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In this article we will tell you about one of the most attractive resorts of the Crimean peninsula, which is the village of Koktebel. This is the place from which you can see Cape Chameleon, Koktebel Bay and the ancient volcano Kara-Dag. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, it attracts tourists from all over the world who want to enjoy the extraordinary beauty, as well as taste the products of the local winery, known in many countries.

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CONTENT:

1. General information
2. Geography and climate
3. History of Koktebel
4. Koktebel beaches
5. Entertainment and attractions of Koktebel
6. Food in Koktebel
7. Inns and hotels
8. How to get there
9. Note for tourists

General information

Former names until 1945 - Koktebel
before 1992 - Planerskoe
PGT since 1938

Area 8.71168 [4] km²
Center height 20 [5] m
Time zone UTC + 3: 00

Population ↘2807 [6] people (2014)
Density 322.21 people / km²
The official language is Crimean Tatar, Ukrainian, Russian

 

Geography and climate

The village of Koktebel is located relatively close to the Kerch highway. On the one hand, it is surrounded by the Kara-Dag volcano, on the other - by high mountains. This place is sheltered from strong winds and has a relatively moderate weather by Crimean standards. Autumn is dry and warm here, for this reason the spring months of September and October attract many tourists, as do the summer months.

Winds entering the bays and colliding with the many capes and foothills create excellent conditions for paragliding.

 

History of Koktebel

The first mention of this village was documented in the 9th century. After that, the Pechenegs destroyed it. The following records were discovered in the 12th century, when the Venetians rebuilt the city. They sold it to the Genoese. And in 1475 Koktebel came under the control of the Turks.

In the 19th century, there was a small Tatar village on the site of the present settlement. E. A. Junge, having financial difficulties, decided to turn this place into a resort for the Russian intelligentsia. He began by turning part of the land into suburban areas.

The next impetus in the development of the resort was played by the dacha of the famous artist Maximilian Voloshin. The whole bloom of the Russian intelligentsia regularly visited it at different times of the year. There were Gumilev, Tsvetaeva, Bulgakov and many others.

The population of Koktebel is about 3,000 people who are in one way or another engaged in the tourism business. Jazz festivals are held here every year.

 

Koktebel beaches

koktebel 02It is interesting that the beaches in Koktebel are pebbly. You may need shoes to walk the coastline. Sand begins 5 meters from the shore, but you still have to walk to it.

Here you will also find paid beaches and free ones with appropriate surface cleanliness. But on any, you can rent a sunbed and an umbrella, which will help you feel more comfortable under the scorching sun.

On the beaches near the "Blue Bay" and "Priboy" boarding house, which are located near the extinct volcano Kara-Dag, you can find stones, crystals of rock crystal and gems. Now it has become more difficult to find them because of the multitude of tourists who have been doing it purposefully for many years, but nevertheless, luck often smiles at persistent seekers.

Koktebel is also famous for its nudist beach. It is located near Junge Hill. Rumor has it that Maximilian Voloshin was the first nudist on this beach. Another Russian intelligentsia followed him.

 

Entertainment and attractions of Koktebel

For those who like not only to lie on the beach for days, but also to visit various cultural places, Koktebel can offer the Dolphinarium. Here you can see not only dolphins, but also seals with beluga whales. Unfortunately, it does not always work, but only during the season (from May to September) and only from Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 - 17:00). Monday is a day off.

koktebel 02You can also visit the Aquarium, which is located near the Dolphinarium. Here you will see various inhabitants of the Black Sea and not only. Tourists love to look at the Amazonian piranhas. The aquarium is open every day from 8 am to 10 pm.

The largest water park in Crimea is located in Koktebel. Its area is 44 thousand square meters. Here you will find 7 swimming pools, 24 water slides, about 10 jacuzzis, 7 cafes and an excellent restaurant. Those who want to experience special sensations, for them there is "Kamikaze" and "Space tube" - extreme water attractions. The water park is open from May to September from 10:00 to 18:00.

koktebel 02One of the most famous sights of Koktebel is the Kara-Dag mountain. Many tourists tend to visit this extinct volcano and enjoy its views. Unfortunately, it is not so easy to get on it. First you need to be instructed, then be ready for a long excursion (3 hours). But it's worth it, especially for those who like to take beautiful photos. From there you can take pictures of the Golden Gate, a symbolic rock that adorns many postcards and magazines related to Crimea.

koktebel 02No doubt your children and you will love the Dinotherium bird park. You can easily find this building by its unusual shapes. The building with white hemispheres also houses the paleontological and ornithological pavilions. Here you can feed various birds and just have a good time. Dinotherium is open from May to November daily from 10:00 to 20:00

There is a house-museum of Maximilian Voloshin, where all the creative intelligentsia of Russia once came. Various excursions are available that tell about the life and work of this outstanding Russian artist, poet and publicist. The museum is open in the summer from 10:00 to 17:00 and from 10:00 to 16:00 in the winter.

For a deeper study and understanding of the spirit of Koktebel, you can also visit the cemetery, where some outstanding personalities were buried, whose fate is connected with the foundation and development of this resort. There you will see the graves of the founder of the resort, Dr. Eduard Junge, the mother of Maximilian Voloshin, the sculptor Tatyana Gagarina and others. Voloshin himself is buried on a mountain not far from Cape Chameleon.

For gourmets and wine lovers, Koktebel will offer an excursion to the Winery. Fortunately, it is located not far from the Koktebel Bay and you will not have to travel far. Many people think that Koktebel wines are even tastier than Massandra wines. It is difficult to argue here, it is better to try and see for yourself.

koktebel 02Koktebel is also a mountainous region. You can rent bicycles and ride the area yourself. There are also horse clubs, which provide tourists with the opportunity to ride horses, alone or with an instructor, along the hilly terrain, and feel the spirit of the ancient Crimea.

 

Food in Koktebel

There are many cafes and canteens in Koktebel that will serve you delicious and healthy food. There are east-oriented cafes "Aladdin" or "Shashlychok" where you can taste delicious samsa or eat shawarma. Also, you can find restaurants here, which, frankly, are not many. But they are usually located in places with a good view, so there are many who want to visit them during the season.

 

Inns and hotels

There are not many premium class hotels in Koktebel, but there are plenty of guest houses and the private sector. Prices range from 1000 rubles per room per day to 5000 (for 2020). It all depends on what conditions will be provided and on the time of your arrival. In May and June prices are cheaper, but in August and September they are the highest. Nearby there are two campsites with Wi-Fi protected area, parking, etc., for only 200 rubles per person.

 

How to get there

You can get to Koktebel both by your own and by public transport. The nearest cities are Feodosia and Old Crimea. Any navigator will lead you to the right place on request "Koktebel Crimea". In time, it is about 30 minutes from the city of Feodosia.

 

Note for tourists

Interesting! A large number of popular films "Scarlet Sails", "Don Quixote", "The Man from the Boulevard of Capuchins" and "Kings and Cabbage" were filmed in the vicinity of Tikhaya Bay.

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