Crimea is one of those rare places where a miracle awaits the curious traveler on vacation around every turn. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a luxurious palace or an ancient park, a stunningly beautiful sea coast or a mysterious grotto, the main thing is to see and consider the magic of the sunny peninsula!
The tiny village of Novy Svet, located near Sudak, is considered one of the most beautiful places on the peninsula, and its history was created by the hands of one man. Yes, this is such a nominal village, because as soon as its name sounds, the name of Prince Golitsin immediately sounds. Our story is about the attractions of this place, so that when you find yourself in the New World in Crimea, you don’t think long about where to go and what to see.
A few facts about the New World
- In 1878, Prince Lev Sergeevich Golitsyn acquired the Paradise (Paradise) tract at the foot of Mount Sokol, not far from Sudak.
- On his new estate, Golitsyn planted vineyards, built a winery, and made tunnel cellars in Mount Koba-Kaya for storing wines and his own collection of wines from the 18th and 19th centuries (over 50 thousand bottles).
- Prince Golitsyn's sparkling champagne was served at the coronation of Emperor Nicholas II in 1896; later this wine began to be called “Coronation”.
- At the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris, Paradisio sparkling wine received the Grand Prix Cup.
- According to legend, Paradise received the name New World from the light hand of Emperor Nicholas II. Arriving to visit Golitsyn and tasting local champagne, the emperor said that he saw life in a new light.
- Due to poor health and precarious financial condition, in 1913 Golitsyn donated part of the vineyards and cellars of the New World to the emperor. This allowed the estate to be saved from bankruptcy.
- Now Novy Svet is included in the urban district of Sudak, and the plant for the production of champagne and sparkling wines continues to operate to this day.
Sudak fortress
If you came to the New World in Crimea by car, then the answer to the question of what to see first will be simple - the fortress in Sudak. Its second name is Genoese, but one can argue about its affiliation, because there was a fortress on Dzhenevez-Kaya before them. But no matter who was the first owner of the fortress, it will be very interesting to examine the ancient fortification structure.
Among the attractions of the New World and the entire Crimea, the Sudak fortress is the most “alive”. Firstly, it is well preserved, has undergone restoration, and most importantly, in August the “Genoese Helmet” festival takes place here, when the medieval city comes to life inside the fortress walls with its knightly competitions and bazaar.
Golitsyn Winery
Website: nsvet-crimea.ru Address: Novy Svet, st. Shalyapina, 1. Children under 18 years of age are not allowed onto the territory of the New World House of Champagne Wines.
House of champagne wines “New World”, created by the founder of Russian winemaking Lev Golitsyn in 1878. Rock tunnels were carved into the monolithic Koba Kaya mountain to age wines in bottles.
The plant conducts several excursion wine tours through the underground tunnels with tasting of champagne and sparkling wines.
Underwater cave "Legend"
Among the most mysterious sights of the New World in Crimea is the underwater cave “Legend”. Tourists walk along the Golitsin trail and don’t even suspect what’s under their feet! Who and when discovered this cave is unknown, and the name is explained by the legend that there was a hiding place in the cave where sea robbers kept their treasures.
You can only get into the cave from the sea and it is better to do this in calm weather and with an instructor.
Monument to Lev Golitsyn
The monument to Prince Lev Sergeevich Golitsyn was erected at the entrance to the territory of the Novy Svet champagne wine factory on September 20, 2008 in honor of the 130th anniversary of the enterprise. Golitsyn (1845-1915) is the founder of Russian winemaking; for several years he was the chief winemaker of the Appanage Department responsible for the management of imperial property.
Golitsyn not only created the Novy Svet estate, he was involved in the development of winemaking in Massandra and created a winery in Abrau-Durso.
How to get there
Roads from Simferopol lead to any city and village in Crimea. Previously, it was very convenient to travel here by train. The railway station of the capital of the peninsula was considered one of its centers. There was a noisy market here all year round, and nearby on the square there was a bus station from where buses departed to any resort. Visitors only had to walk through the station building with their heavy suitcases, and they would immediately get to the stop.
Nowadays it is more convenient to get to Simferopol from Russia by plane. There are also bus routes from the airport to the resorts, but there are not very many of them. Therefore, most tourists arriving by plane go to the railway station, near which there is still a bus station on the square. From here you can get to Sudak for 140 rubles. You will spend about two hours on the way. Next you will need to take a minibus to the New World. They run every 7-10 minutes. Here you should be prepared for the fact that the road between these settlements is short, but extreme. Locals call it a roller coaster, there are so many turns and sharp turns. In this case, the path lies over the abyss.
