Attractions and entertainment in Alushta and what to see

In Alushta there are no significant attractions for which it is worth going here. Of the historical attractions there are only the ruins of the fortress of Aluston, but there is nothing to see there, you can only pay a duty visit. There are also several museums and a temple. The situation is somewhat better with Entertainment and attractions: you can visit the Dolphinarium, miniature park, aquarium and zoo.

But in the vicinity of the city there are several really worthy places to visit. These are the ruins of the Funa fortress, the demerdzhi tract and the valley of ghosts, the Alushta Stonehenge, the Jur-Jur waterfall, the Museum of water disasters. All these places can be visited without the help of travel agencies, and you can get to them by local public transport. Also, thanks to the convenient location of Alushta, you can easily go for a day to Yalta, Partenit and even Simferopol by trolleybus or bus, and get acquainted with their sights. For those who prefer not to "bother" on vacation, on the streets of the city and in hotels you can buy organized excursions to anywhere in the Crimea.

Below are the sights of Alushta and the surrounding area with an indication of opening hours, entrance fees, and how to get to them:

Aluston Fortress

The remains of the fortress of Aluston are the only historical landmark within the city. Its age is 16 centuries. It was erected in the 6th century on the instructions of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, and subsequently saved from raids more than once. But in the 10th century the fortress fell under the onslaught of the Pechenegs. It was later rebuilt by the Genoese, who made it even more impregnable. Finally, it ceased to exist in the 15th century during the invasion of the Turks.

Unfortunately, today almost nothing has survived from the fortress. You can see only one tower, and part of the wall, which became part of residential buildings and courtyards. The fortress is located among the narrow alleys of the private sector, and, apparently, over the centuries, the stones that made up the fortress formed the basis of many local houses and courtyards. Objectively speaking, before visiting the ruins you should prepare in advance for disappointment, but on the other hand, it is impossible not to visit the only ancient landmark of the city.

Local History Museum of Alushta

This, in our opinion, is the first place of all the attractions that should be visited by curious tourists in Alushta. In addition, it is located near the embankment, it is very easy to find it. The exhibition tells about the history of the city, from ancient times to the present. Among the exhibits there are many archaeological artifacts, models, documents, photographs, there is a separate exhibition about modern Alushta. The building itself is also an architectural landmark.

Although at first glance the museum looks dilapidated, you should definitely visit it. Museum staff for an additional fee conduct very interesting excursions, which we recommend to use. Additional seasonal exhibitions are also held in the building, which are paid separately.

Shmelev House Museum

This is the only museum dedicated to the famous writer I. S. Shmelev, who lived in Alushta from 1918 to 1922. The house itself was erected by the famous architect A. N. Beketov. The small building is surrounded by greenery, inside the working and living environment is recreated. The exposition tells about the work and life of the writer, the period of emigration.

This museum is not for a wide range of visitors, mainly it will be interesting for those who are interested in the work of Shmelev.

Beketov House Museum

The House-Museum of architect and academician A. N. Beketov was built by Beketov himself in 1896. The building is built in Moorish style and is an architectural landmark, but it can be viewed not only from the outside. The museum has a permanent exhibition dedicated to the life of the architect, more than a thousand exhibits. The exhibition halls feature paintings by masters of the 19th-early 20th centuries, contemporary artists of the Crimea. In addition, additional thematic exhibitions are organized here, events and holidays are organized.

Perhaps, from the point of view of a tourist, it is not worth going to the professor's corner in order to visit this museum, but if you find yourself in this area, the museum is worth a visit.

House-Museum of S. N. Sergeev-Tsensky

Another house-museum in Alushta is dedicated to the memory and life of the master of Russian and Soviet prose S. N. Sergeev-Tsensky. In this house the writer lived from 1906 to 1941 and from 1946 to 1958. He himself designed the House, later a garden was laid out around it, three cypress alleys were planted, which have survived to this day. It is the garden around the museum that attracts this place of tourists.

The museum houses about 20 thousand exhibits, including manuscripts, documents, books, magazines, archival materials, personal belongings of the writer. In part of the museum, the working environment is completely recreated, as during the life of the author. The building itself is also an architectural monument of the early 20th century.

Church of all Crimean Saints and Theodore Stratelates

This temple was erected in the 19th century. The project of the church was developed by the famous architect G. I. Torricelli, while he attracted other architects to the project, each of whom had his own view on the structure of the church. The result was a temple of very unusual architecture, characteristic more of the European style than the Russian. This is due to the fact that all architects were educated in Europe.

