TOP 30 - what to see in Koktebel and the surrounding area

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In this post:

1. Karadag reserve.
2. Koktebel embankment.
3. Beaches.
4. Museum of M. Voloshin.
5. Museum of "Nature of Kara-Dag".
6. Bird Museum (Dinoterium).
7. Water amusement park "Koktebel".
8. Dolphinarium.
9. Monument to Voloshin.
10. Monument to Koktebel paratroopers.
11. .
12. Mount Klimentyev.
13. Observation deck “Starfall of Memories”.
14. Arch "Golden Gate".
15. Cape Chameleon.
16. Sights of Koktebel that you can see in a day.
17. Where to go with children.
18. Where to go in the area.
19. The most beautiful places for photos.
20. Housing in Koktebel (daily).

The Koktebel resort gained popularity many years ago. Incredible views of the Kara-Dag and Planernaya mountains, steppes, and vineyards attract admirers of natural attractions. Amazing nature, positive atmosphere, a huge number of places that deserve close attention. Here are just some of the advantages of the village, which was called Planerskoye during the Soviet era. So, let's figure out what to visit in Koktebel and its surroundings.

Karadagsky reserve

Mount Kara-Dag
Karadag Nature Reserve was founded in 1979 with the goal of protecting unique natural sites. Including the remains of volcanoes. Biologists, geologists and zoologists were interested in creating a protected area. Thanks to them, we have the opportunity to enjoy the unique natural resources of Koktebel and its environs, not destroyed by man. The flora of the reserve alone numbers about 9 thousand species of flora.

Read more about the Karadag Nature Reserve here

More on the topic:

Nature of Crimea

Koktebel embankment

In a small resort town, this is the most crowded street. On the coastal strip: entertainment centers, cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops and so on. The relaxed atmosphere of a great mood is supported by numerous street performers, funny clowns (children are especially delighted with them), and artists. Naturally, this is not the Yalta Embankment, but no worse.

Koktebel embankment

You can get to the Embankment from anywhere in the village in a few minutes. Everything about the embankment is here.

Koktebel village attractions and entertainment in 2022

Koktebel, as a hospitable host, also took care of the leisure time of vacationers, creating beach and sea attractions and entertainment for them:

• The Koktebel water park is a place where children squeal with delight and adults turn into teenagers. The huge territory, occupying an entire block, is divided into thematic zones - pirate (for children) and space (for adults).

The children's area has shallow pools, 12 low slides, and figures of pirates, octopuses and other cartoon characters are placed around. There is also a pirate ship where you can search for treasure.

For adults, there are slides in a space theme and with corresponding sensations - “Kamikaze” and “Flying Boats”, and the “Space Pipe” attraction will become a real extreme sport.

Those who want to relax after playing and skiing can sit in an area with sun loungers or in a jacuzzi, have a snack in a restaurant or visit the aquarium and petting zoo, which will be very inexpensive.

• And of course, the central attractions of Koktebel for travelers will be the embankment and the beach, where you can take beautiful photos of this tiny but famous city of Crimea.

The embankment is very nice: quite spacious and long, beautiful lanterns and laconic benches against the backdrop of the blue sea and sky make you think of Greece, and small fountains give freshness on a hot day.

The entire social life of the village is concentrated on two kilometers of this street: during the day there are cafes, shops and souvenir shops, exhibitions and markets where you can buy paintings by local artists and souvenirs in ethnic style, in the evening, brightly lit, it invites you to sit in a restaurant and listen musicians who gather admirers around them, or pose for an artist who will draw your portrait in an hour.

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Beaches

Beach in Koktebel
The beaches of Koktebel are in demand among both the local population and tourists. Particularly popular are:

1. Central beach. It stretched along the village. On the territory there are rental points (umbrellas, sunbeds) and catering, changing rooms, toilets. Lots of entertainment: water rides, slides and so on. The seabed is sandy, the shore is small pebbles.
2. "Popeye." There is a boat station on the territory of this section of the coast. Entrance to the beach is free, but you will have to pay according to the list price to ride a boat, catamaran or air mattress. The shoreline is generously covered with large pebbles.
3. "Maltese". Unlike real Maltese beaches, the shore here is far from sandy, but concrete. Naturally, you can’t lie on such a surface for a long time, so you’ll have to rent sun loungers.
4. "Nudist". The beach for naturists is located in Fox Bay, surrounded by the Kara-Dag and Echki-Dag mountain ranges. The coastline is sandy, but there are quite large stones on the seabed.

