The beginning of the Crimea was called the Golden Gate. This symbol at various times in history designated the status of Kafa, Gezlev, Solkhat, Yeni-Kaleya and many other places. The gates of the Crimea - this is how several places are called at the same time. It is well known that this honorary title belongs to Simferopol, Dzhankoy, Chongar, Ariyansk, Sevastopol, Kerch, Arabat arrow. There are also more local gates of Crimea, for example, Yalta, Baydarskiy gates and Angarsk pass, which are considered the gates of the South Coast. The Akhtiyar Bay was called by the Crimeans the sea gate of Sevastopol.
The sea gates of the Crimea are, without a doubt, Kerch and Sevastopol. The latter, in addition, is also called the key and shield of the Crimea. This name was especially relevant during the hostilities here. It is believed that the one who owns Sevastopol is the ruler of the Crimea.
Another symbol is also known, denoting discovery, access, the beginning of acquaintance with one of the magnificent sights of the region - the Golden Gate of Crimea.
Acquaintance
The Golden Gate of Crimea is the name of an arched coastal rock located at the Kara-Dag volcanic massif, on the Black Sea coast. Address: Crimea, Koktebel, Karadag nature reserve. The Golden Gate is a symbol of Karadag. Crimea (Koktebel) is a popular resort with many unique attractions.
Pearl of Crimea - Golden Gate
Crimea (a photo of the described attraction is presented in the article) is a peninsula located in the northern part of the Black Sea. The Golden Gate is located directly behind the Robber Bay. The rock sticking out of the water near the coast is cut through by a natural arch. In addition, it is called the Devil's Gate ("Shaitan-kapu"). The depth of the sea under the cliff is 15 meters. It rises above sea level by 8 m and reaches a width of 6 m.
The appearance of the arch is explained by the impact of the surf on the rock. The gates are "folded" of yellow basalt, so in the afternoon a glow emanates from them. One gets the impression that the rock is indeed golden, hence one of its names.
Through the Golden Gate of Kara-Dag, which is rightfully considered the pearl of the Crimean peninsula, you can admire the sunrise - but only for a few days a year at the winter solstice.
The gate is guarded by a stone Lion, and the Lion's Bay is closed by the Lighthouse rock. Almost from all the coastal Crimean cities, sea excursions to the rocks of Kara-Dag are conducted, but most regularly from Feodosia and Koktebel. Everyone certainly needs to see this beauty at least once.
Follow in the footsteps of Odysseus
It is possible that, having got here, the traveler will repeat one of the amazing adventures of the legendary Odysseus, who, wandering to the Cimmerian shores, as many believe, visited one of the fabulous bays of the Kara-Dag.
It is known that the Golden Gate made an indelible impression on the great Pushkin, who later reflected his acquaintance with the landmark (according to biographers) in the famous drawing in the margins of the manuscript of the famous "Eugene Onegin".
Blue-blue sea
It is not the rock that makes the greatest impression on tourists, but the sea around it - amazing, sparkling, unusually blue, as if tinted with Prussian blue. Everyone who has visited the shores of the Kara-Dag knows that the sea is truly fabulous. It here endlessly changes its colors: it is sometimes quiet and gentle, turquoise, then pearl with a light fog spreading over its surface, then blue-cornflower blue, competing in its blueness with the sky itself.
But the sea element here, as elsewhere, is capricious and fickle - a fierce wind is already flying in and driving gray-haired ramparts to the rocks, which rise and break with a roar against the stones.
With the onset of evening or morning, the silhouettes of the surrounding mountains appear clearer and sharper, and then from the shore you can watch how the sea colors and shades change.
The kindest place in the world
Many have noticed that the Golden Gate, illuminated by bright rays of the sun, caressing this unique natural creation, seemed to radiate a kind of radiance. They are surrounded by the infinite tenderness of the Universe - this is how travelers speak of this place, expressing their confidence that these rocks in Kara-Dag are one of the kindest places in Crimea, and perhaps the planet. Many believe that the Golden Gate is the beginning of the road to parallel worlds. If this is true, then the world that opens behind them will be imbued with love, affection and kindness. There simply cannot be another - after all, only at the sight of an arch leading to otherness, everyone feels an extraordinary peace and happiness.
Myths
Many people believe that if, while sailing through an arch, you throw a coin into a rock so that it rings, and at the same time make a wish, it will surely come true.