Like many churches, in Soviet times it was used for a completely different purpose – there was a club. Today it is a functioning temple, and anyone can visit it.

Park "Crimea in miniature"

In this park you can see miniature copies of attractions from all corners of the peninsula. In total, there are about 40 copies, including palaces, castles, churches, museums. In the evening, the exhibits are very beautifully illuminated, so that in photos taken from the right angle, the exhibits are almost indistinguishable from the real ones. You can photograph anything here without restrictions. The only thing that is bad in this place is a rather high price, clearly not meeting the expectations of visiting the park.

Aquarelle Dolphinarium

The Aquarelle Dolphinarium offers traditional shows with dolphins, seals and seals. In addition to watching the show for an additional fee, you can swim with Animals, book an individual session of dolphin therapy, take pictures, and even buy paintings painted by them. What is good, this is one of the few dolphinariums in the Crimea, working all year round.

Alushta Aquarium and Jungle World

This is another place that is definitely worth visiting with children, along with the Dolphinarium. The aquarium is very compact, consists of only four halls. But there is a fairly large collection of exotic fish (more than 180 species) and amphibians (turtles, crocodiles, crabs), there is a collection of sea shells. Each exhibit is accompanied by an informative plate, in addition, the staff can tell everything in detail. Crocodiles can even be fed for an additional fee.

Of course, if objectively, the aquarium is quite modest when compared with other similar places, but it is worth visiting with children.

In the same place is another entertainment - the world of the jungle. This is a small exhibition of exotic animals and birds: monkeys, coati noses, raccoons, rabbits, turtles, parrots, snakes, etc. Entrance to the jungle world is paid separately.

Zoo and Nature Museum

Few tourists know that Alushta has its own zoo, or rather dendroz park with a museum of nature. It is small and there are not very many animals, but if you are with children, then it is worth visiting. In the zoo, deer, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, wild boars, mouflons and other animals are kept in spacious enclosures and open-air pens. There are beautiful peacocks and a pond with Swans. Some of the animals can be fed, from which the children are delighted. On the territory there are several gazebos.

There is also a museum of nature, containing more than 1600 exhibits: samples of herbs, flowers, trees, rocks, stuffed animals, birds, snakes, eight dioramas.

Alushta water park (Almond Grove)

Alushta water park is located in the hotel complex "almond grove", but is available not only to guests of the complex. Anyone can visit the water park for a fee, while vacationers at the hotel have the right to visit it for free.

The water park is quite high-quality and interesting. There are 14 water slides, 6 pools, waterfalls, fountains, Jacuzzi, cafe, terrace with sun loungers for sunbathing. In high season there are a lot of visitors, so to avoid queues, it is better to come early, to the opening time.

Arch Of Alushta

This is definitely the most photographed place in Alushta. There is an arch on the embankment, and tourists certainly stop here during a walk to capture themselves against the background of the sea and the snow-white arch. Nearby, disguised artists are spinning, offering to capture themselves with them, of course, for an additional fee.

Emine-Bair-Khosar or Mammoth Cave

Emine-Bair-Khosar, aka Mammoth Cave - this is one of the most beautiful caves in the Crimea. It is located on the plateau of the Chatyr Dag mountain range at an altitude of 1000 meters. For tourists, only part of the cave is open, about 700 meters. Inside there is a lake and skeletons of prehistoric animals, including a mammoth, which is why the cave got its second name – Mammoth Cave.

The cave is open for tourist visits and is well equipped with paths, railings, stairs, lighting. It is visited strictly with a tour guide in a group on one of three routes to choose from. Guide services are included in the entrance fee. To get to the caves, you must first buy a ticket at the ticket office for the route you are interested in, and then you need to wait a little for the gathering of the group (no more than 45 minutes) at the mouth of the cave. After the gathering of the group or after the time has elapsed, even if the group has not gathered, the tour begins with a briefing, and then the descent down. Before visiting, be sure to go to the toilet (located at the entrance, free), since there is no one inside, and if you really want to, you will have to interrupt the tour and go upstairs. The cave is very cold, around +5℃, so dress warmly. Do not be self-confident that you will not freeze in a thin jacket, for an hour and a half of the tour you can freeze even in a jacket. If you did not take warm clothes with you, jackets are rented at the entrance (15 rubles for an adult, 10 rubles for children). Photo and video shooting is free, but shooting with a tripod is prohibited. Read more about Emine-Bair-Hosar cave and photos here.

