The city has a long history, full of destruction and restoration, and is covered with vineyards, luxurious historical and architectural monuments that coexist harmoniously with picturesque nature. Visitors often wonder what they can see in Yalta and the surrounding area and where to go with only one day to spare.
What to visit in a day
There are so many interesting places in the vibrant town that those who come here for the first time get their eyes wide open. If you only have one day for an excursion, spend it within the locality:
- Walk along the embankment and ancient streets, look at the devil's staircase, where the film based on the famous novel by Bulgakov was filmed.
- Explore holy sites and preserved baths.
- See the area from above with a cable car ride.
- Go around Chekhov's house.
- Spend an hour on Massandra beach.
- If you are thinking about what to see with your children in 1 day and what to do in Yalta, this list will be the best route option.
Promenade along the embankment
The coast stretches for more than a thousand meters, offering stunning views of the mountain ranges and docked ships. This is the most popular and visited part of the city, where a large number of tourists are concentrated during the high season. The Yalta coastal area is an elegant combination of the luxury of expensive boutiques, fashionable restaurants right at the sea's edge, panoramic hotels, inexpensive baked goods and freshly squeezed juices.
This is a place where even a lonely visitor will never be bored; everyone will find something interesting and entertaining for themselves. Street musicians sit here and there is a summer theater where celebrities come weekly.
There are also rows of souvenir and art shops. No matter where in Crimea tourists travel to Yalta, a trolleybus, bus and taxi will bring them exactly here. Even if you are in the city for just a couple of hours, you should definitely set aside time to walk in the shade of the spreading coastal palm trees. This is the best place to go in Yalta in the evening. While there, visit the Artists' Alley and see the Isadora Duncan sycamore tree.
Crocodilarium
Located in the very center. The unique collection of reptiles has been open to tourists since 2011. Here you will meet alligators from different parts of the planet, including the largest representatives of this family - caimans. The exhibition is constantly being updated; it already features herbivorous iguanas, formidable monitor lizards and many varieties of turtles, including the vulture.
Ancient Greek galley
There is another interesting place on the shore - a cafe designed in the shape of a ship and named like the schooner Hispaniola. When you go there, you can feel like a hero of the feature films “Robinson Crusoe” or “Treasure Island”. In front of the building there are edelweiss umbrellas, installed in the mid-20th century.
Roffe Baths
The structure was erected on the territory of the France Hotel at the end of the 19th century by an architect who by that time was already the designer of the famous Livadia Palace. This fabulous original building made of snow-white marble, decorated inside with Moroccan stucco, is known for its healing effect. Purified and salt water has a positive effect on the body. At one time, famous personalities and famous writers such as Chekhov, Bunin and Chaliapin visited the baths. During the war period, the building was completely destroyed, but the baths themselves remained intact. Before the collapse of the USSR, they wanted to raze the ruins to the ground, but due to public protests, they preserved them. After the collapse of Soviet power in 1996, restoration efforts began and the building was given the status of a monument.
Small cable car
If you are not interested in ancient buildings, enjoy the views of the city from above.
On the section of the route from the Tavrida Hotel to Darsan Hill, there is a 600-meter cableway, the name of which in common parlance sounds like “Small Cable Car”. You can cover the one and a half kilometer flight to the hill in 15 minutes on a lift and admire the impressive views from the top from a 138-meter height, and then take a leisurely walk back.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The incredibly beautiful, fabulous structure is an architectural masterpiece and the pearl of Yalta. The monument to Old Russian culture is located in the center of the village on the street. Sadovaya. It impresses with its scale and luxury, with stunning openwork facades and sparkling gilded domes. The temple was planned in honor of the ruler Alexander II. The doors of the sacred place are open to visitors without breaks and weekends, admission is free, but at the gate you are asked to turn off all gadgets - filming inside is prohibited so as not to damage the preserved mosaic image of Alexander Nevsky and the luxurious interior decoration. The large-scale bells, custom-made in Moscow specifically for this cathedral, unfortunately, did not survive to this day and were redesigned back in Soviet times.
Temple of John Chrysostom
This is the first Christian religious building to be built of stone. Construction began in 1835 with the active financial participation of Count Vorontsov. Externally, the church is similar to English houses of those times. Its facades are painted in mustard tones, and its five domes are gilded. The three-cascade bell tower has become one of the business cards; it stretches 45 m in height and is clearly visible both from the sea and from the shore.
