Cape Chameleon is considered one of the most attractive and interesting sights of Koktebel. It attracted great Russian artists with its beauty and mystery. Aivazovsky often painted pictures from him, and also depicted him in his works. This article will provide basic information about this magnificent place, which will unfortunately disappear soon.
1. How to find Cape Chameleon?
2. Cape Chameleon - exotic from time immemorial.
3. What attracts tourists here?
4. When will Cape Chameleon disappear?
5. How to get to Cape Chameleon?
6. Note to travelers.
This settlement is located between Feodosia and Alushta. It is not located in the village of Koktebel itself, but a little further away, but this does not pose a particular problem for tourists, since it is easy to get to it by private transport. Some lovers of walking go there on foot.
Cape Chameleon - exotic from time immemorial.
Cape Chameleon has always held a mystery and has been a source of inspiration for writers, poets and artists. After all, such nature and magnificent views cannot but inspire. The poetic and artistic genius of Maximilian Voloshin is the reason for the wide popularity of this place on the map of Crimea. The great poet became a pioneer among those who settled here, leaving the fashionable capital salons of high society. Moscow elites often came and lived in Koktebel, following Voloshin's example.
Cape Khamelion, the Kara-Dag massif, the Golden Gate rock are natural formations of the earth's crust, for the sake of which tourists travel to Koktebel. There is nothing intricate in the names of these objects, they reflect their essence.
It is not known for sure whether the locals met chameleon lizards in these places. Scientists argue that the likelihood of meeting them in this area is not very good either. However, the same scientists say that the name of the “chameleon” cape was its shape. It looks very much like a chameleon lizard basking in the sun.
People joke, saying that any bird that feeds on lizards, flying over this cape, would immediately remember about lunch, since its curves really strongly resemble a lizard. Secondly, like a cunning and quirky chameleon, it constantly changes its color.
What attracts tourists here?
Tourists come here to enjoy the impressive mountain views of Koktebel. The change in color of the cape can be observed with the naked eye both during the day and during the year. It all depends on the state of the atmosphere, clouds, wind, the direction of the incidence of sunlight. This beautiful phenomenon delights the onlookers and is worthy of being captured in memory, on video or in photography.
The reason for this variability in colors and shades is the special composition of the mountain, which contains a certain percentage of shale and clay. It is slate, with its ability to reflect the light of the sun, that allows the cape to frequently change hue and color. Everything is decided by the angle of incidence of the sun's rays, the presence of clouds and other factors.
The Crimean Tatars looked at things in a more practical way, therefore they called the Cape Toprakh-Kaya, that is, “a rock of clay”. Unfortunately, the clay composition of the mountain is the reason for its slow disappearance - gradually dissolving, the rock gradually, but inevitably, goes into the sea. For this reason, tourists who saw this cape depicted in Aivazovsky's paintings do not quite recognize it in reality. Over the years, it has changed its shape.
When will Cape Chameleon disappear?
According to the bold statements of historians, old maps indicate a much more massive size of this cape - it was larger both vertically and horizontally. But the constant exposure to sea water, rain and wind is doing its sad job. The cape becomes lower and thinner. Previously, visitors to the cape could walk freely along the ridge enjoying the views of nature. Now the cape is constantly threatening to collapse and plunge into the sea, and gusts of wind do not bode well. Walking along the ridge, you feel the fear of falling down. It is aggravated by strong winds constantly blowing from different directions.
The latest information about a serious collapse came in 2016 in May. A large part of the cape collapsed into the sea, making it hundreds of cubic meters less.
Scientists say that such a phenomenon is quite predictable and there is nothing supernatural about it. The destruction of a clay rock is similar to the destruction of a sand castle built by a child. Modern technical capabilities could stop or significantly delay the disappearance of a unique natural object.
How to get to Cape Chameleon?
We will show you how to get to Cape Chameleon. Between it and Tikhaya Bay (another outstanding secluded place) is the Koktebel Bay. You cannot get to this place by public transport. The best vehicle is a private car or taxi. Depart in the direction of Feodosia for 5-6 km. The route on the map looks like this:
Note to travelers
If you want to spend your vacation in Koktebel - you will find a gentle sea, attractions on the beach, as well as the Voloshin Museum with an annual Literature Festival. Having gone to Cape Chameleon, you can visit three sights at once, namely: Voloshin's Tomb, Quiet Bay and Cape Chameleon. The unearthly species of the cape, which, unfortunately, are threatened with imminent extinction, will forever remain in your memory.
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