This coastal town on the Black Sea is known for its 14th-century Genoese fortress and rocky beaches. The local wine industry dates back to the Byzantine era.
Walk through the stone gates of a 14th-century fortress, swim in the Black Sea from the quartzite sand beaches, or taste local champagne in the caves of Novyi Svit. In Sudak, you'll find mineral springs used for health treatments, while the surrounding mountains contain hiking trails leading to ancient coral cliffs and juniper groves.
Climate and Beach Season
You can swim in Sudak from early June to mid-October - a 138-day season. July and August temperatures reach 38°C, while autumn stays warmer than spring. With only 318mm of annual rainfall and 84 cloudy days per year, this is one of Crimea's driest regions. The area gets 2,350 hours of sunshine annually.
Health Resorts
Visit the local travel bureau to book treatments at one of 18 health facilities. The main 'Sudak' resort specializes in respiratory, cardiac, and nervous system treatments. Doctors will create your personal treatment plan using local mineral-rich waters and mountain air therapy. Make reservations 2-3 months in advance during peak summer season.
Wine Production
Sample local wines at two main wineries: the Sudak Winery in the city center makes traditional varieties, while Soniachna Dolyna focuses on red dessert wines. Take a 15-minute drive to Novyi Svit to tour the champagne cellars carved into the mountainside. Local winemakers use grapes grown in limestone-rich soil under 300 days of annual sunshine.
The Genoese Fortress
This medieval complex spans 30 hectares atop ancient coral cliffs. Built between 1371 and 1469, it includes 14 towers connected by thick walls. Each tower bears the name of the consul who paid for its construction. Visit the former mosque-turned-museum to see archaeological artifacts from the region. The Patrol Tower, standing alone on the mountain peak, gives you a 360-degree view of Sudak Bay.
Getting Around
Take a bus from Simferopol or Feodosia to reach Sudak. Within the city, 10 bus routes connect neighborhoods and beaches along Lenin Street (Tourist Highway). This main road connects to the Coastal Highway P29 to Feodosia and highway P35 crossing the Crimean Mountains. The closest train station is in Feodosia, 57 kilometers away.
