Taroko Gorge Travel Information

Taroko Gorge Travel Information

Taroko National Park in Eastern Taiwan is famous for its rugged landscapes and canyons, particularly the impressive Taroko Gorge, a steep canyon that offers not only amazing views but also historical shrines, hot springs, mountain forests with wildlife, and activities such as whitewater rafting and trekking. As one of the main tourism destinations in Taiwan, Taroko Gorge area has many hotels and tourism services to offer.

Taroko Gorge in Taroko National Park, Taiwan

Scenic Taroko Gorge is located in Taroko National Park in the East coast of Taiwan, 15 km north of the city of Hualien. The main landmark of the park, Taroko Gorge is a 19 km long marble and granite canyon carved by the Liwu River that is one of the deepest in the world. The name Taroko, meaning “magnificent and beautiful” was given by the local indigenous Truku people. Taroko National Park, established in 1986, contains over 120,000 hectares of mountainous landscape rising steeply from the sea level to over 3,700 meters in just 20 kilometers, and includes some of Taiwan’s tallest mountains. Besides tourism attracted by the scenic landscapes, Taroko Gorge area has also hosted mining for marble and jade.

Taroko Gorge shrine and scenery, Taiwan

Sights and activities in Taroko National Park: landscape, temples, trekking & rafting

The main attraction of Taroko Gorge is its phenomenal landscape with a very steep relief rising from the sea level into high mountains, deep canyons, and mountain forests. Some of the most famous sights in Taroko Gorge area include the Tunnel of Nine Turns, a twisting cave with spectacular views over the canyon, the Eternal Spring Shrine the Swallow Grotto, the Wenshan Hot Springs, and Baiyang Waterfall. There are also several temples and bridges to visit in the area and you can buy handicrafts from local indigenous people along the gorge.

Mountain scenery of Taroko Gorge, Taiwan

Outdoor activities. Several long and short trails for trekking in Taroko Gorge area. You can also try biking or whitewater rafting in Taroko Gorge. The Liwu River that flows through the canyon is excellent for rafting during the summer months. The National Park contains a lot of wildlife, including Black Bears, monkeys and over 140 species of birds. Taroko Gorge also hosts an annual marathon on the road through the gorge in November.

Taroko Gorge travel information and practical tips

Taroko Gorge enjoys a subtropical climate that is generally mild but varies depending on elevation. The winters are mild with a possibility of snow in high elevations, while summers are pleasantly warm.

There is plenty of rainfall in Taroko area throughout the year, with a possibility for occasional typhoons from July to October.

Waterfalls in Taroko National Park, Taiwan

Traveling to Taroko Gorge is done via the coastal city of Hualien. It has an airport with domestic flights and trains from Taipei, as well as hotels and amusement parks. There are several daily buses to Taroko Gorge from Hualien and you can also reach the area by taxi. Scooter and car rental in Hualien and daily sightseeing bus tours to Taroko Gorge are all available from the city. Entry to Taroko National Park is free, but visiting some of the ecological protection areas within the park requires a permit and a local guide.

Accommodation & services. There is a nice amount of hotels in Taroko Gorge as well as in nearby Hualien, and a good variation of accommodation types from campsites to five-star hotels available. Restaurants in Taroko Gorge are not as numerous, concentrated mainly in the hotels and in Tienshiang village and serving local cuisine. Hualien has more restaurants to visit. Taroko Gorge area does not have any particular nightlife to offer. English is not widely understood in the area, so learning a couple of phrases in Chinese is recommended.

River canyon in Taroko National Park, Taiwan

Safety. Taroko Gorge is a safe place with no crime problems. The only dangers in the area are falling rocks and flooding in canyons after heavy rains. The steep topography of the area makes driving in Taroko rather scary at times.

Islamabad Travel Information

Islamabad Travel Information

The modern capital of Pakistan, Islamabad is a well-organized, green city with interesting architecture, many museums and monuments, as well as shopping opportunities and some nightlife. It is surrounded by beautiful hills that are a great place for trekking or horseback riding. Islamabad is a starting point for biking and mountain climbing expeditions in Pakistan’s northern mountains. It is safer, less noisy and more organized than most big cities in Pakistan.

Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan

The Pakistani capital located in the north of Pakistan close to the city of Rawalpindi, Islamabad was built in the 1960 as Pakistan’s new capital. Today, it is a modern and clean city that has also become a financial, commercial, and political center in Pakistan with a cosmopolitan feeling. Pakistan has an old and rich culture with many traditions, monuments, and dishes inherited from the rule of Mughal and Afghan emperors or from Central Asia. Even though Islamabad has a modern appearance, traditional religious and family values are still highly regarded.

Sights and activities in Islamabad

Islamabad is a modern city with less historic attractions than many other cities in Pakistan, but it does have impressive architecture, museums, and the ancient city of Taxila nearby, dating from the 4th century BC. Islamabad is a green city with good opportunities for outdoor activities including biking and trekking around Islamabad, horseback riding and paragliding in the Margalla Hills north of the city, fishing on the Rawal Lake, or visiting in the nearby British colonial hill resort of Murree.

Sights in Islamabad include the National Monument, the Saudi-Pak Tower, and the huge Shah Faisal Mosque, as well as the sculpted gardens of Shakar Parian Hills. The so-called Blue area is the financial center of the city, and the lookout points of Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa in the surrounding hills are good places to hike and enjoy the views over the city. The various museums in Islamabad include the renovated Lok Virsa Museum, the Islamabad Museum and Pakistan Museum of Natural History. There are also historical Sufic Islamic shrines near the city.

Decorated local bus in Islamabad, Pakistan

Entertainment & recreation. Islamabad is home to Pakistan’s National Art Gallery. The lakes in the city include Rawal Lake and Lotus Lake, offering promenades, fishing, and relaxing atmosphere. There is some nightlife and good opportunities for cheap shopping in Islamabad. Biking in Islamabad has become popular, and the city is the starting point for mountain biking tours on the Himalayas. There is also a 18-hole golf course in Islamabad.

Islamabad travel information and practical tips

Although Islamabad is not a big tourism destination, it is an important travel hub in Northern Pakistan. The city has a dry climate with very hot summers and cooler, more pleasant winters. The temperatures in Islamabad are a bit lower in the higher altitude hill areas. Rainfall is mostly brought by the south-westerly monsoon during July and August.

Fountain inside the King Faisal Mosque in Islamabad

Traveling to Islamabad from abroad is done predominantly by air.

There is an international airport with flights to Islamabad from many Asian and some European countries, as well as domestic flights from elsewhere in Pakistan. There are also many buses to Islamabad from all parts of Pakistan, although the majority of buses arrive to its twin city, Rawalpindi, a short taxi ride away from Islamabad. There are also railway connections to Rawalpindi from elsewhere in Pakistan.

Wide boulevard in modern Islamabad

Once in Islamabad, the local public transport includes buses and abundant taxis. While using taxis, always agree on the fare before getting in. Auto rickshaws that are common in other cities in Pakistan are banned in Islamabad. Car rental in Islamabad is well available and a good way of getting around. Rental cars are available also with local drivers.

Safety. Islamabad is generally a safer place than many bigger cities in Pakistan. Violent crime is uncommon, but political violence and terrorist attacks do happen. With this in mind, visitors should exercise caution at all times and avoid large gatherings and political demonstrations. In general, the local people are very hospitable, but they are also often conservative, so it is important to respect their traditions and religion. You should also avoid taking photos of any military or police establishments or officers.

King Faisal Mosque in Islamabad

Visitor services. There are plenty of guesthouses and hotels in Islamabad, ranging from five star hotels aimed at visiting politicians to cheap and basic local hotels.Restaurants in Islamabad are also plentiful with dozens of cuisine options to choose from. Islamabad hosts a large number of foreigners working in embassies or international organizations, and has a modern atmosphere with good shopping and some international nightlife options. English is an official language in Pakistan, and most people in Islamabad speak good English.

Karachi Travel Information

Karachi Travel Information

The coastal city of Karachi, the financial capital of Pakistan and one of the world’s largest cities offers visitors a wide range of cultural and historical attractions, as well as beautiful beaches, museums, golf courses, excellent restaurants, and great chances for inexpensive shopping. While neither a major holiday destination nor the safest place for Western tourists, Karachi still offers plenty to explore for adventurous visitors.

Empress Market in Karachi, Pakistan

The large Karachi is the capital of Sindh Province in Southern Pakistan along the coast of Arabian Sea. It is the biggest city of Pakistan that also used to be the capital before Islamabad was constructed. Known locally as the City of Lights, Karachi has a diverse population of inhabitants that have come here from all over Pakistan or as refugees from India or Afghanistan. The culture of the city is a mixture of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, South Asian and Western influences.

Sights and activities in Karachi: beaches, shopping, museums & historical attractions

Karachi offers a great deal of attractions and activities, from beaches to museums and from golf clubs to excellent shopping and historical sites. Shopping in Karachi is inexpensive in the many shopping malls and old bazaars throughout the city. Karachi is home to many beautiful beaches, including the ones in Beach Park and Bin Qasim Park, as well as Sandspit Beach and French Beach. Churna Island offshore from Karachi hosts the only coral reefs in Pakistan, where snorkeling is available. For a city view over Karachi, visit the Hill Park or try the Revolving Restaurant in the city center.

Three Swords monument in Clifton, Karachi

Museums & entertainment. There are many amusement parks in Karachi, located on the waterfront, at Gulshan-e-Iqbal or near the Super Highway. Karachi Zoo hosts also a natural history museum. Other numerous museums in Karachi include Quaid Mausoleum and Museum, Mohatta Palace and History Museum, a maritime museum, a planetarium, and Karachi Expo Centre near the main university. Karachi also hosts the National Museum of Pakistan as well as several art galleries and many historical buildings. Cricket fields and golf courses in Karachi offer sports entertainment also for visitors, and there are many yacht clubs with possibilities for sailing and other water sports. The old art center and World Heritage Site of Thatta is also located near Karachi.

Kemari boat harbour in Karachi

Karachi travel tips and practical information

Karachi enjoys a dry tropical climate that is mostly hot but still milder than in inland areas of Pakistan.

The Weather in Karachi in summer is usually very hot, while the winters are warm and more pleasant. Most of the rainfall occurs during the monsoon season from July to August.

How to get there. Most visitors travel to Karachi by air, as the city is home to the busiest international airport in Pakistan with flights to Karachi from all over Asia and Middle East, as well as from many European cities. You can also travel to Karachi by bus or train from most cities in Pakistan.

City view of Karachi, Pakistan

Once in Karachi, you can get around by buses or taxis. The ubiquitous buses in Karachi are not very comfortable and have pickpockets in them. Taxis come in three forms: Yellow, black and metro. Unlike the yellow and black ones, the metro taxis usually have meters on them. Always agree on the price before getting into a taxi. Car rental in Karachi is also available.

Hotels & services. There is a wide range of hotels in Karachi from luxury hotels and beach resorts to many cheap guesthouses and hostels. There is also a great number of restaurants in Karachi, offering a wide variety of cuisines. Unlike in most parts of Pakistan, there are also many options for nightlife in Karachi. Most Pakistanis speak some English and many educated people in Karachi are very fluent in it.

Sunset by the beach in Karachi, Pakistan

Safety. Many parts of Karachi are not safe for visitors because of crime, political unrest or terrorism. As in any other mega city in the world, crime is not uncommon in Karachi. Car theft, robberies, bomb attacks and pick-pocketing do happen, so it is best to use common sense, avoid going out alone, and be vigilant at all times to avoid any dangerous situations. Follow the news for possible political unrest and ask local advice about current security situation before traveling to unknown areas.

Pokhara Travel Information

Pokhara Travel Information

The scenic lakeside city of Pokhara in Nepal is the starting point for the most popular trekking routes in Nepal. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Pokhara is a beautiful place frequented by visitors heading to the Himalayas for trekking or mountain climbing. The city, also called the Switzerland of Nepal, offers beautiful lakes, canyons and waterfalls, caves, historical sites and museums to visit, as well as temples, colorful festivals, and cheap shopping opportunities.

Village along Annapurna trail, Nepal

Scenic Himalayan town located in the corner of Pokhara Valley in Central Nepal some 200 km west of the capital Kathmandu, Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal. Pokhara area has huge changes in elevation, from 1,000 m in the valley to over 7,500 meters in the Himalayan mountain peaks of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges. The city lies on an old trading route between Tibet and India and used to be part of the Kingdom of Kaski during the 17th century. Many Tibetan refugees moved into the area in the 1950s. Pokhara was connected to the rest of Nepal by road in the 1960s and has since then become a popular tourism destination. Today, Pokhara is one of the major tourism hubs of Nepal.

Sights and activities in Pokhara: trekking, mountains, historic & natural attractions

Most people come to Nepal to see the Himalayas, and Pokhara is a great place to do this. The city is surrounded by magnificent peaks of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains reaching into heights of over 7,500 meters. Pokhara is well known as the starting and ending point for some of the most popular treks in Nepal. Especially the Annapurna Conservation Area is a popular place for trekking around Pokhara. This accessible mountain area offers impressive mountain views and versatile hiking routes. Pokhara Valley also offers nice opportunities for trekking. For starters, you can visit the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara.

Boats on the lake shore in Pokhara, Nepal

Cultural & nature attractions. Pokhara city itself hosts few touristic attractions, but there is an old city centre in the north of the city with plenty of old buildings, several nice temples and shops. The scenic Phewa Lake next to the city is home to an island temple of Barahi, and offers good possibilities for boating. There are also other beautiful lakes around Pokhara, including Begnas and Dipang Tal Lakes, as well as several impressive waterfalls and caves to visit. The Sarangkot hill offers great views over the city and a Buddhist stupa. The world Peace Stupa overlooks the Phewa Lake, while the Seti River that flows through Pokhara includes several impressive canyons. The city also hosts both Hindu and Buddhist festivals.

Pokhara travel information and practical tips

Pokhara enjoys a subtropical climate that is a bit warmer than the one in Kathmandu. As elsewhere in Nepal, there is a hot dry season in Pokhara from March to May, a rainy monsoon season from June to September, and a cooler and drier winter from October to February with some frost and snow in the mountains.

It rains a lot in Pokhara, especially in the high areas due to the sharp rise in altitude. The early spring months and the early winter from October to November are a great time to visit Pokhara, whereas the monsoon season features daily rainfall.

Restaurant garden with scenic views in Pokhara, Nepal

Traveling to Pokhara can be done by air or by road. There is an airport with daily domestic flights to Pokharafrom Kathmandu and elsewhere in Nepal. Buses to Pokhara are available from many cities in Nepal, as well as from the Indian border. Night buses may not be safe for travelling because of the possible political violence. Tourist minibuses to Pokhara are available for example from Kathmandu.

Misty morning by the lake in Pokhara, Nepal

Public transport in Pokhara is available in form of small local buses, boats, and taxis. Car rental in Pokharacomes with a local driver. There are also many places to rent bicycles, motorbikes and scooters.

Plenty of accommodation and hotels in Pokhara can be found on the shores of the Lake Phewa. The tourist area along the north shore hosts many bars and restaurants in Pokhara, serving both local and international choices of food. Nightlife in Pokhara consists of several bars targeted for tourists. English is spoken in Pokhara by educated Nepalese and those who work in tourism industry.

Colourful boats by the shore of Phewa lake in Pokhara

Safety. Nepal has had a major violent conflict in the recent past, and Pokhara Valley and the mountain regions around it have witnessed lots of violence. Although the conflict between the government and the Maoist rebels is officially over, there are still many armed troops in the region that might ask for bribes or even rob tourists. Therefore, trekking in the area should be done only with a professional local guide.

Nepal Travel Information

Nepal Travel Information

Nepal has become a popular destination for those who want to experience the magnificent and versatile landscape of the Himalayas by trekking, climbing or mountain biking. A popular pilgrimage destination, Nepal is also home to many spectacular historical temples and palaces. Other attractions of this affordable South Asian country include its unique culture with friendly inhabitants and its interesting national parks.

Mountains, palaces and temples – attractions in Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan country in South Asia. Although relatively small in size, Nepal has a diverse landscape from humid plains in the south to the Himalayan Mountains in the north. Eight of the ten highest mountains in the world are located in Nepal, including the magnificent Mount Everest. Trekking and mountain climbing in the Himalayas is the main reason why many foreigners visit Nepal on their holidays. Pokhara is a popular starting point for trekking in Nepal. Popular trekking regions in Nepal include Annapurna, Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Helambu.

Swayambhunath temples in Nepal

Cities & wildlife safaris. Surrounded by magnificent mountains and located in a valley rich in historic and cultural sites, Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in Nepal, a mixture of old and new Nepal. Most visitors come to Kathmandu to admire the palaces and temples in Kathmandu Durbar Square or see the Boudhanath Stupa, which is one of the most famous sacred sites for Buddhists.Chitwan National Park in the South of Nepal is a popular safari tour destination. The Park is home to numerous endangered species such as the Royal Bengal Tiger. You can also visit the historical city of Bhaktapur or some of the many Hindu or Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal.

Practical information for your trip to Nepal

Nepal has a monsoonal climate with four seasons. The weather in Nepal is cool from January to March, when temperature can fall to zero degrees in Kathmandu and even lower in the mountains. From April to June the weather is usually dry and warm. The rainy monsoon season is from June to September, when the rains are usually moderate in the mountainous areas compared to the plains areas. After the monsoonal period, the weather is clear and cool from October to December, which is the best season to visit the mountains.

Annapurna peak in The Himalayas of Nepal

Traveling to Nepal is easy by air. The main international airport in Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport is located just outside the capital Kathmandu. The country is also reachable by bus from India or Tibet in China, where there are four border crossings open for foreigners.

Getting around. Nepal lacks a railroad network and car rental is mainly available with a local driver. The local buses and microbuses for approximately 10 people are very popular and cheap. Some domestic flights within Nepal are also available. Taxis and rickshaws are also widely available for local transport. Be careful when choosing the transportation method: The roads in Nepal are often narrow and in poor condition, and driving is often unsafe.

Bodnath buddhist stupa in Nepal

Visitor services. Nepal has good facilities for tourists, and the biggest cities are home to lively nightlife and plenty of dining choices. Accommodation in Nepal is available in all forms from luxury hotels to cheap guesthouses. English is relatively commonly spoken in the cities and touristic areas of Nepal.

Security issues. What comes to the security in Nepal, you should remember that the country is still recovering from a recent civil war. Strikes and demonstrations are common, and visitors are advised to stay away from these confrontations. Some rural areas in Nepal are controlled by former rebels, and you might encounter people asking for money in the Nepali countryside. However, Nepalese cities are quite safe and even pick-pocketing is rare. You are still advised to keep an eye on your belongings.

Trekking in the Himalayas, Nepal

History and culture of Nepal

According to the archaeological findings, people have been living in the Himalayan region for at least 9,000 years. Nepal has had a long history ruled by many regional kingdoms until it became a unified kingdom in 1768. Unlike the neighboring India, Nepal was never colonized by Europeans. It became a relatively popular travel destination in the 1970s, but most tourists left the country due to the civil war in Nepal from 1996 to 2006. Nepal became a republic in May 2008 when the kingdom was officially abolished.

Monkeys in a Hindu temple in Nepal

The Nepalese Culture is a mixture of different ethnic traditions. It has many similarities with the neighboring India and Tibet, for example regarding clothing, languages, and food. The various ethnic groups in the country speak over 100 different languages. A community called Newar, the historic culture of Kathmandu, is especially famous for their music and dance. The Newars have also their own cuisine, clothing, architecture, language (Nepal Bhasa), traditions, and festivals.

Isle of Wight Travel Information

Isle of Wight Travel Information

Isle of Wight in the English Channel is a perfect destination for relaxing holidays, and its unspoiled nature with cliffs and gorges is ideal for outdoor activities such as biking, hiking and golf. Isle of Wight enjoys one of the warmest climates in the United Kingdom and is home to numerous clean, sandy beaches well suitable for water sports.

Sandy beaches and picturesque countryside – Attractions on Isle of Wight

Rich and beautiful in nature, the Isle of Wight has diverse landscape with lovely sandy beaches, cliffs, gorges and unique wildlife. It is here you can admire numerous fossils of dinosaurs found on the island. The islands diverse nature and picturesque countryside is ideal for horse riding, hiking on Isle of Wight and biking on Isle of Wight.

Rural idyll on the isle of Wight

Long sandy beaches are without doubt one of the major attractions on the Isle of Wight. Ryde is the largest town on Isle of Wight with long clean beaches for sunbathing and water sports, such as windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, and paragliding. You can also go on unforgettable cruises on Isle of Wight. In the seaside towns of Cowes, Sandown, Snaklin, and Ventnor there are more sandy beaches. Cowes, in particular is a popular spot for sailing on Isle of Wight. You can also enjoy golf on Isle of Wight’s many great courses.

Attractions & entertainment. The magnificent Carisbrooke Castle and the Osborne House, the summer home of the late Queen Victoria are among the main attractions on Isle of Wight. The best opportunities for shopping on Isle of Wight can be found in Newport, the second largest town and the administrative capital of the island. There are numerous festivals on Isle of Wight, including the Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival, the Isle of Wight Festival and the Bestival. The liveliest nightlife on the island can be found in the biggest towns of Newport and Ryde.

Practical information for your stay on Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is an island in the English Channel. Located in the southernmost point of the United Kingdom, the Isle of Wight enjoys one of the sunniest and warmest climates in the country.

The Isle of Wight is best visited in summer from May to October, when the weather is warm enough for outdoor activities and beach life.

Coastal town on the Isle of Wight

How to get there. You can easily travel to Isle of Wight by ferries and boats from Southampton and Portsmouth in the mainland United Kingdom. The Southampton International Airport receives numerous flights from UK and Europe. There is an extensive system of relatively expensive buses on the Isle of Wight. Some limited train connections also exist. Car rental on Isle of Wight is a good option and easily available.

Osborne House Isle of Wight

Services & safety. There are plenty of luxurious beach hotels on Isle of Wight, but cheaper accommodations such as guesthouses and camping sites can be found as well. In the fine restaurants on Isle of Wight you can taste for example freshly caught seafood. Isle of Wight is a peaceful, safe destination for visitors.

Yalta Travel Information

Yalta Travel Information

Ukrainian seaside resort in the sunny Crimean Peninsula with warm climate and good facilities for beach holidays, Yalta has developed into one of the most promising beach resorts in Eastern Europe. It is also a historical place where you can admire culturally and historically important sights and enjoy the beauty of the beautiful nature of the Crimean Peninsula.

Swallow's nest, Yalta

Yalta, Ukrainian seaside city with active beach life and cultural attractions

Located in Crimea Peninsula in the southern part of Ukraine, Yalta is a summer city that is packed full of beach-going East European tourists during the summer season. Many come here to enjoy the sun and the Black Sea beaches in Yalta, which consist of small rocks, but in addition to that, Yalta has also other kind of attractions available.

The most popular sight in the surroundings of Yalta is the Swallows Nest, a miniature medieval castle set in scenic location on top of a high coastal cliff. Also a popular attraction in Yalta, Livadia Palace is a former czar’s holiday home, and Chekhov’s House introduces the building where the famous Russian writer created his legendary stories. Apart from the beach activities and cultural attractions, Yalta hosts also a water park, a popular zoo, and botanical gardens that are home to wide variety of Ukrainian flora.

Yalta seen from the sea

Activities in Yalta. Sunbathing and water sports by the Black Sea are available, sure, and strolling down the Sea Promenade of Yalta, Naberezhnaya, you will find many attractions. There are also quite interesting opportunities for shopping in Yalta. Nightlife in Yalta is particularly active during the summer period. If you want something special, you could try for example wine tasting near Yalta, which introduce you the best of the wine making in Crimean region. For those wanting something greener, horse riding tours near Yalta might be a good choice, as well as trekking or mountain biking in the mountain regions found in close surroundings of the city. There is a cable lift to the nearest mountain, Ai-Petri. As Yalta used to be a health resort during the Soviet times, there are of course also traditional sanatoriums and spas near Yalta to be enjoyed.

Practical information for your trip to Yalta

Yalta enjoys a subtropical climate with sunny and dry summers and short, mild winters. Average monthly high temperatures during the summer, which in Yalta lasts from June to September, are around 25-30°C, whereas winters are familiar with temperatures of around 10°C or below.

Overall, Yalta is a summer city where tourism season lasts from May to October. Outside this period, the city is just a predominantly Russian-speaking coastal town, where you can get in touch with the local culture and life.

Sailboat in Yalta

How to get there. Located in Eastern Europe in the southeastern part of Ukraine, Yalta is best reached through the nearby airport of Simferopol, but also other possibilities for travelling and flights to Yalta are available. However, if you choose to travel to Yalta through Simferopol, you will be given a chance to experience the interesting trolley-bus route between the two cities. For traveling around in the area of Yalta, you can find a great number of official and unofficial taxis, as well as minibuses, and rental cars in Yalta are also available.

Beach boulevard, Yalta

Visitor services. Yalta is quite popular among holidaymakers from Eastern Europe, which is also seen in the services of the city. Local people are hospitable, and services are good if you speak Russian, but in case you do not, some problems can be expected. Much of the staff of hotels in Yalta, as well as that of restaurants in Yaltaspeaks only Russian. Safety situation in Yalta, however, is quite good, with the exception of thefts being quite common.