Connoisseurs of beauty and solitude will find here wild beaches with golden sand dunes and a lake with Indian lotuses. Lovers of antiquity – ruins of settlements of the 4th century BC. e. Those seeking gastronomic pleasures will appreciate the local wineries and gourmet restaurants along the coast. In addition, Anapa is ideal for families with children: there are many theme parks and attractions.
We tell you how best to organize your vacation, what attractions to visit in Anapa and its surroundings, where to stay and what to bring with you.
How to get there
Car. A car will be a suitable option for the company. The distance from Moscow to the resort is approximately 1,500 km along the shortest route, travel time is 20 hours. The price for renting a middle class car in Moscow is from 6,000* rubles per day (automatic transmission).
Bus.On it you can get from Moscow to Anapa in about 22 hours, ticket prices start from 3,100* rubles one way. Regular buses also run from Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm and other cities of Russia.
Train. Inexpensive and comfortable option. Prices for tickets Moscow – Anapa in June start from 2,700* rubles in both directions, travel time is 1.5 days. Tickets from St. Petersburg to Anapa will cost 6,500* rubles, the travel time is just over 1.5 days. Trains also depart from other Russian cities.
Airplane. Anapa airport is currently closed. If you wish, you can fly to Sochi, and from there take the Lastochka train to the resort in 8 hours. The cost of tickets for flights Moscow – Sochi in both directions in June starts from 14,000* rubles, St. Petersburg – Sochi – from 20,400* rubles.
Where to stay
“Turgenev” (score 9) – from 2,850* rubles per night. Two-star design hotel near Anapa Bay. There are standard, superior, family rooms and suites with kitchenettes. Vacationers can visit the hotel cafe.
Address: st. Turgeneva, 252.
Gala Palmira (rating 9.1) – from 7,950* rubles per night. Three-star hotel near the beach in the suburbs of Anapa. Guests have access to a buffet, swimming pool, sauna, spa center and Turkish bath. There is animation and a playground for children.
Address: st. Mira, 211/3.
“Anapa” (rating 10) – from 22,000* rubles per night. Five-star hotel with private beach, swimming pools and fitness center. An excellent option for those who prefer an all-inclusive holiday format.
Address: Golubiye Dali passage, 1.
When to go
The beach season in Anapa lasts from June to October. At the end of May, the air temperature is already warm, but the water is not yet suitable for swimming. But in the first summer month the sea warms up enough for children and adults to swim comfortably.
The peak tourist season is in July and August, with temperatures reaching 35°C at this time. Please note that at the end of summer the water in the Black Sea blooms. If this bothers you, then it is better to enjoy water treatments in June and the first half of July or choose pebble beaches without vegetation.
The resort also welcomes tourists in autumn, winter and spring. At this time, you won’t be able to sunbathe on the seashore, but natural attractions, cultural sites and children’s entertainment are still available.
What to see in Anapa
Lighthouse
This symbol of the city is located on the picturesque shore of Cape Anapa. The height of the octagonal tower made of white and black brick is 21 m, the fire itself is located at an altitude of 43 m above sea level, and its range is 29.7 km. The lighthouse is operational, so tourists will not be able to climb it. But in the evening you can see how the red beam lights up and heads out to sea.
Central embankment
A well-maintained walking area along the Black Sea coast, where there are always a lot of tourists. There are cafes, souvenir shops, tour desks and children’s attractions. The embankment has two tiers: on the lower one there is a beach and restaurants, the upper one is a paved street where vacationers walk.
Archaeological reserve “Gorgippia”
Many centuries ago, the ancient city of Gorgippia was located on the territory of the modern resort. Now at the site of his excavations there is an open-air archaeological museum. This Anapa attraction is suitable for lovers of history, disappeared cities and ruins. Here you can see ancient quarters, building foundations, marble slabs and antique household items. You can get to the museum in a few minutes on foot from the Central City Beach.
Waterpark “Golden Beach”
Anapa has a lot of zoos, theme parks and attractions, which makes the city attractive for young travelers. One of these is the Golden Beach water park, the largest open-air entertainment complex. This is an excellent option for a family holiday: there are slides for children and adults, a food court, and there are also animation programs, foam shows, competitions and games. The park’s special feature is a panoramic view of the sea and a variety of water attractions. Among them are 6 family slopes, 6 extreme slides and a children’s playground with swimming pools.
What to see in the area
Big Utrish
The village and state reserve of the same name are located approximately 15 km from Anapa. The area is known for its landscapes, diverse flora and fauna and includes forests, mountains, grasslands and coastal areas. Due to its wild nature, for a long time Utrish was a place of attraction for mystics and esotericists. Here you can enjoy hiking, healing air, swimming in the Black Sea and sightseeing. In the Utrish Nature Reserve itself, excursions are held through the pistachio-juniper forests, where travelers can see the majestic rock Perruptnaya – according to legend, Prometheus was chained to it.
