Cape Aya

Steep limestone cliffs rise 500 meters above the Black Sea coast, forming a 13-kilometer ridge with numerous caves and grottoes along the shoreline.

The cape received its name from Greek sailors who called it 'Holy Cape', and later served as a strategic military point with missile installations during the Soviet period.

The dramatic seascape of Cape Aya features in multiple paintings by Russian maritime artist Ivan Aivazovsky, depicting naval scenes and coastal landscapes.

Visitors reach the protected reserve through Balaklava, where hiking trails lead to viewpoints overlooking the sea and access to secluded beaches.

The reserve contains trees up to 4000 years old, including ancient junipers and Stankevich pines that grow directly from the rocky coastal cliffs.

Location: Balaklava Raion

Inception: 1982

GPS coordinates: 44.45000,33.65000

Latest update: March 7, 2025 09:00