This Black Sea port city dates to the 6th century BC. Ancient Greek ruins, medieval Genoese fortifications, and the Aivazovsky Art Gallery draw visitors.
Feodosia, a coastal city in Crimea with 69,000 residents, sits along the Golden Beach where tiny seashells cover 15 kilometers of coastline. Walk through the medieval Genoese fortress towers, see Aivazovsky's seascapes in his former home, or take a therapeutic mud bath. The city buzzes with activity during summer months when visitors fill the beaches and cafes, while autumn through spring maintain a calm, local atmosphere.
Getting to Feodosia
Regular buses depart from Simferopol train station to Feodosia almost every hour, covering the 100km distance. The train service also connects these two cities. Once in Feodosia, you can explore most areas on foot or use the local bus network.
Beaches and Wellness
The Golden Beach stretches for 15 kilometers along the coast, where tiny seashells form the beach surface instead of sand or pebbles common to other Crimean beaches. Medical centers near the beach area offer mineral spring treatments and therapeutic mud baths from May through September. The sea water warms to 24°C (75°F) during July and August.
Museums and Art
At the Aivazovsky National Art Gallery, housed in the artist's former residence and studio, you'll find over 12,000 maritime paintings. The Museum of Local History, established in 1811, contains artifacts from the region's Greek, Genoese, and Ottoman periods. The Museum of Delta Planes tells the story of local aviation through its collection of aircraft and equipment.
Historical Buildings
The Genoese fortress remains include the St. Clement and Crisco towers, the citadel gate, and a 14th-century medieval bridge. The St. Sergius Armenian Church houses stone slabs called khachkars, carved between the 14th and 16th centuries. On the main avenue, you'll spot the Stamboli summer house with its mix of Turkish and Art Nouveau architecture.
Seasonal Considerations
The main tourist season runs from mid-June through August, with daily temperatures around 28°C (82°F). Most cafes and restaurants open from May to October. Visitors come primarily from Russia and other former Soviet countries.
Local Areas
Walk through the eastern residential neighborhoods to reach the old Jewish cemetery, passing traditional Crimean houses with grape-covered pergolas. In the city center, you'll see several Soviet-era monuments, including a Lenin statue. The old town contains 19th-century buildings with decorative facades similar to those in Odesa, while industrial buildings line the outskirts.
