Alushta
Alushta inherited its name from the Byzatine fortress of Aluston, which was built in the 6th century AD by order of the Byzantine emperor Justinian (483-565) who also rebuilt the church of St. Sophia in Constantinople. (In the present-day you can look round the remains of the Byzantine fortress, its defense tower and part of the wall.)
Now Alushta is one of the most popular and largest holiday and health resorts in the Crimea. Its population is about 40 thousand people. The town is cozily located inside the semi-circle of the mountains facing the Black Sea on the Southern Coast of the Crimean Peninsula. Alushta is beautiful in every season: it is sunny and cool, green-shaded and free-spirited; sea-gulls cry and small yachts break the waves.
The circumstances are extremely favorable to climatic treatment in Alushta. The climate in Alushta is even better than in Yalta. The Southern ridge of the Crimean mountains protects Alushta from cold winds of the North and retains the warmth of the sea creating a hotbed effect. But the mountains near Alushta are not so close as ones around Yalta, they leave two passes for the winds to ventilate the air in the town. That is why the air in Alushta is extremely pure and fresh. The proximity to the wooded mountains and the unique Crimean National Preserve contributes to that a great deal.
There are only 47 overcast days in a year (a bit less than in Yalta). In summer it is a bit cooler than in Yalta with the average temperatures of 22.2 degrees Celsius. People can swim in the sea from June till October. In summer the temperature of water in the sea is 22-23 degrees Celsius.
The mountains covering Alushta valley from north, slate ground, cool spring and prolonged autumn without rains make it the most valuable region for development of viticulture. The ancient plant on processing grapes constructed in XIX century has formed the ground for one of the largest winemaking enterprises of Association “Massandra” – state farm “Alushta”.
One of most beautiful mounts of South coast – mount Demerdzhi (“Blacksmith – mount”) is situated in the southern part of Alushta valley. In old times the mount was called Funa meaning “Dymyaschayasya” (“smoked”). The fortress located on the western slope of mount had the same name. The road passing the medieval fortress lead to the Valley of Ghosts striking your imagination by the whimsical landscape. Here the bizarre imagination of the nature ran high scattering on Demerdzhi slopes numerous giant pillars – figure of weathering – recalling the fantastic monsters, birds and animals, magic castles and towers.
In the daytime breezes bring salubrious salts from the sea and in the evening the cool air enriched with fragrant aroma from the mountains forests descends on Alushta. That is what promises Alushta a great future as a recreation resort.
Browse the list of Alushta region excursions we provide for our clients
Welcome to Alushta for an unforgettable & very affordable vacation any time of the year!