Golden Gate of Koktebel. Golden Gate Golden Gate Koktebel
If you decide to spend your summer vacation in Crimea, then I highly recommend staying in Koktebel. This small seaside village is ready to offer you not only a clean and warm sea, cozy beaches, comfortable hotels and numerous entertainment venues, but also natural attractions of amazing beauty.
Perhaps the most famous of them, in my opinion, is the Golden Gate rock. It is located just a few kilometers from the town. You can get here on foot, along the picturesque sea coast along a path that runs through the majestic Karadag. In addition, regular sea excursions are organized here in the summer. This miracle of nature has its own legend, which the locals will definitely tell you.
When going to the Golden Rock, be sure to take your camera with you. I am sure that you will get stunningly beautiful photographs that will remind you of your trip to Crimea for a long time.
How to get to the Golden Gate
The attraction is located in the environmental protection zone of the Karadag Reserve, which somewhat complicates the road to it.
The fact is that you most likely will not be able to get to the Golden Rock on your own. You can explore the rock only as part of an organized excursion group. The easiest way to do this is from the sea, taking advantage of the numerous offers from local boatmen, who stand in large numbers on the embankment.
The rock rises above the sea about seven kilometers from the village. You can get to it on foot along a mountain path that runs through the Karadag Nature Reserve. It starts from Naberezhnaya Street.
I would like to say right away that walking tours in this conservation area are permitted only as part of excursion groups.
If you are used to traveling with your own vehicle, then you can leave your car at any parking lot in Koktebel. The average cost of parking in the village is 50 rubles per hour. The second way to explore the Golden Rock is to buy a ticket for a boat excursion.
This can be done right on the central embankment at the distributors. In any case, you will not be allowed to get lost, and you will definitely see this majestic block of stone.
Legends and myths about the Golden Rock
There are several legends regarding the Golden Gate, each of which, in my opinion, has a right to exist. I think the most interesting story is the one connected with the other world. The fact is that this rock has its second name “Sheitan-Kapu” or “Devil’s Gate”.
As the guide told us, according to legend, in ancient times, in these places, a fisherman’s boat crashed on the rocks, and he himself was thrown ashore. To get home, he had to make a deal with the devil, the essence of which was that he had to swim through the arch of a rock that grew in the sea. The fisherman, having fulfilled this condition, lost twenty years of his life. Since then, many local residents believe that one should not approach the landmark, so as not to invite trouble.
In fact, this formation arose several tens of meters from the coast, as a result of one of the eruptions of the Karadag volcano, which occurred several thousand years ago. The arch itself is a consequence of storms and winds, which occur regularly in these places in winter. The water slowly but surely sharpened the volcanic rock, thus forming a fairly large hole.
The height of the attraction is about fifteen meters, the width is about six. The name Golden Gate itself was established relatively recently. The fact is that the stone block is covered on all sides by lichen with a yellow tint, which under sunlight takes on a stunning golden tint. The guides will definitely tell you all this; moreover, they can significantly embellish the story.
Features of the visit
As I wrote above, you can only visit the Golden Gate as part of organized groups. Tickets for walking and sea excursions to the rock can be purchased on the central embankment of Koktebel.
Hiking
The cost of a walking tour is 500 rubles for adults and 400 for children, duration is about four hours. It starts from the biological station, which is located in the neighboring village of Kurortnoye.
You will be taken here by bus, the fare of which is included in the price of the excursion. Then, in the company of a guide, you will travel through the Karadag Nature Reserve, see many picturesque views and finally, be able to watch from a height above the Golden Gate.
The sight, let me tell you, is truly stunning, especially when the sun shines brightly, making the landmark playfully shimmer with a golden hue.
From personal experience I can say that you can take wonderful photographs from the top of Karadag. As a piece of advice, I can definitely recommend wearing comfortable shoes and light clothing. Also take enough water and sandwiches with you, as you will not find any cafes or shops along the way.
Boat trip
For those who don't like to walk a lot, I recommend exploring the Golden Gate from the sea. To do this, you should contact the distributors on the main embankment of Koktebel. There are always many small pleasure boats here, ready to take you to attractions at any time. The cost of a sea excursion starts from 400 rubles and depends on the size and comfort of the vessel.
The average journey duration is about two hours. There is always a guide on board each boat who will tell you in detail all the existing legends about the rock, and also point out other interesting objects that you will encounter along the way.
Many of these excursions include swimming near the attraction, of course, if so desired. Personally, I definitely recommend taking a dip near the Golden Gate and making a wish while doing so. According to locals, it will come true in the very near future. I want to say that I liked the boat trip to the rock more. Our captain made several circles around it, which allowed us to examine the block of stone from different angles.
