12 cool seaside vacation spots in Russia

Curonian Spit, Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad Region

This unusual nature reserve is something like a museum of natural areas. You can see both deciduous and coniferous forests and sand dunes. Moreover, all this fit on a rather narrow and long piece of land: the spit stretches for 98 km between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea, from Zelenogradsk to the port city of Klaipeda in Lithuania. Slightly less than half of this territory belongs to Russia. Next is the border post and the Lithuanian border.

Prices and accommodation

An adult visitor will have to pay 150 rubles to enter the reserve (children under 12 years old can go free, pensioners are entitled to discounts). On the Curonian Spit there areNational Park "Curonian Spit" - locations several tourist centers and guest houses. Prices vary greatly: in some, accommodation will cost 450-900 rubles per person, and for more comfortable conditions you will have to pay from 2,000 to 8,000 rubles per night. You can also sign up for an excursion there.

And do not forget to download to your phone the official application of the reserve with tourist points marked on an interactive map - this will help you to navigate the area.

Beach and sea

In addition to the stunningly beautiful forest area, the Curonian Spit boasts wonderful beaches: white sand, cleanliness and lack of people. Bathe it is possible on both sides of the spit, but it is worth taking into account that the water differs in temperature: in the bay it is fresh, therefore it warms up faster, but the Baltic Sea is quite cool. It is most comfortable to swim in it in July - September.

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To see everything, it is more convenient to rent a car: the Curonian Spit is quite long. Buses leave from the bus station about every half hour, and many tourists travel on them. Public transport stops all along the Russian part of the spit, so you can see main attractions: Müller's height, Efa dune and the famous Dancing Forest - one of the business cards braids. There, the trees bend very strangely, resembling dancing people or even snakes. Why they look like this is still a big mystery.

If you are fortunate enough to be here in August, try to attend the annual festivalHow the kites scattered the clouds kites "Goodbye Summer!" Usually the event takes place on the seashore, and it looks unusually colorful. Just specify the date and venue on the website in advance.

The Curonian Spit will definitely appeal to hardy lovers of outdoor activities. For the rest, it is better to calculate their strength, because the road can be difficult. Of course, the shoes must be comfortable.

Amber, Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad region

Now the village of Yantarny (former German Palmniken) is a rather ordinary place with bad roads and undeveloped infrastructure. But there are wonderful beaches here.

Prices and accommodation

There are not enough hotels, restaurants and entertainment in general in Yantarny. Nevertheless, you can shoot very good apartments for 3,500 rubles or stay in the former castle the Prussian king. True, the prices there are not very democratic - from 9,500 for a standard room.

Beach and sea

The sea coast is the main value of the village (not counting, of course, amber mining). Here you will find an amazing wide and clean beach with fine sand, the first in Russia to receive the Blue Flag, and admire the sunsets.

The Baltic Sea is cool. Therefore, it is best to swim in August, when the water warms up to 20Water temperature in Yantarny ° C.

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There are not many attractions in the village itself, except perhaps the museum of the Amber Combine and the former Lutheran church, which has been preserved almost in its original form. Be sure to take a walk in the cozy Moritz Becker Park.

Also worth noticing is the wooden promenade stretching through the forested dunes and the flooded quarry where swans and ducks live. By the way, there you can go fishing right off the boardwalk.

Pionersky, Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad region

Another pleasant corner of the Baltic coast. Once the former German city of Neukuren was a famous European resort with a wide beach and well-developed infrastructure. Of course, now almost nothing is left of the former splendor, but a unique natural landscape has been preserved here, and lucky tourists still occasionally find amber on the local beach.

Prices and accommodation

Although the village is small, you can find different options for living: from a very nice family mini-hotel for 6,000 rubles per day to spacious apartments with two bedrooms for 4,600. In addition, apartments are rented here.

Beach and sea

At the end of the promenade there is a small beach with wooden sun loungers and umbrellas. But tourists are advised to swim and relax in the left, unequipped part of the embankment - there is not so much smell of seaweed and fish, and in general it is much more pleasant to be.

Swimming is comfortable from July to late August. But sometimes in September the water can be warmer than in summer.

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Old German buildings have survived in Pionerskoye, and in some places even paving stones, but otherwise the village itself is unremarkable. But not far away is the "presidential dacha" - one of the government residences. You should definitely look at the birch grove on the seashore and the swans, which can often be found near the water.

Novorossiysk, Black Sea, Krasnodar Territory

Novorossiysk is a port city, but it is relatively clean and comfortable here.

Prices and accommodation

With all the advantages of Novorossiysk, there are very few decent hotels in the city, but you can rent modest apartments for a whole week - and only for 6 650 rubles. Less democratic apartment will cost 5800 rubles for two nights.