On this topic:

Beaches of Crimea

Attractions

Most of the man-made and historical sights of Koktebel are located within its borders, although those located further from the center are no less noticeable.

One of them can safely be called a symbol of this place. The semi-rotunda of three columns on Mount Koklyuk-Kaya north of the village is a remarkable and popular observation deck . It received the name “Starfall of Memories” From here you can see a vast valley, at the end of which Koktebel lies near the coast. The landscape, scorched by the sun and cut by a network of low hills, is often compared to an alien one. The effect is added by the teeth of the Kara-Dag darkening in the distance and the salt crust of Lake Barakol, cracked from the heat. Active pedestrians can get here: one way distance is 7 km. Those arriving by car or on a tour enter along a new asphalt road leading directly to the semi-rotunda.

View from the site near the “Starfall of Memories” Photo: © Valeria Lerochkina

By car, it is convenient to include in the route objects of the city of Old Crimea , on the site of which people have lived since ancient times. It is by his name, with a slight transformation, that we now know the entire peninsula. Ancient mosques - the intact and working Khan of Uzbekistan , the remains of the Baybars and Kurshum-Jami , and the Armenian church of Surb Khach . You should definitely visit the memorial house-museum of the writer Alexander Green , who spent his last month of life there, and the house-museum of K. Paustovsky on the street. Karl Liebknecht, 500 m from each other. Guests are advised not to refuse the stories of the guides, who very sincerely tell about the exhibition and its heroes.

A. Green Museum Photo: © vladkonst

3 km east of Stary Krym there is an antelope park "Safari Ranch" . This corner of African nature will appeal to any generation, but especially to children. They take a special bus for a walk through the free ranges with llamas, buffalos, deer, yaks and ostriches. All inhabitants can be fed and photographed.

A couple more places where animals give positivity: in addition to Koktebel, there is a dolphinarium in Karadag . A visit to it can be combined well with a visit to the ridge, since it is located nearby, at the beginning of the hiking trail in Kurortny. The program with dolphins includes a popular science lecture and a musical show with their participation.

Other points on the map are suitable for adults. If all the wines have been tasted, you can go to Solnechnaya Dolina (more precisely, the village of Mindalnoye) for a portion of the next ones. Sunny Valley brand guides will show you the wine cellars and the process of the birth of the drink, introduce you to the etiquette of consumption and wine assessment. A tasting and the opportunity to purchase what you like are definitely included.

At the Sun Valley winery Photo: © Lyudmila_Klyopova

It is impossible to ignore neighboring Feodosia , which is only 15 km away. Its history begins from the time before our era and interweaves the influence of many nationalities, and its immediate history is closely connected with famous cultural figures inspired by it. Therefore, the large city is rich in architectural monuments, museums, parks, and also delights with a long sand and pebble strip and a variety of entertainment. It will take more than one day to study it, but we tried to offer this option:

What to see in the vicinity of Feodosia in 1 day Where to go with children in Feodosia

M. Voloshin Museum

Voloshin Museum
In the house of Maximilian Voloshin, the museum was created in 1984, completely recreating all the conditions and environment in which the poet lived. Today, the house of the great poet houses a library, a study and a living room. Collections of gems, dried plants, and sea shells are no less interesting.

• Address: Morskaya st., 43, Koktebel,
• Phones: +7 36562 2‑45-06, +7 36562 2‑44-37

I recommend: take a tour guide. This way you can learn more interesting things about Voloshin’s life and work. About his friends entering the house.

House of the writer Voloshin

What is Koktebel known for? And what are the attractions here? The locals here treat the house of the writer Voloshin with great trepidation and special warmth. This man once lived in Koktebel and wrote his works. In modern reality, this house was turned into a museum. You can see what it looks like in the photo in the article. The house is located right on the embankment. In the evening it shimmers with different light thanks to interestingly thought-out lighting. By the way, there are always plenty of people here who want to walk around the museum and listen to the guide’s story. Also, sometimes newlyweds come here to take picturesque photographs against the backdrop of the sea and mountains.

