| Waterfalls Observation platforms and mountains Dolmens Wild beaches Holidays with a tent by car Other places by car Reviews, stories and routes of tourists Where to stay in Gelendzhik Excursions |
Gelendzhik is one of the best resorts in the Krasnodar Territory on the Black Sea. If you are reading this text, then you are probably going to the sea by car. You will find out what to see and where to go in Gelendzhik and its surroundings on your own, and therefore you will be able to organize the best vacation by car.
Many people will envy those who come with their own car, because there are enough places in Gelendzhik that are more convenient to reach by personal transport. Most of them are located in the vicinity of the city - there are hundreds of murmuring waterfalls, green mountains, incredible wild beaches, as well as all the possibilities of nearby resorts. Of course, by car you can easily visit the city attractions of Gelendzhik: for example, the embankment, Safari Park and Olympus Park.
Sights of Gelendzhik
Tourists jeeping in the mountains Photo: © Elena Ramus
However, the popularity of the places and the large number of vacationers creates difficulties with parking, so most people prefer to use their cars only for traveling out of town. Before your trip, be sure to check with the hotel about the availability of parking spaces and the conditions for their use.
Waterfalls
Streams of cool water babbling from the mountains are an excellent option for a short trip on vacation, especially in summer. Waterfalls are the most popular and easiest destination where you can go in Gelendzhik by car. Such a quantity and variety of them is not found in neighboring Anapa and Novorossiysk. Here are the most basic, accessible and impressive waterfalls located on different rivers in the vicinity of the city.
All Gelendzhik waterfalls
One of the Gebius waterfalls Photo: © Anastasia Buyanova
Janet Waterfalls
Distance from Gelendzhik: 11 km
The path to Zhane waterfalls begins from the highway in the village of Vozrozhdenie. The cascades on the river are small, but the route is in demand due to the equipped trail, the presence of cafes and dolmens, as well as its short length compared to the others (~3–3.5 km one way). Accessible for children. Parking in front of the entrance and access to the trail are paid during the season.
The first waterfall awaits just outside the entrance and parking lot. The second one is a couple of kilometers further. It bears the name “Emerald” because beneath its stream lies a natural bowl of clear green water. Further on you will find the baths of Hercules and Aphrodite - depressions in the rocks on the river that formed natural pools. According to legend, they bestow strength and beauty on those who bathe in them.
Read more: Zhane waterfalls
Waterfall on the Zhane River Photo: ©
Plesetsk waterfalls
Distance from Gelendzhik: 18 km
Plesetsk waterfalls - a cascade on the Thab River. This is a more difficult and lengthy route that requires good preparation and footwear. Not recommended with small children. In some places you need to walk along the rocky river bed, including fords. The trail begins from the highway in the village of Mikhailovsky Pass.
The difficulties of the road are compensated by the beauty of several high waterfalls up to 7–15 meters, bearing the symbolic names “Veil”, “Tie”, “Brothers” and others. However, the full flow of the river depends on the weather; the best time to visit is the off-season.
Read more: Plesetsk waterfalls
Gebius Falls
Distance from Gelendzhik: 65 km
The chain of waterfalls on the Teshebs River is farther away from the resort than others, but due to its accessibility and attractiveness it attracts no less number of tourists. Seven waterfalls delight with diversity. Three large ones are especially popular, named “Lace”, “Devil’s Mouth” and “Grotto”. It's convenient that they are next to each other.
The route starts from the entrance stele “Gelendzhik” from the side of Tuapse and the worship cross. There is also a parking lot there. The trail is equipped and marked, but natural paths and metal stairs require suitable footwear in any case. The length of the walking path is about 1.5–2 km in one direction. There is an entrance fee during the season.
Read more: Gebius Falls
One of the Gebius waterfalls Photo: © Anastasia Buyanova
Tsegelsky waterfall
Distance from Gelendzhik: 10 km
Tsegelsky Falls, also known as the Lace or Love Falls, is a thin but high stream that falls into a bowl and continues in a small cascade. It is worth considering that its full flow is highly dependent on rain.