A huge number of myths and legends are associated with this place in Crimea. For example, did you know that it was through the Golden Gate of Kara-Dag that Odysseus and Hercules descended into the underworld of Hades? Did you know that as you sail past these rocks, you can see the clocks stop, navigation stops, and on the air you can hear moans and screams breaking through the frequencies? Have you heard that unidentified objects fly over these rocks that enter the sea water and disappear in the depths?
And the local population also says that somewhere in these places the mysterious Karadag monster lives, hunting dolphins, which are often caught with traces of strange bites.
Legends and myths surround these places in great numbers, but the only thing that is indisputable and that everyone can be sure of personally is the extraordinary beauty of the Golden Gate. They will forever remain in the heart of everyone who visits the attraction. And this is not a myth, but the truth.
If you decide to spend your summer vacation in Crimea, then I highly recommend staying in Koktebel. This small seaside village is ready to offer you not only a clean and warm sea, cozy beaches, comfortable hotels and numerous entertainment venues, but also amazing natural attractions.
Perhaps the most famous of them, in my opinion, is the Golden Gate Rock. It is located just a few kilometers from the town. You can get here on foot, along the picturesque sea coast along the path that runs through the majestic Karadag. In addition, in the summer, regular sea excursions are organized here. This natural wonder has its own legend, which the locals will surely tell you.
Going to the Golden Rock, be sure to take your camera with you. I am sure that you will get stunningly beautiful pictures that will remind you of your trip to Crimea for a long time.
How to get to the Golden Gate
The attraction is located in the nature protection zone of the Karadag reserve, which somewhat complicates the road to it.
The fact is that you will most likely not be able to get to the Golden Rock on your own. You can see the rock only as part of an organized excursion group. The easiest way to do this is from the sea, taking advantage of the many offers from local boaters, who stand in large numbers on the promenade.
The rock rises above the sea about seven kilometers from the village. You can reach it on foot along a mountain path that runs through the Karadag reserve. It starts from the Naberezhnaya street.
I want to say right away that walking in this conservation area is allowed only as part of excursion groups.
If you are used to traveling by your own vehicle, then you can leave your car at any parking lot in Koktebel. On average, the cost of parking in the village is 50 rubles per hour. The second way to see the Golden Rock is to buy a ticket for a boat trip.
This can be done right on the central embankment at the distributors. In any case, you will not be allowed to get lost, and you will definitely see this majestic stone block.
Legends and myths about the Golden Rock
There are several legends regarding the Golden Gate, each of which, in my opinion, has a right to exist. I think the most interesting story is the one related to the other world. The fact is that this rock has its second name "Sheitan-Kapu" or "Devil's Gate".
As the guide told us, according to the legend, in ancient times, in these places the fisherman's boat crashed on stones, and he himself was thrown ashore. To get home, he had to make a deal with the devil, the essence of which was that it was necessary to swim through the arch of the rock that grew into the sea. The fisherman, having fulfilled this condition, lost twenty years of his life. Since then, many local residents believe that one cannot approach the sights, so as not to incur trouble.
In fact, this formation arose a few tens of meters from the coast, as a result of one of the eruptions of the Karadag volcano, which occurred several thousand years ago. The arch itself is the result of storms and winds that occur regularly in these places in winter. The water slowly but surely sharpened the volcanic rock, thus forming a fairly large hole.
The height of the attraction is about fifteen meters, the width is about six. The very name of the Golden Gate was fixed relatively recently. The fact is that on all sides the stone block is covered with a lichen with a yellow tint, which, under the sunlight, acquires a stunning golden tint. The guides will tell you all this, moreover, they can significantly embellish the story.
Features of the visit
As I wrote above, you can visit the Golden Gate only as part of organized groups. Tickets for walking and sea excursions to the rock can be purchased on the central embankment of Koktebel.
Hiking
The cost of the walking tour is 500 rubles for adults and 400 for children, the duration is about four hours. It starts from the biological station, which is located in the neighboring village of Kurortnoye.
You will be taken here by bus, which is included in the price of the excursion. Then, in the company of a guide, you will take a trip to the Karadag reserve, see many picturesque views, and finally, you will be able to observe from a height above the Golden Gate.
The sight, I can tell you, is truly amazing, especially when the sun is shining brightly, making the landmark playfully shimmer with a golden hue.
