35 best attractions of Gelendzhik - the most complete overview

Most often I visited our Black Sea coast in Gelendzhik. There was a time when I went there several times a year. We walked around the city itself, climbed around the surrounding area, lived in hotels and in tents. For a first trip there really is a lot to see. Then you get tired of it, and you want something new and unusual. Below is my list of the main attractions in the Gelendzhik region.

By the way, I have a good post for you - A selection of inexpensive hotels in Gelendzhik. I chose one with a rating and good reviews. You will be staying in Gelendzhik for about a couple of weeks, it is better to book in advance, otherwise there will be little good left during the season.

Sights of Gelendzhik

Gelendzhik is a resort that is suitable for people with completely different interests. The city is one of the oldest resorts in Russia. Here no one can get bored, hungry or regret visiting the city. Arriving in Gelendzhik, you will immediately be immersed in an atmosphere of fun and positivity. Here you will stroll through narrow streets and spend evenings in cozy cafes. This city will leave pleasant impressions and memories that will make you want to return to Gelendzhik.

In this article you can explore the list of city attractions. This will allow you to pre-select the places that will be included in your route around Gelendzhik. Thanks to the material, you will save your time and know which attractions are worth visiting.

Gelendzhik Bay, Gelendzhik Embankment, Central City Beach
Lermontovsky Boulevard, Holy Ascension Cathedral, Fountain “Lovers’ Hearts”
Holy Transfiguration Church, Local History Museum
Gelendzhik Lighthouse, Gelendzhik Dolmens, Waterfalls on the Zhane River, Pshad Waterfalls
Safari Park, Olympus Park, Ropeways to Safari Park and Olympus Park
Water park "Behemoth", Sculpture "White Bride", Water park "Golden Bay"
Storm Gates, Assol and Scarlet Sails, Gelendzhik Dolphinarium, Oceanarium "Ocean Park"
Water and recreation complex "Dolphin", Gallery "White Horse", "Blue Abyss"
House-Museum of V. G. Korolenko, Mount Bolshoy Afips, Mount Papai
Guam Gorge, Gebius Falls, Dzhankhotsky forest of Pitsunda pine
Mount Nexis, Rock Sail, Spring “Natasha”, Juniper Grove of Kabardinka

At the end of the article we have placed a map of Gelendzhik with the attractions that we mentioned in the article marked on it. Using this map, it will be easier for you to navigate the area, and also, if you wish, you can develop your own travel route through Gelendzhik attractions.

Plesetsk waterfalls in the village of Mikhailovsky Pass

A very picturesque but long route. It passes along the Plesetskaya gap. The Thab River flows here, and there are a dozen high and very photogenic waterfalls on it. Part of the route can be covered in a passable vehicle.

Plesetsk waterfalls: how to get there, photos and description

What to see in Gelendzhik - day 1

On the first day of your stay in Gelendzhik, you should take a walk through the most picturesque places of the city, as well as see architectural monuments from different centuries. The city can be proud of its embankment, beaches, and waterfalls. To begin with, you can visit Gelendzhik Bay, Gelendzhik embankment, Central city beach, Lermontovsky Boulevard, Gelendzhik dolmens, waterfalls on the Zhane River, Pshad waterfalls. After that, you should see the architectural monuments. They will delight you with their beauty and grandeur. Be sure to take a walk to the Holy Ascension Cathedral, the Holy Transfiguration Church, the “Loving Hearts” fountain, and the Gelendzhik lighthouse.

Gelendzhik Bay

Gelendzhik Bay is a bay located in the northeast of the Black Sea, which has been used for trade and strategic purposes for many centuries. The first sanatorium was opened here in 1900. After this event, the development of tourism began to increase. A large area of the bay is occupied by natural and artificial beaches.

In Gelendzhik Bay you will discover incredibly beautiful and colorful natural landscapes. Here you can relax on the beaches and enjoy the warm sea. This place is worth visiting with your family and spending time in the fresh air.

Gelendzhik embankment

The embankment, which has a horseshoe shape, stretches along Gelendzhik Bay. It stretches for as much as 14 kilometers, but the main infrastructure and attractions are located on a stretch of 3 kilometers. From here you have a beautiful view of the sea and the city.

You can get to the embankment from any part of the city. On its territory there are benches where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape. In the evenings, tourists stroll here, watching the sun go below the horizon.

In the very center of Gelendzhik there are the best housing options, based on price and reviews:

Guest House YugRa. Rating: 9.7 based on 280 reviews. Price 1250 rub.
Hotel Imperial 2*. Rating: 9.1 based on 429 reviews. Price 1150 rub.
Popular Hotel "Marseille". Rating: 9.7 based on 1215 reviews. Price 1550 rub.
Hotel "Lermont" 4* (50m from the beach). Rating: 9.6 based on 768 reviews. Price 1650 rub.

