Ai-Petri Bridges

While Crimea is a bit too contentious for casual tourism, that doesn't mean that there aren't wonders to be found among the turmoil. For instance the peak of Ai-Petri where high winds buffet a handful of rickety suspension bridges for a good portion of the year.  

Ai-Petri, meaning St. Peter in Greek, is a peak in the Crimean Mountains. One of the windiest places in Crimea, the wind blows for 125 days in a year and up to speeds of 100 miles per hour. In addition to the somewhat troublesome winds, the high peak is also one of the foggiest places in the Ukraine, giving the heights an air of mystery and danger. But for all the foggy and blustery conditions on the 4,000 foot elevation, it offers amazing views the surrounding cities of Yalta and Alupka, as well as the Black Sea. 

But the view of the peak itself is an incredible sight to see. The most well known feature is a tall cross that has been planted in the actual peak, which is a lone stone pillar. Sightseers can reach the via a pair of wood-slate cable bridges that stretch out over the often cloudy void. It certainly does not look to be for the faint of heart. The cable bridges were built in recent years, and allows for safe passage to the cross that was long-ago erected on a rock formation.

The top can be reached by a long hike to the top, but most visitors opt for the cable car ride that will take you right there and back for about $4 each way. It offers the added benefit of allowing you to be suspended over a yawning void for even longer.