The waterfall is located on the slope of a mountain range near the village of Aderbievka. In dry weather, you can drive a passenger car quite close, then you need to go down the stairs to the river bed. In addition to the waterfall, there are two springs - with living and dead water. Nearby there is a cafe with kebabs and steaks, and gazebos are available for rent.
Read more: Tsegelsky waterfall
Tsegelsky waterfall Photo: © greddyz
Pshada Waterfalls
Distance from Gelendzhik: 32 km
Waterfalls in the upper reaches of the Pshada River and its tributaries are numerous. As usual, the tallest and most beautiful are always held in high esteem. A large 9-meter stream received the name “Olyapkin”. Along the way, you can explore groups of dolmens located in several places near the riverbed, and in the village visit the Yin-Yang health park with fishing and spa treatments.
Pshad waterfalls are one of the most popular travel destinations in Gelendzhik. The beginning of the route is at the end of Krasnaya Street in the village of Pshada. However, those who came on their own by car will have to cover another 7–8 km on foot. Therefore, most tourists choose a jeep tour, which makes it a kind of attraction. If on some day you want to relax and take a break from the car, but not from impressions, the waterfalls on Pshad are the most suitable option for this. You can choose a tour in advance or, if possible, join a group on site.
Read more: Pshad waterfalls
Pshadsky waterfall Photo: © Alexander Belous
TOP 10: where you definitely need to go while vacationing in Gelendzhik
Holidays in Gelendzhik are a good choice. The city with a population of 70 thousand people can satisfy any needs of tourists. Beach holiday? Please - Gelendzhik Bay warms up well, the central beaches of the city are sandy and wide. Romantic trip? Walking along the 11-kilometer embankment in the evening and on a yacht on the open sea during the day - what can make the newlyweds feel better about each other? Leisure? Yes too. Sailing, cycling and hiking. We will tell you how to further diversify your holiday in Gelendzhik. To do this, we suggest choosing the place you like from the list of TOP 10 places where you definitely need to go while relaxing in Gelendzhik.
"Safari Park"
Lemur Catta
Ussuri tiger - the entire enclosure is clearly visible here
Scenic climb
Observation deck of the Safari Park
“Safari Park” is a rehabilitation center, the animals living in it have a difficult fate. Many of them are former circus performers or “waste goods” of photographers. For example, the chimpanzee John lives in the park - he is a former casino employee. The administration does not buy animals for its collection. In addition to getting to know the furry and feathered creatures, you can ride a cable car and take a chairlift to a height of 700 meters above sea level. From here an unforgettable panorama of Gelendzhik Bay opens. If until now you have only watched it from the beach, you will be shocked.
How to get there
The entrance to Safari Park is located from the Gelendzhik-Novorossiysk highway. From the main city pier to the Safari Park - 4.5 km. You can get there either by car (there is a large parking lot next to the park) or by public transport, such as a taxi.
Read more about Safari Park.
Markotkhsky ridge
You have already noticed this ridge from the beach and have probably at least briefly thought about how great it would be to be there. This can be done. The easiest way to visit the Markotkh ridge is to go up it by cable car. There are two of them in Gelendzhik, one is located in the “Safari Park” described above. But it will be more interesting to climb the ridge and walk it all on your own two feet.
How to get there
Start your journey from the village of Vinogradnoye. On the outskirts, where the residential buildings end, a dirt road leads up into the mountains, then it turns to the right and leads the traveler along the entire ridge. The descent is at the other end of Gelendzhik, closer to the village of Svetly. From the main city pier to the village of Vinogradnoye - 12 km.