Beach and sea

The best place to swim is on the famous Sudzhuk Spit, which stretches for several kilometers from the Tsemesskaya Bay. Pebbles can make it difficult to get in and out of the water, so it's best to do it in a special shoe. In general, the spit is well-maintained: there are changing cabins, sun loungers, souvenir shops, paid parking and places to eat.

sights

There is a pretty embankment in Novorossiysk. But the most important attraction is the famous "Small Earth" memorial. There is also a museum of military equipment. In Tsemesskaya Bay, you can find a monument to Geshe Kozodoev from film "The Diamond Hand" (although the picture was not filmed here, but near Tuapse).

Arabat arrow, Sea of ​​Azov, Crimea

A long spit on the western coast of the Sea of ​​Azov serves as a natural barrier to the salt waters of Lake Sivash. Tourists come here not only for the unique seascapes, but also for healing healing mud.

Prices and accommodation

At the moment, the northern part of the arrow belongs to Ukraine, the southern part to Russia. At the same time, there is no direct road to the spit from the Russian side, and there is no regular public transport there. Therefore, you will have to hit the road from Kerch or Feodosia in a rented car. We are also not talking about infrastructure, so take care of supplies.

Beach and sea

It is worth going to the Arabat Spit first of all for the sake of the magnificent seashell beach. But it is imperative to walk on it in shoes - tourists write about thorns digging into their feet. Another misfortune of the arrow is the abundance of mosquitoes.

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They say that there is very useful mud in Sivash: no worse than on the shores of the Dead Sea. Among other attractions, one can only mention the remains of the Arabat fortress. But they do not come here for the sake of a cultural program: there are unique sunsets and a unique landscape.

Kerch, Azov and Black seas, Crimea

Kerch is one of the most ancient cities in the world, so it is not surprising that a huge number of architectural and historical monuments are concentrated there. But the most important thing is that from here you can get to even more interesting places.

Prices and accommodation

Finding decent housing in Kerch is not so easy, there are no large sanatoriums or hotels. But a modest one can always help out hostel for 700 rubles or private guest House for 3 900 per day.

Beach and sea

Kerch is washed by the seas from two sides at once. But let's warn you right away: those who value privacy will definitely not like it on the city's crowded beaches. It is much better to look for wild beaches outside the city - these include, for example, the village of Geroevskoye, the coast of the Kazantip Bay, or the Arbat Spit, which we wrote about above.

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You should definitely see Fort Totleben, the ruins of the ancient city of Panticapaeum, the ancient city of Nympheus and the Turkish fortress Yenikale. It is also convenient to get from Kerch to the amazing pink Koyashskoye lake to admire the wild nature on its shores and the incredible Opuksky nature reserve.

Livadia, Black Sea, Crimea

Livadia attracts tourists with its cozy coastline stretching for many kilometers. The beach is located between the lake and the sea.

Prices and accommodation

Livadia is considered to be a fairly well-known holiday destination, so accommodation problems are unlikely to arise. The area is full of tent camps, recreation centers, apartments and private cottages. Standard double number at one of the local tourist centers it will cost 3,800 rubles (although the situation, admittedly, raises questions). For lovers of quiet rest, Livadia is not suitable - there are too many noisy vacationers.

Beach and sea

Wide shoals covered with fine golden sand are thoroughly cleaned of debris and glass. The water here is extremely clean, clear, blue-blue, and the local underwater fauna is very diverse.

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The former residence of the Russian emperors, the Livadia Palace and Park Museum-Reserve, is a must-see. It costs 400 rubles to enter there without benefits, but the rich exposition is definitely worth it. Hikers should definitely walk along the Tsar's path, which leads from the Livadia Palace to Gaspra. One way trip takes at least 2 hours. Wear comfortable shoes and take with you water - there will be nowhere to buy it along the way.

Cape Tarkhankut, Sea of ​​Azov, Crimea

The westernmost point of Crimea, located in an ecologically clean region of the peninsula. People come here to admire the steep cliffs and enjoy the surprisingly clear sea water.

Prices and accommodation

Only a savage can stop right on the cape itself. You will find a more civilized accommodation in the resort village of Olenevka. There you can stay in a campsite, holiday home, hotel or private accommodation. Medium double number will cost 1,700 rubles per day.

Beach and sea

The best beach of Tarkhankut, 2.5 kilometers long, can be found in the Karadzha Bay. Tourists even nicknamed him "Bounty" or "Miami" for the turquoise sea and white sand. The place is quite wild, but the minimum infrastructure is still there.

Divers from all over the world come here for the crystal clear sea water. But even if you are not planning on scuba diving yet, just try swim here with a mask - have a lot of fun.

