The village of Partenit is considered one of the most beautiful pearls of the southern coast of Crimea. Guidebooks tell about this in detail, illustrated with spectacular photos confirming its similarity with the best Mediterranean resorts. This is also evidenced by the enthusiastic reviews of people who have holidayed here. On the map, a small village with a beautiful ancient Greek name is found between Yalta and Alushta, in close proximity to Gurzuf. People come here not only to relax on the seashore; many are interested in the various attractions of Partenit. If you wish, you can count more than 20 of them in the village itself and its surroundings.
Where is
Partenit is an urban-type settlement, part of the Alushta City Council, located in the central part of the South Coast, at the foot of Mount Ayu-Dag (Bear Mountain). According to legends, it was on this mountain that the Taurus temple was built in honor of the goddess Virgo, which gave its name to the plain and the village (the name translates as maiden).
From the east it has access to the sea, and from the land it is protected from bad weather by mountains on all sides. Thanks to the isolation, the presence of mountains and coniferous forests, a unique microclimate with healing air is created. People come to the village not only for a beach holiday, but also for recreational purposes.
You can go to Partenit from Moscow in one of the following ways:
- By plane to Simferopol. Ticket prices start from 4,000 rubles. (direct flight in 2.5 hours). Then take a bus 1.5 hours to Partenit. Ticket prices start from 240 rubles.
- The bus journey will take 30 hours. Tickets cost from 4,000 rubles.
- You can only get to Krasnodar or Anapa by train, and then take a bus to Yalta or Simferopol. For the convenience of travel and in order to save money, it is more profitable to purchase a Unified Crimean ticket (from 3,800 rubles), which allows you to book tickets for all means of transportation at once.
- The distance to Partenit by road across the Crimean Bridge is 1.5 thousand km. You can cover the route by car in just over a day.
Climatic conditions, best time to travel
Partenit, whose sights and healing air contributed to the rapid development of the village as a resort, is located in the Mediterranean subtropical climate zone.
Due to the presence of mountains that delay the entry of cold air masses from the continent, the Partenite beach season is longer. The warmest months are considered to be the end of July and August, when the average daily air temperature is + 30 C, and water + 26 C.
The high tourist season lasts from June to September inclusive, although you can swim in the sea at the end of May and in the first half of October. However, the water at this time of year is not yet warm enough (+ 17 C), and average daily temperatures remain at + 20 C.
Summer in Partenit is moderately hot, with temperatures around + 25 C. Rain is infrequent, the average precipitation is 30 - 50 mm. The exception is June - the rainiest month of the year (up to 90 mm). The first half of spring and autumn are dry, the number of rainy days does not exceed 2. The air is heated to + 13 C, and the water to + 15 C.
Winters are mild and rainy. Average daily temperatures rarely drop below + 5 C. At night, the thermometer can drop to + 1 C, and the water temperature does not exceed + 9 C.
The most suitable months for a beach holiday are July and August - the warmest time of the year, with noisy crowds of vacationers. For a wellness holiday or sightseeing trips, you can choose the dry months of the off-season - October or April.
Ancient monuments
The history of this settlement goes back to ancient times. Archaeologists confirm that the valley has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. An ancient people called Tauri lived here. The name Parthenite comes from the Greek word “parthenos”. Its translation sounds like “maiden”, that is, belonging to the Virgin - the goddess who was universally worshiped in Taurida. One version of the origin of this name suggests that the temple of this goddess was located on Ayu-Dag or somewhere else in the Partenite Valley. In ancient times there was a crowded trading port here.
The city at various times belonged to the Scythians, the Bosporan Kingdom, and the ancient Romans. During the Byzantine Empire, it became one of the significant cities of the Gothic diocese. The Life of John of Goths tells that this saint was from a place called Partenites. For some time the Genoese ruled here. Their fortress was conquered by the Ottomans. After the peninsula entered the Russian Empire, this area belonged to several owners at different times. During Soviet times, the town began to develop as a resort. In 1945 it began to be called Frunzenskoe. In 1993, Partenite was given back its ancient name.
Holiday options
Partenit, in addition to excursion and educational recreation at the sights, offers tourists a lot of options for spending time for every taste - from hiking in the mountains, with romance around the fire, to a relaxing holiday in hotels and sanatoriums.
Beaches
The beaches of Partenit are pebbly, mostly well-maintained, with convenient entry into the water. There are paid and free areas. To relax on a wild beach, you should go to Mount Ayu-Dag.
