No story about Crimea would be complete without mentioning this ancient, small town, which played an important role in the history of the peninsula.
Guests of the peninsula, familiar with Crimea only from the Southern Coast, are unlikely to know where Belogorsk is located. Meanwhile, the landlocked town has excellent recreational potential. It is no less popular than other cities and resorts of Crimea located on the coast.
Belogorsk on the map of Crimea can be found approximately in the middle between Simferopol and Feodosia. It, as in ancient times, remains a transit point through which the route connecting the western and eastern coasts of the peninsula passes.
The best attractions in the vicinity of Belogorsk:
Equestrian tourist base "Horse's Move"
Equestrian tourist base "Horse's Move"
A variety of horseback riding to the sights of the area will not leave tourists of all ages indifferent. The staff even offers horseback riding. Also at the base there is a bathhouse and an eco-farm, a guest house and a hotel. Legal fishing, hunting and excursions are possible. There are many ponds and forests in the surrounding area where you can walk.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. Krasnaya Sloboda, st. Druzhby, 1A
Cost: horseback riding from 500 rubles, accommodation from 3000 rubles. per day
Official website: https://hodkonem-crimea.ru/konnaya-baza-otdykha
Red beam
Red beam
This is the name of the area with beautiful wild peonies at the foot of the White Rock. They bloom in late April-May, intoxicating with their fabulous aroma. This place will be very interesting not only for its extraordinary beauty, but also from the archaeological side.
Thousands of years ago, bison and mammoths lived here. The remains of Neanderthals have even been found. There are many grottoes in Krasnaya Balka.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. White Rock
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Cost: free entry
Armenian Church of the Savior
Armenian Church of the Savior
The temple is a monument of medieval architecture. The abandoned ruins of an ancient Armenian church look very unusual. The building itself had three entrances and carved stone walls. Despite the global destruction, well-preserved details can be seen. These are steps, ornaments, images from the Gospel that can be looked at endlessly.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. Rich
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Cost: free entry
Kurgan Kemi-Oba
Kurgan Kemi-Oba
In Soviet times, this place was studied in detail by scientists, and huge amounts of money were spent. Previously it consisted of two mounds. Kemi-Oba is a burial ground; structures and numerous human remains were discovered underneath it. Burial boxes made from oak logs were found. We are talking about burials from the time before our era.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Cost: free entry
Scythian ancient settlement Ak-Kaya
Scythian ancient settlement Ak-Kaya
The structure from the time before our era underwent various modifications, fires and destruction. It is a historical monument where archaeological work is still ongoing. This is a huge fortress made of very thick stone walls.
Thousands of years ago, major trade routes passed through it. The remains of towers, crypts, gates, and dishes were found here. Undoubtedly, tourists will be interested in visiting this mysterious place.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. Cherry
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Cost: free entry
Cheremisovskie waterfalls
Cheremisovskie waterfalls
Waterfalls that are interesting from a geological point of view are best visited in spring or autumn. During the hot period, they dry out significantly, like most reservoirs in the south. The waterfalls of Love and Youth are especially popular, because... There are legends about them. The places are accessible for walking for almost any tourist.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, Povorotnoe village
Orthodox St. Nicholas Church
Orthodox St. Nicholas Church
The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was erected in memory of those killed in the Crimean War. The temple in the form of a pyramid was built at the Fraternal Cemetery. Under St. Nicholas Church there are underground passages.
Also important for Orthodox Christians is the presence of the relics of many saints (St. George the Victorious, Nicholas the Wonderworker, St. Andrew the First-Called, etc.) in it. Inside, the walls are decorated with beautiful icons and luxurious mosaics.
Address: Rosa Luxemburg street, 19, Simferopol
Official website: https://svyatonikolsky-hram.ru/
Canyon Kok-Asan
Canyon Kok-Asan
The canyon is a 3 km long gorge cut by a river. The place requires walking, there is little water in the river. The maximum height of the walls reaches 30m. There are a lot of waterfalls of various shapes and heights. You can swim in their pools.
It is worth choosing comfortable shoes for the road, as there will be bumps along the way. It's always cool in the canyon, even in summer. It is possible to take a tour.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsk
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Cost: free
Karab-Yayla
Karab-Yayla
This mountain range is located 1000 km above sea level and covers an area of 120 square meters. km. A special feature is the unique relief. Thousands of caves, underground passages, funnels, stones - tourists have plenty of places to roam.
