Koktebel

Koktebel is a coastal settlement in Feodosia, Russia, running along the Black Sea below Mount Klementyev. Low houses follow a curved bay while bare slopes close off the back of the settlement, forming a natural windbreak.

The settlement carried the name Planerskoye from the 1940s until 1992, when it returned to its original Crimean Tatar designation. Glider pilots began using the rising air currents on the mountain in the 1920s, bringing early recognition to the area.

The name comes from Crimean Tatar words describing the bluish tint of surrounding hills, which visitors can still notice in certain light conditions today. Small galleries and workshops near the edge of town display work by local artists who draw inspiration from the dry landscape.

Regular buses connect to Simferopol airport and Feodosia railway station, running from early morning until late evening. The beach is within walking distance, and a stroll along the shoreline works best in the morning or afternoon when the sun is less intense.

A house at the edge of town once served as the residence of Russian poet Maximilian Voloshin and attracted writers such as Marina Tsvetaeva. The building still stands today and is occasionally visited by travelers interested in the literary history of the region.