The most popular among tourists are:
- Central – a free municipal beach with a narrow strip of land, a pebble shore and a gentle slope. It is bordered on both sides by breakwaters and in some places there are large boulders. It is located in the central part of the village, next to the city embankment, just north of the pier. The accessibility of the beach, clean water and convenient access to the water have made it a popular holiday destination among tourists, so during the peak season it can be crowded. Due to its small size, some of the amenities are located outside the beach and are located on the embankment (changing rooms, toilets, cafes). There is a steep descent to the beach, and you can only go down from the embankment by stairs.
- Aivazovskoye is a private beach north of the central embankment (on Vasilchenko St., 1A), belonging to the sanatorium of the same name. This quiet and comfortable place to relax is equipped with everything you need. The entrance to the water is gentle, and the shore is quite wide and small-pebble. The cost of visiting is 600 rubles. for adults and 300 rub. for children, which includes a visit to the famous Aivazovskoye Park. Due to such a high price and distance from the center, the beach is calm and uncrowded even in high season.
- Europe - a little further from Aivazovskoye beach, on the street. Vasilchenko 6, there is a free beach owned by the Europe Hotel. The hotel building is recognizable due to its unusual architecture, made in the shape of the hull of a modern liner. The sand and pebble beach is regularly maintained, there are all amenities for vacationers, and attractions for children. The entry into the water is gentle, without large stones and boulders.
Leisure
Partenit, whose sights and excursions to historical places can be varied with active recreation, is ready to offer tourists not only water activities and sports, but also tourist routes through the surrounding mountains and natural beauties. Longer excursions over long distances are organized mainly from Alushta, in transit through Partenit.
Ayu-Dag is the main attraction of Partenit and the entire South Coast
| Holiday options | Gathering place | Duration, hours | Cost per person, rub. | Description |
| Hiking route along Ayu-Dag | With. Lavrovoe, Alushta | 6 | 1500 | An easy climb to the top of the mountain (over 550 m) with stops at observation platforms, inspection of the ruins of ancient buildings, relaxation in an energy clearing and swimming on wild beaches, accompanied by experienced guides. |
| Scuba diving at Bear Mountain | Partenit town, central embankment, Diving center | Up to 4 hours (immersion – 40 minutes). |
| A trip on a motor boat to the dive site, a one-time dive with all the necessary equipment, acquaintance with the rich underwater world, inspection of the grottoes. |
| Super tour of the main attractions of the South Coast |
| 10 | 1400+ entrance tickets to attractions. | By bus to Yalta, sightseeing of the city, a boat trip to the Swallow's Nest, a trip to Alupka with a tour of the palace and park, a cable car ride from Miskhor to Mount Ai-Petri, an overview of the Uchan-Su waterfall. |
| Grand Canyon of Crimea |
| 11 | 1500+ entrance tickets to paid attractions. | A trip to Alupka, a climb to Mount Ai-Petri by cable car, a walk along the mountain plateau, a trip to the Canyon, a walking tour, a stop at the Bath of Youth, a trip to the Uchan-Su waterfall. |
Mountain climbing and scuba diving require special equipment, which is already included in the ticket price. For boat trips, you can also rent a kayak for 1,400 rubles. for the whole day (from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Excursion tours do not include the rental of special clothing, backpacks and shoes.
Don’t miss the most popular article in the section: Map of the Black Sea coast of Russia with resorts: cities and towns.
Nightlife
Partenit is a quiet and cozy village with a small number of nightlife establishments. For young people, there are several nightclubs and discos in the embankment area, and for a variety of entertainment you can go to neighboring Alushta.
- Italian – a tavern and nightclub opposite the Central Beach, on the other side of the embankment. The club is open in the summer. During the day you can have a hearty meal here, in the evening you can enjoy live vocals, and from 10 p.m. the night disco begins.
- Salvador is a small hotel near the Kuchuk-Ayu (Bear Cub) rock with a nightclub where discos, foam parties and entertainment show programs are held.
- Bar-disco Malibu - located in the marina area of the village, discos are held outdoors with excellent views of the sea.
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Prices for sun loungers:
- 150 rubles plastic sun lounger for the whole day
- 120 RUR wooden deck chair
- 100 RUR wooden lounger
The public beach is very small. One gets the impression that at the height of the season tourists have to huddle almost on top of each other. The coastline is very small. Only in some places on the pebble land is it possible to somehow decompose. Add to the pile the terrible breakwaters and rusty Soviet-era structures on the right side.
