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Tarkhankut

Tarkhankut is a secluded cape and peninsula at the far west of the Crimean Peninsula, covering 1.5 thousand square kilometers, known for its pristine, wild nature, transparent sea, caves, cliffs, and unique recreational and tourist sites.

Overview

Cape Tarkhankut is washed by the Black Sea from the north, west, and northwest, and borders Lake Donuzlav to the south. The name of the cape derives from the Crimean Tatar language (sometimes translated as "Devil's Corner"). Tarkhankut is considered one of the cleanest ecological corners of the Black Sea coast and is noted for its dry, very sunny climate (about 280 sunny days a year). Thanks to the exceptional transparency of its waters, it is a popular hub for diving, underwater photography, surfing, and extreme tourism.

The main resort and residential settlements of the peninsula are Olenivka, Chornomorske, Mizhvodne, Mar'yino, and Okunivka.

Key Details / Subtopics

  • Tarkhankut Lighthouse:
  • Built in 1816 from Inkerman limestone.
  • Tower height is 38 meters above sea level, with 142 spiral steps leading to the top.
  • Light visibility range is 16 nautical miles. Equipped with a main lens with two powerful lamps and a backup lighthouse on the terrace outside the dome.
  • Once had a nautophone (an electroacoustic membrane device for signaling in fog), which was decommissioned by 2014 with the transition to electronic equipment.
  • Underwater Museum "Alley of Leaders":
  • Created in the sea near the Tarkhankut Lighthouse, a unique attraction for divers featuring submerged busts and sculptures.
  • Natural reserves and capes:
  • Velykyi Atlesh (Greater Atlesh): a huge 40-meter rock arch with grottoes and caves.
  • Malyi Atlesh (Lesser Atlesh): a rocky cape 100 meters long, pierced by a through tunnel.
  • Dzhangul landslide coast: a protected coastline with landslides and bizarre rock formations that transitions into steppe expanses.
  • Lake Sary-Gol: an estuary lake near the village of Olenivka with healing brine whose therapeutic properties rival the muds of Saky and Yevpatoria.
  • Archaeological heritage:
  • Near the settlement of Chornomorske lie Scythian burial grounds and the ancient Greek polis of Kalos Limen.

Cinematic Significance

Thanks to its majestic cliffs, caves, and transparent underwater waters, Tarkhankut was actively used as a filming location for famous films: - "A Hero of Our Time" - "Pirates of the 20th Century" - "People and Dolphins" - "Amphibian Man"