I would like to immediately note the moment. The writer is buried in Koktebel. Visitors, vacationers, and local residents go to his grave. The grave is located in a picturesque place, so a large number of interested people come here.

Voloshin's house in Koktebel

Voloshin's house

courtyard of Voloshin's house

Museum of "Nature of Kara-Dag"

Museum of “Nature of Kara-Dag”
One of the most interesting and educational places in Koktebel, dedicated to the nature of the extinct volcano Kara-Dag. By the seventies of the last century, about 1000 different exhibits were collected on the territory of the complex. Including stuffed feathered inhabitants of these places and animals. The museum regularly held educational lectures and seminars by scientists whose names were quite well known even outside the Crimean peninsula.

The halls of the museum display mountain and volcanic rocks, rare representatives of the flora and fauna, and inhabitants of the Crimea.

• Address: st. Nauki, 24, Kurortnoye
• Telephone: +7 36562 2‑62-12

How to get to Koktebel?

Getting to Koktebel from the airport of the capital of Crimea is very easy. For example, on a direct bus. The bus leaves at half past three and 18:40. Another option: from the Kurortnaya bus station, which is in Simferopol itself. From here buses go to Koktebel every hour. As a last resort, you can get to Feodosia, and from there it’s a stone’s throw to the village. Transport runs smoothly. A taxi will take you to your destination for about 2,000 thousand rubles.

Koktebel on the map of Crimea:

GPS Coordinates: 44.960337, 35.241133 Latitude/Longitude

Have a nice trip to Crimea!

Bird Museum (Dinoterium)

Dinotherium
This is the most interesting, unusual and fascinating museum in Koktebel. The territory of the complex consists of several zones. The most interesting, in my opinion, is Paleontology. It contains a huge model of a dinosaur. There are also models of heads of different types of dinosaurs. The hall with live parrots and other birds, turtles, lizards arouses great interest and indescribable delight among children. Especially when employees give you the opportunity to pet birds or reptiles.

• Koktebel, Sadovaya street, 24
• www.dinoteriy.com

Water amusement park "Koktebel"

Water park "Koktebel"
The water park in Koktebel is considered one of the best on the peninsula. There are a total of 24 water slides in the park, 12 of them for children. Every vacationer will find something to their liking there and will get the most out of their visit. The choice is large, but the following attractions are in particular demand:

• Jacuzzi with a healing effect;
• “Jamaica”, a slide with a launch height of 12 meters;
• “Jolly Roger”, a forty-meter ride with a descent duration of only 5 seconds;
• “Star Abyss” involves descending through a closed pipe and ending up in a huge funnel.

Read more about the Koktebel water park here

• st. Lenina, 144B, town Koktebel, Russia
• aquapark-koktebel.ru

More on the topic:

All water parks of Crimea

Where to stay

In Koktebel we found many different housing offers - from rooms in private houses to reputable hotel rooms. Prices depend on the level of comfort and distance to the beach. You can stay with local residents in a fairly cozy room, paying from 500 to 1500 rubles. Prices are approximately the same in hostels. In cozy mini-hotels, prices start from 2000 per room, and in sanatoriums the price depends on the list of medical procedures provided to the client.

But if, like us, you will be traveling with several families, then it is best to book a mini-cottage. They usually have a small pool and a children's playground, and for adults - a gazebo and an attic.

People who prefer comfort with a view and access to the sea will have to pay the most. For example, at the White Griffin hotel, which has its own diving center, a two-room suite in high season can cost 10,000 rubles.

Dolphinarium

Dolphinarium in Koktebel
Not far from the water park there is another popular place for family leisure - entertainment and recreation. Experienced instructors skillfully handle animals. Additional services are provided on site, such as dolphin therapy, swimming, bathing, and so on. The pools are huge, the stands are comfortable. A trip here with children will bring an incredible and most positive experience.

• Morskaya st., 77, town Koktebel
• koktebel-delfin.com

On this topic:

Dolphinariums of Crimea

Koktebelky Hollywood

Back in Soviet times, there was a film studio in Yalta, where more than 1,000 films were shot during its existence.
It is surprising that Koktebel became the most popular filming location, and films from a wide variety of climate zones and countries were shot here. Many of these films became the golden fund of Soviet cinema. Tourists who often vacation in Koktebel recognize familiar landscapes in the frames of their favorite paintings.

