The name of this little town - one of the oldest in eastern Ukraine - literally means 'picturesque corner' or 'fine side.’ And Krasnokutsk’s peculiar beauties more than justify this name. Solely because of this modest town, the Kharkivska Oblast' became a popular tourist destination. Krasnokutsk’s main draw is the unique arboretum that is officially recognized as a monument of landscape art. Foun

Mines can be safe. The unique mines of Soledar prove this suggestion. In their depths, salt is mined and tours are given through the caverns. Historians claim that the shallow Perm Sea was here 270 million years ago. Over time, the sun dried it out, and the salt from its waters accumulated on the ground in huge white layers, which gradually disappeared under the many-meter-thick layer of soil. M

Koktebel is a popular resort on the southeastern coast of Crimea, famous for its splendid landscapes, wide pebble beaches, and healing air. It is situated not far from Feodosiya, at the foot of the famous Karadag mountain range. In Crimean Tatar language, the name Koktebel means the ‘land of blue hills.’ The precise date of settlement’s foundation is not known. It is known, however, that in the m

Kara Dag is one of the most amazing wonders on the peninsula, the most beautiful and the most mysterious corner of southeastern Crimea. It is an ancient dead volcano, which was active over 150 million years ago, in the Jurassic period. At that time, according to scientists, it was submerged under water, along with the rest of the peninsula. Kara Dag, in Turkic, means ‘Black Mountain.’ This dark g

The ‘cavern fortress’ Chufut Kale is one of the most shining and the best-preserved medieval landmarks of the peninsula. It is located near Bakhchisaray (around 3 km, or 2 miles) on a mountain plateau with precipices 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) above sea level. It may be said that nature created this fort, and people have only strengthened and improved its defenses. To be fair, it should be mentioned

‘Askania-Nova’ is one of the oldest and largest biosphere reserves in Europe, located in a remote part of the Kherson steppe. Nowadays, this unique island of primordial nature, where live many rare animal species and exotic plants, is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine and is a part of the world network of UNESCO’s biosphere reserves. A lover of nature, baron Friedrich Falz-Fein, e

The huge desert that spreads over several districts of the Khersons’ka Oblast’ is one of the most striking places in southern Ukraine. Oleshky Sands is the biggest sand area in Ukraine, and some even call it the only desert in Europe. The sands, located near the lower reaches of the Dnieper River, have existed for many centuries, but the desert – in form that we know it today – appeared relativel

Local residents call Demerdzhi the peninsula’s most valuable treasure. And no wonder: it is one of the most attractive and mysterious mountains in Crimea. The mountain gets its mystery from the unyielding haze that changes its colors like chameleon, dressing up Demerdzhi in multi-colored ‘clothes.’ In the Middle Ages, the mountain was named Funa, which means ‘fuming.’ The present name of the moun

Among all of the amazing corners of Crimea, Novyi Svit holds a special place. This small resort area, situated on the coast of the picturesque Green Bay, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, unusual reserves, special curative microclimate, and comfortable beaches with clear water. The godfather of Russian winemaking, Prince Lev Golitsyn, discovered this magical place in late 19th century. B