Having experienced this unforgettable adventure, you find yourself in the central square of the New World. There is no further road. The bus turns around and goes back, and you remain in this wonderful land.
Golitsyn House-Museum
Address: pos. New World, st. Shalyapina, 11.
The museum in the Golitsyn estate was opened in 1978 - on the centennial anniversary of the winery. The small one-story stone building was built in a Moorish style mixed with classicism. The house has extensive cellars with wine cellars in which Golitsyn's collection wines were stored; they have not been preserved. To keep the basements dry, a fireplace was built in them.
The museum tells about the biography of L.S. Golitsyn, the history of winemaking in Crimea, in particular, and the awards received at wine exhibitions. The museum offers group tours and wine tastings in the cellar.
Poselkovaya embankment
- Address: st. Embankment.
Like all advanced seaside resorts, New World has a promenade. It is not too long (less than a kilometer), but wide and elegant. The local highlight is the plantings of acacias (not the well-known white acacias, which from a biological point of view are not acacias, but real ones).
On the embankment there are observation decks, places to relax, numerous cafes (cultural, not some kind of shalmany), souvenir sales, and entertainment for children. In the evenings there are open-air concerts and various cultural and entertainment events.
Golitsyn trail
The Golitsyn Trail was built in 1912 for the arrival of Emperor Nicholas II. It was cut down on the slope of Mount Koba-Kaya along the coastline by order of Lev Golitsyn. Stone steps, railings and viewing platforms were made. The length of the trail is about 5.5 kilometers and offers beautiful views.
The Golitsyn Trail is a popular tourist route. On the trail there are the Golitsyn (Chaliapin) Grotto, Through Grotto, Cape Kapchik, Green, Blue and Blue Bays, and a relict juniper grove. The trail begins from the Green Bay embankment and stretches along the sea to the opposite side of Mount Eagle.
Geography and climate
New World is located on the Black Sea coast, 6 km from Sudak. The village is located in a beautiful bay, which is surrounded by low picturesque mountains. The New World has a Mediterranean climate typical of the southern coast of Crimea with warm, dry and long summers.
View of the bay and village
Golitsyn's Grotto
In Mount Koba-Kaya there is a large grotto 20-25 meters high and up to 17 meters wide. In the Middle Ages, there was a cave monastery in the grotto. Lev Golitsyn built a grotto to store bottles of wine and champagne; they were located in stone niches that are now empty.
Concerts of pop singers took place in the grotto; the acoustics here are wonderful, and there is a stage. Therefore, the grotto has several names - Golitsynsky, Estradny, Chaliapin's grotto. According to legend, Fyodor Chaliapin sang here, his voice breaking a glass of champagne, but there is no evidence that the famous singer ever visited the New World.
It is believed that it was in this grotto that Emperor Nicholas II, after tasting local wine, said that he saw life in a new light and gave a new name to the Golitsyn estate Paradise - New World.
Beaches and recreational areas by the sea
If someone prefers a beach holiday over everything, then such a tourist will also find something to do in the New World. The place is known for the purity and clarity of the water. And around the village (within walking distance) there are several wild beaches with an interesting history and special flavor.
Central Beach
- Address: st. Embankment.
In the New World it is located in the expected place - near the embankment. In the vicinity of the village, this is the only well-maintained beach with all the infrastructure. Food and entertainment are provided by the embankment, where there is plenty of it all.
The shore near the embankment is covered with fine sand made from crushed shells mixed with pebbles. There are no big stones. The entrance to the water is moderately gentle, even a small child can splash around without fear. In the area of the New World, there is clean water of high transparency, which attracts both clean vacationers and divers to this village.
Royal Beach
- Coordinates: 44.820989, 34.904837.
Officially, you cannot rest on it, since the territory belongs to a botanical reserve. But resourceful tourists get here along the Golitsyn trail or by boat by sea. Tsarsky Beach is located in Blue Bay.
The name is associated with the visit of the last Russian emperor to these places in 1912. Allegedly, his yacht “Standard” dropped anchor in the bay, and the royal family swam in a secluded place, appreciating the unusual bright blue color of the water (associated with the mineral composition of the bottom rocks).
The king is not a king, but swimming in the Blue Bay is still pleasant - there are almost no waves, the water is surprisingly clean, and there are relatively few people. Here you can’t just make noise, litter and light fires - otherwise a stern forester from the reserve will come running and there will be trouble.