It is difficult to understand how it was possible to shoot such different films on Koktebel nature as: “Scarlet Sails”, “The Headless Horseman”, “The Diamond Arm”, “Don Quixote”, “The Lady with the Dog”, “White Sun of the Desert”, “ Master of Chukotka." It’s clear where the sea is in the film, but Spain and the snows of Chukotka! They are where they were “mined” in the southern bays.

Monument to Koktebel paratroopers

Monument to the Koktebel paratroopers
The memorial sign was erected in the mid-seventies of the last century, in honor of the servicemen of the Kerch-Feodosia landing. The soldiers were participants in the well-known tragic events of 1941 and took part in one of the main operations to liberate Crimea from the Nazis. During that operation, about 130 thousand paratroopers died, and another 170 thousand were captured.

Weather and climate of Koktebel

The village has amazing air. Mountains, sea, forests and steppes merged together and formed a healing aroma that even people from other countries come here to breathe. Along with having a great time, a person gets a strengthened immune system.

Koktebel was carefully sheltered from the cold winds by the mountains. And only a barely perceptible breeze is felt after swimming in the sea.

Temperature regime of Koktebel The average temperature in July-August is +23 - + 24 degrees; The average temperature in January-February is +1 - +3 degrees; Water temperature in July - August - + 24 - +25 degrees;

The holiday season begins in May and ends in mid-October.
The nature here is very beautiful. Just the view of the inactive Karadag volcano is worth it! And Cape Chameleon will give you an unforgettable experience. It is worth visiting the Karadag Nature Reserve - a natural pride, the calling card of Koktebel.

A factory for the production of fine wines and cognac in Koktebel was opened back in 1958. Every year, about 200 thousand deciliters of production material were processed within its walls. The most popular drinks were collection and vintage cognacs: “Koktebel”, “Crimea” and “Kutuzov”. There are similar production facilities in Inkerman and Novy Svet.

This is interesting: barrels of wine are placed in numerous sixty-meter tunnels carved into the rock.

Mount Klimentyev

Mount Klimentyev
This is the most unique, historical place not only in the vicinity of Koktebel, but also in the territory of the former Soviet Union. It was on Mount Klimentyev that the first planetary tests took place. 11 glider meetings were held there in 1923 - 1935. In the twenties of the last century, Hermann Goering trained on the mountain together with Soviet pilots. Future German air marshal. Thanks to him, during the Great Patriotic War the rock was not bombed, at his own request. For those who are interested in the highest mountains of Crimea, I advise you to go to Ai-Petri.

Reference: the height of the formation is 268 m above sea level, 180 – 200 meters above land.

On this topic:

All mountains of Crimea

White Mountain – Ak-Kaya

This white vertical rock is visible a kilometer before approaching it.
It rises above the valley of the Biyuk-Karasu River. The symbol of Belogorsk looks like a fortress. White Mountain – that’s what the rock is called – is very old. Over thousands of years, nature has formed bizarre shapes on the surface of the rock. Particularly interesting are the aeolian grottoes formed by the winds.

There are several interesting caves in White Mountain. The lower cave – Bob – is a grotto in the middle of the western wall. Archaeologists discovered traces of Sarmatians in the cave. It is believed that there was a sanctuary here.

Even more interesting is the Upper Cave - Altyn-Teshik - Golden Nora. The entrance to the cave is accessible only to extreme sports enthusiasts; the round entrance to it is located at a height of 52 meters from the ground. Prehistoric man sites have been found in caves.

Excursions are available to White Mountain. The distance of 80 kilometers from Koktebel is worth traveling for stunning views of the mountains in the south and ancient steppe mounds in the north.

Observation deck “Starfall of Memories”

Observation deck “Starfall of Memories”
The site is located at the highest point of the Barakolskaya valley, at an altitude of about 400 meters. The largest influx of tourists to the Starfall of Memories is recorded at the end of summer, in August. The reason is solid: at this time the so-called Perseid meteor shower passes over the planet. And according to legend, if you look at a shooting star from the observation deck and have time to make a wish, your dream will definitely come true.