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Do not by any means bypass the amazing natural pool called the Cup of Love. There water flows naturally from an underground tunnel. It is also worth seeing the Dzhangul tract, the Bolshoi and Maly Atlesh nature reserves and the stunningly beautiful Tarkhankut lighthouse. Inside there is a small museum dedicated to the history of the anchor.

Gelendzhik, Black Sea, Krasnodar Territory

As in other resort towns, Gelendzhik has problems with architecture and street decoration, but the infrastructure is extremely clean and well developed. In addition, it is not necessary to rest on city beaches. You can stay in a pleasant hotel (here Gelendzhik especially pleases with its variety) and go out of town to admire the picturesque waterfalls and seascapes.

Prices and accommodation

Finding housing will not be difficult: here is a solid hotel with a swimming pool and a gym, but such a pleasure costs as much as 14,400 rubles per night. For a more democratic option you will have to pay 4 300 rubles, but absolutely modest will cost at least 2 160 rubles. If you wish, you can move into the cute apartments, which cost 3,900 rubles per day.

Beach and sea

The water inside the city is rather dirty. So it is worth looking for wild pebble beaches in the area of ​​Thin Cape and Blue Bay.

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Speaking about Gelendzhik itself, it is impossible not to mention the huge Zolotaya Bukhta water park. You will have to spend a lot on it: price adult ticket - 1,750 rubles, children - 900. Renting a locker will cost 200 rubles, and another 200 needs to be added as a deposit.

You can take a suburban bus to the waterfalls on the Janet River and take a walk with obligatory swimming (entrance there will cost 250 rubles). Then see the Plesetsk and Pshad waterfalls, appreciate the valley of the majestic Tkhab River, which is wide at first and then narrowing to a canyon.

In the area of ​​the village of Praskoveevka there is the Parus rock. This unique natural landmark is a solid stone monolith towering 25 meters above the sea. You can see him on a sea excursion or by driving a rented car. Just keep in mind: to get closer, you have to overcome slippery stone rubble, so it's better to do this without children and elderly relatives.

Anapa, Black Sea, Krasnodar Territory

It is worth going to Anapa for at least a variety of beaches: there are both sandy and pebbly ones. In addition, the distance to Gelendzhik is relatively short - 84 km, so you can not limit yourself to just one city.

Prices and accommodation

Expensive but very modern and well appointed hotel costs 12,900 per night, hotel simpler - 5 800, and the usual apartment by the sea - 2500. You can find completely charming, very inexpensive apartments for 2,000 rubles (the main thing is that you want to leave such a room at all).

Beach and sea

The water in neighboring Dzhemete and Vityazevo is much cleaner than in Anapa, and in Vityazevo it is also not so crowded on the beaches. Therefore, it is better to spend children's and family holidays there.

sights

Go see the cypresses standing right in Lake Sukko, 20 kilometers from Anapa. Keep in mind that 600 rubles will be charged for entering the territory by private car, so it makes sense to take a taxi and get off at the gate. You can ride a catamaran on the lake or just walk around and enjoy the view.

Sochi, Black Sea, Krasnodar Territory

After the Olympics in Sochi, there were new roads, infrastructure facilities, beautiful hotels, modern catering points and much more. Of course, all this had a positive impact on the development of the resort and the overall standard of living in the city.

Prices and accommodation

A big advantage of Sochi is its chain hotels, where the quality is high. But prices bite there, so what for number you will have to pay 22 800 rubles. There are no less cute options for 6 950 rubles. A small but light apartment can pass for 2,300.

Beach and sea

The beaches in the central region of Sochi are rather dirty, often in bottles and broken glass, so it is better to look for places to relax on the sea in Lazarevskoye. Local beaches are rocky, but clean, for convenience there are wooden paths.

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Sochi beauties can be enumerated for a long time: national reserve, Agursky waterfalls, an old yew and boxwood grove in Khost, which will not leave indifferent any nature lover. It is worth going to Mamedovo Gorge - there you will find a very beautiful natural route along the Kuapse River.

Stanitsa Golubitskaya, Sea of ​​Azov, Krasnodar Territory

This option is well suited for those who are counting on a modest and relaxing holiday and want to be closer to nature.

Prices and accommodation

You can relax in Golubitskaya by settling in a recreation center (four nights will cost 10,000 rubles) or in a private household (for example, such for 2,500 per day).

Beach and sea

The sea is very shallow and warms up quickly, so you can swim in it already in May. The beaches in Golubitskaya are mostly shell-like.

sights

There are not so many entertainments and attractions in the village. Many tourists come here to swim in therapeutic mud ponds. Volcanoes are suitable for this. Hephaestus and Tizdar - it won't take long to get to them. The man-made valley of the Indian lotuses also deserves a mention. To see it, you have to pay 600 rubles per person, but tourists sayValley of Indian Lotuswhat a sight to behold.