“Old Park” in Kabardinka
Inquiring minds will love this place. “Old Park” is the only thematic architectural park on the Black Sea coast. It was designed by non-professional architect Alexander Alekseev on his own site. The occupied area exceeds a hectare. The park presents the viewer with various key eras of world culture. The exhibition consists of sphinxes and pyramids of Ancient Egypt, colonnades of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, all this smoothly transitions into medieval castles and buildings of the Renaissance. The cultural traditions of Tibet are also represented in the form of statues of deities and Buddha, Japanese gardens, the Indian Taj Mahal, Russian temple architecture, and sculptures of the peoples of the Caucasus.
How to get there
From Gelendzhik to Kabardinka – 17 km. “Old Park” is located near the Doob River at st. Chernomorskaya, 55.
Read more about the Old Park.
“House upside down” in Kabardinka
Another unusual object in the neighboring village of Gelendzhik, which is definitely worth a visit. Be careful - the vestibular apparatus can let you down. The upside down house in Kabardinka was built in 2013. This is the first such facility in the Krasnodar region and one of the first in Russia. Later, the “Upside Down House” appeared near the village of Abrau. An unusual house in Kabardinka is located next to the bus station, not far from the market square. The building “holds” to the ground only with the ridge of the roof and the chimney. Everything is upside down here: the building itself, the bicycle, the dog and the entrance mat, which are located on a small area in front of the house.
How to get there
From Gelendzhik to Kabardinka – 17 km. “House Upside Down” is located at st. Collective, 81.
Read more about “The House Upside Down.”
Filming location for the film “Storm Gates”
Not far from Gelendzhik, a fake fortress was built specifically for the filming of the mini-television series about the Chechen war “Storm Gates”. However, it has become a real attraction, where groups of tourists are taken.
How to get there
In order to drive up to the fortress, you need to have a four-wheel drive vehicle, or come on an excursion - there are many offers from trip organizers on the Gelendzhik embankment. You can walk from the Genedzhik-Dzhubga highway, but you will have to walk a long time - about 10 km. The first road begins behind the village of Shirokaya Shchel, and the second - in the village of Vozrozhdenie. Here, a little before reaching the Zhane River, you will see a dirt road that leads to the left.
Read more about the Thunder Gates fortress.
Valley and waterfalls Zhane
After visiting the fortress, do not rush to immediately return to the hotel; there is still something to see in the village of Vozrozhdenie. Along the bed of the beautiful Zhane River you can see waterfalls and several unusual dolmens. The Zhane Valley is also famous for the fact that large festivals of positive creativity are held here every year. This place is chosen by followers of various spiritual practices who are sure that the Zhane Valley is a “place of power.” Therefore, meeting barefoot women in long skirts or men who have been unshaven for several months is a common occurrence here. Access to the area with waterfalls is paid.
How to get there
From the main pier of Gelendzhik to the village of Vozrozhdenie - 15 km. Follow the village carefully and you will not pass the waterfalls - there are large signs next to them.
Read more about Zhane waterfalls.
Plesetsk waterfalls
It is from this waterfall that you will have a choice of where to move next.
It is from this waterfall that you will have a choice of where to move next.
Brothers Waterfall veil
Brothers
These waterfalls are located on the neighboring river in the village of Mikhailovsky Pereval. A path awaits you along the picturesque Plesetskaya gap with a visit to high waterfalls, of which there are about 10. The waterfalls are located on the Tkhab River, which originates on the slopes of the mountain of the same name. You can also walk to Mount Thab from here.
How to get there
You can travel about 25 km from Gelendzhik to Mikhailovsky Pass both in your own car and in a tour car. But only four-wheel drive vehicles can drive beyond the parking lot near the highway. If you do not have one, you will have to walk another 6 km off-road before the route to the waterfalls begins.
Read more about Plesetsk waterfalls.
Rock Sail
Many millions of years ago, the sea invaded the land. Under this water pressure, many coastal rock formations were destroyed, turning into pebbles, stones and clay. This layer survived due to its strength. Quite by accident, nature carved the rock into a shape similar to a sail, which is why the rock got its name. Sail height – 25 m.
