Kamyani hryby

These are natural rock pillars-remnants, whose shape really resembles mushrooms: a thin stone leg and a heavy cap-boulder on top. They stand in the valley of the Sotera River on the southern coast of Crimea, near Alushta, near the Alushta-Sudak highway.

These are the so-called earthen pyramids: for centuries, rainwater eroded the slope, and the solid blocks above covered the soil below from erosion, so the columns with caps remained. The two most famous mushrooms have a height of about 5 and 7 meters.

In the same valley there are Geyser and Jurla waterfalls, and rare freshwater crabs still live in the lower reaches of the river. By the way, in 1893, the remains of a mammoth were found here, so the place has a lot to surprise, besides mushrooms.

Yes, since 1980, the Sotera valley has had the status of a natural monument of local importance, so mushrooms not only grow here, but are also protected.

It is most convenient to orient yourself on the Alushta-Sudak route, which is crossed by the Sotera River, then the paths through the valley lead to the mushrooms. Comfortable shoes will not hurt - part of the path goes along the riverbed.