Cape Aya is a wonderful lost world in Crimea. Cape Aya - a magical corner of Crimea
Cape Aya (Sevastopol, Russia) - exact location, interesting places, inhabitants, routes.
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State landscape reserve"Cape Aya" on the territory of the Balaklava district is a unique protected area Crimea, which includes Cape Aya itself and the tracts of Ayazma and Batiliman. The name of the cape comes from the Greek "aios" - "holy", "holy". It is believed that the Greeks honored these places and buried their ancestors here; according to another version, Cape Aya is the legendary Kryumetopon, a landmark mountain for ancient sailors on their way to the shores of Taurida ( ancient name Crimea).
Thanks to the microclimate similar to the Mediterranean, about 500 species of plants and animals have been preserved here, 28 of them are listed in the Red Book. The landscapes of the territories of the reserve are very colorful and diverse, and besides natural beauties, here you can see man-made monuments of history.
What to see
The protected area of the reserve includes natural monuments "Pitsunda pine and high juniper grove on Cape Aya", "Stankevich's pine grove", Batiliman tract and bay with a total area of 1340 ha and adjacent water area of 208 ha.
- Cape Aya. At the top of the cape protruding into the sea is a giant funnel, dotted inside with huge multi-colored boulders - blue, green, red, striped and speckled. At the base of Ayia there are picturesque grottoes with azure water.
- Laspi Bay. There are not many man-made monuments in these places, for example, you can see the parking primitive man(Neolithic) in Laspi Bay. This bay is also considered one of the most beautiful bays in the Crimea, so the local landscapes can be called a completely independent attraction.
- Worth a visit to the beach "Fig". In fact, the area was so nicknamed for the rock, shaped very much like this sweet fruit. In addition to beautiful beaches and nature, it attracts fans of antiquity with its mountain Ilyas-Kaya (mountain of St. Elijah), where the ruins of the monastery of St. Elijah are located.
"Cape Aya" became a reserve relatively recently, in 1982, but has long attracted the attention of creative people. For example, the artist Ivan Aivazovsky captured local landscapes in the painting “Storm at Cape Aya” in 1875.
Rare representatives of flora and fauna grow and live in the Cape Aya Reserve: out of 500 species of animals and plants, 28 are listed in the Red Book. In addition, the reserve also captures part of the sea; all three species of the Black Sea dolphins (bottle dolphin, common dolphin, azovka) are found in its water area.
Infrastructure
It’s almost impossible to see all this beauty in a day, walk, swim, climb local tracts and mountains, so it’s better to plan an overnight stay in a local tent city called Speleologist. It is located right on the seashore, at an altitude of 75 m above sea level, each tent is designed for three tourists. Inside - mattresses, pillows and blankets. The camp has a field kitchen, benches and tables under awnings, a barbecue area. There is a field store 25 minutes walk from the camp, so restocking is no problem. Within walking distance are pebbly beaches with huge stones, where you can spread a towel and sunbathe.
In addition, there are guest houses in the town of Figs.
Practical information
Cape Aya is located just 8 km from Balaklava and 20 km from Sevastopol. You can get here along the Yalta - Sevastopol highway, the car will have to be left in the parking lot at the Cape Aya camp site, and then go down on foot. Public transport also runs to the reserve, for example, a bus from Balaklava and Sevastopol towards Yalta, the driver will have to be asked to stop at the turn to Cape Aya.
fans hiking can walk to the cape from Balaklava, the journey takes no more than 2-2.5 hours).
From the Balaklava bay to Aya, private skiffs float, the cost of the walk must be specified at the port.
Among the interesting natural attractions that you can see by ordering boat trip from Balaklava, Cape Aya occupies one of the leading places. It is located between Balaklava and Batiliman, separating the southern Crimean coast from the western one.
lost World
The cape can only be reached by sea, because it is a sheer stone cliff five hundred and sixty meters high, protruding thirteen kilometers into the sea. After Ayu-Dag, it is the second largest and the only vertical slope on the Crimean peninsula with a height of three hundred meters. The sight is so mesmerizing that it is difficult to take your eyes off. by the most interesting place on the cape is his highest point- the top of Kokiya-Kala, which means "blue rock". From it open great views on the rocky sea coast. At the top of the cape is a giant funnel that raises many questions about its origin. Inside, it is covered with huge boulders of various colors and patterns: from blue, green and red to striped and speckled stones.
As soon as Cape Aya was not called: terrible, impregnable, insidious, cruel.