How to get there
From the main pier of Gelendzhik to the Parus rock is about 30 km. You can get there by private car or excursion transport. After you leave the last settlement on the route - the village of Praskoveevka, on the left, drive further, all the way to the sea. You can walk to the Parus rock along the beach. In addition, sea excursions are also taken to the Parus rock - pleasure boats depart from the main pier of Gelendzhik several times a day.
Read more about the Parus rock.
Beaches near Divnomorsk
Pitsunda pines just before the cliffNo matter how nice it is in Gelendzhik, be sure to visit the beautiful beaches between the villages of Divnomorskoye and Dzhanhot. Here along the way there are several campsites (“Pine Grove”, “Blue Abyss”, etc.) and wild beaches.
How to get there
Drive towards the village of Dzhanhot and look for the campsite you like.
Museum of Bread and Wine in Arkhipo-Osipovka
The idea of founding the museum was given by the mechanism of millstones, which lay at the bottom of the Vulan River, which flows through the village, for almost a century and a half, but successfully started working after a little cleaning. So, around the mechanism, it was decided to reproduce a working windmill according to ancient drawings. Even later, they built an oven in which they now bake bread according to old recipes for all visitors. The museum also has a tasting room for products from local wineries.
How to get there
From Gelendzhik to Arkhipo-Osipovka – 50 km. It's a bit far, but it's worth a trip here. The village is famous not only for its museum, but also for its cozy embankment, a beautiful temple in the center and the historical complex of the St. Michael's fortification.
Read more about the Bread and Wine Museum.
TagsSights of Gelendzhik
Viewpoints and mountains
The famous views of Gelendzhik Bay open from the heights of the mountains, where the cable cars of the Safari Park and the Olympus Park lead. Anyone can get to their parking lot and take the funicular up. From "Olympus" there is also access or free travel by minibus to the Worship Cross of Gelendzhik . Unfortunately, it is impossible to get there by car, no matter how many people would like to.
Beautiful mountain panoramas open from other peaks in the vicinity of the resort. Some of them, like Ostroy and Batsekhur , have roads. When going there, you need to take into account significant elevation changes and the unpaved nature of the roads. With a great thirst for adventure, the desire of the car owner and dry weather, a good all-wheel drive car with high ground clearance can drive them. They are more accessible for jeeps, which are used for organizing excursions. Another popular and relatively affordable option is the Storm Gate.
Mountains in the vicinity of Gelendzhik Photo: © Andrey Semenov
Storm Gate
Distance from Gelendzhik: 21 km
The peak on which the scenery of the film “Stormy Gates” is located has become a place of pilgrimage for tourists. The remains of the fortress and the mountain topography are picturesque both in reality and in photographs. Entrepreneurs here offer themed photography in military uniform and the opportunity to have a snack.
Travelers' opinions on the accessibility of travel by car vary greatly. In any case, you should not attempt the climb by personal car if it is not passable, and you need to follow the entrance from the eastern side, through the village of Vozrozhdenie. Most guests leave their vehicles at the cafe before reaching several kilometers, since the way back has very steep climbs.
Read more: Storm gates
Storm Gate Photo: © Elena Ramus
Attractions in the vicinity of Gelendzhik
Guests of the popular resort, who are partial to picturesque landscapes and natural beauties, will see several unique, man-made attractions. To visit these interesting places, you will need to make an easy trip.
Cascades of the Zhane River
- Address: vicinity of the village of Vozrozhdenie. Transport stop "17th kilometer".
Eight kilometers from Gelendzhik is the village of Vozrozhdenie - the starting point of the journey to the waterfalls of the Zhane River valley. Tourists will see the first cascade within ten minutes of the hike. Near the falling stream there is a small natural pool where you can cool off. After another hour of travel through the picturesque valley, four main 10-meter cascades will open to the eyes of vacationers.
