This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Yalta.
Yalta is one of the most famous places in Crimea. The whole town looks very Soviet and is an interesting place for Western tourists to visit for a few days' stay. Yalta's prices for food, nightlife, bars, and everything else are expensive, much higher than any of the surrounding resorts; the beach is small, overcrowded, and expensive.
There are several hostels in Yalta, but most of them operate only in the summer; prices are quite high for Ukrainian standards, but the resort itself is much more expensive than anywhere else in Crimea (the season is short). All hostels in Yalta are quite centrally located and are not far from the beach, though none is in the very center; the town is small so the location is not as crucial as in other cities. Hostels in Yalta are not so easy to find, so know not only the name, but also the street. There is nothing written in English on signs, so some basic Cyrillic knowledge is essential. Also ask for "gostinica" -– that is guesthouse in Russian. You need at least two or three days for sightseeing, as there are museums (Chekhov’s museum is quite interesting), a botanical garden, and several churches. The most interesting places to visit are the palaces, Livadia and Massandra, but the entry fees are generally high.
Transport links to Yalta are not very convenient –- there is neither a big airport nor a train station nearby, and buses are not many. Always book a seat for a bus a few hours in advance so you don't have to wait for the next bus.
Written by local enthusiast for Yalta hostels
George Traveller