The reason is that the cape is surrounded by underwater rocks, reefs, and stone piles. In old sailing books you can read a warning for sailing ships about the danger of approaching unnecessarily closer than ten miles, because near the rocks there is a strong rush of water and the sailing ship falls into the position of a person who receives strong blows from all sides. Indeed, when the sea is calm and calm, you can watch how the water level gradually rises and then falls. However, during a wave or a storm, huge waves hit vertical rocks, rise tens of meters up, and then break down with crushing force, knocking down stones in their path and colliding with rolling new waves. Currently, the largest number of landslides in the Crimea is recorded on the cape. Maybe that's why places on the coast of the cape with mysterious caves and miniature tracts of land among huge boulders are called the "Lost World".
There is a sense of mystery here. Moreover, experts in the study of UFOs claim that this cape is often visited by aliens.
In addition to the mysterious grottoes on the stone walls, you can see a large number of traces from the cannonballs. In past centuries, this place was chosen as a training ground for the ships of the Russian fleet. It was a target for firing ship guns and training gunners.
holy cape
"Aya" - the roots of this word are of Greek origin. It means "holy." This cape got its name for a reason. The remains of an ancient monastery and several temples were discovered here. It is known that in the fourth century there was a small medieval fortress-castle Kok-Kiya-Isar and two small settlements. With a high degree of probability, it can be assumed that the church could also have been included in the fortress complex. The cape was partitioned off by a rather neat, solid fortress wall reinforced by two towers. One of them is rectangular, covering the gate in the southern section, and the other is semicircular, which was installed closer to the northern part of the fortress.
More recently, by historical standards, one could observe well-preserved sections of the fortress wall up to four meters high.
However, in the mid-sixties of the last century, one of the objects was deployed right on the territory of the former fortress. air defense. The stone of the ancient fortress went to the needs of construction, so today the once powerful defensive wall looks more like a turfed rampart, not exceeding a meter in height. It is noteworthy that this monument has been known for more than one hundred and fifty years, but still remains unexplored.
Reserve
Today, Cape Aya is a nature reserve, which includes more than one thousand three hundred hectares of land and more than two hundred hectares of sea water. It can be visited from walking tour only along the laid ecological routes. The most valuable plant species grow here: wild orchids, of which there are sixteen species on the cape, strawberry, yellow sumac, needle, buckthorn, pistachio trees, Abraham tree, rockrose, a whole grove of rare Stankevich pine with pink bark. This grove is located in the Ayazma tract, located near the cape.
The juniper, whose age reaches two thousand years, attracts attention. Just think, the Apostle Andrew himself, who visited these places at the beginning of the first century, could see him.
In the reserve you can meet roe deer, deer, wild boars, martens, squirrels, hares, foxes. A rare Crimean gecko is also found here - a lizard up to thirty centimeters long, which is endemic Crimean peninsula.
Leisure opportunities
In general, there is something to see and do on the cape: dizzying views of the coastal cliffs, picturesque mountains, wonderful seascapes, a medieval fortress, the remains of a military unit, extreme rock climbing, diving, beach holiday. Those who are interested in the legacy of the Cold War can see caponiers here, the ruins of a Soviet military unit, a rocket carrier abandoned on the slopes. Moving by sea towards Laspi Bay, one can observe an unusual natural phenomenon - the so-called sea siphon, when a fountain of spray and foam bursts out of a vertical wall almost at sea level under great pressure. The spectacle is amazing. There are other fresh fountains near the cape, beating directly from under the water.
Surprisingly, you can safely drink this water hanging over the side of the boat.
Fresh water comes from the Ai-Petri karst formations and appears here from cracks and grottoes from depths of two to thirty meters. It is known that Balaklava sailors from ancient times did not take fresh water with them to the sea, because they knew that they could always quench their thirst from these sources.
Diving
I must say that the underwater landscape at Cape Aya is no less picturesque. Underwater rocky ridges resembling Coral reefs, stone heaps overgrown with algae, countless grottoes, crabs, fish - all this invariably attracts divers to the cape. Moreover, visibility under water here in calm weather reaches twenty meters.
At the same time, experienced divers warn that many underwater grottoes are filled with fresh water that enters them from mountain springs, so exploring them may not be safe for scuba divers.
The reason is a possible loss of buoyancy due to the difference in density between salt and fresh water. There are even tragic cases. But this fact does not stop adventurers at all. Many people come to the cape not only for the seascapes and unique fish fauna, but also to see the remains of sunken ships. In short, the possibilities for diving here are almost endless.
