Yevpatoria - Saky - Tarkhankut

Calm and measured west of the Crimean peninsula is a significant contrast to the loud and crowded Southern Coast. There are no luxurious palaces and substantial natural treasures here, but then there are sandy beaches with shallow waters, a great number of mud cure clinics and the range of unique monuments of antiquity.

It is better to start a mini-tour through the western coast of Crimea with Yevpatoria - the sunniest town of the peninsula. You can get here on bus or electric train from the transportation center of Crimea - Simferopol. Before you give yourself up to the calm recreation on the wide sandy beaches of Yevpatoria and try the healing effect of the muds from local lakes and estuaries, familiarize yourself with its architectural and historical sights.

Start your first day by visiting the old part of the town and the Juma-Jami Mosque - the only mosque with many cupolas in Europe and the most beautiful on the peninsula. Take a look at the situated nearby Cathedral of St. Nikolai that was founded in memory of Yevpatoria's liberation from English, French and Turkish troops during the Crimean War. Afterwards visit the Karaites' Kenesas - the temple complex of the Crimean Karaites, - and the Dervishes' Tekie - the former monastery of the wondering Muslim monks of the 15th century.

Then take a bus or a taxi to Saky - the first mud cure clinic in Crimea. Here it is worth visiting the Saky museum of local lore, where the unique archeological findings are kept, and the Greek and Scythian ancient settlement Kara-Tobe, which is situated in the uptown. You should inevitably drop by in the Museum of Antiquities of the North-Western Crimea that is situated on the territory of the ancient settlement.

Finish your tour at the most western point of the peninsula - the Tarkhankut Cape. It is one of the most beautiful corners of Crimea with semi-wild coasts, abounded with small bays, caves, and grottos. This is an ideal place for cheap family, youth and children's recreation, as well as for diving activities.