Nikitsky Botanical Garden
For lovers of rare exotic plants, an abundance of diverse plantings and wild flowers are presented in this green paradise. If you don’t know where to spend a warm day, what to see in Yalta and where to go, head here. Plants have been grown in the oldest Crimean garden since 1812. Today the collection of living exhibits includes more than 15 thousand species. The lush decoration and interesting landscape design of the park will captivate both inveterate gardeners and people who are far from the dacha business. Tourists come here for the whole day, leisurely stroll around the area in the shade of hundred-year-old trees, enjoy the aroma of flowers and take photos near the bamboo grove. In mid-spring, an exhibition of tulips is held here, in the autumn - chrysanthemums, then the ground here is dotted with a carpet of thousands of types of multi-colored buds. The garden is conventionally divided into 4 parts; at the entrance, each visitor who has bought a ticket receives a map, which he uses to determine what he wants to see first. The complex includes an exhibition of orchids and cacti, as well as a museum with 3 thousand exhibits and tasting of Crimean wines from grape varieties growing on these lands.
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It was restored in 1994 according to Toricelli’s drawings on Polikurovsky Hill. A bizarre fusion of restrained Gothic and festive Baroque gave an amazing five-domed temple, very organic and proportionate. The ocher-hued walls are gently set off by the gilded domes. The temple is illuminated at night and is perfectly visible from the embankment.
Opening hours: from 7.00 to 19.00.
Phone: +7-365-43-289-75.
Website: https://zlatoust.prihod.ru
Address: Tolstoy street, 10.
What to see in the vicinity of Yalta: palaces
The peninsula has long been chosen for recreation by members of the imperial family, the aristocracy, and the intellectual elite. The combination of a unique climate, gentle waves and luxurious nature has made the coast popular for building architectural masterpieces. Each tried to surpass his neighbor in originality and grace. As a result, the palaces became real pearls of architecture, giving the city a unique appearance. The most beautiful and interesting places, attractions and entertainment of the city of Yalta in Crimea with photos, descriptions and prices can form a large book where you cannot miss a single colorful page, so it is better to think through your tourist route in advance.
Yusupov Palace
The building is not accessible to the public; the park and part of the interior can only be accessed as part of a tourist group. A large estate, which includes the palace, was built by A. S. Golitsyna, and then sold in parts. With the light hand of Yusupov, many sculptures were installed in the park, some of which have survived to this day.
Cost: 450 rub., 250 rub. children's ticket.
Phone: +7-978-78-210-16.
Address: Koreiz, Parkovy Descent, 26.
Kichkine Palace
It bears the title of the pearl of Crimean palace and park art. Built on a cliff not far from the seashore, the snow-white walls and turrets are decorated with openwork, and a minaret mast was erected above the entrance. Intended for one of the Romanovs, it is covered in legends. Currently divided in half, a hotel is located in one wing and a museum in the other.
Working hours: from 9.00 to 18.00, shortened hours on Saturday until 14.00, closed on Sunday.
Cost: 200 rub.
Phone: +7-978-55-568-98.
Website: https://kichkine-hotel.com
Location: Alupkinskoe highway.
Golitsyn Palace
The future minister was friendly with Alexander I, calling the palace built in his honor “Romantic Alexandria,” hinting at a common passion for the poetry of this era. The original architecture, where 2 symmetrical towers with battlements guard the entrance to the central part, gave rise to the building being called Castel. Now the palace is closed and only external inspection of the facade and the adjacent park is possible.
Phone: +7-978-000-15-59.
Address: Sevastopol highway, 52.
Where to go with children
Exciting trips to natural attractions are no substitute for fun games for children. Yalta has all the conditions for this. The main thing is to know where the most interesting objects are.
Glade of fairy tales
Near the Stavri-kaya rock there is a park of floristry and sculpture, where the characters are heroes of Russian folk tales. There are 39 figures installed in a wide clearing. In a log hut near the path, a cat and a fox sat down at the samovar, Baba Yaga brewed her potion, and the Bogatyr looked out for a new opponent.
Working hours: from 9.00 to 17.30, seven days a week.
Cost: full 300 rub., children 150 rub.
Phone: +736543-264-02.
Address: st. Kirova, 154.
Water park "Atlantis"
In 2015, a huge entertainment complex aimed at all ages opened in the city. For kids there is a special segment with small slides and elegant fountains; older children will enjoy faster descents. For adults, the choice is wide, from closed high-speed spirals to calm drift along artificial waves.
Working hours: from 9.00 to 18.00, seven days a week.
Cost: depends on the time of stay and day of the week, ticket from 650 rubles.
Phone: +7-978-73-343-43.
Website: https://atlantida-yalta.ru/ru
Address: st. Kommunarov, 7A.
What interesting things to see in Yalta in three days
This time is not enough to get acquainted with the local culture and architecture; if you have the opportunity to spend a weekend in a sunny resort town, see the main attractions: the three palace complexes of Greater Yalta - Massandra, Vorontsov and Livadia; spend the evening wine tasting or in the restaurant of the most famous building in Crimea - Swallow's Nest. If you have time, go to Miskhor and take the cable car up to Ai-Petri to feel the grandeur of the Crimean Mountains and enjoy the impressive views from above.