The beach is just screaming for someone to take care of it, to finally carry out a reconstruction, to rid it of incomprehensible and useless buildings, to remove or restore the breakwaters, thereby visually expanding its horizons.
Sea and water in Partenit in summer
The sea here is clean, the water is clear, and the rocky bottom is visible. Sometimes there are waves and jellyfish. On such days you will not be able to see clear water.
Embankment, cafes, food prices
The embankment is short and uncomfortable. 100 meters in total. On one side there are several cafes, on the other there is the sea. You won’t be able to walk around in the evening with pleasure, enjoying the interesting and vibrant life of Partenite. You also won’t be able to take beautiful photos, since there’s nothing special to photograph.
Some strange buildings that should not be on the beach at all. Why haven't they been demolished yet?
Attractions
Partenit, whose attractions, despite the small size of the village, can surprise with their diversity, attracts many tourists every year. Some travelers prefer to return to this atmosphere of comfort and peace again and again.
Ayu-Dag
The famous Bear Mountain, which has become the calling card of the village. According to legend, this mountain was once a bear frozen on the seashore waiting for a beautiful girl. She left the peninsula because of the young man, never returning. From the village to the mountain you can go on an organized excursion or visit it independently along developed tourist routes.
From a height of 570 m (the highest point of the mountain) there is a beautiful view of the sea and nearby settlements. Along the way, you can see several ancient sights located on the slopes of Ayu-Dag - the memorial of St. John of Gotha, the ruins of an ancient temple, the monastery of the Apostles Peter and Paul, the remains of defensive fortress walls.
The cost of walking tours with a guide is from 1200 rubles. There is a path leading to the mountain, which begins not far from the chapel at the Basilica of John the Gothic.
Kuchuk-Ayu
A cape with a small 16-meter rounded rock, often called Bear Cub, is located near the Central Beach, opposite the Salvador Hotel.
Previously, there was a defensive tower on the rock that protected the approaches to the sea. Today all that remains of it are stone steps carved into the rock and an empty platform where vacationers often like to climb.
Aivazovsky Park
A well-groomed park on the territory of the sanatorium of the same name on the street. Vasilchenko, 1A, north of the city center. The garden was founded in the last century, on the site of a former garden on the estate of Count Raevsky.
The park has colorful flower beds, recreation areas and artificial ponds, harmoniously combined with antique colonnades, gazebos and sculptures. The park is open for tourists from 8:30 to 17:30, entrance fee is 600 rubles. for adults and 300 rub. for children.
Dolphinarium
Belongs to the territory of the Crimea sanatorium, on the street. Sanatornaya, 1. In addition to standard entertainment programs, where you can watch shows and swim with animals, the dolphinarium provides for long-term rehabilitation courses of dolphin therapy.
Performances for spectators are held on Saturdays, and on other days there are medical procedures. A full course of therapy of 10 sessions costs 50 thousand rubles. The price of a one-time lesson is 4000 rubles.
Park of the Crimea sanatorium
Founded in the 19th century. on the initiative of Count Raevsky, occupying an area of over 40 hectares. Over 160 species of plants grow in it, and the territory is divided into unique zones for better effects on the human body (for the respiratory system, antimicrobial).
You can enter the sanatorium until 19:00, the entrance fee is 150 rubles. for adults, 100 rub. for residents with Crimean registration, children under 12 years old and preferential categories of citizens - free. You can enter the sanatorium territory up to 3 times with 1 ticket.
Prometheus
A fountain with the famous sculpture of Prometheus, created by Z. Tsereteli, was installed on the territory of the Crimea sanatorium. The large 5-meter statue is illuminated in the evening by 280 lanterns and a laser installation, creating, together with splashes of water and musical accompaniment, a breathtaking spectacle. Music and light accompaniment operates only until 22:00.
underground tunnel
The landmark performs a practical function, connecting the buildings of the Crimea sanatorium with each other and facilitating the path to the sea. It is a 122-meter corridor, decorated with stained glass windows in a marine theme, and equipped with an elevator, benches and good lighting. From the beach, the tunnel ends in an observation deck with an excellent view of the village and the sea.
House-Museum of Brownies
Located in the village. Zaprudny, on the street. Yuzhnaya, 6. It was founded by the Nikanorov family of sculptors in 2009. The museum has more than 100 exhibits made of different types of wood, not exceeding half a meter in height.
