A coastal town on the Black Sea with a deep natural harbor and a former Soviet submarine base. Known for its 15th-century Genoese fortress ruins and local wineries.
Balaklava curves around a natural bay between limestone cliffs near Sevastopol. You can explore Cold War tunnels in the submarine base museum, climb to the 1400s Cembalo fortress ruins, or take a boat to secluded beaches. The surrounding hills contain World War II bunkers and walking trails with views across the Black Sea.
Getting to Balaklava
Take marshrutka bus #9 from Sevastopol's '5 km' bus interchange to reach Balaklava in 20 minutes. From central Sevastopol, buses #12 and #20 connect to the '5 km' interchange.
Naval Museum Complex
The submarine base museum tunnels through Mount Tavros for 600 meters. You'll walk through a nuclear-proof bunker system, past water channels where submarines once docked, and into a dry dock that held up to seven vessels. The museum exhibits include torpedo equipment and naval gear. Tours run hourly (400 UAH), though most guides speak only Russian and Ukrainian.
Cembalo Fortress
A 15-minute uphill walk leads to the Cembalo fortress ruins from the 1400s. In July, the fortress hosts a medieval festival where you can watch archery tournaments and sword fighting displays. The path continues beyond the walls to a WWII gun emplacement, marked by an Orthodox cross visible from the town below.
Coastal Activities
Local boats run every 30 minutes in summer (150 UAH return) to Golden and Silver beaches, tucked into small coves 15 minutes away. The calm waters of Balaklava Bay maintain clear conditions for diving, with visibility reaching 20 meters. Local dive schools run trips to nearby shipwrecks, including an 1850s steamship at 20 meters depth.
Walking Routes
Follow marked paths linking 50 military monuments around Balaklava. The Valley of Death, where the Charge of the Light Brigade took place, lies 4 kilometers from town among local vineyards. The coastal path from the fortress to Cape Aya passes limestone caves and grottoes along the water's edge.
Along the Waterfront
Walk both sides of the bay on the 19th-century promenade. The older buildings house Georgian restaurants and coffee shops, while modern yacht clubs line the harbor area. In evenings, locals gather at the harbor bars, especially around the historic port section where fishing boats dock.