One of them is called Emerald. Local residents believe that Epiphany bathing in this stream improves tone and gives a charge of vigor for the whole year. Another belief says that anyone who dips his head in the “Cup of Love” - a natural, water-filled depression at the base of the cascade, will soon meet a companion for the rest of his life.
Juniper Grove tract
- Address: outskirts of Kabardinka. Transport stop "Kabardinka".
After making a 17-kilometer journey from Gelendzhik, tourists will end up in the village of Kabardinka. Here, among the spurs of the Markhot ridge, a unique grove of relict juniper is lost. Just staying in this place will bring enormous health benefits.
As you know, juniper produces essential oils and substances - natural antiseptics. Therefore, it is strongly recommended for vacationers who have problems with the respiratory system or nasopharynx to breathe in the healing air of the grove. On the territory of the tract there are places for recreation, and there is a magnificent viewing platform.
Spring "Natasha"
- Address: Mikhailovsky Pass village. Transport stop "Mikhailovsky".
Nature and man worked together on the decor of this place, located 23 km from the popular resort. Almighty nature provided a delightful ambience, released spring waters from the depths of the earth, and its not always intelligent creation made a strong contribution to the design of the unique composition, complementing it with architectural forms.
The streams of the spring pour out through stone gutters and from the jug of a marble maiden crouched near the bowl of a small pool lined with rock. There is a romantic legend associated with the spring. According to legend, the waters of the spring broke through the stone in the place where the body of the girl Natasha fell, throwing herself off the cliff so as not to fall into the harem of the cruel Sultan.
Solar and Lunar dolmens on Mount Nexis
- Coordinates on the map: 44.561434, 38.155140.
About 10 km from Gelendzhik there is Mount Nexis, about 400 meters high. It is notable for its shape, reminiscent of a Bactrian camel. The name, which does not come from the Turkic languages familiar to this area, Russian and Adyghe, is also interesting. It is believed that the word “nexis” is an influence of Latin; translated from the language of the ancient Romans it means “connection”.
They say that the ancient inhabitants of these lands called the mountain a place of power. Here are located amazing ancient monuments - the Solar and Moon dolmens. There are many dolmens you can visit in the Gelendzhik area, but those on Mount Nexis are considered the most famous.
The sunny dolmen is famous for the vegetation that clings to it - light yellow moss. According to one version, its name may be related to this fact. The names also correlate with the belief that one should come to the lunar dolmen in the evening and at night, and to the solar dolmen in the daytime. There are other myths that surround these attractions. One of them says that the lunar dolmen is female, and the solar dolmen is male.
The dolmen, dedicated to the “night” celestial body, stands out for its unusual design; most of the surrounding dolmens are monolithic, but this one is composite, it is built from several stones and is shaped like the letter “P”. The lunar dolmen also attracts attention with its interesting ornament, the origin of which is debated.
Show and Amusement Park "Roman Empire"
- Address: Sukhumi highway, 4th kilometer.
At the 4th kilometer of the Sukhumi highway, guests of Gelendzhik discover one of the most interesting places in the vicinity of the resort. We are talking about the Roman Empire park. Here you will have a unique chance to see real knights from the times of the Romans, try on their armor, and try to throw a spear.
Storm Gate
- Coordinates on the map: 44.609668, 38.221558.
If you drive further from Gelendzhik, 30 km to the northeast, to the eastern slopes of the Markhot mountain range, you can visit the sets created for the filming of the film “Storm Gates”. Tourists note that there is incredible natural beauty and delicious cuisine, especially barbecue. There is an opportunity to buy souvenirs, shoot at a shooting range, and put on military uniform to take a photo.
Dolmens
Another prominent attraction of Gelendzhik that can be seen by car is the dolmens. Amazing “houses” made of huge stone slabs are scattered throughout the wooded mountains in the vicinity of the resort. There are more than one and a half hundred of them in total, but the most intact ones and those closest to the highway are visited. Their exact purpose is unknown: perhaps ancient temples, possibly burials. As always in such cases, a variety of versions of their appearance are put forward.