There is also a working family workshop here, where you can take a master class in wood carving and buy your favorite brownie. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cost of visiting is 250 rubles.
Turquoise Lake
Just 8 km from Partenit, near the village. Zaprudnoye, there is a beautiful lake with turquoise water surrounded by forests and mountains. It is believed that the water of the lake has the ability to relieve celibacy.
The lake was formed thanks to underground springs, so few people risk swimming in cold water. There is a parking lot for a tent camp on the shore. To travel on foot, you should move from Zaprudny 2 km in a northwest direction.
Cliff Palaces
In the neighboring village of Utes there are famous historical attractions - the Karasan Palace and the Palace of Princess Gagarina. The first is in the Moorish style, with many turrets, terraces and arched windows. The palace building is currently the administrative building of the sanatorium of the same name.
Gagarina's palace belongs to the Utes sanatorium on Cape Plaka. The building is made in the Romanesque-Gothic style, reminiscent of a small medieval castle with narrow loophole windows and stonework.
Partenit – what to see and where to go for tourists
A famous landmark is another palace on the territory of Partenit, called Gagarina’s Palace.
The history of its construction is very interesting. Back in the 19th century, the middle-aged Count Governor Gagarin married the young Princess Tasso, who came from an ancient but impoverished family. What is surprising for those times is that the marriage took place out of great love.
But after 3 years, the man dies in a duel, and the widow grieves her loss. Then her relatives send her to unwind in Crimea, to the estate of her late husband. Here she quickly comes to her senses and takes control of affairs and the household into her own hands.
She has a dream - to build a beautiful palace in honor of her husband, but almost all the money goes to charity. And on the day of the 70th anniversary, one of the guests donates money for construction, which began in 1902 and continued until 1907. 6 months after its completion, the Countess dies.
Now the palace, reminiscent of a medieval castle, is the Utes sanatorium, and there is no entrance there. But it is quite possible to take a walk in the adjacent park.
Route for exploring on your own for 1 – 2 days
When planning a short trip to Partenit, 2 days to explore local attractions will be quite enough.
Day 1
It is best to start getting acquainted with the village with its main attraction - Mount Ayu-Dag. The climb is not difficult even for a beginner, but it is long, so it is better to take provisions with you.
- Upon arrival at the Partenit bus station, you should move in a south-west direction, along the street. Sanatornaya to Bypass road.
- Enter the territory of the Crimea sanatorium (paying for the entrance) and move through the park to the memorial of John of Gotha following the signs. A little further is the entrance to the path leading to Bear Mountain.
- First, on the left side of the path, tourists will see the Ai-Konstantin clearing with the ruins of an ancient basilica, which has special energy and is known to a wide range of esotericists.
- A little higher is the Klisur clearing with the remains of the walls of an ancient fortress, from where a good panorama of the surrounding area opens up.
- After passing through the clearing, you can come to a fork leading to Monastyrsky Cape or to the highest observation deck at a level of 570 m.
- Returning along the same path, you can relax on the beach of the sanatorium, wander through the shady alleys of the park and watch the evening light show of the Prometheus Fountain.
Day 2
After a tiring walk in the mountains, the second day of your stay in Partenit is best spent taking leisurely walks through the center of the village and relaxing on the beaches.
- From the bus station go down towards the coast along the street. Partenitskaya.
- At the fork, turn onto the street. Pribrezhnaya and follow further to the lane. Steep, where the central embankment begins.
- The first attraction on the way will be the Bear Rock, behind which begins an embankment with various entertainment, souvenir kiosks and cafes, as well as a beach with clear water and an old boat station.
- Then you should go back and go up Krutoy Lane to the street. Partenitskaya.
- Turn right and walk along Partenitskaya Street, then turn onto Frunzenskoe Highway and walk to the entrance to the Aivazovskoye sanatorium.
- The remaining time should be devoted to a walk through the famous garden, and, if desired, swimming on the equipped beaches of the sanatorium.
Hotels
Partenit, the sights and healing climate of the village, its proximity to Yalta and Alushta, combined with clean beaches and silence, is considered a rather expensive resort with a high price tag for hotels.
- Flamingo 3* – family hotel on the street. Pobeda, 3B. On its territory there is an indoor swimming pool, a children's area, and entertainment events. The price tag for the most inexpensive rooms starts from 2550 rubles. in high season based on double occupancy. The hotel operates a hostel, the cost of living in which is from 1250 rubles. All hotel guests have free access to the beach of the Crimea sanatorium.
