Tauris, Taurica - a beautiful and amazing land! It is difficult to imagine the variety of natural and climatic conditions that the Crimean peninsula boasts. The Strait of Kerch not only separates Europe from Asia, but also separates the Taman Peninsula from Kerch. It is about the latter that will be discussed in this article.
Crimea: Kerch Peninsula and its geographical location
The peninsula is located in the extreme east of the Crimean land. It covers an area of approximately three thousand square kilometers and extends from west to east for almost 100 kilometers. The peninsula is washed immediately by two seas: Black from the south and Azov from the north. The Kerch Peninsula is connected with Crimea by the Akmonai Isthmus. It is curious that from some of its points (mainly on hills), the waters of two seas can be seen simultaneously.
The Kerch Strait separates the peninsula of the same name from the Taman Peninsula. It is connected to the opposite shore only by ferry. The width of the strait ranges from 5 to 15 kilometers. In its waters is also located the oblong island of Tuzla.
Kerch Peninsula: photos and description
In terms of relief, the territory of the peninsula can be divided into two parts: southwestern (mostly flat) and northeastern (elevated and hilly). The hills can be considered a certain visiting card of this part of Crimea. They are very expressive here, some reach a height of 190 meters.
The second highlight of the peninsula is mud volcanoes. These natural phenomena will be discussed further.
The Kerch Peninsula is characterized by hot, dry summers and little snowy winters. There is not a single river with a constant stream, they all dry up in the warm season. Precipitation on the peninsula is not more than 450 millimeters per year.
Kerch - the "capital" of the peninsula
On the eastern edge of the peninsula, off the coast of the Strait of the same name, ancient Kerch is comfortably located. This city was founded in the V century BC, and today it is one of the three largest cities in Crimea. Today, about 150 thousand people live here.
As a resort, Kerch, of course, is not famous. However, there are a huge number of historical and architectural attractions. This is Mount Mithridates, the remains of the ancient Panticapaeum, the Church of St. John the Baptist, Adzhimushkaysky quarries, the fortress Yeni-Kale. Once in the city, you should definitely take a walk along the promenade, decorated with unusual monuments.
From Kerch, it is most convenient to explore the entire Kerch Peninsula. From here you can easily go to Arshintsevo, to Chokrak, to Mount Opuk or to Cape Zyuk.
Peninsula Attractions: Arshintsevo
Kamysh-Burun - this is the name of this village. Today he bears the name "Arshintsevo." In the village itself, you should definitely visit the remains of the ancient city of Tiritaka. A spectacular corner tower has been preserved here, as well as fragments of defensive walls. The city was the southern outpost of the Bosphorus kingdom.
Near the village is Arshintsevskaya Spit, attracting many vacationers with its clean sandy beaches.
Chokrak Lake and its surroundings
Chokrak Lake is famous all over the world for its healing mud. They successfully treat arthritis, gynecological and other diseases. Even the ancient Greeks appreciated these dirt. They were actively exported to Greece, Italy, France. Companies naked and smeared with black mud from head to toe, walking along the shores of the lake - a typical picture for these places.
Cape Zyuk can also be interesting for tourists. This is the extreme northern point of the Kerch Peninsula, which is located in the village of Resort. The only Old Believer church in Crimea operates here . Also on the cape you can see the ruins of another village of ancient times.
Crimea's natural phenomenon: mud volcanoes
Do you want real exoticism? Then feel free to go to the Kerch Peninsula! After all, this is where a real natural phenomenon is located - a complex of mud volcanoes.
The famous Crimean "Volcano Valley" is located near the village of Bondarenkovo. The volcanoes themselves are very tiny (up to 1-1.5 meters in height). Therefore, to find them on the ground, you need a knowledgeable guide.
Scientists have long struggled with the problem of predicting eruptions of Kerch mud volcanoes. But they managed to study in detail the composition of the erupted mass. This is a mixture of mud, oil, methane and hydrogen sulfide. All this is pushed to the earth's surface under the influence of combustible gases.
Interestingly, there are mud volcanoes not only on the surface, but even on the bottom of the Sea of Azov. The largest of them - Jau-Tepe - is located near the village with a specific name Vulkanovka. Scientists have recorded at least five of its abundant eruptions throughout the twentieth century.
Finally...
The Kerch Peninsula occupies the eastern outskirts of the Crimea Peninsula. There is something for an active tourist to see: ancient Kerch with Mount Mithridates, mud volcanoes, Arshintsevskaya Spit, Cape Zyuk, Lake Chokrak and many other interesting places.