Rivers flow between the Karabi mountains, and in the upper reaches of one of them there is a series of beautiful waterfalls. The place is protected by the state. Excursions are organized. You need to know the weather conditions in advance.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Alushta, Generalskoe village
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Cost: free
Buzluk-Koba
Buzluk-Koba
This is one of the Karabi ice caves. The entrance to it is a funnel. The cave has a vertical shape and goes deep into the ground. The indescribable beauty of the ice openwork, ancient snow that is more than 2 thousand years old, contrasting moss, sculptures created by nature and much more that will captivate your spirit.
Even in summer, the temperature inside is approximately 1 degree Celsius. It is better to visit this place with a guide.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Alushta, Generalskoe village
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Cost: free
Taigan Reservoir
Taigan Reservoir
The largest artificial reservoir on the peninsula. Beautiful scenery, and, most importantly, fishing for many species of fish. The reservoir has become fairly shallow since its creation, but avid fishermen from all over the world have not lost interest in it. You can only fish with a fishing rod.
Poaching actions are punishable by hefty fines, as well as the inability to visit the reservoir in the future.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district
Opening hours: 24 hours a day (except during spawning times)
Cost: free
Greek Settlement Museum
Greek Settlement Museum
One of the rural houses was converted into a 19th century Crimean Greek home, where everything was thought out to the smallest detail. Household and wardrobe items, art, photographs and documentation are displayed here.
A museum employee will tell you about Greek traditions and the way of life of that time. There will be an opportunity to participate in a staged event, get acquainted with folklore, and try the cuisine. In the center of the village is the Church of St. Helena and Constantine, built in 1913.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. Chernopolye, st. Sadovaya, 1
Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:00
Cost: free
Official website: https://belogorskiy.rk.gov.ru/ru/structure/19
Toplovsky Convent
Toplovsky Convent
In the vicinity of the monastery, many ruins of ancient Russian, Greek and Armenian churches were found. According to legend, such a cluster of holy places is not without reason. You can take a tour and even have lunch at the monastery. On the territory there are temples, chapels, relics of saints, fonts, a refectory and a hotel. The schedule of services can be found on the website.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. Topolevka
Opening hours: from 6:00
Website: https://www.toplovskyi.ru
White Rock
White Rock
The unique white rock wall, formed as a result of wind and erosion, is located 300m above sea level. Picturesque landscapes open up to tourists who visit the White Rock natural monument. In the center there is a mysterious cave, about which there are legends.
On the way to the place you need to take precautions, as it is at an altitude of 100 m. It is worth choosing stable shoes and clothing suitable for the scorching sun. At the foot of the cliff you can ride horses.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. White Rock
Creations of nature
The surroundings of Belogorsk are recommended for those who prefer active recreation. Here you should climb mountains and climb into caves. The landscape of the area is very original and diverse, thanks to which it has been repeatedly featured in films, successfully depicting various exotic corners. A number of photos of the sights of Belogorsk (especially the White Rock) are also known to those who have not been to Crimea.
White Rock (Ak-Kaya)
- Coordinates on the map: 45.097298, 34.637664.
This place is one of the most recognizable in Crimea and a symbol of Belogorsk. The white color is due to the geological composition, and the complex shapes of the steep walls are made by water and air erosion.
The unusual appearance of the Ak-Kaya rock has repeatedly attracted the attention of filmmakers to it, and the mountain range with a height of just under 300 m constantly had to play the Wild West. Its own history is also quite “wild”: it is believed that the Turks dumped prisoners from it who were not suitable for slavery and were not redeemed by relatives.
Allegedly, even the young B. Khmelnitsky was brought here to “admire” this spectacle and think about the need to quickly raise money for his own ransom (this was in 1620).
Karabi-yayla
- Coordinates: 44.882257, 34.520819.
Yaylami in Crimea are called flat highlands. Karabi-yayla is the leader in area - 113 square meters. km. The top of the highlands is an incredible land of stone - there is little life there, but there are many geological forms. The mountain is riddled with underground tunnels - 235 caves were discovered in the massif (most are inaccessible to non-specialists or are generally poorly explored).