- Majestic 3* – hotel near the Aivazovskoye sanatorium, on the street. Partenitskaya, 14A. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, a private beach, children's playgrounds, and live music evenings. The price tag for rooms in high season starts from 8,000 rubles. All-inclusive accommodation is possible.
- Europe 4* is a hotel with a high level of service, adjacent to Aivazovskoye Park on the north side. It has its own bath complex with swimming pools, a well-groomed beach, a wellness center, and a beauty salon. There are play areas and animation for children. Entrance to the territory of Aivazovskoye Park is free for hotel guests. It is located on the street. Vasilchenko, 6. Room rates for double occupancy in high season - from 15,000 rubles.
- Salvador is a small hotel-club near the Kuchuk-Ayu rock in the very center of the village with a budget price tag - from 2000 rubles. Some rooms have a private kitchen. Near the bus station (on Parkovaya St., 5A) a new hotel complex has been opened - Dolphin apartments, the cost of rooms starts from 3,000 rubles. in high season.
- Nord is a hotel in the center of Partenit, near the bus station (Partenitskaya St., 1B), with a modern SPA center. It belongs to the 2nd beach line, suitable for families with children. All-inclusive accommodation is available. Room prices in high season – from 5,500 rubles.
What to visit in Partenit for free:
Church of the Annunciation
Church of the Annunciation
The Church of the Annunciation is a church founded not so long ago, but it is popular among local residents. This is explained by the fact that the church is actively developing - circles and clubs are opening. For example, a chess club and a theater studio already exist.
However, even ordinary visitors have something to see - the church is small, but cozy and beautifully furnished from the inside.
Address: Krutoy lane. 5
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Entry: free
Where to eat
You can have a hearty meal in Partenit in one of the cafe-bars, restaurants, sanatorium canteens or the always popular bistro establishments.
Popular among tourists:
- Aivazovskoye is a restaurant on the territory of the sanatorium of the same name with European cuisine. The average bill is from 800 rubles.
- Partenit is a cafe at the Crimea sanatorium with European and Russian cuisine. The average bill is 600 rubles.
- Sunflowers – a colorful restaurant with live music is located next to the bus station (Partenitskaya St., 1G). It serves Russian and Ukrainian cuisine. The average bill is from 900 rubles.
- Picanto is a fast food cafe serving Italian and American cuisine, located near Aivazovskoye Park (Frunzenskoye Highway, 12B). The average bill is 400 rubles.
- Citadel - a cafe located on Kruty Lane, on the way to the embankment. It offers guests dishes of Caucasian and European cuisine with an average bill of 700 rubles.
How to navigate
Transport links are well established between Partenit and the major cities of Crimea (Yalta, Alushta and Simferopol). Buses and minibuses run at intervals of 5 to 20 minutes. Some of them go through the village, to the bus station, while others stop at the turn to the village along the South Coast Highway, without stopping at Partenit.
From Simferopol to Yalta, trolleybus N 52 and numerous regular buses go past Partenit. The fare depends on the chosen travel method.
The trip from Simferopol to Partenit lasts about 1.5 hours and will cost:
- 100 rub. by trolleybus;
- from 200 rub. by bus;
- from 1200 rub. by taxi.
Trolleybus No. 32 runs from Alushta to Zaprudnoye past Partenit, and trolleybus No. 53 goes to Yalta. Minibuses N 105, 109 and 111 run from Alushta to the Partenita bus station through the entire village.
Fare:
- 20 rub. by trolleybus;
- 35 rub. by bus;
- from 250 rub. by taxi.
Trolleybuses on the route Alushta - Yalta run early in the morning, and in the opposite direction - in the evening. Buses run regularly throughout the day.
You can move around Partenit on transit minibuses. In the village itself there are 6 public transport stops, between which (in addition to passing intercity minibuses) a city minibus also runs from Nagornaya Street to the Yuzhnoberezhnoe Highway through the center of the resort. The cost of a trip along Partenit is 17 rubles.
Partenit is an ideal option for a relaxing holiday in a unique healing microclimate, with a clear sea and picturesque nature, good service, without noisy crowds of tourists. Due to the proximity of the main attractions of Crimea and the favorable location of the village in the central part of the South Coast, the resort is included in the ratings of the best places to relax on the peninsula.
Author: Anna Lalochkina
Article design: Vladimir the Great
