
Vorontsov Palace
The palace of Count Mikhail Vorontsov organically blended into the surrounding landscape. The architect has so successfully combined the English, Gothic and Neo-Moorish styles that you are amazed!
The interiors of the palace are very cozy and homely, not at all pompous, and the calm park in the English style is beyond praise. Find out more about the palace.
Learn more about the Vorontsov Palace.
Ai-Petri
Ai-Petri is a very famous and popular attraction in Yalta. The height of the mountain is 1234 meters above sea level. Its slopes and battlements can be admired if you are relaxing in the resorts of Big Yalta. But from above, on the contrary, you will admire the coast. However, the view from the cliff is not all that is above.
Learn more about Ai-Petri.
Palace of the Emir of Bukhara
The magnificent Moorish palace was built for the recreation of Emir Seyid Abdul Ahad Khan and his family at the beginning of the last century. Now the old buildings belong to the Yalta sanatorium. Tourists are not allowed into the palace, but everyone can see the patterned facades and stroll through the luxurious park!
Count Mordvinov's palace
The splendid palace complex in Crimea is the legacy of Nikolai Semenovich Mordvinov and the count's descendants. The unique attraction of Yalta is very popular with lovers of Mediterranean architecture. Take a look inside! The slender columns, high fireplaces, expensive marble, cozy balconies and rich stucco molding are literally breathtaking!
Dulber Palace
Another miracle of the southern coast of Crimea is located in Koreiz - the nearest suburb of Yalta. A wonderful oriental-style palace was built at the end of the 19th century for Peter Romanov. Translated from Tatar, its name means "adorable". White walls and silver domes surrounded by palm trees ... It's easy to imagine that you are in Egypt!
Today the buildings are owned by the sanatorium. Tours around Dulber are not conducted, but for 200 rubles tourists are allowed into the territory so that they can walk in the park and admire the facades of the amazing palace.
Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky
The main cult landmark of Yalta is the Orthodox Cathedral in the historic heart of the city. One of the most luxurious Crimean churches was built in the pseudo-Russian style in memory of the deceased Tsar - Alexander II. Expressive zakomaras and golden chapters on thin drums look very impressive against the background of the high Ai-Petrinskaya yayla.
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Roman Catholic Church in Yalta in 1906 was built by the famous Crimean architect Nikolai Petrovich Krasnov. The building looks very modest and solemn. According to the Catholic tradition, the interiors of the church are also restrained, but the music performed here is truly beautiful. Come to the temple for an organ concert, and you will be convinced that Yalta can be loved not only for its beautiful views, but also for its wonderful sounds!
House-Museum of Chekhov
What to see in Yalta for lovers of Russian literature? Go to the house where Anton Pavlovich Chekhov lived and worked! The White Dacha is surrounded by a green garden. Everything in the building is saturated with the atmosphere of Chekhov's plays and stories.
Walk up creaky wooden stairs, take a look at the writer's austere study and a bright terrace with a rocking chair! Tickets to the museum cost 300 rubles, for children under 16 years old - admission is free.
Seaside park named after Yuri Gagarin
One of the most beautiful parks on the Crimean coast continues the Yalta embankment to the west of the city. The green recreation area stretches for 2 km - there is where to walk and breathe fresh air!
Yalta Park was created shortly after the end of the Great Patriotic War. More than 65 years have passed since that time, but many trees of the first planting have survived among the plantings. On an area of 20 hectares, natives of the south predominate - eucalyptus, palms, olives, cypresses, thuja and plane trees. Opposite the monument to A.P. Chekhov there is a pump room with free mineral water.
Zoo "Fairy Tale"
If you are in Yalta with a child, go to the zoo. For more than 20 years, parents with children have come here, and everyone is happy.
In addition to enclosures and cages with animals and birds, the zoo has a playground, attractions, a hotel, hotels and an exotarium. Opposite the "Fairy Tale" there is an aquarium and a dolphinarium. Entertainments and pleasures - for the whole day!
Winery "Massandra"
Winemaking of the Crimea is no less famous than the wonderful beaches, ancient palaces and natural monuments of the peninsula. If you enjoy tasting excellent wines, head to one of the oldest wineries in the region. This landmark of Yalta is located in the vicinity of the resort, in the village of Massandra.