Turtle Beach
- Coordinates: 44.836448, 34.940229.
This secluded place is located in the cove of the same name. The beach is almost officially considered the patrimony of Novosvetovsk nudists. This is convenient, since the coast of Turtle Bay cannot be seen from any popular road, getting there is not easy, and there is nothing to do there with children.
The coast of Turtle Bay is overgrown with juniper and covered with large stones. Some of them are so large that small companies set up personal “tanning salons” on them. You need to enter the water carefully, since there are a lot of stones at the bottom. However, the water is clean, and there are practically no storms in the small bay.
Divers' beach in Blue Bay
- Coordinates: 44.821497, 34.910383.
The bay is also called Razboinichaya, because in the Middle Ages and later it served as a haven for smugglers. The beach itself is no different - a narrow pebble strip. But divers regularly come to Sinaya. They are attracted here by clear water and a huge number of underwater cavities in the surrounding rocks.
No one has yet found Captain Flint's treasure with piastres (although legends say that there is such a thing). But reviews from experienced divers unanimously say that the underwater caves are already interesting, and at the bottom of the Blue Bay there are several ancient ships, so you won’t get bored here.
Through grotto
Another natural grotto will be found on the Golitsyn trail; it is called Through. The length of this grotto gallery, located on Cape Kapchik, is 77 meters. The Through Grotto is inhabited by bats, there is a risk of collapses, so it is closed to tourists; there have already been accidents. But this does not stop many, despite the locked barred doors at the entrance and exit.
Cape Kapchik
Walking along the Golitsin trail, you will certainly see another wonder of the New World in Crimea, which is a must-see - Cape Kapchik. This ancient coral reef looks like a huge lizard drinking water. But its main secret lies not on the surface. The fact is that inside the cape there is not only the Through Grotto, connecting the Blue and Blue Bays, but also seven more caves. Legend has it that pirates found refuge in these caves, and they also kept their treasures there.
The through grotto was discovered by Lev Golitsin and was once decorated with stained glass windows. Now they are gone, and the Through Grotto itself is closed, because... became dangerous for passage due to landslides.
Royal Beach
The beach, which was named Tsarsky, is located on the shores of Blue Bay. Once upon a time, Emperor Nicholas II vacationed here with members of the imperial family, and this is what the name of the beach is connected with.
Several years ago, the beach was closed to the public as it is located in a protected area. Now the territory is open, but the beach is wild, there are no conditions for a civilized holiday here (showers, changing rooms, toilets). This does not prevent Tsarskoye Beach from being very crowded, since the place is very beautiful. Many are brought here on boats from Sudak or the New World, or taken away. There is no privacy or silence to be found here.
Water park in Sudak
Another interesting place for entertainment is located next to the New World, in Sudak. This is the largest water park in Crimea, consisting of three complexes. It is noteworthy that there are no age restrictions in the water park; the attractions are available to both adults and children, which, according to visitors’ reviews, is very convenient.
The first and second complexes are filled with long and short, steep and not so steep slides and cascades, the third complex consists of two pools connected by a canal.
Mount Falcon
The height of Mount Sokol or Kush-Kaya (translated from Crimean Tatar as “bird rock”) is 473 meters above sea level, located near the village of Novy Svet. You can climb the mountain via several routes from 1st to 6th category of difficulty. The southern part of the mountain, facing the sea, is a rocky wall; you can climb it only with climbing equipment. The northern part of Sokol is more friendly; you can climb it on footpaths without special physical training.
From the top of this landmark of the New World, magnificent panoramas of the New World and Sudak, Cape Meganom and Demerdzhi open up.
Natural attractions
The surroundings of the New World were once called Paradise, that is, paradise. And “New World” is a name that hints at natural unusualness. Around the village there are interesting places that can interest botanists, photographers, and rock climbers. There will be a place even for mystics.
Botanical reserve "New World"
- Coordinates on the map: 44.848361, 34.917082.
The territories around the New World were taken under protection during turbulent times - in 1921. Even then they understood the need to preserve unique natural areas from human onslaught. In 1974, the reserve itself was created.
You can visit it only along established routes (one of them is the Golitsyn trail). Deviation is not allowed due to the possibility of harming rare flora. And here there are only 16 species of plants listed in the Red Book!
The most interesting part of the reserve is the relict juniper grove. Some trees growing in it are many hundreds of years old. Juniper has the ability to improve the health of the air, so a walk through the reserve is recommended for people with respiratory diseases.