The array is popular among fans of various “cosmogonic” theories. They say that on its surface there are images of butterflies laid out in huge boulders (which can only be seen from at least a bird's eye view). To go here, it is better for inexperienced tourists to get a guide - there are many dangerous places on the plateau, and it’s easy to get lost in an unusual environment.
Cheremisovskie waterfalls
- Coordinates: 44.933057, 34.700789.
We are talking about an amazingly beautiful cascade of waterfalls in a canyon carved by the Kuchuk-Karasu River. The valley is narrow, with difficult terrain. Therefore, to visit the Cheremisovsky waterfalls you need more or less decent physical shape.
You should dress relatively warmly - it is noticeably colder at the bottom of the gorge than in the open area. The gorge is protected, but several tourist routes are laid across its territory.
The waterfalls are relatively small, but picturesque and there are many of them. At their feet, water has carved out “baths” in the bottom - peculiar deep ponds, to which tradition has given romantic names. It is best to visit the attraction in the spring – in the summer the Kuchuk-Karasu River dries up.
Uskut waterfalls
- Coordinates: 44.885018, 34.678489.
There are as many as 7 waterfalls on the Uskut River. They are not distinguished by record height and power, but they are beautiful in their own way. In general, Uskut waterfalls are not a popular tourist destination.
There are no equipped places for rest and observation platforms near them. The walk requires some physical preparation (no special skills are needed) and caution: there is a high risk of slipping on wet stones.
It is better to explore these Crimean waterfalls in the spring, since the river dries up in the summer. This walk can be recommended to tourists who want to take a break from civilization and climb into untouched places.
Cave of Tauris
- Coordinates: 45.043125, 34.283914.
A normal visit to this attraction will have to wait a little - the cave, just over a kilometer long, will be opened only in 2022. Its name was given not in honor of ancient Crimean history, but for a completely modern reason - the pioneers of the karst cavity were the builders of the Tavrida highway.
Now the section of the roadway above the Tavrida cave is being strengthened in order to preserve it. The arrangement of the cavity for visiting has already been planned. Scientists have discovered bones of ancient animals, in particular a mastodon, in underground galleries.
What to visit in Belogorsk for free:
Suvorov oak
Suvorov oak
This tree is more than 800 years old, its trunk diameter is more than 4 m, and its height is approximately 19 m. The oak is called the Suvorov oak because, according to legend, negotiations between the great A. Suvorov and the Turkish representative took place under the oak tree during the Russian-Turkish war. Details can be found on the boards installed on the territory. There is an opportunity to rest on benches.
Address: Republic of Crimea, village. Apple
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Cost: free
Cathedral Mosque named after. Refata Veliullah
Cathedral Mosque named after. Refata Veliullah
Built in 2015 and is the only one in the city, because... the previous ones were destroyed. The dome was decorated by the best Tatar artists, the wall decor was made by hand. Capacity up to 500 people. The mosque is recognized as the most beautiful on the peninsula. An Islamic school is located in the basement.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsk, st. Lunacharskogo, 16
Official website: https://svyatonikolsky-hram.ru/
How to get there
The city is located near Simferopol on the Tavrida highway. There are no rail or air connections to Belogorsk, but if you wish, you can get to Simferopol by train or plane, and then go to Belogorsk by car or regular bus.
There is no bus transport in the city itself, so tourists will have to either move between attractions on foot or use the services of a Belogorsk taxi.
By car
You can get from Simferopol by car to Belogorsk in literally half an hour along the P23 highway.
By bus
Getting from Simferopol to Belogorsk is quite easy. Most buses pass here, but they go almost every half hour. Travel time takes from 40 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on the number of intermediate stops.