Read more about Starfall of Memories here

What to see in Koktebel?

Sights of Koktebel and the surrounding area photos with descriptions. We were passing through Koktebel, but still managed to see something. Now I’ll tell you what to see in Koktebel and the surrounding area on your own.

The best resorts of Eastern Crimea→

Karadag Nature Reserve and Golden Gate Rock

Crimea Koktebel attractions. I definitely recommend visiting the Karadag Nature Reserve. This is one of my favorite places in Crimea, it’s incredibly beautiful and unusual - quaint mountains, flower-strewn valleys, divine air and amazing sea views.

In the reserve you can see rare species of plants; under your feet, if you are lucky, you can find semi-precious metals. There are also many photogenic weathered rocks here.

In addition, it offers panoramic views of the famous Golden Gate Rock. If the Swallow's Nest is a symbol of the South Coast, then the Golden Gate is the calling card of eastern Crimea.

Important information: you can’t just get into the reserve; visiting Karadag is allowed only as part of a guided tour. Some try to break this rule, but rangers are constantly on duty in the national park and catch violators. Violation may result in a fine, and if rare species of plants are picked, even legal proceedings.

On the territory there is a museum of the history of Karadag and the Karadag Dolphinarium.

Visiting hours: during the season, groups for the route are formed daily at 9.00 and 13.00, no prior reservation is required. Until May (that is, out of season), groups are formed by prior application. I advise you to better call the reserve in advance and check the current time of visit; as I understand, the administration of the reserve willingly adapts to circumstances.

Cost: We buy an entrance ticket at the ticket office of the Museum of History and Nature of Karadag:

• 600 rub. - adult
• 400 rub. – children from 7 to 14 years old
• children under 7 years old – free

How much time do you need: tour duration - 4 hours

How to visit: the walking ecological trail “Big Karadag”, 7 km long, runs through the territory of the reserve. You must first purchase a ticket at the box office. You can take a sea excursion on a boat from Koktebel along the Karadag Nature Reserve (800 rubles per person). Some boats can even pass through the Golden Gate rock (this rock-arch in the sea from the height of Karadag seems very tiny - see photo).

What to take with you: a supply of water, comfortable shoes and hats; the lion's share of the route passes through open areas.

How to get there: the walking tour route starts from the territory of the biological station in the village of Kurortnoye (Nauki St., 24). On the way back, you have a choice: return back to the territory of the biological station or finish the walk in Koktebel.

Official website: https://www.karadag.com.ru/

Phone for information + 7-(36562)-26-287, +79787561454.

The best way to see all the beauties of Crimea is to travel around Crimea in a rented car. I advise you to buy a car from Myrentacar.com or Economybookings - these are reliable aggregators, prices are reasonable. Our experience of renting a car in Crimea and reviews →

Our route around Crimea by car→

Mount Klementieva and paragliders

Koktebel attractions and entertainment. Not far from the resort village of Koktebel there is a very picturesque place - Mount Klementyev (Uzun-Syrt plateau). It is an extended plateau and attracts with its picturesqueness and views.

But the trick of the place is that there are ideal conditions for paragliding; strong air currents form in this area, helping paragliders and hang gliders take off. At one time, famous Soviet pilots and aircraft designers worked here.

Now on the mountain there is the Breeze Paragliding Club, the Gliding Sports Center, and the Gliding Museum. You can try to fly, or come here for a few days to master gliding courses in detail.

The cost of a full course in gliding skills is approximately 35 thousand rubles. in 10 days - during this period you will learn to fly on your own. Single flights will cost approximately 2,500 rubles and last 10-15 minutes.

Personal experience: next to the Breeze gliding club there is a delicious cafe with panoramic windows, you can have lunch and watch others fly.

The peculiarity of the mountain is that light objects here do not fall, but take off. Try an experiment and throw something up, for example a hat.

And the 45th parallel (the Golden Mean of planet Earth) passes through Mount Klementyev.

How to get there: Mount Klementyev can be easily reached by private car from Koktebel or Feodosia. You can drive along the Sudak-Feodosia highway to the village of Nanikovo or along the Simferopol-Feodosia highway through the village of Otvazhnoe.