A local landmark is the Stankevich pine growing over the cliff (a rare species, endemic to Crimea, rarely found even on the peninsula). Of all the attractions of the New World, the photo of this tree is often used by advertisers.
Mount Falcon
- GPS coordinates: 44.836143, 34.927621.
Sokol is a large massif, considered something of an official border of the New World. The 474 m high mountain is a fragment of the oldest coral reef - the largest in Europe. The hill has an original shape - sloping from the shore, and steep from the sea.
The rock owes this to its name - Falcon or in Tatar Kush-Kaya (Bird Rock). Steep slopes are convenient for nesting of large birds of prey - the same falcons. For this reason, the mountain is protected, although you can walk near it. There are several routes along the steep slopes for experienced climbers.
Mount Karaul-Oba
- Coordinates: 44.824002, 34.890208.
Karaul-Oba is a large, prominent peak in the New World region. Its height is 340 m above sea level. You can climb it from the mainland side without equipment or preparation. But from the sea side its slopes are steep.
In the area of the mountain there are interesting valleys and tracts, and here are the ruins of a Roman fortress.
Wonderful views open up from the top - this is one of the best natural “viewing platforms” in the vicinity of the New World. The most convenient place is occupied by a rock resembling a stone chair - it is associated with the name of the same Prince Golitsyn.
Cave Legend
- Coordinates: 44.821594, 34.915623.
In this case we are talking about an underwater object. You can only enter the cave from the water and with scuba diving equipment. Local legends say that it was discovered by the crew of Amphibian Man, although this is unlikely to be the case. Diving centers (usually from Sudak) willingly take beginners here, accompanied by an experienced guide.
“Legend” is the name “for visitors,” and locals call the underwater cavity “Fidel’s Cave.”
But the legendary Comandante Castro (by the way, an excellent diver) is not involved in this name. Only in one sense: it was almost certainly in his honor that a Soviet couple named Khadyko named their son in his honor. Fidel Hadyko shared the hobbies of his Cuban namesake, became a diver and the first real cave guide.
Cape Kapchik
- Coordinates: 44.816697, 34.909156.
The cape is considered one of the most unusual places in Crimea due to its mysterious shape. It resembles a reptile, either drinking water from the sea, or about to take a swim. Kapchik's unusual landscapes have repeatedly attracted the attention of filmmakers.
The territory of Cape Kapchik is protected; you cannot stay on the cape for several days, but you can visit there.
The cape is also interesting for the presence of several caves in its thickness (above-water, underwater and through), which is why it is surrounded by legends about pirate treasures (an option - secret warehouses of smugglers). No one has discovered anything like this yet, but trying is not torture...
Through grotto
- Coordinates: 44.819198, 34.908024.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to pass through it now - the cave cavity is blocked due to the threat of a collapse. But you can take a look, which is also a lot. The through grotto is a cave that runs right through Cape Kapchik.
The length of the tunnel is 77 m, the height reaches 17 m. It is alleged that in 1903 the same Lev Golitsyn celebrated his anniversary there. There are very few such huge through passages through rock masses in nature - on a global scale.
Valleys of Hell and Heaven
- Coordinates: 44.818752, 34.895957.
These are two small isolated valleys between the spurs of Karaul-Oba. The place attracts mountain hikers. People without mountaineering training, but in decent general physical shape, can get there.
Both valleys are quiet places with many birds, lizards and healthy juniper. On the way to them you will have to encounter several more local wonders - the Staircase of Taurus, Adam's Bed and Tarzan's Staircase. All of these are geological and botanical attractions created by Crimean nature.
Theoretically, you can visit both in one day, but it’s better to do it sequentially to guarantee yourself a return “to civilization” before dark. At dusk, the steep trails of Karaul-Oba are dangerous.
Sundukov Stone
- Coordinates: 44.830502, 34.919862.
Near the embankment, a little to the east, you can find the so-called Sundukov Stone - the same one that became the object of close attention in the film “Three Plus Two”. The most convenient way to get here is by swimming - the route by land is very inconvenient.
Mount Koba-Kaya
- Coordinates: 44.823270, 34.918180.
It is from this peak that the Golitsyn Trail begins, the most popular excursion route in the New World. The views from here are simply beautiful - both of the mountainous surroundings of the village and of the enchanting Robber Bay. And although Koba Kaya is not high - its height is only 165 m, it invariably ends up in the photo lenses of tourists.
Peak Cosmos
- Coordinates: 44.819193, 34.894042.