A convenient opportunity to see the heritage of past millennia is to visit them on the way to the Zhane and Pshada waterfalls.
Dolmens of the Zhane River
On the right bank of the Zhane River, before reaching the second, “Emerald” waterfall, you can find two groups of dolmens. The first consists of three. The area near the Central Dolmen is surrounded by a stone fence - something you won’t find anywhere else. The second group is not as impressive, but more numerous. Only one of them survived. In addition to stone buildings, along the route there is an area with ancient burial mounds.
Parking, entrance fees are the same as for the waterfalls: the trail starts from the highway from the village of Vozrozhdenie, entrance fee is paid during the season.
Read more: dolmens of the Zhane River
Central dolmen on the Zhane River Photo: © Andrey Semenov
Dolmens of the Pshada River
Dolmens on Pshad are located on both sides of the river in groups or individually. Their condition and types are also different. Particularly noteworthy is the “Dolmen Village” of eight buildings, located halfway to the Pshady waterfalls. To spot them on the trail, look carefully at the signs.
The exit to the road to the dolmens is similar to the route to the waterfalls of the same name and begins at the end of Krasnaya Street in the village of Pshada.
Read more: Pshad dolmens
Photo: © Elena Ramus
Wild beaches
If you come to Gelendzhik by car, you have a unique opportunity to comfortably get to the most beautiful wild beaches that have become the hallmark of the resort. When heading out, bring water and a snack: the places live up to their definition and do not have any of the amenities of civilization.
Rock "Sail"
Distance from Gelendzhik: 25 km
Rock Parus is a huge rock slab standing alone in the sea off the coast of Praskoveevka. Based on the appearance of the stone outcrop, it is not difficult to guess how it got its name: the flat slab has the shape of a square with sides of ~20*20 meters and looks amazing against the backdrop of the sea. A wild beach has formed near Parus. Tourists not only have time to take pictures by the rock with a window, but also sunbathe and swim. The entry into the sea here is very rocky, with boulders of completely different sizes.
To look at one of the main attractions of Gelendzhik, you need to get to the village of Praskoveevka and, leaving the car in the parking lot in front of the beach, walk along the coast towards Dzhankhot for about half a kilometer.
Read more: Parus rock
Rock “Sail” Photo: © Dmitry Traveler
Sosnovka Beach
Sosnovka Beach has a clear turquoise sea and high steep cliffs of white sandstone, like a layer cake. Surprisingly, the place has become accessible in recent years, when a metal staircase appeared to descend to the sea. The shoreline is not wide, the entry into the water is gentle, but it passes over very large pebbles, so it is not suitable for families with small children and elderly people with leg problems. When visiting, you need to be careful: avoid visiting during a storm and do not go close to the rock, as collapses are common.
Those traveling by car need to get to the Sosnovoe gardening partnership, which is near the southern borders of Gelendzhik, and drive a little beyond it. Further passage is limited by a barrier, as there is a campsite in front of the beach. The main difficulty of the road is the return climb up the stairs and the path up the hill to Sosnovoye (about 2 km).
Read more: wild beach “Sosnovka”
Sosnovka Beach Photo: © Almira Gabidullina
Blue Abyss
Similar to Sosnovka - Blue Abyss between the villages of Divnomorskoye and Dzhanhot. The beauty of the green-blue sea and the fragrant Dzhankhotsky forest firmly win the hearts of everyone who came here once. The descent from the high steep bank is difficult, unequipped and difficult in the opposite direction, and the beach below is narrow and inconvenient for swimming. Therefore, most tourists come just to walk and admire the incredible landscape. If you want to get to the shore, in calm seas you can walk here from Divnomorskoye along the bottom of the coast.
