Cape Martyan Reserve

Cape Martyan Reserve is a protected area along the Black Sea coast near Yalta, featuring steep limestone cliffs and covering about 240 hectares. The site hosts over 500 plant species, including broadleaf evergreen trees and ancient juniper specimens that are rare for this northern region.

The area was designated as a protected zone in 1973 to preserve the rare Mediterranean ecosystem found in the region. The designation marked an important step in safeguarding this landscape from human alteration.

The name derives from Saint Martin, and the place draws researchers studying the relationship between sea and mountain landscape. Visitors come here to experience rare plant life that normally grows only much further south.

Visitors reach the site best by shuttle bus from Yalta, which runs regularly and is the closest access point. Wear sturdy footwear since paths cross limestone rock formations and can be steep.

The site hosts juniper trees older than 500 years that have endured under extremely windy conditions. These ancient trees are survivors of harsh terrain and show how plants adapt to difficult environments.