Another decoration of Karaul-Oba is a rock soaring 245 m above sea level. Visiting this attraction is possible only for hikers, but special mountaineering training will not be needed. However, it is still better for people with at least average physical fitness to go along the route.
Peak Cosmos is one of the most beautiful places in the New World. Climbing to the top, you will be able to see the unique beauty of the surrounding area of the village. Some tourists primarily include the Golitsyn Chair and the Monkey Staircase on the list of the most famous attractions of the rock.
Mount Percham
The highest natural landmark of the New World is Mount Perchem, its height is 577 meters. This is a large mountain range, shaped like a curved arc, located slightly to the side of Sudak, on the southwestern side. Dense forest grows on the mountain peaks, thanks to which Perchem from a distance resembles a lush green cap. The mountain got its name from the Tatar “Perchem-Kaya”, which translated means “Rock with a forelock”.
Archaeologists have found a variety of fossils on the mountain slopes, left over from the Jurassic period, the most interesting of which are single corals. In the 18th-19th centuries, tools of primitive man were found in these areas. At different times, sandstone mining was carried out on Perchem-Kai; work was carried out until the end of the 18th century.
Historical monuments and architecture
The surroundings of the New World are not so rich in historical monuments, although this territory has been inhabited since ancient times. However, tourists interested in history and archeology will find something to see. True, for this they will need sports shoes, because they will have to climb the mountains to get to the sights.
Assandra Fortress
- Coordinates: 44.823291, 34.881379.
“Karaul-Oba” means “Watch Mountain”. And the name is fair, because a fortress from Roman times is located here. Thanks to its favorable location with good visibility, the garrison could control numerous coastal bays, beloved at all times by smugglers and other dubious characters.
The fortress was discovered in 1982. This discovery was made by I.A. Baranov, future first minister of culture of Crimea. Its territory has now been partially explored. The remains of a polygonal main tower, barracks, and outbuildings were discovered.
But the research has not yet been completed, and there is no talk of restoration or museumification of the landmark. You can explore the fortress for free, but you should not take anything from there, much less try to dig on your own in the territory of the monument - this makes life very difficult for archaeologists.
Ruins of a cave monastery
- Coordinates: 44.831690, 34.926767.
It is located on the slope of Mount Sokol, between the New World and Sudak. The existence of the monastery has been known since the beginning of the twentieth century (previously there were only unconfirmed references). Archaeologists who examined the structure confirmed that it appeared in the early Middle Ages.
It is likely that the legends about the founding of the monastery by Byzantine monks are true.
Anyone can visit the ruins of the monastery. It does not work, although someone has already brought modern paper icons of faces into the cave-cells. You can see several rooms, fragments of stairs, crosses scratched on the walls. There are even windows in the monastery premises!
Monastyrka
Excavations at Perch are still ongoing. Thanks to them, researchers discovered ruins on mountain slopes that date back to different historical periods. The Byzantine monastery, which is located below the main peak, is best preserved and has survived to this day. Once upon a time there was a church, cells and an internal utility courtyard. Scientists even managed to find the remains of monks buried here. This place was nicknamed “Monastery” by local residents.
According to scientists, the monastery appeared in these places in the 8th century, but in the 15th century the monks were forced to leave it. Most likely, this happened due to the invasion of the Turks on the Crimean Peninsula. Over the course of several centuries, the monastery collapsed and was covered with earth. After the excavations, the “Monastery” was again left to the mercy of fate, since no restoration work was carried out and the monument was not preserved.
Where to stay
Compared to such resorts as Alushta and Sudak, the village cannot boast such a variety of housing options. But there are still good hotels and guest houses here. Tourists will be able to choose the appropriate option for themselves, taking into account their wishes and financial capabilities. Since Novy Svet is very popular among vacationers, especially in the summer season, you should take care of renting housing in advance. Accommodation options:
- Private sector. We are talking about private apartments or small houses. Standard amenities - TV, air conditioning, bathroom. Many areas have their own parking and free internet.
- Guest houses. There are several rooms of different levels of comfort - from economy to luxury. The range of services is no different from the private sector. Superior rooms may have a minibar and private terraces.
- Hotels. Almost all hotels are built on the first beach line and have windows overlooking the sea coast, allowing you to admire the beautiful scenery every day. They also have rooms of different classes: economy, standard, luxury. Many of them provide conditions for a comfortable family holiday with children.
The most expensive housing is in July and August, when the resort is most crowded.