From personal experience, I can say that wonderful photographs are obtained from the top of Karadag. As a piece of advice, I can recommend wearing comfortable shoes and light clothing. Also, bring plenty of water and sandwiches with you, as you will not come across any cafes or shops along the way.
Boat trip
For those who do not like to walk a lot, I recommend visiting the Golden Gate from the sea. To do this, you should contact the distributors on the main embankment of Koktebel. There are always many small pleasure boats, ready to take you to the sights at any time. The cost of a sea excursion starts from 400 rubles and depends on the size and comfort of the vessel.
The average travel time is about two hours. There is a guide on board each boat, who will tell in detail all the existing legends about the rock, as well as point out other interesting objects that will be encountered along the way.
Many of these excursions include swimming near the attraction, of course, if you wish. Personally, I definitely advise you to plunge near the Golden Gate and make a wish at the same time. According to the locals, it will come true in the very near future. I want to say that I liked the boat trip to the rock more. Our captain made several circles near her, which allowed us to examine the stone block from different angles.
Nearest infrastructure
All the infrastructure closest to the attraction is located in Koktebel. Here you can easily find a place where you can spend the night.
There are many small hotels and private villas in the village, in which rooms are rented to vacationers in the summer season.
On average, the cost of living in an economy class room per person starts from 900 rubles without meals.
There are also many cafes and restaurants in the village. To dine on the embankment will cost about 700 rubles for two people without alcohol. A cheaper option is a canteen where you can have a snack for 200 rubles. There are a large number of grocery stores in Koktebel.
Almost throughout the village in the summer season you can find tents with a variety of souvenir products.
As I have noticed, no such gift item of local production is complete without the outline of the Golden Gate. Tourists are offered:
- magnets of various shapes with a colorful image of a rock for 50 rubles;
- souvenir plates with a scanned photo of the Golden Gate, 250 rubles each;
- T-shirts with the image of the attraction, the cost of which starts from 200 rubles.
The attraction is also depicted on the products of the winery of the same name, which is located in Koktebel itself. In memory of visiting the rock, I would recommend buying a bottle of local wine, as well as an unpretentious, but colorful magnet with the image, of course, of the Golden Rock.
As a conclusion
The Golden Gate is what is considered the symbol of Koktebel. It is she who is depicted on all souvenirs that are offered to tourists as a keepsake of visiting the village. The rock is really worth seeing.
The stone block rises majestically above the sea and, in my opinion, is a wonderful backdrop for photographs. I want to note that in the summer season excursions to the sights are regularly organized, both by sea and on foot through the Karadag reserve.
The Golden Gate, in Crimea, is one of the most amazing places in the world. This is one of the visiting cards of the Crimea, the pride of Koktebel. Thousands of tourists, every year, strive to get here and admire this miracle of nature.
Geographic coordinates of the Golden Gate of Crimea on the GPS map N 44.9111 E 35.2056
The golden gate is in the Feodosiya region of Crimea, between the villages of Koktebel and Kurortnoye, opposite the Karadag reserve. The Golden Gate is a rejected rock, which broke away from the Karadag massif millions of years ago and moves into the sea. This process continues to this day, although it is practically invisible. The Golden Gate got its name because of its golden color, which is clearly visible in sunny weather. The most saturated color, the gates acquire from 12:00 to 15:00. While at dusk and dawn, there are delights. The height of the rock is 8.2 meters, width is 6.1 meters, in the above-water part. Full height from bottom to peak - 15.3 meters; 7.1 meters - in the underwater part .. Today the Golden Gate of Crimea is open to all tourists. The only restriction on the visit is the passage through the gate.
How to get to the Golden Gate of Crimea
Get to the Golden Gate of Crimea, can be from two points: from the village of Koktebel and Kurortnoye. Most of the tourists choose boat trips from Koktebel, but you can also walk along the Karadag reserve. A walking tour costs, on average, 1,300 rubles. For independent walks, the reserve is closed. 800 rubles - the cost of a boat trip on a boat or yacht. From the village of Kurortnoye, getting to the gate will cost 100-200 rubles. cheaper. But excursions take place several times less often. One of the most extreme and exciting ways to get to the Golden Gate of Crimea is by kayaking from Koktebel. The rent will be about 500 rubles, including equipment. The time is about 1.5 - 2 hours round trip. But if you chose the kayak option, then take 4-5 hours to take short breaks on wild beaches and small bays, which will be in abundance.