I advise you to read: How much does a vacation in Crimea cost - prices and cost of the trip

Starfall of memories

Koktebel attractions photo. Near Mount Klementyev there is another mountain - Mount Koklyuk, where the excellent observation deck “Starfall of Memories” is located.

In itself, this white rotunda is not particularly remarkable, the main thing is the view that opens from it. From the top the Barakol valley and the salt lake Barakol are clearly visible.

Personal experience: in the spring, poppy fields bloom next to the “Starfall of Memories”, it looks very beautiful. And in August you can often observe such a natural phenomenon as meteor showers.

Recommendation: I advise you to watch the sunset on this mountain; the sun here sets very beautifully and spectacularly behind the horizon, illuminating the poppy fields.

There are also photogenic rocks nearby.

How to get there: You can get to the Starfall of Memories by car along dirt paths, but the quality of the road leaves much to be desired - holes, uneven spots and potholes. If you wish, you can drive up to the colonnade itself in an ordinary sedan (not too low), but you just need to be extremely careful and choose the best path. If you are not confident in your car, leave the car a little lower and walk another 1.5-2 km. You can also visit the observation deck as part of a self-guided tour of eastern Crimea.

I advise you to read: Excursions in Crimea: prices, descriptions and reviews

Cape Chameleon

Koktebel attractions. Cape Chameleon or Toprah Kaya is a very interesting attraction in the vicinity of Koktebel. It is not without reason that the cape received such a nickname among the people. The thing is that it can change its color several times a day. In addition, from above, the shape of the cape resembles a lizard in outline.

What is the secret of this rock's ability to change color? It's simple, Cape Chameleon consists of clay shales, and as you know, this rock has the ability to reflect light. During the day, the sun falls at different angles on the rocks of the cape, and when reflected, the Chameleon acquires new colors. Cloudiness also affects the shade of the cape.

Where is it located: located a few km from Koktebel.

How to get there: it’s better by personal car, there is no public transport to Chameleon, you can walk from Koktebel in 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace (about 6 km).

You can walk along the cape, but it is not recommended to approach the very edge of Chameleon; due to the clayey structure of the cape, landslides often occur here. In general, they say that the cape is gradually being destroyed.

Arch "Golden Gate"

The rock formation in the Black Sea has long been considered a kind of calling card not only of Koktebel, but of the entire Crimea. The arch is located in the waters of the Kara-Dag massif. There are many stories and legends around this place. It is believed that if you swim under the gate, you will have good luck throughout your life. Perhaps that is why there are so many boats, pleasure boats and so on around.

I recommend: a boat trip from Feodosia to Kara-Dag on the ship Mikhail Svetlov.

How the village lives

Koktebel is located 20 km from Feodosia and is part of it. This is the eastern coast of the Crimean peninsula. If you want to relax quietly, enjoy quiet and cozy evenings, then this is not the place for you. This resort village is a favorite place not only for young people, but also for married couples. There are always a lot of people here and a lot of entertainment, the infrastructure is well developed.

And for children, Koktebel is simply a paradise, because there is a water park, a dolphinarium, and many other adventures.

Background information: Population: 2955 people; Length: 0.817 km square; Index: 298186

Koktebel has well-developed transport links with neighboring Feodosia; many local residents go there to work every day. There is a shopping center where you can buy clothes, groceries and other necessities. ATMs, Internet cafes, a first-aid post and pharmacies are also available to vacationers.

You can have a delicious meal in any restaurant, canteen and cafe. In the summer season there are simply a huge number of them.

It is customary to hold various rallies and festivals in the village. For example, an international dance festival.

Cape Chameleon

One of the most beautiful and mysterious capes of Crimea. A cape located near Koktebel separates Quiet Bay from Koktebel. The main feature of these places is the change in color of land and water depending on the time of year and day. Cape Chameleon is capable of changing color shade several times a day. A very beautiful, impressive spectacle that even locals come to see. Naturally, there is nothing mysterious or mystical here. It's just that the special composition of the shale rock displays the sun's glare differently. As a result, such a play of light is created.

Read more about Cape Chameleon here

Toplovsky Monastery

People go to Crimea to sunbathe and swim.
Even people who often vacation in Crimea do not often go on excursions, especially deep into the peninsula. Meanwhile, on the ancient peninsula there are many amazing sights that have an interesting, tragic history, in many ways consonant with the history of the country.