Marble cave

Marble cave is located on the mountain plateau of Chatyr Dag just a kilometer from another popular tourist cave Emine-Bair-Khosar. It got its name because it is formed in the rocks of marble-like limestone. Like Emine-Bair-Hosar, the marble cave was formed under the influence of water and time, which took many millennia and even millions of years. But unlike Emine-Bair-Hosar, it is larger and more spacious. One of the halls of its halls-the Perestroika hall or Avalanche, is the largest cave Hall in the Crimea and one of the largest in Europe. Its length is about 100 meters, and its height reaches 28 meters. And it is considered the most beautiful in the Crimea, and if it competes in entertainment, then only with Emine-Bair-Khosar.

The marble cave is open for tourist visits and is equipped with lighting, paths and stairs. Entrance tickets for the visit include guided tours, which tell about the discovery and exploration of the cave, about the history of its formation. Throughout the route, music of different styles sounds, which is why the most complete route was called "melodies of Chatyr-Dag". Learn more about Marble cave here.

Emine Cave-Bair Koba

On the mountain plateau of Chatyr-DAG in the Crimea, in addition to the popular and accessible to a wide range of tourists caves Emine-Bair-Khosar (mammoth) and marble is another, accessible only to experienced athletes. If you have experience or you are ready to try yourself not just as a tourist walking in a cave along equipped trails and railings, you can go to Emine-Bair-Koba. It is also known as the "Three-Eyed" cave, since the entrance to it opens with three holes.

Emine-Bair-Koba is divided into two sections: excursion and sports. The excursion is intended for passing by excursion groups and has a length of 70 meters, equipped with concrete stairs, platforms, metal railings. The sports area has a length of 150 meters, and is used for training athletes-cavers. It is equipped only with inclined rope railings on inclined sections, and steel ladders on vertical ones. Lighting on the sports route is installed every 20 meters.

To complete the sports route, groups of up to 10 people are formed, accompanied by two instructors. Participants must wear special clothing (boots and overalls), protective mine helmets with individual headlamps and self-insurance. All necessary equipment can be rented when passing the extreme route. Learn more about Emine-Bair-Koba cave here.

Red Cave

The Red Cave (also "Kizil-Koba") is known as the longest of the explored caves of the Crimea to date. The length of only the studied part of it is more than 21 kilometers, and it has not yet been fully studied. This length was obtained as a result of the merger of several caves into a whole complex, numbering 6 floors and including many halls, galleries and Wells. The length of some halls reaches 80 meters, and the height of 30 meters. The name was derived from the red limestone rock in which it was formed. The Su-Uchhan stream passes along the bottom, forming a series of lakes and waterfalls, and the naruzhe waterfall a few hundred meters from the cave. It is equipped for tourist visits, and there is also an extreme route with special equipment along the underground river.

Also not far from the cave and the waterfall is the landscape Recreation Park "Fairy Valley", through which the trail leads to the entrance to the caves and to the waterfall. This is something like a recreation center, you can come here to relax for one day or stop for the night, take a walk among the good stone sculptures of animals and mythical creatures, ride horses or children's locomotives, visit a mini zoo, etc. Learn more about the Red Cave and photos here.

Jur Jur Waterfall

Jur-Jur is considered to be the most full-flowing waterfall of the Crimea, its height is 15 meters. Even in the driest season, it does not dry out, although, of course, it becomes not as spectacular as after the rains.

Higher up the river there are several more rapids of the waterfall, in the pools of which you can safely swim,but the water is icy. The forests of the Haphali Reserve are beautifully spread around. 200 meters away is the Jur-Jur cave, but it is not intended for mass visits by tourists. Learn more about Jur-Jur waterfall here.

Valley Of Ghosts

Valley Of Ghosts it is located on the slopes of Mount Demerdzhi in the vicinity of Alushta. This is one of the most interesting natural attractions of Alushta, and just a must-visit. In this place, Nature has created unusual stone formations that resemble the outlines of people and animals. With a good imagination, you can see the heads and faces of people, the outlines of animals and fantastic creatures, there is even the head of the Sphinx. Unusual sights are created not only by the stone figures themselves, but also by their shadows. They say that if you watch them longer, you can see ghosts, which is why this place got its name. The best time to see the shadows is an hour and a half before sunset.

