The Black Sea coast is the most popular resort region among Russian residents. This is one of the few places on the sea coast, suitable for summer holidays on the territory of Russia. A large number of tourists from many cities of Russia come to the resorts of Krasnodar Region (and neighboring regions). Many peoples in Russia prefer to spend their summer holidays on the Russia Black Sea coast, despite the popularity of resorts in countries such as Turkey, Greece, Spain or Thailand.
The city and the beaches, which are located in the Krasnodar region and the Crimea peninsula are the most popular among Russian tourists. The Black Sea coast in Bulgaria is popular with tourists from European countries.
We advise you to take a closer look at Georgia too, if you intend to spend a vacation on the Black Sea coast. The best sea resorts of Georgia are located in the city of Batumi. Length of the Russian Black Sea coast area in Krasnodar region is about 400 kilometers (straight-line distance of about 350 kilometers). The most popular resort towns of Russia are located in this area: Anapa, Gelendzhik, Tuapse, Sochi. Crimean biggest cities are Yalta, Sevastopol, Simferopol, Kerch, Evpatoria, Feodosia.
Useful links for travelers:
- Sochi is the most popular resort in Russia.
- Krasnaya Polyana - a ski resort located near Sochi.
- Map of the Black Sea coast of Russia.
- Book your hotel in Sohi in advance
- Buy a plane ticket to Russia online.
- Book a transfer from the airport before your trip.
Russian Black Sea coast resorts are located at approximately the same latitude and in a similar climate zone, as the most popular resorts of the French Riviera. For example: Anapa - 44°53'40"N, Sochi - 43°35'07"N, Cannes - 43°33'N, Nice - 43°42'10N.
The peak of the tourist season in most parts of the Black Sea coast of Russia lasts from June to September (inclusive).
Unfortunately, there are many beaches that belong to the hotels and access of tourists is closed or possible for money on the territory of the coast. (Unlike many popular tourist countries in which the seaside is available for everyone.)
The distance between some settlements on the coast (direct): Anapa - Gelendzhik 70 km, Gelendzhik - Tuapse 100 km, Tuapse - Sochi 76 km, Sochi - Adler 30 km.
Click on the map.
Climate
Russian part of the Black Sea coast is located in areas of the Mediterranean and subtropical climates. The climate of the region is greatly affected by the Caucasus Mountains (mountains protect from cold northern winds) and the sea (the sea make the air a few cools in summer and warm in the winter).
- Northwest of the town of Tuapse height of the mountains does not exceed 1000 meters. Mountains are not a significant barrier to air flow. Southeast of Tuapse height of mountains are reaching 3000 meters or more. This has a significant impact on weather.
- The section from Anapa to Tuapse is located in Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. From Tuapse to Adler is subtropical humid climate. It drops significantly more rainfall and frosts happened rarely in winter.
Cities and places
Sochi
Sochi is the most popular and the largest resort city in Russia. Municipality of Sochi is also known as Greater Sochi. The coastline in the Greater Sochi has a length of over 100 kilometers. Municipality of Sochi city is divided into four districts: Central District (Sochi), Adler district, Lazarevsky district and Central district. Big Sochi resides more than 445,000 people. Among the well-known holiday destinations in the Greater Sochi can be called Dagomys, Lazarovsky, Adler. Beaches near the town of Sochi almost all pebble. In the mountains, near the village of Krasnaya Polyana, popular ski resorts are located. The best time of year to visit the city of Sochi for beach lovers is from June to October.
You can come to Sochi by rail or by car. In the city of Adler is a major international airport that receives flights from many cities of Russia.
- Adler City is part of the Sochi municipal formation and the administrative center of Adler district. Adler is located in the southeastern part of the Black Sea coast of Russia, near the border with Abkhazia. The holiday season near the Adler can last from May until mid-November.
- “Krasnaya Polyana”. “Krasnaya Polyana” is located in the Adler district of Sochi municipal entity. Distance from the village of Krasnaya Polyana to coast is about 40 kilometers, altitude 538 meters. The village is connected with Adler and Sochi airport by highway. There are plans to develop this area as a prestigious ski resort. In the vicinity of the village are located ski centers “Alpica Service”, “Laura”, “Gornaya Carousel”, “Rosa Khutor”.
Anapa
Anapa is located in the northwestern part of the Black Sea coast of Russia, near the Crimea and the Sea of Azov. Distance from Anapa to Moscow is about 1690 kilometers, 170 kilometers to Krasnodar, to Sochi to 360 kilometers. Black Sea coast in the region of Anapa is considered as one of the best family vacation destinations on the territory of Russia. Many of located here beaches are sandy and gravel-sand, have flat bottom and are well suited for families with children. Water in places well heated. The swimming season in fine weather can last from May to October.
Near Anapa (in sea lagoon on the Grand Utrish) is the only Russian Black Sea coast dolphinarium, which contains marine mammals and act in vivo (running in seawater on the open air). (Utrish Dolphinarium has branches in other cities, such as St. Petersburg.)
Tourists in Anapa often commute by train, by car or by air. In Anapa are located a major airport and railway station. Rail trains to Anapa go during the tourist season (winter trains to Novorossiysk).
Gelendzhik
Gelendzhik is located on the Black Sea coast in “Krasnodarsky Kray” region of Russia. It is located about 70 kilometers southeast of the city of Anapa. This is one of the most popular summer resorts in Russia. Resident population of the city is about 61,000 people. The peak tourist season lasts from June to September. The sea temperature may be favorable for bathing in good weather from May to October. Most of the natural beaches covered with pebbles. In the center of Gelendzhik Bay has an artificial sandy beach about 1 kilometer long.
There is an airport in Gelendzhik. The nearest railway station is located in the city of Novorossiysk.
Tuapse
Tuapse city is located on the coast of the Black Sea, at a distance approximately 80 kilometers north-west of Sochi. The city's population is about 63,000 people. There is a major seaport and railway station.
Novorossiysk
Novorossiysk city is located on the coast of the Black Sea, Tsemess Bay (Krasnodar region). The city's population is more than 251 thousand people. Novorossiysk is an important transport hub in the south of Russia. The city is a major port, railway station, site roads node (road M4 “Don”, Moscow - Rostov-on-Don - Novorossiysk).
See also: map of the coast, Sochi, Anapa, Russia, travel destinations.