Alexander Palace 3 in Massandra
Massandra Castle, surrounded by green coniferous forest, was built high in the mountains. Its construction started in 1881 by order of the son of a high-ranking official - Governor General Vorontsov. However, before the idea was realized, he died. Then the unfinished estate was bought to furnish a house for Emperor Alexander III. Unfortunately, he was also not lucky enough to move into these walls. During the heyday of communism, the building served as a resting place for senior party officials. After the collapse of the USSR, a museum was opened on the territory. The palace has almost completely preserved the decoration of past years: wooden furniture, a luxurious billiard room, solid flights of stairs, and most importantly, a huge mirror in a massive frame. Having looked into it, tourists make their deepest wishes, which, according to popular belief, must certainly come true. The museum complex is open 7 days a week.
Vin
For gourmets and those who like to enjoy a glass of fortified wine, in almost all kiosks on the peninsula you can buy a general educational bus tour to the winery. The products of this brand are considered one of the best and most awarded in the world. Every year, a couple of samples from the wine collection win prizes at prestigious international competitions. In addition to the classic tasting, visitors will be guided through the underground cellars and shown bottles of the aromatic drink, aged for decades and priceless.
Snow-white Livadia Palace
This is one of the most famous residences on the peninsula. It was she who became the last place of residence of the Emperor of the Russian state, Nicholas II. The ensemble of buildings was erected at the beginning of the 20th century and included, in addition to the palace, several other buildings, including a church and a cozy courtyard. Livadia is also famous for the grandiose historical event that took place at the beginning of 1945 - the Yalta Conference. It was attended by senior officials of the governments of the anti-Hitler coalition - the USSR, Great Britain and the USA.
Castle Swallow's Nest
Located on the very edge of the cliff, it is depicted on banknotes, posters, maps, souvenirs and advertising of travel agencies. This is a full-fledged calling card of Crimea, and if you come to the peninsula for the first time, you can’t help but visit here. Destructions, strong earthquakes and several reconstructions form the long history of the monument, when Baron von Stegel decided to order the design and construction of the castle in a consistent German style. A small complex was erected on a high cliff, surrounded by impressive mountain landscapes and the depths of the sea.
Vorontsov Palace
This is a luxurious residence built by the English architect E. Blair for the Governor-General of the Novorossiysk Territory. This is one of the most educational and colorful places you can go and take a walk in Yalta. Despite the pronounced English style in architectural details, the presence of oriental motifs is clearly visible in it. Before the events of the revolution, the estate served as a summer palace for three generations of the Vorontsov family, but with the advent of communism it was nationalized. During the war years, the premises were plundered by the Nazis. The latter stole more than 500 paintings and priceless graphics. Only some of them later returned to the walls of the palace. Since 1956, it has been a museum.
Mount Ai-Petri
The 1234 meter high peak offers impressive landscape views. On the plateau you can eat deliciously, tasting the best national dishes of Crimean Tatar cuisine. Rise to the hill from the lower station of the cable car, which originates near the Vorontsov Palace. The lift is listed in the Book of Records as the longest unsupported span in Europe. The journey will take 15 minutes.
Silver gazebo and Wuchang-Su waterfall
The trip can be combined with a visit to Mount Ai-Petri. After admiring the views of the sea coast from above, you need to take a bus and go down. It is on the path of this serpentine that you will meet the Uchan-Su waterfall and the Silver Gazebo. The water streams are decorated with a monument in the form of an eagle. According to legend, if you tie a red ribbon around its wing and make a wish, it will definitely come true.
Cathedrals and temples
Yalta can be called a multi-religious city: the heritage of different peoples and eras coexists here, which is why there are so many attractions that are worth visiting on your own, having learned their history and fate.
Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky
Address: Yalta, st. Sadovaya, 2.
This is the main Orthodox church in Yalta, built in honor of Emperor Alexander II. It won’t be difficult to see this landmark of Yalta on your own: it is located very close to the embankment. The Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky has an interesting architecture: Alexander III wanted the exterior to have a lot of “Russian elements,” so the temple is decorated with numerous pilasters, porches, open galleries and icon cases.
Saint Hripsime Church
Address: Yalta, Zagorodnaya street, 3.
This is an Armenian church, built at the beginning of the 20th century by the Baku millionaire Ter-Ghukasyan in memory of his daughter, who was buried here on Darsan Hill. The design of the St. Hripsime Church in Etchmiadzin was taken as a basis. The main reason why this church is included in the lists of what to see in Yalta is the unique Armenian architecture, which has remained unchanged for many centuries. Due to the fact that the temple was designed according to the sketches of the original destroyed in the 12th century, the church looks very ancient, a little gloomy and mysterious.
Roman Catholic Church
Address: Yalta, st. Pushkinskaya, 25.