Nearest infrastructure
All infrastructure closest to the attraction is located in Koktebel. Here you can easily find a place to spend the night.
There are many small hotels and private villas in the village, where rooms are rented out to vacationers during the summer season.
On average, the cost of living in an economy class room for one person starts from 900 rubles without meals.
There are also many different cafes and restaurants in the village. Lunch on the embankment will cost about 700 rubles for two people without alcohol. A cheaper option is a canteen where you can have a snack for 200 rubles. There are a large number of grocery stores in Koktebel.
Almost throughout the village in the summer season you can find tents with a variety of souvenirs.
As I noticed, not a single such locally produced gift item is complete without the outline of the Golden Gate. Tourists are offered:
- magnets of various shapes with a colorful image of a rock for 50 rubles;
- souvenir plates with a scanned photo of the Golden Gate, 250 rubles each;
- T-shirts with images of landmarks, the cost of which starts from 200 rubles.
The attraction is also depicted on the products of the winery of the same name, which is located in Koktebel itself. As a souvenir of your visit to the rock, I would recommend purchasing a bottle of local wine, as well as a simple but colorful magnet depicting, of course, the Golden Rock.
As a conclusion
The Golden Gate is what is considered the symbol of Koktebel. It is she who is depicted on all souvenirs that are offered to tourists as a souvenir of their visit to the village. The rock is really worth seeing.
The stone block rises majestically above the sea and, in my opinion, is a wonderful backdrop for photographs. I would like to note that during the summer season, excursions to the attraction are regularly organized, both by sea and on foot through the Karadag Nature Reserve.
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Read the law on the official website of the President of the Russian FederationCrimea, Golden Gate - sounds romantic and attractive. At first it seems that we are talking about some kind of architectural miracle, but this is not at all the case; The Golden Gate of Koktebel is an extraordinary rock that has turned into an arch due to the sea waves that have punched a hole in it for many years. It is part of the impressive Kara-Dag mountain range, from the nearby mountains of which a breathtaking view of the famous “gate” opens...
Photos of tourists:
Some useful facts
The rock got its name not by chance: it consists of an unusual volcanic rock - yellow basalt; in the sun's rays it acquires a light golden glow. The width of the Golden Gate is about 6 meters, the height is approximately 15. The landmark has long become the main symbol of Koktebel; it is depicted on postcards, magnets and souvenirs.
Golden Gate - view from the sea [Video]
Story
Once upon a time, a formidable active volcano rose in this place, but the ruthless water element drained its strength. Now only the rock remains, but the legends associated with it would be the envy of the Cathedral of Peter and Paul itself.
Once upon a time, the gates were not called golden at all, they were called devilish, because they said that a fisherman, who once crashed on the coastal rocks, was forced to make a deal with the devil himself. He agreed to save him and forced the man to swim through the very arch that tourists are now admiring. The fisherman did this, but after swimming under a seemingly small rock, he lost 20 years of his own life, but time is the most valuable thing we have...
Why is this place worth visiting?
It seems to me that once you look at the bizarre shapes of this rock, but the way the foamy waves lick its foot, how the mountains rise around you, you understand that you should not return from Crimea without seeing this place.
If you close your eyes and imagine that you are already there, it begins to seem that you hear the cry of seagulls, whose voice echoes in a small bay, the salty breeze hitting your face. And what photographs there are! Breathtaking, exciting views are the calling card of Koktebel, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
In addition to the Golden Gate rock, nature has endowed this region with wonderful landscapes that you can enjoy while visiting this site.
How to get there - route
Interestingly, there are many ways to get there, so everyone can choose what they like. Fans of water travel will enjoy a boat trip. Ships leave the port in Koktebel. During the trip you can enjoy the scenery and sea beauty. Any flight must visit the Golden Gate, some sail under the arch, others do not, it is worth checking with the captain before starting the trip.
For lovers of walking there is a wonderful alternative. Walking alone in the mountains in this area is prohibited, and even with a map it’s easy to get lost here, but special walking excursions have been created for tourists here.
First you need to get to the Karadag Nature Reserve by minibus or car. Then you should purchase a ticket to the territory and find any excursion group heading to the Golden Gate.
Important information: The path is quite difficult; you will have to cover about 8 kilometers on foot, including not only flat roads, but also ups and downs. Be sure to take plenty of water with you, because it is hot in these parts from early morning until evening, choose comfortable shoes and light clothing suitable for hiking in the mountains.