29 kilometers from the center of Koktebel, among gardens, forests and mountains, is the village of Topolevka. Not far from the village, on the slopes of Mount Karatau, is the Toplovsky Trinity-Paraskevievsky Convent.

People have settled in this beautiful place in the valley of the Wet Indol River since ancient times. There was a Greek church on this site until the 19th century, the ruins of which can still be seen today.

From the Feodosia-Simferopol highway, the Armenian church located on the top of the hill is still clearly visible. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, Armenians lived here, and the temple was active. In 1778, the Armenians left these places and the temple was abandoned. At the beginning of the 19th century, the ancient temple was restored by the monastery.

Archbishop Innokenty chose the place for the Toplovsky Monastery during his trip to Crimea.

In these places there is a healing spring Chokrak-Saglyk-su - a source of living, healthy water - which was considered holy by both Muslims and Christians. According to ancient legend, Saint Paraskeva, whose name the spring is named after, suffered her last torment at the spring.

Innocent turned to the Synod with a request to found a monastery in the Topolevka tract - as Topolevka was previously called. But plans to found the monastery were interrupted by the Crimean War. But the idea of ​​creating a monastery remained unfulfilled until the 60s of the 19th century.

The Zotov sisters, who owned the Tolpu estate, decided to donate 230 acres of land to the monastery. Fundraising began for the construction of the monastery, in which many people took part.

Construction of the church began in May 1863 and was completed in just 2 months. Things for services were collected from different churches. Bells for the temple were purchased in Simferopol. The temple was consecrated on June 26 by Archbishop Alexy on the day of memory of Saint Paraskeva.

Since the opening of the monastery, it has expanded and received numerous donations and religious relics.

A new temple and hotel, cells for sisters, a hospital, a school for girls were built, an old small temple was restored, and a road to the monastery was laid.

A few years later, the monastery became the owner of many religious religions: the icon of the Kazan Mother of God, which was decorated with a silver and gilded robe, precious stones, particles of the Honorable and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, particles of the relics of the holy great martyr and healer Panteleimon and the holy venerable martyr Paraskeva.

These shrines attracted a large number of pilgrims, and the monastery flourished. By 1917, 241 nuns lived in the monastery.

During the years of Soviet power, the monastery was plundered many times, and then was completely closed. The second life of the monastery began in 1992.

For more than 20 years, the monastery has been being restored, temples, chapels, and baths over the holy springs are being rebuilt.

Miraculous healings still occur in the monastery today; people come here for services, to receive healing, to pray, to bathe in a holy spring, or simply for a blessing.

You can visit the monastery: from 6:00 to 21:00. Address of the monastery: Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. Educational (Verkhnyaya Topolyovka). Phone: +380-6559-92676.

You can visit the monastery only with a special, pre-booked excursion. The tour is not cheap, but the trip is worth the money spent. The journey will take about two hours.

Where to go in the area

There are also more than enough options here: Cape Chameleon and Kara-Dag volcano. Book a boat trip to the Golden Gate or enjoy the joy of swimming on the wild beach in Fox Bay. Some tourists do not recommend taking children there, due to the specific nature of the beach. But it seems to me that it all depends on your family values. To save as much time and effort as possible on the train, I recommend getting a card in advance. By the way, since you are going to the vicinity of Koktebel anyway, I recommend stopping by the village of Ordzhonikidze.

Stories, routes and tourist tips

It’s very easy to get inspired to explore the surroundings of Koktebel: the stories of vacationers are full of colorful photos and enthusiastic epithets about the local beauties. Using them, you can find out how much you like the resort weather in a particular month, choose the most tempting places and, taking into account the recommendations, create your own trip. Useful information is also provided in our city guide.

• Yulia’s photo album about the blooming spring Karadag “On the paths of the south-eastern Crimea”
• Photo album Magdalena happiness about the sea walk “Myths and Legends of Karadag...”
• The story “Crimea” by Masha Malinovskaya about a journey around the outskirts of Koktebel.

All tourist reviews about Koktebel on Tourister. RU

Photo: © Masha Malinovskaya