Balaklava Bay

What to Expect and Is It Worth Visiting

Balaklava Bay is a natural landmark and one of the most beautiful places in Sevastopol and Balaklava. It is sandwiched between the high mountain capes of Kurona and George, and in fact it is the most tourist heart of Balaklava. The walking embankments of Nazukina and Tavricheskaya stretch along the shores of the bay, and most of the local entertainment and accommodation options are concentrated here.

Its length is one and a half kilometers, the maximum width reaches 450 meters, and the depth is up to 35 meters. It appeared as a result of a tectonic fault, and therefore the bottom here is heterogeneous, the shores are winding, they serve as natural breakwaters. Therefore, even in the stormiest weather, the bay is quiet and peaceful.

The bay has been known since ancient times, mention of it can be found in the writings of Ptolemy, Pliny. In the Middle Ages, these lands belonged to the Genoese, as evidenced by the ruins of the Cembalo fortress. In 1773, a large-scale naval battle took place at the entrance to the bay, during which the Turkish fleet suffered a crushing defeat from the Russian navy.

During the Crimean War, the English fleet was based on the shore of the bay. Dozens of ships were anchored at the entrance to the bay, waiting for the Russian fleet to attack. In 1854, on November 14, during the Crimean storm, most of the enemy ships were smashed and scuttled. Over 1,000 people were killed and injured. The Russian fleet at that time was based in Sevastopol Bay, and it was practically not damaged.

During the Great Patriotic War, a German military camp was located on the territory of the bay. In the 50s of the last century, the bay was completely erased from all maps and guidebooks, turning it into an object of the strictest secrecy. A special platform was built on Mount Tavros to store nuclear-powered torpedoes, base and repair submarines, and there was also a parking lot of patrol ships. Only in 2003, the secret base was disbanded and opened to the public.

What to do in Balaklava Bay

• You can take a boat trip around the bay to admire the views of the resort from the water and listen to the guide's story about the formation of the resort and the history of Balaklava. Walks depart from the pier on the embankment of Nazukin, cost from 400 rubles / person.
• Post Submarine Museum in Balaklava is one of the most interesting and most popular museums in Crimea. The complex is located on the territory of the former secret base of the USSR inside the mountain, and is a unique structure. During the tour you will see several expositions, the underground part of the plant, the sea pier.
• Ancient ruins of the Chembalo fortress are located on the slope of the Fortress Mountain. The defensive fortification was built in the period from XIV to XVIII centuries. An interesting place is the remains of a 20-meter donjon, the road to it is steep and open, so take care of comfortable shoes and headgear. When you get to the top, you will be able to see the bay in all its glory.
• Nazukin Embankment is located on the eastern side of the bay, it was built in the late 1880s. It offers a panoramic view of the bay. The main number of restaurants and entertainment venues is concentrated here.
• Tavrichesky embankment is located on the western side of the bay. Major repairs were carried out in 2011. There are several restaurants and cafes, hotels. Unlike the east side, it is quiet and peaceful here. The pride of the waterfront is the yacht club and the submarine Museum.

💥 We remind you that it is much more interesting to get acquainted with the sights of Balaclava with the help of excursions, and therefore we advise you to look at online booking options on these proven search and price comparison sites:

• 📷 Search for excursions in Balaclava on Sputnik8.com
• 📷 Search for excursions in Balaclava on Tripster.ru