Karadag Nature Reserve

Here you can see the only geological massif of the Jurassic period in Europe, which was formed by the activity of the Karadag volcano (Black Mountain). The highest peak is Sviata Mountain (577 m). The rocks of the massif fall sharply into the sea, forming coves and grottoes. Various original forms of rock weathering caused by lava, tuffs, lava flows, breccias, and dikes are widespread in Karadag. Here you can find many valuable minerals – opal, carnelian, agate, chalcedony, trass, and others. Karadag brings together land and sea, mountains and plains, forests, steppes and semi-deserts. More than one thousand species of plants, including endemic ones, grow here. Over 1632 species of Lepidoptera, 199 species of birds, and 107 species of fish were observed.

 

In addition, the Karadag Reserve is associated with scientific discoveries and students’ practical training, science and romance, a wonderful Museum of Nature created by the golden hands of the reserve’s personnel, and the museum of Nature created by the forces of Nature itself!

 

In 2001, the Karadag Reserve was recognized as a national heritage of Ukraine.