Lissya Bukhta - naturist beach

Russian-language article (translation in progress).

Unlike the Mediterranean, topless sunbathing is not the norm on Crimea's established holiday beaches. This is a cultural hangover from the straight-laced soviet days, and will probably change rapidly over the next few years. In the meantime, though, there are a number of naturist beaches where you can go if you fancy a spot of skinny dipping or nude sunbathing, without incurring the wrath of the authorities.

Near Koktebel in the Kara-Dag area, there is Lissya Bukhta (Fox Bay) , and Tikhaya Bukhta (Quiet Bay) - both within easy reach of the town. You can walk there in about 30 minutes around the headland, or drive or get a taxi - or get a small boat from Koktebel. There's no jetty at Lissya Bukhta so the boat runs its bows into the shallows and you have to wade ashore. In summer the last boat back usually leaves at around 6 pm.

The beach is small pebbles and there's sand on the bottom once you're in the water up to your chest. It's not crowded, even in the high season, and the beach is clean, apart from the remains of the odd beach bonfire.

There's a campsite with running water, but you can camp right on the beach and bring your water down to your tent. There are hawkers who sell snacks along the beach and a cafe nearby, but if you're camping and you need to do some serious shopping it means a trip to Koktebel.

Places mentioned

Лисья бухта

Lissya Bukhta - naturist beach

Places mentioned

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