The beaches of Cape Aya
In summer, the beaches of the cape are chosen by lovers of camping, nudists and just vacationers who want to be alone with nature, enjoy swimming in the clear sea and admire the sea views. The so-called Silver and Golden beaches are especially popular. Coating - pebbles, the entrance to the water is often rocky, but gently sloping. You can get to them by boat, plying from Balaklava. Further, to the east from the Golden Beach towards Cape Aya, the coast stretches with big amount small bays and wild beaches where everyone can find a secluded corner for relaxation. These beaches also have their own names: Cable, Wandering, Commander, Fig, White, Lost and others. It is difficult to get to them: you have to climb mountains, rocks, through the forest for hours, but the reward for overcoming all difficulties is complete unity with nature. And many vacationers simply anchor a hired skiff without reaching the shore and swim in the open sea.
A trip to Cape Aya is always a lot of fun and unforgettable experiences.
Cape Aya in Crimea is a popular attraction near Sevastopol
One of the main attractions of the Crimea is Cape Aya with its picturesque paths and places. Translated from Greek, the word "Aya" means "Holy Mountain", because in ancient times they believed in the mystical powers of this area. This is a wonderful cape in the southern part of the Crimean peninsula, which is a thirteen-kilometer ledge of the coast. It is here that the most famous bays and beaches of Crimea, such as Fig, Golden and Silver, are located.
A little to the east of Aya is Cape Laspi and his, and a little to the west - Cape George. Between the Cape Aya itself and the Golden Beach, a tract of magnificent beauty called Ayazma comfortably settled down. Closest to Aya, it is located northwest of this quiet place.
These reserved places are also of great historical importance: back in 1927, the archaeologist P.P. Banenchikov with his auxiliary group unearthed here the surviving fragments of an ancient settlement of the tenth-fifteenth centuries. A close examination of the photo of Cape Aya can easily reveal the remains of urban buildings, fundamental blanks for the temple, as well as an ancient round structure.
Gorgeous view of Cape Aya in Crimea
Rest on the territory of Cape Aya is always comfortable: the climate here is always mild and warm, and the sea is crystal clear and transparent thanks to the numerous algae and molluscs that filter the sea water. The cliffs surrounding the sea surface of Cape Aya, for the most part, form steep landslides, giving the observers the impression of a natural stone chaos.
What to visit on the territory of Cape Aya?
The protected tract called Ayazma is distinguished by its richness of flora and fauna, which opens up a lot of opportunities for lovers of botany and zoology. Here you can find a rare species of pine - Stankevich's pine, many tall junipers and many other species of the Mediterranean fauna, which are rightfully considered relics. The flora of Ayazma is in no way inferior in saturation flora, because many insects, birds, animals and reptiles living in this area are listed in the Red Book as endangered species. Thanks to the purity and transparency sea water in Ayazma, anyone can admire the beauty underwater world All you need to do is bring your swimming mask with you. This truly valuable tract was recognized in 1982 as a real botanical reserve. On the edges of the cliffs on both sides, the ruins of two ancient temples for worship, it is they who to this day serve as some kind of landmark for the Crimean fishermen.
Tent town near Cape Aya
One of the parts of Ayazma, popularly nicknamed Figs, is distinguished by its beautiful beaches and cozy sea bays. Interesting name In this area, the old-timers explain that one of the many rocks on the territory of the Fig in its shape is very similar to this exotic plant. Here, vacationers from Cape Aya in Crimea can climb to the top of a mountain called Ilyas-Kala and admire the ruins of the monastery of the same name that has survived to this day.
One of the most beautiful bays in Crimea
One of the most beautiful bays on the entire Crimean coast - Laspi Bay - is located right here, in the wide expanses of Cape Aya. This area is also a true heritage of historians due to the discovery of the most ancient sites of primitive man on the territory of the bay. It has also been established that the first people who settled this area appeared here in the distant Neolithic era.
Tourists kayaking near Cape Aya
Also hospitably open to tourists is the tent town of Cape Aya, called the Speleologist. The town is located right on the seashore, in the zone of the fastest reach to it. At an altitude of seventy-five meters above sea level, comfortable guest tents are located, designed to accommodate three people. Tents are set up on special wooden surfaces, which provides guests with comfortable accommodation. Inside each of the tents there is everything you need for an overnight stay: comfortable mattresses, soft pillows and warm blankets that do not allow a sleeping person to freeze even on the coolest summer nights. Speleologist accommodates up to thirty people on its territory at the same time every year, but if you agree with the camp management in advance, you can provide accommodation for more than fifty people. The food here is hearty and tasty, but like a camping one. A field kitchen, comfortable benches and tables under special awnings that protect food from the sun are provided for preparing meals.