Where to stay:
“Utrish Residence” (rating 9.7) – from 1,700* rubles per night. Three-star hotel on the Black Sea coast with a swimming pool and a children’s playroom. The rooms offer beautiful views of the green hills.
Address: Sukko, st. Utrishskaya, 29.
«Lotus Valley»
On the Taman Peninsula, 40 km from Anapa, you can find flowers unusual for the Krasnodar Territory. In a large freshwater reservoir, due to favorable environmental conditions and human efforts, an entire plantation of Indian lotuses appeared on six hectares. You can get to them as part of an excursion on a boat that sails into the center of the thicket. You can also spend the night in the vicinity of Taman and explore local attractions, and in the morning go to the lake on your own and rent a boat. The best time to come here is during the flowering period – from mid-summer to September. At dawn, you can catch the moment when the buds that slept under the water rise and open their pink petals.
Where to stay:
“Fort Apatur” (rating 8.6) – from 3,700* rubles per night. Two-star hotel on the Taman Peninsula on the shore of the bay. Nearby are the Lermontov house-museum and the village of Ataman, and the lotuses can be reached by car in half an hour.
Address: Taman, st. Lebedeva, 84B.
Lake Sukko
Another man-made miracle is a freshwater lake, inside of which 32 cypress trees from North America are planted. The place became so popular among tourists that over time the eco-zone turned into the Sukko Valley amusement park. Today here you can sunbathe on the shore, swim in fresh water, sail on a boat, fish and ride a zipline over the pond. If you prefer a relaxing holiday and solitude, it is best to come here not during the peak season – in summer, but in autumn, when the tree crowns turn bright red and orange. You can get to the lake from Anapa on your own by taxi or regular bus.
Where to stay:
“Bonjour” (rating 8.5) – from 6,900* rubles per night. Three-star hotel with swimming pool and children’s playroom. The hotel is located on the first coastline near the cypress lake.
Address: Sukko, st. Central, 2D.
Abrau-Durso
About an hour’s drive from Anapa, on the picturesque shore of Lake Abrau, there is a small village. Most often people come here to visit the champagne factory, but there are other leisure options. In Abrau-Durso you can stroll along the lake embankment and the historical center of the village, ride a yacht, swim and fish. You will especially enjoy hiking through the vineyards, which offer stunning views of the sea, lake, hills and plantations. Of course, it is worth visiting an excursion to the Abrau-Durso sparkling wine factory. There you will find walks through the ancient winery and mountain tunnels with a sparkling wine tasting accompanied by a guide.
Where to stay:
Imperial & Champagne SPA (rating 9.1) – from 11,400* rubles per night. Four-star hotel with luxurious interior, swimming pool and views of the lake and mountains. It features a spa, sauna and Turkish bath.
Address: Abrau-Durso, st. Industrial, 38.
Beaches
Anapa Central Beach
The sandy coast with a gentle and long entrance to the water is an ideal place for families with children. As befits a beach in the city center, there is all the necessary infrastructure: changing rooms, luggage storage, sun loungers, umbrellas, playgrounds and volleyball courts, cafes and shops, as well as water attractions – banana boat, scooter and parachute flights over the sea. The only inconvenience here may be the number of vacationers: in July and August it is better to take a place in the sun early in the morning. Entrance to the beach is free.
“800 steps”
In the village of Supsekh there is a popular attraction in the vicinity of Anapa – the longest and most picturesque path to the sea in the Krasnodar region. A staircase of 800 steps on a rocky shore leads to a wild beach where you can swim. The way down will take about 15 minutes, but going up is longer and more difficult, so be careful with your strength. On the way to the sea, you can stop at observation platforms and admire the dizzying landscapes. The height of the rock is 312 m, this is where the Caucasus Range begins. The beach itself is relatively small, with clear water, a rocky seabed and a calm atmosphere. There won’t be crowds of tourists here like on the Central Beach of Anapa, but it’s also more difficult to get here.
Dzhemete
The resort village 8 km from Anapa will appeal to those who are not suitable for noisy and crowded city beaches. You can go here for a day, or you can stay in a guest house, hotel or campsite. From any area you can get to the sea in 10 minutes. Sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, shops, cafes and entertainment are also available here. On the coast there is the Central Beach of Dzhemete, as well as many areas belonging to boarding houses – entry there may be paid. If you want privacy, go to the wild beaches, they stretch all the way to the border with Anapa.
Where to stay:
“Kamena” (rating 8.9) – from 4,000* rubles per night. Guest house on the first coastline with comfort and luxury rooms, as well as rooms with two bedrooms for a large company.
Address: Upper Dzhemete, st. Morskaya, 17.
Vityazevo
The resort village of Vityazevo, 15 km from Anapa, is also suitable for relaxation. Almost all locations are equipped with the necessary infrastructure, so they are comfortable with children. There are many sandy beaches here, here are the most popular: “Central”, “Paralia”, “Dunes”, “Pearl” and “Tortuga”. Some coastal areas are named after the hotels located on them, which monitor the order and cleanliness of their territory. The length of the coastline is approximately 20 km, the width sometimes reaches 200 m – there is a place for everyone here. On the outskirts of the village, wild beaches stretch for 12 km, where there are fewer tourists, clean water and picturesque views, but there is no entertainment, cafes or amenities. In addition, in Vityazevo there is an estuary with medicinal mud, where people go for health treatments.
