Sudak

From the Genoese Fortress to Cypress Alley

The fortress stands at the western edge of town. The Consular Tower, the walls and the barbican have all survived, and the viewing platforms open onto the whole bay. In August the grounds host the “Genoese Helmet” historical reenactment festival with knightly combat.

Walk downhill and, half an hour later along the seafront, you will come out onto Cypress Alley — Sudak’s main pedestrian artery. It flows gently into the promenade with restaurants, living statues and evening entertainment. From here it is only a couple of minutes on foot to the grey quartz beach, and another fifteen minutes to the foot of Alchak-Kaya mountain with its loop eco-trail.

Sudak has 18 hotels in operation: the choice is modest, but prices in the centre range from 3,600 to 8,500 ₽ per night. You can browse the options on the Moya Bron website: Sudak, hotels.

The Golitsyn Trail and When to Go

Beyond the pass lies Novy Svet — just 7 km from town; bus No. 5 will take you there in 30–40 minutes. The 5-km Golitsyn Trail runs along the sea, skirts Cape Kapchik, passes through the Chaliapin Grotto and opens up views of Tsarsky Beach in Blue Bay. Swimming here is restricted, as this is a protected area, but the views from the trail are considered among the most picturesque in Crimea. It is convenient to stay overnight right by the bay: for example, the Vintage hotel on the Novy Svet promenade offers rooms from 13,500 ₽.

By season:

• in July and August the daytime temperature stays around 29–30 °C, the water warms up to +25…+27 °C, but this is the peak of prices and tourist crowds;
• September is the ideal time for a holiday: around 24 °C during the day, the sea is still warm, and there are far fewer tourists;
• in October temperatures drop to 17 °C, rain is possible, and in winter (an average of +4…+5 °C during the day) resort life comes to a halt — only the fortress, the promenade and a few excursions remain open.