For friendly gatherings and snacks in the evenings, the camp has a specially designated place for kindling a fire, where you can cook barbecue and barbecue. In the event that vacationers run out of food supplies, there is a small field store not far from the Speleologist, which can be reached in just twenty to twenty-five minutes if you follow the path along the sea. The beaches here are pebbly, with large stones for sunbathing and jumping into the water. The descent into the water is not steep, but at the same time, a long search deep place won't have to.
Beautiful white cloud over Cape Aya
Cape Aya is easy to find on the map: it is located about eight kilometers from the resort town of Balaklava and twenty kilometers from. Also, the route with the direction of Yalta-Sevastopol can serve as a guide.
Cape Aya - beautiful place both for "wild" tourism and for exploring its beautiful protected areas. Here, every spa visitor will find exactly what he is looking for!
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Cape Aya is one of the attractions of the Crimean peninsula created by nature, famous for its rare beauty of seaside landscapes and picturesque corners. It is here that the most famous beaches and bays of Crimea are located, and due to the amazing microclimate, similar to the Mediterranean, plants and animals listed in the Red Book have been preserved in this place.
In translation, the name of the cape "Aya" means "holy", because in ancient times they believed in the mystical powers of this thirteen-meter ledge of the coast. But be that as it may, the landscapes in this place are unforgettable, and everyone should see them, especially since the climate on Cape Aya is always mild and warm, and the sea is clean and transparent.
What can be seen
First of all, it should be noted that at the base of the cape there are picturesque grottoes with crystal azure water, and on top of it there is a unique gigantic funnel, which is covered with boulders of different shades and colors from the inside, which creates a very strong impression.
There are practically no man-made monuments on Cape Aya, and they can only arouse scientific archaeological or historical interest, while ordinary tourists will certainly not refuse to look at the Ayazma tract - the ruins of the places where our ancestors lived. The site of a primitive man of the Neolithic era, and also the most beautiful bay in Crimea, can be seen in Laspi Bay.
Of interest is the rock "Fig", shaped like this fruit. Fans of the past and beautiful nature they will be happy to visit Mount Ilyas-Kala, where the ruins of the monastery stand.
Of course, your status landscape reserve Cape Aya received not only due to the historical ruins located there. Rare representatives of flora and fauna live and grow here, including the relic pine of Stankevich, 16 species of orchids, fragrant juniper, as well as cistus, needle, buckthorn, Abraham tree and even tupolis pistachio.
Of the representatives of the animal world, you can find here roe deer, wild boar, Crimean red deer, leopard snake, etc. And in that part of the sea that is covered by Cape Aya, three species of Black Sea dolphins, sea ruff, rapana, crabs, mullet, scorpionfish, Black Sea mussels and a very cute blenny. Anyone can admire all the beauties of the underwater world and the transparency of sea water, it is enough to arm yourself with a swimming mask first.
Rest with tents
Since the sights of Cape Aya deserve detailed consideration, visiting it usually involves spending the night in the local tent camp "Speleologist" - staying at this place you can walk, swim and see enough. This tent city is located directly on the seashore, at an altitude of 75 m from its level, with tents designed to accommodate three people.
Inside each tent there are mattresses, pillows and blankets, and outside there is a field kitchen, a barbecue area, tables and benches under awnings. 25 minutes walk from tent city- a field store that allows you to freely replenish your food stocks. And pebble beaches are generally within walking distance, and large boulders on them are suitable for spreading a towel on them and using them as natural sunbeds. The descent into the water itself is not steep, but at the same time the depth is sufficient and there is no need to look for places.
The Speleologist tent city annually accommodates up to thirty people at a time on its territory, but if desired, by agreeing with the management, it is possible to provide rest for fifty people at the same time. friendly gatherings big company are especially pleasant due to a specially designated place for kindling fires and barbecues.
You can get to Cape Aya and, accordingly, the Speleologist tent camp along the Yalta-Sevastopol highway, after which you will need to leave your car in the parking lot of the camp site and walk a short distance down on foot. Also runs to the reserve and public transport, so that everyone can visit it - for example, tourists can take a bus from Balaklava or Sevastopol to Yalta and then ask the driver to stop at the turn to Cape Aya, which is 20 km from Sevastopol and 8 km from Balaklava. Another option is to use private skiffs sailing from Balaklava Bay to Aya. It can also be reached on foot from Balaklava in 2 hours.
Thus, it can be concluded that Cape Aya is an excellent choice for both wild tourism, and for planned excursions to beautiful reserved places. Everyone is sure to find something here to their liking and enjoy. wonderful holiday, at least, this is evidenced by the reviews of tourists who have already been there.