The route by car from Gelendzhik lies to Divnomorskoye, then along the road going to Dzhanhot, on which there are a couple of turns to the right. Due to the condition of the dirt road, they leave the car and continue on foot.
Read more: Blue Abyss
Blue Abyss Photo: © Anastasia Buyanova
Camping with a tent by car
Gelendzhik campsites are a current accommodation option for vacationers who come to Gelendzhik with a tent by car. This is an economical, unusual and even romantic way to spend a vacation at sea.
In summer, dozens of campsites operate in Gelendzhik and its surroundings. Most often they offer places for a tent and car, barbecues, equipped toilets and cold water. The most advanced ones organize hot water, electricity, Wi-Fi, entertainment for children and even quite comfortable houses and rooms. Please note that the conditions, prices and availability of camping at a particular location may change from year to year.
In Gelendzhik itself there are several campsites that accept tourists with tents by car. Famous and popular among them are “Hedgehog” and “Hermes”, located near the middle part of the famous embankment.
Photo: © Zhenya Gorshkova
A favorite option for those who value nature and the absence of fuss is camping by the sea and pine trees, usually on a high bank (these are the characteristics of the coast). Most of them are located in the area of Betta and Arkhipo-Osipovka: “Radiotochka”, “Nazarova Dacha”, “Enot”, “Sosnovy Bereg” and others. Closer to the second village you can find options with a gentler descent to the beach. The former camping sites near the Blue Deep also remain popular.
Other places by car
Tourists by car have access to the attractions of neighboring resorts located near Gelendzhik.
Kabardinka , a large resort village 10 km from the city, can be interesting and entertaining In it you can stroll along the embankment and catch all the entertainment along the way if you are with children. Then hide in the shadow of the wonderful architectural Old Park or go for lunch to the restaurant with its own trout farm, “Kastalskaya Kupel” , whose garden is no worse. In addition, do not miss the opportunity to see the real huge cargo ship "Rio" , which ran aground off the southern coast of the village.
Beyond Kabardinka along the M-4 highway towards Novorossiysk you can visit the open-air museum “Battery No. 394 of Captain A.E. Zubkov” , one and a half kilometers further is the memorial “Sailors of the Revolution” . These places provide an opportunity to learn about the history of these places and see the sea panoramas that open from the observation decks. It is more difficult for a tourist without a car to get here.
Lookout at the “Sailors of the Revolution” memorial between Kabardinka and Novorossiysk Photo: © Natalia Semchina
Known to everyone, this is the intended route for many travelers along the Black Sea coast. From Gelendzhik the distance to Abrau is 50 km. Just keep in mind that a visit usually includes a tasting, and drivers will have to save their drinks until the evening. On the way there will be Novorossiysk - an important port and city of military glory; it also has attractions that deserve at least a couple of hours of walking.
Useful material on the topic:
From Novorossiysk to Gelendzhik by car What to see in Novorossiysk in 1 day
If you want to diversify the landscape, not excluding a seaside holiday, go to the beaches of Divnomorskoye or Arkhipo-Osipovka . of Krinitsa and Betta are distinguished by silence, tranquility and clear sea .
More options for surrounding areas where you can go from Gelendzhik by car:
What to see in the vicinity of Gelendzhik
Lake Abrau Photo: © Vladimir Shalaev
Where else to go in Gelendzhik
Naked Coffee
Address: st. Revolutionary, 47.
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Publication from NAKED COFFEE // GELENDZHIK (@nc.lab) March 15, 2022 at 3:19 PDT
A very cozy place with huge windows, where they brew coffee using both classical and alternative methods. At the same time, here you can treat yourself to croissants or other pastries (by the way, after 17:00 all this is given away at a pleasant discount).
Coffee house "Parametric"
Address: st. Serafimovicha, 22.
