Yalta in the Ukraine has turned into a modern-day luxurious retreat for travelers looking to escape the doldrums of day-to-day life. Not only will you be drawn in by the beautiful surroundings, but also be tempted to take part in many of the one of the kind activities you’re not likely to do again in this lifetime.
Guest post by Andy Johnson.
Yalta maintains its exclusivity by being 79km from the nearest airport. You must fly into Simferopol and travel by train or car to arrive at your destination.
Yalta’s Scenic Beauty
When you arrive in Yalta, the first thing you’ll notice is the beautiful locale. Yalta is situated in the southern portion of Ukraine on the Crimean Peninsula. The city faces the Black Sea and is surrounded by wood covered mountain ranges. Rugged beaches and lush areas of greenery are only a few of the highlights of the unique town. The large Nikitsky Botanical Garden located in Yalta contains an astounding 50,000 species of different plants.
There is also a 100acre park which houses the breathtaking Vorontsovsky Palace, an architectural marvel designed by Edward Blore.
Historical Significance
Besides the natural beauty of Yalta, you’ll be intrigued by the numerous historical monuments and attractions to be found in the area. The most notable aspect of Yalta’s history is that many nobles during the 19th century found respite in Yalta as tuberculosis outbreaks raged in their respective areas. Their mansions and palaces are scattered throughout the city. Famed author Anton Chekhov’s house is on display where he spent five years living in Yalta.
The 19th century cathedrals in Yalta are also popular tourist destinations with standouts including the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Accommodations
Boutique hotels and mansion stays are the norm for Yalta travelers. As an example, the Hotel Beliy Orel is a tastefully finished boutique hotel with fine furnishing and individual terraces for each room. A mix of modern and antique décor in the mansion gives the accommodations universal appeal.
The Krimsky Hotel is known for offering up the best scenic views of the area. The hotel overlooks Yalta Bay and guests can take in the scenery while relaxing on their own private balcony. Additional amenities include a swimming pool and outdoor bar.
For a special occasion, travelers should consider the Vremena Goda. Along with modern décor items, guests can enjoy the stained-glass mosaics located throughout the property. The on-property European spa, sauna, swimming pool and fitness center is perfect for travelers looking to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
The top choice for travelers with hefty bank accounts is the Hotel Oreanda. The accommodations provide guests with sea-views along with private access to their club and casino.
Eating and Entertainment
When looking for authentic Ukrainian food, try out the Hutorok La Mer with standout dishes like borsh, cabbage rolls and dumplings.
For breakfast and brunch, travelers may want to try out the cuisine offered through the Apelsin Club. Dishes include quail eggs, salmon sandwiches and turkey salad.
For a fusion of Russian and English offerings, the White Villa has plenty of dishes made with the freshest seafood, meats and vegetables in the area.
Travelers with special occasions to celebrate will want to make a point to visit Harem. Minced beef dishes, stuffed sweet peppers, seafood soup and grilled bulls’ testicles are just a sampling of the dishes you’ll find on the menu.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try out one of the cafés situated in the OvoshnoiRynok market area. Hot soup, delectable sandwiches and unique snacks are the typical fare served in the market area.
Whatever your budget, you’ll be able to find accommodations that suit your needs during your Yalta stay. With plenty to see and do, you’ll want to schedule a return trip as soon as you depart.
Author Andy Johnson is a frequent traveler to Ukraine and a content creator for Idish.net.
1 Comment
Hello Andy, I am from Poltava, Ukraine and I have been quite a few times in Yalta, the Crimea. Altough it is a very beautiful place, many locals prefer to go to other places, like smaller villages which are located not far away from Yalta and the reason is the cost of accommodation and eating out. Very few Ukrainians can afford staying at one of those fancy hotels and paying their monthly salary for a night of stay, but I guess you know it by now since you have been to our country a few times. Most rent out rooms which don’t cost more than 10 dollars. You are not planning to stay in a room all the time, so people don’t really care about having lots of amenities that make your stay more comfy :-)
Have a good day, Alex.