This coastal city on the Black Sea has been a health resort since the 19th century. The mild climate and mineral springs make it a popular spot for medical tourism.
Alushta lies on Crimea's southern shore between the Black Sea and mountains. You can climb the 6th-century Aluston fortress towers, walk among the wind-carved rocks of Ghost Valley, or swim at Central Beach. With four local wineries and parks like Primorsky, Alushta remains less crowded than neighboring resort towns.
Getting to Alushta
Take the world's longest trolleybus route connecting Simferopol and Yalta to reach Alushta. During the 94-kilometer journey, you'll pass rows of cypress trees, hillside vineyards, and white limestone formations. The trip takes about 1.5 hours from Simferopol. Regular buses also run between these cities, though they fill up quickly during summer months.
Swimming and Beaches
The Black Sea waters around Alushta reach 22-23°C from July through September. The city's pebble beaches occupy former boat dock areas. The water stays clear throughout the swimming season, and sea temperatures remain above 8°C even in winter.
Mountain Landscapes
On Demerdji Mountain next to Alushta, you'll find Ghost Valley, where wind has carved the rocks into shapes resembling pillars, animals, and human faces. Explore the limestone caves of Chatyr-Dag mountain with their stalactites and underground lakes. The surrounding mountains create air currents that keep Alushta's summer temperatures lower than other coastal towns.
Historical Sites
Two towers remain from the Aluston fortress 200 meters from the shore: the square Orta-Kulle and round Ashaga-Kulle, connected by defensive walls. Genoese builders expanded the original Byzantine structure in the 15th century. The All Crimean Saints' Church, designed by Odessa architect G.Torricelli in 1842, retains its original architectural elements.
Parks and Gardens
Walk through Primorsky Park to reach the local history museum in the 1910 Villa Modern building. Inside the city's circular aquarium building, you'll see 250 fish species, three types of crocodiles, and eight species of turtles. Cypress-lined paths connect the city's green spaces.
Wine Production
Four Massandra wine facilities in Alushta make wines from local grape varieties grown on the surrounding slopes. The mineral-rich soil, sun exposure, and sea breezes create growing conditions similar to other Mediterranean wine regions.
Important Note
The current status of Alushta is disputed between Ukraine and Russia. While internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory, the city has been under Russian control since 2014.
