Yalta

Yalta and its surroundings are protected on three sides by mountains, which account for the region's exceptionally mild climate and its reputation as a favored vacation destination. Situated on the southern tip of the Crimean Peninsula, is the area's largest and most important resort and as such has catered to pleasure lovers and health seekers for more than a century. Here at the Golden Riviera, Russian aristocracy built their elegant summer palaces and palatial villas that rivaled those of Nice and Cannes. Livadia became the summer residence of the tsars and earned fame as the site of the 1945 Yalta Conference. Noted literary greats made Yalta their home, among them Tolstoy, Chekhov and Gorky. Following the 1917 Revolution, the aristocracy was forced to relinquish their grand estates to the People. Most of the opulent mansions were converted into sanitariums where Soviet citizens came to recuperate. Today, restoration of many of the palaces has returned them to their former glory, making them popular attractions for visitors from all over.

Attractions

Nikitsky Botanical Gardens: Located just outside of Yalta on a hilltop above the sea, these gardens were established in 1812 and feature a vast collection of ornamental plants.

Shopping

The principal shopping area extends along the Roosevelt and Lenin Embankments. Matryoshka dolls, lacquer boxes, traditional embroideries and amber jewelry are popular buys. Other interesting items may include caps, caviar, vodka, hand-painted wooden articles, balalaikas and pins.

Food

Almost any restaurant serves "Crimean" dishes, a combination of Turkish, Tartar, Georgian, Armenian, Russian and Ukrainian cuisine. The food is usually hearty and substantial.

Currency

The local currency is the hryvnia.

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