Where to stay:
Family Pride Inn (rating 9.9) – from 10,000* rubles per night. Three-star hotel with a view of the Black Sea, a swimming pool and a children’s playground. Next to the hotel there is a Greek themed water park called Olympia.
Address: Vityazevo, st. Mira, 241.
Bugaz Spit
About 50 km from Anapa there is a sand spit 12 km long. On one side it is surrounded by the Black Sea, and on the other by the fresh waters of the estuary. There are significantly fewer tourists here than on the city coast and in the villages of Dzhemete and Vityazevo; there are no sunbeds or changing rooms here. People come here for the wild picturesque beaches with “golden” dunes, untouched nature and dolphins, which can be seen in the distance if you’re lucky. Thanks to the special weather conditions, the location was chosen by kiters and windsurfers. You can take a lesson at local surf schools. The Bugaz Spit is one of the most popular places for camping.
Restaurants and cafes
“Cousteau”
Grill bar with dishes of European, Mediterranean and Russian cuisine. If you are looking for a restaurant with a view of the Black Sea, you will definitely like it here. The cozy interior, excellent service and varied menu are suitable for both a family dinner and a romantic date. The items include soups, salads, meat dishes and seafood, delicious cocktails, Russian and imported wines.
Address: st. Mayakovsky, 2B.
“Gastroparking”
If you want to grab a quick bite on the street or buy some food to go to watch the sunset on the waterfront, visit this place. Various food trucks offer fast food to choose from: burgers, gyros, hot dogs, shawarma, etc. In the evening, you can sit comfortably on swings, ottomans and sun loungers and enjoy live music.
Address: on the corner of Pushkin and Lenin streets.
“Matsoni”
Restaurant of Caucasian cuisine with the atmosphere of a Georgian feast. They serve khachapuri, kutab, khinkali, grilled dishes, as well as signature cocktails, chacha and sparkling wines. You can come to the cafe with a large group; there is a children’s room for children. If you don’t want to leave the hotel, order delicious dishes delivered to your room.
Address: st. Lenina, 3.
“Clouds”
Restaurant of modern Russian and European cuisine a few minutes from the Central Beach. The Black Sea Mussel festival takes place here every year, so the local seafood is prepared excellently. For hot dishes, you should try salmon, tuna and turkey steaks. In summer, a cozy terrace opens up to guests, where musicians and DJs play in the evenings. You can also celebrate a birthday or wedding here – the banquet hall can accommodate up to 100 people.
Address: st. Grebenskaya, 3A.
“Sea”
Stylish modern restaurant with a rich selection of fish and seafood dishes. For an appetizer you can take tuna carpaccio, and for a main course – Atlantic mackerel with baked new potatoes. You can also find meat dishes, pizza and pasta here. The establishment is located on the embankment, with pleasant views of the sea from the summer terrace.
Address: st. Embankment, 2.
What to bring
Cosmetics
Cosmetic products based on therapeutic mud are popular in Anapa – handmade soap, masks, shampoos, shower gels, as well as mud in jars. Due to the presence of a large number of vineyards in the surrounding area, grape seed oil is often taken as a gift. It can be purchased in pure form or as part of creams and other care products.
Nuts and dried fruits
In souvenir shops and stores you can find delicious and healthy almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, green nuts, as well as urbech, jam and walnut oils. As for dried fruits, travelers often bring home figs, dried apricots, apricots, raisins, prunes, dried melon and persimmon.
Honey
There are many apiaries in the vicinity of the city, so linden, May, acacia or buckwheat honey will be a popular edible souvenir. It is sold by weight in its pure form or in beautiful gift packaging. There is also honey with fillings – nuts or dried fruits.
Wine
The most popular sparkling wines are produced at the Abrau-Durso plant. But you can also try and purchase drinks from local, lesser-known wineries, of which there are dozens in the vicinity of Anapa. Among them are “Old Greek Wine Estate”, “Rocky Coast”, Chateau Tamagne and others.
Juniper products
Coniferous shrubs are used to make dishes, kitchen utensils, boxes, massagers, pillows stuffed with wood shavings, and much more. They smell good, are durable, very light and have antibacterial properties.
To summarize
For most people, Anapa is a resort in the Krasnodar region with a lively Central beach and a noisy embankment. This is partly true, but the city has much more to offer the traveler.
In the surrounding area you will find amazing natural attractions: clean lakes, protected juniper groves and green vineyards. Beach holiday opportunities are not limited to the city center – the spacious shores of Vityazevo, Dzhemete and the Bugaz Spit await tourists. Choose where you’ll go and look for flights and hotels on OneTwoTrip.
*Prices are current at the time of publication.
