Journey to Balaklava

Balaklava is a populated point on the south-western coast of the Crimean peninsula. Until 1957 it was classified as a city, today in administrative matters it is a part of the Balaklava District of Sevastopol, although as a matter of fact it is to this day separated from the rest of Sevastopol by undeveloped land of several kilometers. According to one legend the name of the city comes from Turkish and translates as “fishing sack”; according to another the name comes from the Crimean Tartar expression “balıqlı ava”, which literally means “fishing weather”. Balaklava’s history amounts to about 2500 years, and no one knows the exact date of the city’s founding. It is known only that the shores of the cove were settled in ancient times.

Balaklava Cove is one of the most well-located natural ports on the Black Sea for ship mooring. A base for submarines, it is narrow (200-400 meters) and deep (as far as 17 m), and storms to not visit it. Upon entrance to the cove the cliff-like shore makes several turns, which is why from the side of the open sea the harbor is completely invisible.

Today Balaklava is a popular Crimean resort. Tourists are attracted not only by a city of ancient origins and a large number of monuments, but also by nearby beaches, which can be reached on a small boat. Within the walls of the Genuezski fortress knight tournaments are held which transport the viewer to the time of courageous nights and fair ladies. Diving fans will discover the incredible underwater world of this place. And, it goes without saying, each person here finds themself enchanted by nature - cliffs, mountains, sea panoramas. A visit to Balaklava is part of the Sevastopol excursion organized by NovaMova for its students.
Back to top ↑