Mount AI-Petri

The crown of the southern coast of Crimea, from top of the mountain Al-Petri, crossing a suspension bridge over a 200metres deep chasm you will be greeted by magnificent views of the towns of Yalta and Alupka on the southern coast of Crimea.

Mount AI-Petri is located in the Yalta mountains and forest reserves of Crimea, above the village of Koreiz. Its height is 1234 m. Steep cliffs that go to the black sea are adjacent to the extended plateau known as the AI-Petrinskaya Yayla, creating an unusual atmospheric phenomena from clouds and fog on the top. AI-Petri is the most popular tourist destination in the Crimea.

The name AI-Petri is translated from Greek as “Saint Peter”.

The AI-Petrin plateau was formed about 160 million years ago, as a result of the activity of numerous volcanoes. Their remains can still be seen today, near the villages of Foros and Melas. The pointed teeth of the main peak of AI-Petri were formed as a result of weathering of rock over thousands of years.

In the middle ages, people lived on the Northern slopes of the mountain. Fossil tools are found on the plateau as  evidence of hunting by primitive people. After the 15th century, the plateau became empty and served as a pasture for livestock. In 1895, a weather station was installed on the top. Now the AI-Petrinsky plateau is part of the Crimean reserve. Every year it is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists from different countries of the world.

There are many interesting and unique places on the territory of the AI-Petrin plateau.

The most recognizable of them is the cable car “Mishor-AI-Petri”. It is listed in the Guinness book for the 1,670 meter span distance between the pillars. If you want to feel the state of flight-be sure to ride this ropeway

Numerous caves attract the attention of tourists. The exact number has not yet been determined. Scientists count more than a hundred caves of various depths and lengths. Some of them are equipped for visiting, the best being Three Eyes, Yalta.

Be sure to visit the AI-Petrin Meridian. This is a globe with precise geographical coordinates. Very interesting object at an high altitude. Not far from the top of the mountain is the “Silver gazebo”. It is located on the edge of a cliff, offering a fantastic view of the coast. On the way to AI-Petri, you can visit the Wuchang-su waterfall. The stream of water falls from a height of almost a hundred meters and breaks on the rocks – an amazing sight. Uchan-su-e is the largest waterfall in the Crimea.

There are three ways to get to the top of AI-Petri, from the coast.

The first and most popular is the Mishor – AI – Petri cable car. Along the way, you can enjoy the views and take interesting photos. This method is the fastest and easiest. Working hours in summer: from 9: 00 to 18: 00, in winter: from 11: 00 to 16: 30.

The second way is to go to the top on the road Yalta-Bakhchisaray. Climbing the serpentine road  will be remembered for a long time. The road offers beautiful panoramas from the top and of the city of Yalta. Travel time is about 1 hour.

The third and longest path is a Hiking trail. The trail starts at the Wuchang-su waterfall, at an altitude of 400m. In 4-5 hours you will climb to the AI-Petri plateau. The trail is marked. The walking route is not easy, but it is the most picturesque and interesting. You will feel like a real trekker!

After reaching the top, you go to the platform next to the upper station of the cable car. There is a market and several cafes. You can buy local Souvenirs, tea and sweets at the market. In the cafe – have beverages and lunch with an incredible view of the southern coast of Crimea.

You can visit AI-Petri at any time of the year. In spring, you will enjoy a riot of greenery and flowers, streams turn into rivers and fill, to the brim, waterfalls. At the same time, the trails are impassable –you can climb up only by cable car. Summer is the time for trekking and hiking. Many groups make ascents from Yalta and from the Wuchang-su waterfall. Autumn is the time for mushrooms and berries, and you can collect wild rose and various fruit trees on the plateau. And winter is a time for skiing holidays!

AI-Petri, called the pearl of the Crimea. Many unique and memorable places are located on the territory of a small reserve. And from the top you can see stunning sunsets. The sun descends through the clouds into the black sea. This sight will not leave you completely mesmerised and will stay in you memory forever!

Author: Alexander Smagin

Location : Crimea