Sea excursion to the Golden Gate from Koktebel
Sea excursion to the Golden Gate in Koktebel starts on st. Embankment, near the piers. Tours run from 9:00 to 18:00. The cost of the excursion to the Golden Gate is 800 rubles, 400 rubles for children. Average duration is about 2 hours. Excursions, in the summer, are carried out in a set of groups, on average, once every 20-30 minutes. At the beginning of the route, you leave the Koktebel Bay, into the Koktebel Bay. The bay offers stunning views of Cape Chameleon, Dead and Tikhaya Bay.
Then you head towards the Karadag massif. Mount Karadag, once an active volcano. Its volcanic processes, during the Jurassic period, have created stunning cliffs, cliffs and coves. The route runs along Karadag, along its small bays, grottoes and rocks. The most famous bays that you will visit: Frog, Graviinaya, Livadia and Serdolikovaya. These bays are famous for their quiet rest, nudist beaches, and simply for their beauty. In addition to the bays, you will also find bizarre rocks: Lighthouse, Lev, Ivan the Robber and, of course, the Golden Gate. At the Golden Gate, in summer, they usually offer to swim in the open sea for 15-20 minutes.
The depth is 45-50 meters on average, the water is so transparent that up to 20-25 meters you can see the bottom. The bathing experience remains amazing. You can jump from a boat or just lie down on the warm waves of the Black Sea. Near the Golden Gate, quite often, you can meet dolphins, and on the way back, entertainment begins with feeding seagulls. The captain tosses a piece of bread, and seagulls flock to him and grab it on the fly. To understand how fun and exciting it is, you just need to try it at least once. When planning to visit a sea excursion, you should take into account several points: - take water, swimming trunks, a towel with you. Also take bread for feeding the seagulls and, of course, a photo camera.
Legends about the Golden Gates of Crimea
With the Golden gates of Crimea associated with a large number of legends and myths. For example, many scientists believe that in the myths of ancient Greece - Hercules and Odysseus, descended into the kingdom of Hades, it was through these gates. In the old days, at the time when the Crimea was inhabited by the ancient Greeks, the name of this place was "Devil's Gate", which was later transferred to the Crimean Tatar names. Even in the not so long gone 20th century, there were many stories that at the gates floating under the arches, the clocks stop, the navigation does not work, and incomprehensible groans and exclamations break through the radio frequencies.
The whole region of Karadag is an anomalous zone. Also, many versions can be heard from ufologists. They unanimously say that in the summer in the area of the Golden Gate, you can observe unidentified flying objects. They enter the water and disappear under the rocks. The local population will certainly tell numerous stories about the Karadag monster. It lives either under a rock or somewhere in the depths. The monster hunt mainly dolphins - fishermen often catch poor mammals with huge bites, unlike anyone's jaws. In general, there are a lot of legends, but an indisputable fact is the beauty of the Golden Gate of Crimea. And what to believe in, you decide. If you are planning to visit the Golden Gate of Crimea, then be sure to check out in order for your rest to be eventful and interesting.
Golden Gate Crimea on the mapWhich was once an active volcano, there is a rock in the form of an arch. It is called the Golden Gate.
The most beautiful sight of natural origin is the most recognizable rock of Kara-Dag, its "visiting card" that attracts many tourists. "Golden Gate" is located in the urban district of Feodosia, between the villages of Koktebel and Kurortnoye.
In height, the rock "Golden Gate" in Crimea reaches a little more than 8 meters above the water, the total height from the bottom is more than 15 meters.
From below, the tuff ridge is divided by long ledges of small width, which make it look like an amphitheater, as if nature deliberately arranged so that the amazing beauty of the landscape with the "Golden Gate" of Kara-Dag can be viewed from this place. The size of the "Golden Gate" seems quite modest from above, but this visibility is deceiving - not only fishermen's boats under sails can pass under the arch, but also small motor ships, on which vacationers like to go on sea walks.
Prices for excursions to the rock "Golden Gate"
You can get to the arch as part of the excursion routes organized by the Kara-Dag nature reserve. A visit to the protected area is allowed only when accompanied by the staff of the institution. Groups are formed by appointment by phone: + 7-36562-26287, + 7-978-75-61-454 or by e-mail: [email protected] In the summer, a regular schedule of excursions is approved. Tickets must be purchased immediately before departure on the route.