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Posted by Gelendzhik Coffee House (@parametric_coffee) Dec 8, 2019 at 1:10 PST
In addition to delicious coffee, it’s worth coming here for the events that the guys organize regularly: it could be a lecture on art, a music or poetry evening. All these events are usually announced on the establishment’s Instagram.
Reviews, stories and tourist routes
Among tourists sharing their trip report on Tourister. Ru, there are a lot of car enthusiasts. Details of fees, nuances of the road from different cities of Russia and routes around the Krasnodar Territory, including Gelendzhik and its environs, were shared by:
- in the story “Moscow-M4-Gelendzhik-Praskoveevka-Novomikhailovsky” from Autopilot;
- in the story “Big Gelendzhik. Euphoria" from Konstantin Pavlov;
- in the story “Kabardinka and Yeisk. By car to the resorts of the Krasnodar region. Part I" from Andreydsms;
- in the story “Let’s go to Divnomorye” from Natalia Semchina;
- in the story “A route for those who travel to the south, but do not like beach holidays” by Anton Bespalov.
All tourist reviews about Gelendzhik on Tourister. RU.
You will traditionally find information about the resort, weather, hotels and what to do in the main guide to Gelendzhik.
Beach in Praskoveevka Photo: © Dmitry Traveler
Where to stay in Gelendzhik
There are numerous hotels, guest houses and sanatoriums for tourists in Gelendzhik. Hotels are large and small, city hotels without territory or with a nice park, with or without a beach - there are enough variations. Guest houses have different levels of comfort, sometimes not inferior to hotels.
One of the criteria for choosing a place to live may be location. The half of Geledzhik Bay from the Tolstoy Cape side is more active; the central part of the embankment runs here, cafes and hotels are located close to each other. Halfway along Tonkiy Cape you can find quieter options with good park territory.
When choosing accommodation for the summer, remember that all the best and available ones are sold out long before and do not delay your search until the days before your arrival.
- Gelendzhik Hotels
- Hostels for Budget Travelers
- Flats and apartments
- Guest houses in Gelendzhik
Gelendzhik from the heights of the Markotkhsky ridge Photo: © Elena Ramus
Thematic reviews of housing in Gelendzhik on Tourist. Ru will help you choose the right option:
- Gelendzhik hotels with heated pools
- The best hotels and sanatoriums in Gelendzhik on the first line with a private beach, swimming pool and all inclusive
- Guest houses in Gelendzhik near the sea
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What sights of Gelendzhik to see
Embankment with sculptures
Photo: SenSeHi/Shutterstock
You should start your acquaintance with Gelendzhik with a walk along the long embankment. This is the most comfortable part of the city; all the tourist infrastructure is concentrated here. Along the way, you will come across many life-size sculptures: the Scientist Cat immortalized in bronze from Pushkin’s fairy tale, monuments to the tourist and the bride (we’ll talk about the latter below) and more.
Sculpture "White Bride"
Photo: Bagrin Egor / Shutterstock
The symbol of Gelendzhik is located between two piers: Central and Commander pier. There is also a plaque with an explanation that the name of the city translates as “daughter-in-law.” This is where the concept of the monument came from. It looks like nothing special, but locals and visitors love the sculpture very much, so there’s almost always a crowd nearby wanting to take a photo as a souvenir.
Gelendzhik lighthouse on Tolstoy Cape
Photo: AleksNT/Shutterstock
One of the most famous and “postcard” places in the city is located on Tolstoy Cape. The image of the lighthouse is found on many souvenirs; you can get acquainted with the attraction during boat trips and excursions. There is a wild beach next to the lighthouse.
Gelendzhik gate lighthouse
Photo: Al_Gol / Shutterstock
If you don’t know that this is a lighthouse in front of you, the building can be confused with a residential pre-revolutionary mansion. Its practical function is only hinted at by the vertical red stripe on the façade. Alas, you can’t get inside, so you’ll have to admire the structure from behind the fence. At the same time, take a photo next to the monument to the Lighthouse Keeper.
