The best hotels in Balaklava by the sea for families with children in the Crimea

Due to its closure in Soviet times, Balaklava can not boast of a large variety of hotels. However, the best of them we still choose and put on the shelves in our review.

It is believed that the Sevastopol Balaklava was first mentioned in The Odyssey poem by Gomer as the harbor of Lamos. The cozy bay attracted almost all the conquerors who came to the territory of the Crimea. As a result, the area was constantly renamed, the settlement was subjected to defeat, until at the end of the 19th century the first resort boarding house opened in Balaklava. Then there was the mud baths, baths and the Grand Hotel. Lesya Ukrainka and Alexander Kuprin loved to come here, the dachas of actresses Sokolova and Maretskaya have been preserved. Balaklava Bay was chosen by filmmakers. The films “Amphibian Man”, “Single Swimming”, “72 Meters” were shot here.

Things to do in Balaclava with children

A small and cozy town is separated from Sevastopol by several kilometers of undeveloped land. It is considered a remote area of the capital of the Black Sea Fleet. The closed bay has long been a base for submarines. The heroic history of Balaklava is preserved in local museums, one of which is open right in the rock. This is the object 825, where during the “cold war” there was an underground plant for the repair of submarines.

Historical monuments that are worth visiting with children and accompanied by a guide include:

  1. The 19th Battery was a fortification of the First World War.
  2. Fort “Northern Balaklava” is a land fortification built during the First World War.
  3. The ruins of the fortress “Cembalo” – a Genoese defensive structure of the 14th century.
  4. “Barrel of death” – a kind of iron fortification with loopholes, hanging over the abyss.
  5. The Museum of Local Lore will tell about the history of Balaklava, starting with the oldest settlements.

The cultural center of the city is the Embankment. It performs several functions, at the same time being an entertainment area, a place for walks and a pier for excursion boats. The promenade leads to the city beach, where there are almost never waves. For those who do not like to swim in standing water, boats run from the pier to beach areas with an open sea. These include “Cave”, “Vasili”, “Jasphorn” on Cape Fiolent, “Fig” on Cape Aya.

Balaklava beaches are considered the most beautiful in Sevastopol. Mountains protect the bay from winds and storms. The water here is always clear and warm. The air contains vapors of iodine and sea salt. This combination has a beneficial effect on the endocrine and respiratory systems of the body. Along the coastline of the Embankment there are 3 beaches – City, Marble, Matrossky. The city beach is popularly called “Frog”. Parents with small children and pensioners like to come here. The most popular among the resorters is “Marble”.

Where to stay in Balaclava with children

The tourist infrastructure of the area is well developed. On the coast built boarding houses, hotels, sanatorium complexes, private guest houses. The rating includes the best options for temporary accommodation in Balaclava with children.

Dakkar Hotel

Not far from the Nuzukin embankment in the heart of Balaklava is the hotel “Dakkar”. In the vicinity there is the main tourist infrastructure of the area, shops, market, souvenir shops. Two of the city’s beaches can be reached on foot. The distance to the Central concrete is 300 meters, to the pebble – 900 m. To Silver, Gold and Vasily there are boats. In the hotel fund – 22 rooms with air conditioning, bathrooms, mini-bars. Some rooms have a balcony. Breakfast is included in the price. There is also a restaurant and a bar in the building. The 4-storey building does not have a lift. This factor should be taken into account by parents with young children.

“Clean and cozy hotel, polite and helpful staff. Built in the city center in a busy place. Parking is small for only 6 cars. The restaurant cooks well, in the evening there is a bar with alcohol. Upstairs there is a comfortable view terrace. It is good to stay here for those who come to Balaklava for a beach or tourist holiday. There is nothing to do in the hotel itself, but it is a good place to spend the night” Vladimir, Russia

 

 

 

Fordewind Guest House

In the north of Balaklava Bay is a mini-hotel “Fordewind”. The distance to the sea is 1 km, to the nearest landscaped beach – 3 km. But to the historically significant sights of the town can be reached in 5 minutes. Within walking distance are:

  • embankment with apartment buildings built two centuries ago;
  • ruins of the Genoese fortress – the main defensive structure of the Middle Ages;
  • a submarine museum located in the rock.

Living conditions in the guest house without frills – guests are provided with rooms of standard and comfort categories. Parking is included in the price. Children under 2 years old are accepted free of charge without providing a separate place. Guests are engaged in the organization of food on their own. There is a café in the yard. The administrator will tell you the phones of restaurants that deliver food and drinks.

“Cheap accommodation in Balaclava. A bus to Marble Beach stops outside the building. Near the hotel there are many shops, there are cafes with affordable prices. The building has 3 floors, there is no elevator, the balconies are small. Under the windows facing the street, there is a roadway. At night it is noisy” Vasily.

 

 

 

Hotel Dionysus

The 3-star Dionysus Hotel offers comfortable accommodation in 21 spacious rooms. The three-kilometer distance from the landscaped beach is compensated by the presence of a swimming pool with sun loungers, a sauna, a barbecue area with a gazebo, free parking. There is an on-site restaurant with a bar. There is a playground for children, and a billiard room for adults. A child under 5 years old will be accommodated with discounts. The best option for a family with several children will be a family junior suite. Its area is 60 sq. m. It is divided into 2 rooms. There are 4 stationary beds. An extra bed will be available if possible.

