It is also known under the Russified name Medved'-gora (Bear mountain) (Ukrainian: Ведмідь-гора, Russian: Медведь-гора).

The summit is located 16 km north-east from Yalta between the towns of Gurzuf and Partenit.

Its Ancient Greek name was Κριοῦ μέτωπον (Kriou Metopon), meaning Ram's Head.

The eastern slopes of Ayu-Dag lead to an ancient settlement Partenit.

In the 9th-10th centuries it was a well-known seaport, bound with cities of the Byzantine Empire.