In order not to be sad about the passing summer, go on a trip and enjoy the benefits of the end of the season: walks in the mountains without the sweltering heat, the warm sea and the ripest fruits. We have put together a selection of budget visa-free destinations so that you can spend this summer properly and meet the fall tanned and happy.
Georgia
Georgia is an excellent option to go on a trip: you don’t need a visa, the prices for flights, accommodation and delicious food are low, the mountains and the sea are nearby, the cities are old and colorful, and the people are hospitable.
Start your journey from the Old Town of Tbilisi: winding streets, decorated front doors and “Italian” courtyards – they received this name not for their external resemblance, but because they are just as crowded and noisy. Climb on foot or by cable car to the Narikala Fortress and look at the entire Old City from above. Experience Tbilisi’s warm sulfur baths, built in the 17th century in Persian style.
For a look at modern Georgia, go to Batumi, where you can rent a bicycle and ride along the 7-kilometer embankment to the famous modern art sculpture “Ali and Nino”, which tells about love despite different religions and ethnic hatred.
In August, figs, pears, watermelons and melons ripen in Georgia, and in early September the first grapes and new wine appear. Try all types of khachapuri, eating fresh vegetables and herbs. Ask the cafe to teach you how to eat khinkali correctly – only with your hands, no forks or knives.
Flight Moscow – Tbilisi: from 5,256 rubles
Hotel 3*: from 1,568 rubles
Armenia
Photo: @svistal13/@lian_leen/Instagram.com
The capital of Armenia, Yerevan, stands at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat. One of the oldest cities in the world, calm and friendly. Climb to the observation deck along the Cascade, an architectural complex of 675 steps, from here you can see the city and Ararat. Finding yourself here at sunset, you will understand why Yerevan is called the “pink city”: almost all the houses in the center are built from the volcanic rock Tufa, which takes on a pinkish tint in the evenings.
Walk through the oldest part of the city – the Kondu district, nicknamed “the slums of Yerevan” for its old stone houses, narrow streets and stairs. Despite the name, the area is safe.
August in Armenia is a hot month. You can hide from the heat at the alpine resort Lake Sevan. At the peak of the heat, the water temperature here reaches 22-23 degrees. Another way to escape the heat is to climb Mount Ararat. Mountaineering skills are not required – the mountain is considered easy in technical terms, but good physical shape, an experienced guide and a minimum set of equipment will come in handy.
In August, grapes, figs, quinces and pomegranates already ripen in Armenia. This month marks the festival of local beer and the celebration of the New Year (Navasarda) according to the ancient Armenian calendar.
Flight Moscow – Yerevan: from 4,244 rubles
Hotel 3*: from 1,673 rubles
Azerbaijan
Photo: liseykina/Shutterstock.com
Baku is a modern, clean and cozy capital of Azerbaijan on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The main attraction of the city is a modern architectural complex of three skyscrapers that look like flames – the Flame Towers. When the sun sets, LED screens on their facades turn on, broadcasting the movement of fire.
Another architectural value of the city is the Heydar Aliyev Center, built according to the design of the brilliant Zaha Hadid. In 2014, this building was recognized as the best in the world according to the Design of the Year award, awarded by the international association of designers.
As in any city with a rich history, Baku has an Old City, where, in addition to a cozy atmosphere, you can find the place where the beloved film “The Diamond Arm” was filmed and take a photo as a souvenir.
Photo: @bakutoday/@marienovosad/Instagram.com
August is the season for watermelons, melons, figs, grapes, plums and pears in Azerbaijan. At this time, locals like to eat watermelon with fresh bread and cheese. And even in the heat they will offer you tea – the favorite drink of Azerbaijanis.
Flight Moscow – Baku: from 5,439 rubles
Hotel 3*: from 1,027 rubles
Montenegro
In August it is still hot in Montenegro and there are many tourists coming to numerous festivals: the Entrance electronic music festival in Rozaj, the summer carnival in Kotor and the parade of decorated boats – “Bokel Night”, “Fish Night” in Ulcinj and others.
Montenegro has excellent beaches: pebbly and sandy, crowded and secluded, azure water, romantic bays. Active recreation enthusiasts can enjoy surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding in Bar, Sveti Stefan, Budva and Ulcinje.
In addition to the sea, Montenegro has medieval monuments and nature reserves. See the castles of Perast, the Ostrog monastery in the rock, the cathedrals of Kotor. Go hiking in Durmitor National Park.
Among the local dishes, try prosciutto – dried smoked ham, Njegush cheese made from sheep or goat milk, creamy kajmak, chorba – fish soup with paprika and tomato paste, and burek – a pie with cheese or meat, which locals eat for breakfast and wash down with kefir.
Flight Moscow – Tivat: from 7,511 rubles
Hotel: from 1,027 rubles
Krasnodar region: Sochi, Anapa, Gelendzhik
August in Russia is the last warm month of the year. And, if in most areas the heat has already subsided, then in the Krasnodar Territory you can still sunbathe and swim.
Sochi has become the most popular seaside resort in Russia in recent years. Expect an active holiday – there are many interesting places around the city that are worth visiting. Check out the Olympic Park in Adler and the Krasnaya Polyana ski resort – hiking, cycling and horseback riding are popular here in the summer.
People come to Anapa for the sandy beaches and picturesque wild lagoons of Big and Small Utrish, surrounded by relict juniper forest. For beautiful views and photos, go to the Sukko Valley to the cypress lake, in the middle of which American swamp cypresses grow. In August, the lotus valley blooms near Anapa.
Gelendzhik is known for a large number of pebble beaches for every taste – there are more than 100 of them here: from developed to wild and even extreme. The best beach is considered to be the “Gardens of the Seas”, and the most picturesque places for swimming are located in the so-called Krucha – along the high rocky coast. Most of them have steep mountain slopes – you’ll need good shoes.
Flight Moscow – Sochi: from 3,151 rubles
Hotel 3*: from 855 rubles
* Prices for flights and accommodation are indicated at the time of writing. The cost indicated in the material and the final price may differ depending on the time during which the tickets are purchased.
Text author: Gaisina Denmark