Where to go in Belogorsk and what else to see:
Night club-bar “White Stone”
Night club-bar “White Stone”
This modern nightclub is one of the best places in the city. Various events take place here and famous DJs come here. Varied bar list and menu. Young people and others enjoy visiting the dance floors of this establishment. Both tourists and locals relax in the vibrant White Stone nightclub and leave only worthy reviews.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsk, st. Lunacharskogo, 46
Belogorsk Museum of History and Local Lore
Belogorsk Museum of History and Local Lore
The large museum includes 4 halls and 8 departments. Historical and modern exhibits are presented here. The museum includes art objects, excavations, weapons, tools and much more related to the city and region.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsk, st. Lunacharskogo, 48
Opening hours: Tue. — Fri. from 9.00 to 18.00; Sat. — Sun. from 10.00 to 17.00; Mon. - day off. The last Friday of every month is sanitary day
Cost: from 80 rub. — adult, from 30 rub. - children's
Safari Park Taigan
Safari Park Taigan
The vast territory of the park is home to more than 60 lions of various species. They can be observed from bridges, the length of which is about 1 km. It is better to spend at least a day here, because the lions can hide from the sun and will not be visible.
There is a hotel, places where you can eat delicious food, a Ferris wheel from which you can admire gorgeous views - the famous White Rock and the Taigan Reservoir.
Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsk, st. Lavender, 1
Opening hours: daily (summer 8:00 - 20:00, winter 8:00 - 16:00)
Cost: for adults – 1000 rubles, for children (from 3 to 10 years old) – 500 rubles, children under 3 years old – free
Official website: https://park-taigan.ru
Location of the city and its climate
The city of Belogorsk is located in the foothills, in the valley of the Biyuk-Karasu River. Mountains that protect from the winds in winter, an abundance of forests and ponds that provide coolness in summer, provide the area with an almost Mediterranean climate, and the fertile land gives people springs with unusually tasty spring water, an abundance of wild berries and fruit-bearing orchards.
Spring in Belogorsk is early and quite warm - the temperature in March rises to 10 degrees, summer lasts from May to October, winter temperatures are always above zero, and the snow, having just appeared, quickly melts.
Best excursions
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Interesting places to relax with children
Belogorsk (Crimea), whose attractions are usually of interest to adults, has several entertainment facilities for children. For middle and high school age, a mini-trip to the Suvorov Oak is suitable as an educational and interesting vacation. This natural monument received its name not by chance.
Almost 250 years ago, he witnessed the famous battle in which the troops of A.V. Suvorov and the Janissaries. There were four times more of the latter than the Russians, but this did not help them emerge victorious from the battle. According to local legend, before defeating the troops under this oak tree, Suvorov held a meeting with the Janissary ambassadors.
Scientists have calculated that the approximate age of the oak tree is 700 years. Its crown can be seen several kilometers away. To make the oak last longer, several hollows were cemented. Locals recommend going to the Suvorov Oak in a large group.
There is an opinion that only ten adults can hug this giant tree, holding hands, and for children it will be a real educational adventure. The oak tree is located in the Yablochnoye settlement not far from Belogorsk, the journey takes about 10 minutes.
Fans of hiking are advised to leave the car at home - along the way you can fully enjoy the beauty of the Crimean nature. For younger children, you can offer a 3D cinema, which is located directly in the city, as entertainment.
Route for exploring the city on your own in 1-2 days
Tourists are recommended to go on excursions to the natural monuments of the Belogorsk region.
Excursion to the caves of the Belogorsk region
The excursion can begin from the Kiik-Koba cave, which is located several kilometers west of Belogorsk. Kiik-Koba is a famous place for local historians and archaeologists. Weapons, household items and remains of people who chose the cave as a home 100 thousand years ago were found here. Then you can go to the Shaitan-Kapu or “Devil's Tooth” gorge.
Two isolated rocks became an important strategic site during the partisan war in Crimea. The final stage of the excursion is the Krasu-Bashi tract, a natural monument that is protected by the state. Karasu-Bashi is the largest karst spring in Crimea.
Excursion to water natural monuments
Belogorsk in Crimea, whose attractions include natural sites, is famous for its waterfalls. You can start your journey from the Three Saints Waterfall. It is located near the village of Topolevka on the territory of the monastery. The waterfall got its name from the merger of three streams into one. Pilgrims often mention the healing properties of the waterfall.
In the warm season, you can then go to the Balanovskoye Reservoir. Despite the fact that the water body is of artificial origin, its nature is extremely beautiful. Near the reservoir there is a recreation center "Balanovo". History buffs can look into the Kiik-Koba grotto, where a Neanderthal site was found.
You can finish your excursion at the Taigan reservoir, which is located just 1 km from the city. The reservoir is great for relaxing with a fishing rod, but swimming here is strictly prohibited.