The valley, as the name suggests, is not a plain at all. The figures are on the mountainside, and to see them, you need to climb a narrow winding path between trees and stones. Special training for lifting is not required, but comfortable shoes and a little dexterity will come in handy. Also do not forget to take water with you, you will not be able to buy it here, nothing is for sale.

We recommend combining a trip to the valley with a visit to the fortress of Funa, because they are very close. Learn more about the Valley Of Ghosts and photos here.

Funa Fortress

The ruins of the medieval fortress of Funa are located at the western foot of the South Demerdzhi mountain in the vicinity of Alushta. Today there is an open-air museum, a monument of archeology and architecture "Guard fortification Funa", included in the list of cultural heritage sites of federal significance. This is an excellent historical landmark that you can visit during your vacation in Alushta. It is convenient to combine her visit with a visit to the Valley Of Ghosts, the entrance to which is a short walk from the fortress.

Funa was of great historical importance, since in the Middle Ages an important trade route ran nearby. The building dates back to 1422-1423, but its century was very short. Already in 1423, it was partially destroyed by an earthquake, and was restored until 1945. And in 1475, the fortress, having existed for a little more than half a century, was almost completely destroyed by the Ottoman Turks.

Of course, today there is very little left of the fortress, but it is still worth a visit. You can explore the museum yourself, or you can purchase tickets with excursion service. Guides will take you through the ruins, and tell you in detail and interestingly about the history of the fortress, its significance, note interesting moments, answer questions. The entire tour lasts no more than 20 minutes. In addition to the ruins themselves, you can see archaeological exhibits discovered during excavations, samples of medieval weapons, a model of the fortress, clothing and knightly equipment. For an additional fee, you can test yourself in medieval archery. Learn more about the Fortress of Funa and photos here.

Alushta Cromlech (Stonehenge)

This place is also known as the Crimean Stonehenge, and refers to the places of power. As well as the famous British Stonehenge, this ancient sanctuary consists of stones laid out in a circle. Its purpose is not known for certain today, but some theories say that it could be a solar or lunar calendar; the burial place of a priest or leader; the place of sacrifice. It dates from the Neolithic and Bronze Age.

It can not be said that this place is worth an indispensable visit, there is nothing to look at objectively. But if you love different historical mysteries and believe in places of power, then a walk here will be interesting.

Stone mushrooms and waterfall "Geyser" (Sotera Valley)

Stone mushrooms are an unusual natural formation in the form of a mushroom. The "cap" of the mushroom consists of Hard Rock, while the STEM is soft and easily weathered, due to which it becomes thinner with the centuries, and the cap remains large. In the Valley of the Sotera river (aka the Alaka and Jurla rivers) there are several such mushrooms at once, unfortunately some of them have already collapsed either under the influence of nature or at the hands of man. The largest mushrooms here have a height of 3 and 5 meters. While visiting this place, do not disturb the bases of the mushrooms, so as not to destroy them.

About 20 minutes walk along the river from mushrooms is an interesting waterfall "Geyser". It is small, but unusual in that water from a height falls into a natural funnel in the rock, and a fountain gushes from it to the top, like a geyser.

Museum of water disasters and Lighthouse temple

Completely and correctly, this place is called the "memorial complex" in memory of those who died on the waters", and it includes the Museum of disasters on the water itself, the Lighthouse Church of St. Nicholas of Myra (also called Simply The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker), the area around the temple and the observation deck. In our opinion, this place is just a must-visit.

As the name implies, the entire memorial complex is dedicated to the most tragic events that occurred on the water. Most of the museum's exposition consists of photographs and information boards telling about the disaster on the waters that caused the largest number of victims. You will be surprised to learn that the disaster of the famous "Titanic" is not the very first in this list, although there was a place for him here. Stories about some disasters are provided with mock-ups of ships and events, and a separate room is dedicated to rescue means. The museum halls themselves are made in the form of ship rooms, and the eerie atmosphere is complemented by the "terrifying" sounds of ships in distress. At the end of the exhibition you can watch a film with additional information about the disasters. By the way, you can take pictures in the museum for free, although there are signs prohibiting photos at the entrance. Read more about the Museum of water disasters and the lighthouse temple here.

Sights of Alushta on the map