Crimea is widely known for its beach resorts, picturesque mountain landscapes and magnificent architectural ensembles. The natural sights of the Crimea - caves, canyons and waterfalls - are also able to attract the attention of the most demanding and experienced travelers.
The first caves of Crimea began to discover their unique beauty not so long ago, in the middle of the last century. Since then, speleologists have discovered and explored in detail about a thousand underground natural cavities, of which fifty are recognized as nature monuments. It is worth noting that only a few of the caves of Crimea are available for visiting unprepared tourists without special equipment and sufficient experience. However, without a doubt, the most attractive underground attractions of the Crimea with joy will open for you their unique beauty, their secrets and silent history. And first of all, these are the largest and most frequented caves of the Crimea: the Red and the Mamontov.
The Red Cave in the Crimea (Kyzyl-Koba) is the largest limestone cavity in Europe: the total length of the already studied part is more than 20 km. For thousands of years the underground river Kyzylkobinka, punching its way, has formed a six-level labyrinth with a lot of lakes and siphons (galleries completely flooded with water). In the hall of the Red Cave is one of the largest stalactites in Europe, 8 meters long.
The equipped excursion route is about 500 meters. Remember that the Red Cave in the Crimea refers to the most difficult to pass, an independent visit to the labyrinth is strictly prohibited. The average temperature inside the cave is 8-10 degrees at 100% humidity, so even on the hottest day do not forget to take warm things with you.
Mammoth Cave in Crimea (Emine-Bair-Khosar) is rightly recognized as the most beautiful cave in Europe. It was named after a unique collection of remains of prehistoric animals (mammoth, cave bear, woolly rhinoceros and others), well preserved in favorable conditions of the dungeon. Some of these finds are presented in a small paleontological museum in the Tiger Hall. A special pride of the Mammoth cave in the Crimea is a bright white stalagmite called Monomakh's Cap. The causes of the origin of a specific substance, the so-called "lunar milk" on its surface, are still not known.
An accessible route is approximately 700 meters (the tour lasts about 2 hours). Before the entrance to the cave, there is organized the rental of warm clothes (inside the temperature varies from 5 to 7 degrees).
Fans of a quiet, secluded contemplation of natural beauties who do not wish to be thrust among the tourists who are hungry for impressions can be recommended to visit the slightly less popular but equally impressive caves: Skelskaya and Zmeina.
Skelskaya cave in the Crimea is located on the slope of the Baydar valley, the length of its explored part is 670 meters. Several of the halls accessible to tourists are full of various incrustations of white and reddish-pink marble limestones. Just a little imagination and you will see a dragon skull and a fabulous phoenix bird, a knight with a spear and a dolphin. In addition to the stunned beauty of the stone, Skelskaya cave is known for the largest number of living creatures inhabiting it, most of them are endemic, living exclusively in this area.
A special place among the caves covered by legends is occupied by a dungeon - the sanctuary of ancient peoples, once inhabiting the Crimea - the Serpentine Cave . She got her name for many branches of an intricate labyrinth, like a snake burrow. This karst cave, 310 meters long, is completely dry, there are no stalactites and other incrustations. In the Snake Cave inhabits a unique population of rare bats with a wingspan of up to 40 cm.
Some caves of Crimea are known for their medicinal properties. Natural salt caves in the Crimea, with their rich mineral substances air, help to cure allergic and pulmonary diseases. Visiting such places remarkably calms the nervous system , gives the person new strength and energy.