Yalta Port lies on the Black Sea coast in a city called Crimea in the Ukraine. Founded in the year 1145 by Greek sailors, Yalta Port of call is now one of the major cruise ports frequented by tourists all over the world. The Yalta Cruise Port is one of the ports of the Black Sea and is famous for its open bay resorts on the southern part of the Crimean Mountains. The port has actually two terminals. A passenger port which is composed of 5 berths receiving ships and ferries. It is also here where you can find the Yalta cruise terminal. The other port is a cargo and passenger terminal which is frequented by Ro-Ro ships and other passenger vessels. Every year, around 700 huge ships dock in this port and to carry passengers, goods, tourists and other supplies to the town. Yalta is the setting for Anton Chekov’s short story entitled “The Lady with Lapdog”. The city is relatively small. It is home to over 80 thousand people. Yalta is situated in the subtropical zone and has a rich vegetation and pleasant air. Temperature ranges around 23C to 25C during the summer months, but the mean year round temperature is 13C (around 55 degrees Farenheit).
Shopping
Most of Yalta’s shopping is done on the Sea Promenade (Naberezhnaya) and on the main street of the city. The summer season in Yalta is usually the best time to shop where local markets feature their inexpensive and authentic home made products. Popular buys include local wines and the ultimate Ukrainian favorite, vodka. Vodka is abundant and very cheap in the city. There are also a lot of souvenir shops in Yalta which showcases variations of their famous delicacy; red onions. There are a number of ATM machines in the vicinity and most of the shops accept credit card transactions as well. You don’t need to worry about carrying cash as you stroll along the suburbs.
Things to See
The Central Yalta beaches are situated just on the city’s embankment and there are no entrance fees. Enjoy tanning your skin on these sun beds where you can rent a beach chair and a colorful umbrella as well. The beaches do not have sand; rather they are composed of small to mid-size pebbles. Be forewarned that these beaches are quite crowded in the summer months. The beaches are conveniently located near the city’s shops and restaurants.
The Armenian Church is believed to be one of Yalta’s most beautiful edifices. Built in the earlier parts of the 19th century, the church is wonderfully decorated. It is designed by the acclaimed artist Vardges Surenyants. The church resides on a steep mountain slope.
On the outskirts of Yalta, lies a stunning architectural monument known as The Massandra Palace. It is now a public museum and home to the most well known wine cellar in the entire region. Architectural styles used to build the palace include Roman, Gothic and Renaissance.
Lividia Palace is world renown (also called the White Palace). It was built as a summer residence for the last Russian Tsar (Nicholas II) and was the location for the Yalta Conference in 1945 where discussions were held to end World War II. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is reminiscent of an old seventeenth century Russian Cathedral but it was built in the later part of the nineteenth century (commemorating Tsar Alexander II). Eleven miles south of Yalta is Vorontsov’s Palace which is famous for the incredible park that surrounds it (having lakes, fountains and waterfalls).
Chekov’s house still contains the furniture he used and a piano that was played by famed composer Rachmaninov. The house became a museum in 1921.
Restaurants & Bars
Swallow’s Nest is a small and cozy restaurant that specializes in Italian cuisines. Enjoy an ambience full of classical paintings, an ancient fireplace and a stunning sea view as you dine in this café. You can take a boat from a pier in Yalta to visit Swallow’s Nest near Gaspra. It has the look of a medieval castle but was built in 1912. Today it houses the restaurant and offers the view on top of a 130 ft. high cliff.
On the other hand, White Lion is known to be the most pompous place in Yalta. They have wonderful European and Asian choices to satisfy your palate. The restaurant is famous for its classic feel of massive crystallite chandeliers, mirrors and natural flowers.