“This hotel guarantees a relaxing stay. Yes, you will have to take a taxi to the beaches, but the nearest one can be reached on foot in 20 minutes. The owners offer to include breakfast in the price and this should not be abandoned. Morning food is prepared here well. In the evening, guests will enjoy film screenings on the big screen, a warm swimming pool with a children’s area and the opportunity to fry kebabs. Prices for accommodation are not inflated” Konstantin, Russia

 

 

 

Hotel Gomer

The 17-room inn is located in the centre of Balaklava. It is distinguished by a high level of service and comfort of living. All rooms are one-room, spacious, with classic interiors and balconies. There is a small café, Turkish bath services are provided. The service includes quad bike and bicycle rental for hiking on mountain routes, tour desk. The price includes an à la carte breakfast.

“Very nice hotel. Everything is thought out: the interior, the façade, balconies with carved railings, a large clock on the pediment. The location is more than convenient. The Promenade is a 2-minute walk away. From the pier you can get to other beaches in 10-15 minutes. It is good that the room has a safe for documents. The restaurant is well fed, so it is popular with locals» Natasha, Russia

 

 

 

 

Hotel “Kefalo Grisi”

The estate is located on the slope of Mount Asketi. Rooms are located in 5 buildings. The distance to the nearest beach is 400 m, to the city center you will need to walk one and a half kilometers, to the beginning of the Embankment – 600 m. This is a quiet place, remote from the noisy resort life. On the territory of the complex there is a café, a children’s playground, a Finnish sauna with a jacuzzi, a barbecue area, parking for 12 places. Near each building there is a terrace with garden furniture. There is a shared kitchen on site for cooking. Swimming pool – outdoor, open seasonally.

“Interesting historical place. It’s quiet and peaceful. Nearby are the ruins of a Genoese fortress. Not far from the hotel there was a spring supplying the city with fresh water. As for infrastructure, there are no shops nearby. Food should be taken care of in advance. The pool in the yard is unheated, heated by the sun. Therefore, it is best to swim in it after lunch. In the morning it is pleasant to drink coffee on your own terrace” Julia, Russia

 

 

 

 

Listrigon

It offers spacious rooms in the centre of Balaclava. To the nearest beach – 700 m. Children under 5 years old (if the child is one) are accepted free of charge. A child under 12 years of age receives a discount for an extra bed. The rooms have prepared a first-aid kit for first aid. There is an on-site restaurant/café that provides guests with breakfast or full board. Rooms (26 rooms) are located in three cottages. Each has a bathroom with shower, refrigerator, microwave, air conditioning. Verandas are attached to the houses.

“I liked the attitude of the owners to the holidaymakers. They care about how their guests live. The room has everything you need, including a kettle, dishes, household appliances for cooking and storing food. The café is delicious cooking, you can order meals in the room. The center of Balaklava and the city beach can be reached on foot» Elena, Russia

 

 

 

Guest House “Asteria”

The cottage is located in the private sector of Balaklava. It is designed for 3 double rooms with the possibility of installing an extra bed for a child. Each of them has a combined bathroom with shower, a spacious balcony, refrigerator, TV. Air conditioning system is installed. The convenience lies in the fact that for each room on the terrace there is a kitchen. Shops and a market are a 5-minute walk away. To the sea to go 20-25 minutes. You can get there by public transport. The owners offer sightseeing tours in a comfortable 6-seater car. This makes it possible to explore the local sights without unnecessary hassle. Parking for your own car is free.

“Natella and Vladimir Mikhailovich are hospitable and attentive hosts. There was not a single day that we regretted choosing a hotel. Prices are democratic, the conditions exceeded expectations. There is a home-cooked café next to the guest house. Each room has its own terrace for evening relaxation and conversations. The house will be appreciated by lovers of a relaxing holiday in a cozy atmosphere» Ekaterina, Russia

 

 

 

Коттедж “Мальвина”

The guest house has 2 isolated rooms with a separate entrance and a terrace. A shared kitchen is available for cooking. Each room has a combined bathroom with a shower compartment. For an additional fee, the owners will put a bed for the child. There is a garden around the house. The place is suitable for those who like to relax in the country, in solitude and silence. The nearest one can be reached on foot. It is a 25-minute walk away. A 5-minute walk will take you to shops, a market, a café and a bus stop. The owners of the hotel offer the organization of excursions on a comfortable minivan along the entire Crimean coast.

“Romantic place with picturesque garden. The room will be small for a family of even 3 people. It is best to rent a cottage completely. One room to give to children, and in the other to settle themselves. In this case, a comfortable stay with the family is guaranteed. The kitchen has a gas stove, refrigerator, dining table, dishes. There is an atmosphere created here, as if you are in your dacha, which is located on the sea. Prices are reasonable, so I recommend taking a chance and booking a cottage “turnkey” Olga, Russia

 

 

 

Each of the listed hotels has almost no negative reviews. The most acceptable option for holidays with children will be the choice of the hotel complex “Listrigon”. It is close to the sea and the tourist infrastructure of Balaklava. The hosts are attentive to the wishes of the guests and are always ready to help.

Veronika Samsonova

Be travelers, not tourists. Try new things, meet new people, and go beyond what's right in front of your nose. These are the keys to understanding this amazing world we live in. (c) Andrew Zimmern