Website: https://yaltakatolik.ru/
In the very center of Yalta, a Roman Catholic Church was lost among the dense greenery of trees. It is made in a neo-Gothic style, with magnificent stained glass windows. For many years now, you can listen to the organ in the church: live music evenings are regularly held here, and if you have free time, be sure to attend one of these concerts - you won’t regret it.
Temple of the Archangel Michael
Address: Gaspra, Sevastopolskoe highway, 163.
The church in Oreanda was built on the site of an ancient Orthodox monastery. This is the newest of the attractions that can be seen in Yalta: construction was completed in 2006. The snow-white church with golden domes is located on a cliff, so it can be clearly seen from below. The Church of the Archangel Michael offers a majestic view - according to tourists, no worse than from Ai-Petri.
What to see in a week
This time is not enough to review all the attractions of the resort town, but if you develop a route in advance, the program can include a maximum of fascinating places that have left their mark on history:
- Families with children are recommended to go to the Glade of Fairy Tales and visit the zoo.
- For flora lovers, go to the Nikitsky Botanical Garden.
- Representatives of the stronger sex and real gourmets will be interested in tasting wines from the best varieties of Crimean grapes.
- All tourists, without exception, will be inspired by the preserved interiors of medieval castles.
- Those who prefer art can buy a ticket to a performance at the Yalta Theater named after A.P. Chekhov.
- You definitely need to walk along the embankment, see the existing temples and the Armenian Church, and climb the majestic Mount Ai-Petri.
"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.
Interesting places
When you have already looked at all of the above points on the map of Crimea, and do not know where to go on an excursion in Yalta, pay attention to the following monuments:
- House of F.F. Meltzer.
- Vin.
- Palace of the Emir of Bukhara.
- Museum complex of L. Ukrainka.
- Count's estate of Mordvinov.
- Yusupov Palace, referred to as the “Pink Estate”.
- Foros Park with unrivaled fountains.
- Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and Great Martyr Alexandra.
- Nikitskaya cleft with a climbing wall.
- Mountain forest nature reserve.
- Studio.
No matter how many times you visit the resort town, new attractions will open up to you.
Museums
Chekhov House-Museum
One of the most famous in the city is the Chekhov House Museum . The writer spent the last 5 years of his life in Yalta. In the resort town he created the plays “The Cherry Orchard”, “Three Sisters”, and the story “The Lady with the Dog”.
Here Chekhov built a house called the “White Dacha” (1898), where the writer’s museum is now open.
The cost of entrance tickets is 300₽ .
- Location: st. Kirova, 112.
Historical and Literary Museum
The Historical and Literary Museum (YALM), one of the oldest museums in Crimea, combines literary and historical exhibitions. The museum collections contain more than 160,000 storage units.
- Location: st. Pushkinskaya, 5.
What's interesting in the area
The entire southern coast of the peninsula is dotted with fascinating monuments. In order not to go somewhere you know you won’t like, before the excursion you should read reviews, study photos and determine the most interesting places in Yalta and the immediate surroundings that you need to visit. Ratings of fascinating corners of the South Coast strongly recommend visiting:
- The royal path.
- Church in Foros.
- Count's palaces.
- Bird home.
- Zoo and Glade of Fairy Tales.
- Nikitsky Botanical Garden.
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.
Massandra Palace
Massandra Palace is a beautiful complex of the late 19th century in the village of Massandra, 12 km from Yalta. This is a place where none of its owners have ever lived, and by the will of fate, many of them did not live to see the completion of construction or reconstruction.
- All about Massandra - the excursion includes a visit to the Massandra Palace, where you can see luxurious interiors, things of Alexander III and Nicholas II, photographs and paintings. Next, you will have a trip to the winery, where the most famous wines of Crimea are produced. The production was founded by Prince L.S. Golitsyn in 1894.
You can also visit the Massandra Palace on your own. The palace is located behind the South Coast Highway in Massandra. The famous trolleybus No. 52 and minibuses, for example 29, 29A from the Yalta bus station, run along the South Coast Highway. You need to get off at the turn to Massandra Palace (all minibuses know this stop), and then go up the mountain. There are signs everywhere, so it's difficult to get lost. Entrance to the territory of the Massandra Palace is free, but inside there is a fee. There are several exhibitions from 200 to 350 ₽. A single ticket for all exhibitions costs 550 ₽.
Where to go for a walk in Yalta
One review cannot describe all the landscapes and architectural beauty that can be seen near the famous resort. Don't try to do everything and everywhere. Do not forget that first of all you arrived in a summer resort city to take a break from the bustle and heavy air of industrial areas. Here, the main attractions are the sea and the mountains. Stroll through parks and squares, sheltering from the heat under the shade of palm leaves, drink a cup of coffee in coastal cafes and listen to local artists by the flowing water fountain on the embankment.
