Koktebel: Make a Run For the Border

Most people head to Yalta for their Crimean adventure, but the real Black Sea gem is closer to the Russian border in the town of Koktebel. I visited the popular hippie spot for its annual jazz festival and was surprised at how much I truly loved the beaches and atmosphere.

Koktebel, which means "Land of the Blue Hills," centers all its action on a long walkway that goes along the coastline. Here you will find many of the town's favorite treats -- insanely decadent cakes, locally made cognacs, Slavic-style baklava and excellent grill-based Tatar cooking. There are lots of arts and crafts for sale as well, but even the fashions are more homemade Venice Beach than ritzy resort D&G.

In fact, for such a great beach community, there isn't a single resort. Rather, it's small hotels near the coastline, most of which aren't even online. I booked my hotel through Travel2Crimea.com, an English-speaking travel agent that's your best bet for all things Crimea. Local residents also provide rooms for rent during the summer peak season.

Koktebel is certainly a smaller town with less historic sights to see, but it has a lot more space to stretch out on his beaches. If you get sunburned and need other options, however, you can visit a nearby cognac factory, take a boat excursion or even go horseback riding. There are also countless street musicians for those who like that kind of entertainment.

If you are looking for the big beach scene, you definitely want to stick with the mainstays, Yalta and Odessa. But for those waiting something more quaint and intimate, Koktebel is an excellent seaside option.