Kara-Dag Nature Reserve

The Kara-Dag reserve lies on the south-eastern coast of Crimea, between Kurortne and Koktebel. It is an extinct Jurassic volcano: lava and tuff have weathered into cliffs over the bays. The land has been a reserve since 1979. The area is about 29 square kilometres.

In spring the slopes flower. In summer the grass burns back and the juniper shows more clearly. Plants in the Red Book include Junge's candle and Poyarkova's hawthorn. Tall juniper grows in the Kyzyltash wood. Sale of objects made from it is restricted, because the tree is protected. Cormorants use the shore, and birds of prey use the hills. Among venomous animals here are the steppe viper and the black widow.

A visit

You do not walk the reserve paths on your own. The reasons are fire, erosion, and rock that throws a compass off. A tour leaves the visitor centre with a guide.

Crimea is temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation. For now it is not a place for tourism.