
History
Be enchanted by the Scythian Naples, one of the seven wonders of Simferopol; gaze in awe at the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky; or explore the 16th century Kebir-Jami Mosque.
Built upon the ancient Scythian Neapolis and ravaged by the Goths, Simferopol is a whirring metropolis steeped in mystery and ablaze with Eastern European culture. Situated on the Crimea Peninsula and home to over 400,000 people, it is the capital city of Crimea. Attractions include the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky, Central Museum of Tavrida and Scythian Naples.
With cheap flights to Simferopol you can journey to this quintessential Ukrainian city and be seduced by its dark charm and unique culture. Simferopol is home to Simferopol International Airport (SIP), which is a 20-minute drive, or 45-minute train ride from the city centre. SIP serves a multitude of airlines, including Aeroflot, Ural Airlines and S7 Airlines. Popular international flights to Simferopol depart from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Flight duration from Johannesburg to Simferopol is approximately 18 hours 5 minutes.
Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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Be enchanted by the Scythian Naples, one of the seven wonders of Simferopol; gaze in awe at the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky; or explore the 16th century Kebir-Jami Mosque.
Famous for its cognacs, ports and madeira wines, winemaking traditions in Crimea have existed for thousands of years. Wine collections are unparalleled, with some vintages dating to the 19th century.
Crimea has been a cultural crossroads for centuries. A coalescence of civilisations has created a unique blend of cultures that have made Simferopol the exotic city that it is today.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
Country | Ukraine |
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Currency | Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) |
Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 2.04 UAH |
Language | Russian / Ukrainian / Crimean Tatar |
Hub Airport | Simferopol International Airport |
Time Zone | GMT + 2 |
Travel Adaptor | Type C & F |
Simferopol experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and snowy winters. Average temperatures range from 27 degrees Celsius in summer to -3 degrees Celsius in winter. The city experiences considerable rainfall throughout the year and moderate snowfall. Summer (June to August) is the best time to visit if you want to experience a balmy Crimean holiday. This is the high season in Simferopol. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) is less busy, but the weather is divine and the landscape explodes with colour. Although winter (December to February) can be cold and wet, it is the best time to visit if you want to experience the warm Christmas traditions and festive atmosphere. For cheap flights to Simferopol, the best time to visit is from November to February.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low °C | -3°C | -3°C | -1°C | 5°C | 10°C | 14°C | 16°C | 15°C | 11°C | 6°C | 3°C | 0°C |
High °C | 4°C | 4°C | 8°C | 15°C | 21°C | 25°C | 27°C | 27°C | 22°C | 16°C | 11°C | 6°C |
Rainfall (mm) | 50 | 38 | 38 | 35 | 41 | 54 | 46 | 41 | 38 | 35 | 48 | 60 |
Although it is often cited that Simferopol was founded by Catherine the Great in 1784, this enigmatic slice of the Ukraine has been inhabited for centuries.
What is now Simferopol was once the ancient Scythian Neapolis, founded in the 3rd century AD. It prospered as the capital for almost 6 centuries before the Goths arrived, swords blazing, and destroyed the fabled city.
Today, the city has remained lost in its obscurity, untouched and undiscovered by mass tourism. And it is thanks to this that the city has retained its charm and exotic mystique.
Surrounded by the mysterious waters of the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, Simferopol is a peculiar place heaving with incredible culture and fascinating attractions.
The old train station, Kebir-Jami Mosque, Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and Scythian Naples offer a glimpse into the city’s history, while the Crimean Ethnographic Museum, Simferopol Art Museum and Lenin Square offer a dose of culture. For a sojourn in nature, a number of parks sprawl across the city.
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South African passport holders do require a visa when travelling to Simferopol. You will need to contact the Ukraine Embassy in Pretoria for more information.
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The situation in the Ukraine is volatile and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against travel to Crimea. However, events are fast moving and likely to change. You should monitor media channels and seek travel advice before planning a trip to this area. Other precautions include:
Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is recommended. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, important documents, and valuables, as pick-pocketing does happen. Remain vigilant in crowded areas and avoid political demonstrations and rallies.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a yellow fever endemic area. Immunisation against Hepatitis A & B, tuberculosis, typhoid, and rabies are recommended. Other routine vaccinations include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella and polio. Water in the Ukraine is considered undrinkable; bottled water is recommended.
Item | Johannesburg | Cape Town | Simferopol |
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Meal (inexpensive restaurant) | R 90.00 | R 100.00 | R 81.00 |
Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) | R 22.00 | R 20.00 | R 12.00 |
Cappuccino (regular) | R 19.00 | R 20.00 | R 11.00 |
Taxi 1km (normal tariff) | R 10.00 | R 12.00 | R 3.00 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | R 35.00 | R 35.00 | R 19.00 |
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