New Year in Crimea: the best ideas for winter holidays
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The most magical time for children and adults is coming − the anticipation of the New Year's fairy tale. And where, if not in Crimea, can you enjoy the holiday decoration of seaside cities, the charm of snow-covered nature, and most importantly − actively implement all kinds of ideas for an eventful winter vacation?
The Travel Portal has prepared interesting and unforgettable options for winter holidays on the peninsula in general and for the New Year's holidays in particular.
Please, note that depending on the epidemiological situation, changes are possible, therefore, at the stage of planning your vacation, check the current information on the official web sites, in social networks or by calling the hotels/companies you plan to deal with.
Recreate actively in the snowy mountains
Fresh mountain air, dazzling snow-drifts, adrenaline, lunch prepared on a grill and hot Crimean herbal tea… The most popular places for skiing, sledging, tubing and snowboarding are Ai-Petri and Chatyr-Dag mountains, and the Angarskiy pass.
Both professionals and beginners choose Ai-Petri plateau, because both the climate and the relief suite them perfectly. The most convenient way to get here is the cable car, which after annual preventive measures will start working again just on the New Year's Eve.
But as for Chatyr-Dag plateau, you have to climb on foot there. It is more than 1500 meters above sea level. At the same time, the snow lies there almost as long as on the Ai-Petrinsky plateau − from December to March (and sometimes to April). The Angarskiy Pass is most respected by fans of sledging, in particular − parents with children, because of the relatively gentle slopes.
Of course, when going to conquer the winter mountains, remember the most important thing: safety. So that the skiing was not spoiled with injury.
Go diving and have an underwater New Year celebration
Experts say that diving in Crimea is possible all year round. And winter, when the average sea water temperature is 8-10°Celsius (46-50°F), is no exception. The most popular locations for diving are in the vicinity of Sudak, Sevastopol, Olenyovka, Eupatoria and Balaklava. There are facilities for organized dives of professionals and beginners.
Mysterious labyrinths and grottoes, cozy bays with intricate underwater landscapes, sunken ships and unique artifacts, as well as a variety of flora and fauna of the Black Sea − such a voyage will surely give unforgettable emotions.
At the same time, for several years now, some diving centers have been organizing New Year's dives with a real New Year tree, round dances, a photo session and even drinking champagne underwater. True, such fun is suitable only for experienced divers who have already experience of diving to 10-12 meters – the depth where the waves of the sea are not felt and where a decorated green New Year beauty tree is installed on the occasion.
Relax in a hotel by the sea or in an eco-estate amid the natural world
To spend New Year's holidays in a luxury hotel by the sea is a dream of many. Often, tourists prefer to combine their January holidays in a particular resort with various wellness and SPA pleasures.
Most vacationers traditionally prefer the South Coast of Crimea and Yalta as the recognized New Year's capital of the peninsula. However, decent options can be found in all parts of Crimea. The choice depends only on your wishes and financial capabilities.
And yet, according to travel experts, all kinds of eco-cottages, estates, guest houses in the forest or in the mountains are now unprecedentedly popular. They have all the necessary conditions for a comfortable stay, in some places the rooms even have a fireplace, which is especially valuable in the cold season. Of entertainments − "raids on mushrooms", health path walking, horseback riding, fishing, sauna, barbecue.
Visit Santa Claus at his residence
The southern residence of the white-bearded wizard has appeared in Sevastopol several years ago, in the Lukomoryeh eco-park, and it is traditionally open from mid-December. For kids there is a rich entertainment program: games, contests, photo sessions and round dances with Santa Claus. It is curious that there is also the southern residence of Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) in the neighborhood, but it works all year round.
Another residence of the main fairy-tale character began to work since last year on the Miskhor − Ai-Petri cable road. Santa Claus and Snegurochka welcome the guests – small and big – to the cable car carriages and at the stations with congratulations and gifts.
And in Theodosia too – the residence of the "bearded wizard" will appear there this year. It will be located in a park on the territory of the Aliyeh Parusa hotel and is scheduled to work every weekend, starting December 11. The main feature of the project will be a fabulous audio tour of the park. At the same time, the program includes live music and dances, master classes, festive photo zones, an alley of artisans, a fair with delicious treats.
See how ice cream is produced and taste it
In the Sevastopol Lukomoryeh eco-park there is another unusual attraction − the Museum of Ice Cream. Here guests will learn the history of Grandfather Frost's (Russian Santa Claus) favorite delicacy and the technology of its production, and then, of course, enjoy it.
In addition, you will surely like the ice cream factory in Dobroyeh village, Simferopol district: they offer tasting, and acquaintance with the production process, and quests, and holiday promotions. And on the eve of the winter holidays, they promise to launch a special New Year's program. It is better to check their current schedule in advance and sign up for excursions.
Undoubtedly, Crimea is rich in a variety of winter "hooks". Let your New Year's journey bring only joyful emotions!