Visiting the rock "Golden Gate" is included in the walking and sea routes. The first option is ecological trail No. 1 "Big Karadag". Cost: for adults - 600 rubles, for children (7-14 years old) - 400 rubles, participation for children under 7 years old is free. You can go along it at any time of the year, the trail is mountain-pedestrian, it closes only in rainy weather. The minimum number of participants is 6 people. The route runs from the village of Kurortnoye to Koktebel, you can go through the circular route, the trail goes along the slope of the Coastal Range, through the South Pass. Participants of the excursion trip will visit several viewing platforms and see other interesting rocks and gorges, except for the “Golden Gate” of Karadag near Koktebel. The transition requires certain physical efforts, it is not recommended for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system. The organizers ask you to prepare yourself and provide you with 1 liter of water, comfortable sports shoes, and a hat. The length of the route is 7 kilometers, the passage time is 4 hours.
Sea excursions to the "Golden Gate" in Crimea
The second option is to look at the rock "Golden Gate" in the Crimea - from the water. The reserve organizes boat trips along the ecological trail No. 3 "Along the extinct volcano Karadag". The price of a boat trip to the Golden Gate is the same for adults and children - 500 rubles. The route operates seasonally, usually from May to October, it is necessary to clarify the opening hours for the official website of the reserve... Length - 8 kilometers, duration - 1 hour. The excursion goes along the coast of Karadag from the pier of the reserve. Participants of the walk will see many picturesque bays and various volcanic formations, grottoes and stones. According to tourists, dolphins can be found near the "Golden Gate" of Karadag in Crimea. The depth here is about 50 meters, the water is very clear.
You can also buy a sea excursion in various travel agencies: it will be a trip on a small boat or a large boat, usually about 20 minutes are allocated for swimming near the “Golden Gate” rock from the Karadag massif in Crimea. The cost of such boat trips will be slightly higher than that of the reserve. The most popular place of departure is Koktebel, boats also go from Feodosia and the village of Kurortnoye.
History
The rock "Golden Gate" not far from Koktebel broke away from the Karadag massif several million years ago. That is, it also has a volcanic origin. Over time, sea waves and wind formed its shape.
Now the rock has a beautiful name due to the fact that its golden color is clearly visible in sunny weather. It is best to observe this in the time interval from 12:00 to 15:00 hours. This is due to the play of light on the yellow lichens that cover the arched rock.
However, at the time when the ancient Greeks lived in the Crimea, the rock was called the "Devil's Gate". It was believed that it was here that the heroes of myths descended into the underworld of the dead. There are many stories among local residents about the anomalousness of this place: how the clock stops under the gate, navigation does not work, noise and voices are heard on the air. They also say that unidentified objects fly near the rock, and a monster lives under it. Therefore, even now the rock "Golden Gate" is called by some "Devil's Gate".
The "Golden Gate" of Crimea is depicted in the drawing made by A. Pushkin in the margins of the manuscript "Eugene Onegin" after a trip along the Crimean coast.
How to get to the rock "Golden Gate" in Crimea
To look at the "Golden Gate" arch, you need to get to the natural reserve "Kara-Dag", which is located at the address: Kurortnoye village, st. Science, 24. You can get here by public transport:
- From Feodosia: bus number 101, get off at the final stop "Biostation" (travel time - about 1 hour).
- From Simferopol: with bus station "Kurortnaya" by bus "Simferopol - Feodosia" go to the turn to Koktebel in the village of Nasypnoe, change to bus number 101 to the final. The road will take about 2.5-3 hours.
If you have chosen a boat trip from private carriers or travel agencies, then you need to go directly to Koktebel. Buses leave from there almost every hour every day.
You can take a taxi to one of the points of departure for an excursion to the rock "Golden Gate": in Feodosia there are services "Ten", "Kopeyka", "MegaTaxi".
How to get to the Golden Gate by car
To get from Feodosia to the reserve by car, you need to follow the Simferopol highway (highway P-29), turn right in front of the traffic police post in the village of Nasypnoe, pass Podgornoye, Koktebel, enter the village of Schebetovka, turn left in front of the Church of the Ascension of Christ and follow the signs drive to the village of Kurortnoye.
To get to Koktebel, you also need to follow the P-29 highway, pass Podgornoye and the road will lead to the village.
Driving directions from Feodosia to Koktebel, from where sea excursions to the Golden Gate cliff go:
Panoramic view of the "Golden Gate" ("Devil's Gate") in Crimea:
Video about the rock "Golden Gate" Karadag:
