A resident of Tula, Ksenia, recently shared her experiences of vacationing in Crimea, highlighting the ease of access via the Crimean Bridge, the affordability compared to other Russian resorts, and the overall sense of safety and normalcy on the peninsula. Despite a few drawbacks like spotty mobile internet, Ksenia expressed a strong likelihood of returning for another visit.

Ksenia noted that the Crimean Bridge significantly improved travel to the peninsula, replacing the time-consuming ferry. She described the bridge as a beautiful structure with good asphalt and scenic views, devoid of heavy traffic except for inspections at the entrance.

During her two-week vacation, Ksenia explored various cities in Crimea, blending typical beach and cafe visits with active adventures. One of her most memorable experiences was riding the swings at Mount Ai-Petri, 1200 meters above sea level. She also enjoyed visiting the Taigan Zoo, admiring the lions, camels, and Syrian brown bears, and sampling the region’s renowned wines.

In terms of expenses, Ksenia found that prices in Crimea were comparable to those in her hometown. She estimated an average cafe bill at 2,000 to 4,000 rubles, with cheaper options available at canteens. Gasoline and toll road costs amounted to around 15,000 rubles for the entire trip. Accommodation was reasonably priced at 1,800 rubles per day for a simple room with essential amenities and sea view. The total cost for the trip for two people was a little less than 100,000 rubles.

However, Ksenia mentioned that a major inconvenience was poor mobile communication and internet connectivity throughout the peninsula. She recommended purchasing a local SIM card to overcome this issue. Other than that, she found the beaches clean and the peninsula generally free of tourist crowds.

Ksenia also noted a positive change in driving behavior compared to her previous visit in 2015, with less reckless driving and fewer traffic violations. Despite a strike on a beach in Sevastopol, which she narrowly avoided, Ksenia emphasized that Crimea felt calm and safe, with residents living their lives as usual.