Tourists are guided through the cellars and shown bottles of wine that was made at the end of the 18th century. Appreciate the taste of the best wines of Crimea! There is a shop at the factory. Prices are the same as elsewhere, but the selection of Crimean wines is excellent!
Find out what to bring a tourist from Crimea.
Small cable car
One of the three operating lifts in Big Yalta was built in 1967 and continues to operate today. The lower station of the cable car is located in the city center, and the upper one is on the low Darsan hill. The brightly colored booths are small and can only seat two people.
In 12 minutes, passengers pass 600 m and climb 120 m. It is enough to admire the picturesque panorama of the coast and take a photo as a souvenir!
Lighthouse
The likelihood of a shipwreck near the southern coast of Crimea is low, but the port of Yalta has its own signal tower. The white stone lighthouse is located near the Marine Station, in the center of the resort.
The 17 m high tower has been standing on a jetty in the bay since 1892. Surprisingly, the Yalta lighthouse continues to operate to this day. To see its bright flashes, take an evening yacht trip!
Cafe "Orange"
Everyone takes pictures of the Greek galley on the Yalta embankment! The spectacular ship on stilts was built in the 1990s as a reminder of the founders of the seaside town. Then the ship was restored and a cozy cafe was made inside. Visitors will find two bars, an open area overlooking the seaside part of the city and a fusion menu.
Gazebos-umbrellas
One of the most recognizable symbols of the Yalta embankment flaunts near the Oreanda hotel. In 1959, the pavilions of the American Exhibition, which took place in Moscow's Sokolniki Park, were made from plastic structures in the form of umbrellas. After its completion, the modules were disassembled and brought to the Crimea. Modern umbrellas are exact copies of American ones. The old dilapidated gazebos were dismantled in 2003.
Monument "Lady with a Dog"
To see the heroine of Chekhov's famous story, go to the Yalta embankment. A beautiful bronze monument stands opposite the five-star Sofia hotel. An elegantly dressed lady leans on an umbrella and looks to the side independently, and a small dog does not take her attentive eyes from the hostess. The author of the story, A. Chekhov, is standing a little further away.
Gallery "Art-South"
Yalta's art landmark works as a museum and shop. The gallery in the city was created in 2003 to popularize the creativity of Crimean artists. Young and eminent authors exhibit here beautiful landscapes of Crimea, portraits of local residents and genre paintings. Several times a year, the gallery hosts interesting author exhibitions. Look at the familiar places of Crimea through the eyes of Crimean artists!
Non-trivial sights of Yalta
Church of St. John Chrysostom... The Yalta temple on Polikurovsky hill was destroyed several times, but it was rebuilt. Now the Zlatoust Church looks exactly the same as under Count Vorontsov.
Armenian Church... The ascetic temple was built at the expense of Poghos Ter-Gukosyan in honor of his daughter who died early in 1909-1917.
Villa "Sofia"... An elegant old building 300 meters from the seashore occupies one of the most comfortable hotels in Yalta. Everything is beautiful here - both the facade and the interiors!
Dacha "Omur"... The famous mansion of the late 19th century, where Chekhov, Tolstoy, Voloshin and Gorky rested. Since 2006, the Chekhov and Crimea Museum has been opened in the mansion.
Japanese Garden "Six Senses"... An unusual attraction of Yalta is a magnificent garden with a 15-meter waterfall. Stones and plants were brought here from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Isadora Duncan's plane tree... The tree under which the famous dancer met Sergei Yesenin and fell madly in love with the young poet.
The Wax Museum... The exposition features portrait copies of famous politicians, historical figures and show business stars.
Crocodilarium... There are live crocodiles in the Crimea! You can see huge reptiles, turtles and snakes near Yalta. A ticket for an adult costs 600 rubles, and for a child - 400 rubles.
Walking along the medicinal trails... Botkinskaya, Taraktashskaya and Shtangeevskaya trails are medical routes over Yalta. Scenic trails are laid in amazingly beautiful places!
What to see in Yalta in 1 day
If you come to Yalta for just one day, you will not have time to see much. You can go to a couple of places in the vicinity or focus on the best attractions of the resort itself:
- Massandra Palace
- embankment
- Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky
- Seaside park named after Gagarin
- cable car to Ai-Petri
- Palace of the Emir of Bukhara
- cafe "Orange"
- villa "Sofia"
- house-museum of A. Chekhov.