Golden Gate on the map of Crimea
GPS Coordinates: 44°54’52″N 35°13’53″E Latitude/Longitude
This is Koktebel’s business card. The Golden Gate is a huge rock, standing alone in the middle of the sea, not very far from the Kara-Dag rock massif.
The rock has several features. First: this is the possibility of passing through it. The rock resembles a pointed arch. And a large pleasure boat can easily pass under this arch.
The second feature of the Golden Gate is its color.
At the beginning of summer, the golden glow of the rock is caused by lichen growing on the stones. It blooms yellow and the rock looks golden. But the name becomes much clearer if you look at the rock from the setting sun - it suddenly explodes with a golden glow in the middle of the thick blue. Look at the photo below - isn't it golden?
It is not surprising that the image of the Golden Rock is on a variety of souvenirs, on cups, mugs, on coasters, on ashtrays in bars and restaurants.
In general, I’ll be honest: you can visit Koktebel only for the sake of Kara-Dag and travel to it and along it.
Boats with tourists leave for Kara-Dag literally every hour. Tickets are available from numerous distributors.
It’s good if you come across a good guide: not just smart and knowledgeable, but in love with Kara-Dag. Of course, talking about the same thing every two hours and so on for many days is tiring. And yet, there is a difference between guides and guides.
The boat departs from the pier. The sea, further from the shore, is mesmerizing: the depth literally breathes from under the mass of water, you feel something unusually huge, while peacefully dormant, but can be formidable and merciless. A few minutes of travel - and now the boat is approaching the overhanging formidable rocks. Here the guide will certainly point out one huge rock - from the side it resembles the profile of a person. Everyone claims that this is Voloshin’s profile. The rock is called Voloshina. Well, let another legend live.
Individual rocks stand near the water - they are huge, the size of a house, and bizarre. Each of these got its own name. Everything here has a name: every cove, every grotto.
Kara-Dag from the sea is part of the crater of the volcano. Maybe some fifth. Several kilometers along the sea seem to be inside this vent. And it’s hard to even imagine what a huge, incredibly huge volcano it was! And what kind of power exploded here, throwing down ash and lava in ancient times. What amazing patterns the fiery element left on the walls of the vent. The rocks hang overhead - sharp, tall. Do you remember the movie "Pirates of the 20th Century"? Well, how can we forget him? So from one of these rocks Eremenko Jr. jumped into the sea. Yes, yes, a lot of films were shot in Koktebel during Soviet times.
Looking ahead, I’ll tell you about one disappointment that awaited us at home. We took a laptop with us, in the evening we downloaded photos from the camera and arranged a viewing, as if summing up the results of the day. So, we returned from this trip and sighed: the photographs could not convey even a tenth of the grandeur of the Kara-Dag rocks. It’s all very simple: you look at the stones, but the eye has nothing to compare their scale with... In general, you need to take this into account when shooting in the mountains. Even for the human eye, mountains are very deceptive with their size and distance, and photography cannot convey the full depth of their greatness.
Golden Gate Rock... A very beautiful sight. And at sea, distances are deceptive. It seems quite small, but then you see a boat approaching it - and this boat next to the rock suddenly turns out to be very small, it dives into the arch of the rock, comes out on the other side... Now it’s our turn. The noise stops. It felt like it wasn’t us approaching the rock—it was the rock that suddenly began to grow out of the water and move towards us. It's even creepy.
Everyone takes out coins. This is another Koktebel myth - while the boat is passing through the rock, you need to throw a coin so that it hits the rock, rings and falls into the water. It is important to hear exactly how your coin rings... If you make a wish at this time, it will come true. The boat operates at very low speeds, almost inaudibly.
We leave the cliff, shocked and timid. The guide winks with the air of a conspirator:
– There is one secret: your wish will 100% come true if you dive and get your coin back.
The depth of the Golden Rock is about a hundred meters. It probably decreases by a meter over the course of a year - so many coins fly here. They say, and this is less like a myth, that two guys with scuba gear wanted to profit from these human donations to the god of the sea - they began to dive under the Golden Rock. Both died.
And now - Cimmerian bathing!
There is further into the sea, opposite the Golden Rock, an amazing place. The water there is special. Even in cold weather it is warmer than anywhere else. The ancient Greeks knew this place and came here. This is where Cimmerian bathing came from - swimming in the open sea.
The boat stops at a place known only to the captain. Those who wish to wear life jackets. But most people jump into the water just like that - right from the side of the boat.
