Walking along Cape Kazantip on the territory of the namesake nature reserve will bring a lot of positive emotions. Picturesque steppe and sea landscapes, among which there are many amazing places, interesting archeological sites and just being united with untouched nature — all this makes Kazantip Nature Reserve one of the most popular protected places in Ukraine.
Kazantip Cape is located in the northeastern part of the Kerch Peninsula north of the town of Shelkino — it is one of the most ecologically clean zones in Crimea. It got its name because of its peculiar shape, resembling, as its name literally translates, «the bottom of the cauldron». Cape has a round shape and goes far into the Sea of Azov, whose coast in this part of the peninsula is a breathtaking scenery — rocky hills, sometimes very bizarre shapes, chaotic piles of rocks and cliffs up to 190 meters high. All this riot of nature alternates with quiet cozy coves, whose shores are peacefully washed by the purest waters of the sea. Unique landscape, flora and fauna of Cape Kazantip rich in rare species, virgin nature — to preserve all these treasures in pristine condition in 1998 Kazantip Nature Reserve was established here, the territory of which amounted to 450.1 hectares.
Traveling through the reserve is an opportunity to see very interesting and ancient sights. The southern part of Kazantip is not by chance called the Archaeological Coast — people loved these fabulously beautiful places with a wonderful warm climate thousands of years ago. Today this is evidenced by such sights of Crimea as the ancient settlement of Heraclius, the remains of the Roman manor house, traces of agricultural land and artificial terraces of ancient times, stone walls and earthen ramparts. Wander among these archaeological monuments will be interesting for everyone who likes to visit places that «remember» how people lived in very different times and eras.
It will be no less fascinating to get acquainted with the local fauna and flora. There are 22 species of mammals, 43 species of birds, 8 species of reptiles, 80 species of fish — 23 of them are included in the Red Book. These are such amazing animals as Azovka dolphin, steppe polecat, big horseshoe, steppe viper, birds loon and steppe kestrel, legless lizards yellow-bellied and four-banded stripe and many others. Plant community is represented by 541 species of vascular plants — this is 60% of the flora of the Kerch Peninsula, and 25 of them are listed in the Red Book — beautiful white violet, yellow asphodelina, mitridatsky catran and many others.
Walking around the reserve, travelers never cease to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of landscapes that open to the eyes: mesmerizing pictures of the coastal zone with quietly splashing sea waters, inspiring rocks pointing to the sky, as if cutting through the air with their bizarre protrusions and sharp peaks, dizzying cliffs, falling down sharply and rapidly, as if frozen in the timelessness of the steppe valleys, living their own, special life. And in quiet romantic bays you can get away and be alone with nature, away from the hustle and bustle and endless running, which is the city life. Another pleasure that awaits all the guests of this wonderful attractions of Crimea is the opportunity to swim in these most beautiful bays, which is especially appreciated by «naturalists».
They say that Cape Kazantip is a «place of power», but from what side this unique corner of the planet will open to you, you can learn only by coming here. Only one thing is certain — any of the sides of this place will give you the most positive emotions. Photographers, artists, travelers — everyone finds something different here and takes with him the brightest and most pleasant memories of this unforgettable Shelkino sights.