The water is an extraordinary blue. Transparent, you can see how it darkens in the depths, saturated with violet. The water beckons, calls with some ancient call, and something long forgotten, ancient, dormant in the genes suddenly comes to life in the soul. We all came out of the water...
And I jump.
To be honest, this was the first time I experienced such a feeling. It was an emotional and physical explosion. In terms of strength and color, the feeling most resembled (don’t laugh!) an orgasm. This is true. And I saw dozens of eyes in which the same delight was read.
I'm not a very good swimmer. But there was not a drop of fear here, the water seemed to support you with the soft shocks of the waves...
Then we swam to the reserve station - after all, Kara-Dag is a nature reserve. A group gathered there, and now we are heading back - along Kara-Dag itself, now we look down as we looked up, now we see other boats carrying tourists. We see the Golden Rock - it splashes with gold, reflecting the rays of the setting sun, and everyone is in a hurry to photograph this spectacle. 
The path is difficult, dangerous, but strange: no one complains, even a six-year-old girl stubbornly climbs the mountain path. The guide is cheerful, manages to tell a lot of stories about Kara-Dag, about stones, cliffs, about the robbery of Kara-Dag during the war - one mountain was literally taken from here - the clay shales were used in industry. And the whole mountain was made of these shales. As, by the way, is Cape Chameleon.
7 kilometers of journey. First there is a climb, a path along the top. Devil's Finger Rock. Cliffs. Rocks hanging overhead...
We go down tired, but damn happy. In this part of the bay there are boarding houses, cafes, restaurants, a diving club...
We sit down at a table on the cafe terrace. They bring us coffee and drinks. I light a cigarette with extraordinary pleasure - smoking is prohibited on Kara-Dag. And rightly so...
And Zhenya examines the stones found on Kara-Dag. We still have these stones - stones from the ancient Kara-Dag volcano. And also cups with the image of the Golden Rock. And a hot stand made of juniper wood with a pattern of this rock. And photographs.
We will definitely visit Koktebel again. For some reason it is very important to see the Golden Rock again. And once again experience a feeling of unity with nature, unattainable anywhere else, by jumping from the high side of the boat into the blue depths of the Black Sea at the Golden Rock...
Writes aquatek-filips: Today’s story is about one of the three visual symbols of Crimea - the Golden Gate rock. Along with the Swallow's Nest and Bear Mountain, this rock can most often be found in various souvenir photographs, postcards, magnets in Crimea, as well as in articles and on the covers of magazines telling about Crimea.
One of the favorite places for tourists is a natural object created by an ancient volcano, and then “modified” by sea waves and wind. In ancient times, the rock was called by a completely different name - the Devil's Gate (or Sheitan-kapu), and it was believed that here was the entrance to the Underworld.
Why are the gates golden? Firstly, at dawn they really look golden. Although not everyone can see the sunrise from the right point, because the rock is located on the territory of the reserve and access to the wild beach at the foot of the Lion's Dyke is prohibited and is guarded by the rangers of the reserve.
But the rock becomes “golden” again during the day - at about 13-14 hours. At this time in the summer, the sun is in such a position that the falling rays change the color of the rock to close to gold. She is beautiful even at sunset.
Why is this happening? The fact is that the rock is completely covered with yellow lichens, which play in the sunlight.
However, recently its upper part has become more white than yellow. This is due to an increase in the number of the red-listed crested cormorant, which nests in these places. And his droppings increasingly cover the surrounding rocks.
Despite its seemingly small size, the rock is quite massive. Its height is 8 meters and its width is 6. Just two years ago, almost all pleasure boats that carry tourists from Koktebel, Kurortny or Feodosia passed through the opening, and tourists threw coins for luck.
However, since the beginning of the 2012 holiday season, a ban was introduced on the passage of boats under the Golden Gate, and the entire tourist route along the marine part of the reserve was changed, which now passes at least 100 meters from the coastline.
This measure, in my opinion, is quite justified, taking into account the eco-culture of our tourists.
The most famous rock of Crimea is located in the east of the peninsula, at the foot of the ancient extinct volcano Karadag.
Volcanic activity many millions of years ago created many incredible formations in this place. One of these formations is the Golden Gate.
It was later that the storm and the wind expanded the natural opening to enormous sizes, through which even a small pleasure boat could sail. But first there was a volcano. Just look closely at the structure of the rock.
The Golden Gate, Lion's Dyke and Devil's Fireplace Gorge are traces of the activity of an ancient volcano.
Minutes when the rock has a golden color.
Dawn at the Golden Gate. Of course, the most famous shots are when you manage to shoot the sun directly in the opening of a rock, but this is only possible a few days a year...