Central city beach

The central city beach is the largest beach in the city. It occupies a shore that stretches for 1.4 kilometers. This is a popular holiday destination among citizens as well as tourists. From mid-June you will be able to swim in the warm sea and enjoy the hot sun.

The beach area is very well equipped: there are changing rooms, showers, sports grounds, rental shops, and cafes. The Central City Beach can be reached either on foot or by bus. This place is perfect for a calm and measured holiday.

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Since its construction in the 19th century, it has been running on oil, but has now been switched to automatic mode.
Address: Lermontovsky Blvd., 22.

Sculptural composition “Scientist Cat”

Many, memorizing the introduction to the poem “Ruslan and Lyudmila”, dreamed of seeing the famous cat. This opportunity is provided to city guests on the central embankment. The oak tree cannot support it, since the figure weighs a lot, but it is very convenient to approach the humanized tailed animal with a book in its paws and rub its nose as a souvenir.

Amusement park

A great place for walking with children. It was opened back in Soviet times, after a large-scale reconstruction in 2012, along with traditional slides and carousels, modern exclusive attractions designed for children and adults began operating.

Address: st. Revolutionary 13b.

What to see and where to go in Gelendzhik - day 2

The second day of your trip to Gelendzhik should be devoted to more modern places in the city. For example, go to Safari Park, Olympus Park, Behemoth water park, Golden Bay water park, Gelendzhik Dolphinarium, Ocean Park aquarium, Dolphin water and recreation complex, White Horse gallery, Blue Abyss ", to the cable cars to Safari Park and Olympus Park. In addition, you can see such architectural monuments as the sculptures “White Bride” and Assol and Scarlet Sails, Storm Gates, and also visit the local history museum.

Safari Park

Safari Park combines an amusement park and a zoo, both located in the open air. Here you can see animals that have ever suffered from human cruelty. The park is home to lions, bears, monkeys, wild boars, tigers, leopards, pumas, and wild birds. In addition, anyone can visit the maritime museum, arboretum and terrarium.

It's worth coming here with your family. You can spend the whole day at the safari park watching animals and attending other activities. People of all ages will enjoy it here.

Olympus Park

Olympus Park is a tourist complex that includes attractions, walking routes, restaurants, exhibitions, entertainment venues, and its own mini-zoos. In the evenings, concerts are held in the park, and animators are also present. In addition, you will be able to visit observation areas that will give you views of the picturesque nature of Gelendzhik.

You definitely need to pay attention to this attraction and include it in your route. Here you can find entertainment to your liking. After visiting Olympus Park you will have pleasant impressions and colorful photographs.

Cable cars in Safari Park and Olympus Park

If you want to go to Safari Park or Olympus Park, you will have to take a short trip on cable cars. Tickets for these can be purchased along with entrance tickets to the entertainment area you have chosen. During the trip, you can fully enjoy all the beauty of Gelendzhik’s nature.

This attraction will definitely appeal to lovers of thrills and colorful landscapes. You will be able to take many beautiful photographs of the nature of the resort. But, if you are afraid of heights, you should refrain from visiting this attraction.

Hippo Water Park"

The Begemot water park is located in the city center. It is open seven days a week and is always ready to receive visitors. The open-air water park consists of 3 swimming pools, 17 slides of varying degrees of difficulty, a relaxation area with sun loungers and umbrellas, 2 cafes and 2 bars.

This place is ideal for relaxing with children of any age. In addition, the water park can host concerts, as well as competitions and various entertainment programs. These advantages make it a very popular destination visited by both locals and tourists.

Sculpture "White Bride"

The sculpture “White Bride”, installed in 2010, is located on the Gelendzhik embankment. It is known that “Gelendzhik” can be translated from the Turkic language as “White Bride”, which is why the symbol of the city has such an appearance. The sculpture is a real decoration of this place, which allowed it to become one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city.

If you walk along the Gelendzhik embankment, be sure to come to the sculpture. It stands against the backdrop of the blue sea, creating a beautiful landscape. Here you will take bright photos that you can post on your social networks.

You can explore the iconic places of the resort town on this excursion:

Water park "Golden Bay"

The Golden Bay water park is a complex that you definitely need to visit in Gelendzhik. Here you will find 10 attractions, 8 swimming pools, 49 slides, 69 slopes, 9 food outlets, more than 2 thousand sun loungers, sun loungers and pleasure boats. Visitors to the water park can play water polo, beach volleyball and water football.

The water park is amazing in its scale. Here you can definitely find entertainment that you will like. If you take your kids with you, they will absolutely love the trampolines, slides and water slides.

Storm Gate

The Thunder Gates, which is a remodeled fortress and located on Mount Abin, is a new attraction of Gelendzhik. They acted as a set for the film "Storm Gates". The attraction is located in a very beautiful and picturesque place, which makes it popular among tourists.

The Storm Gate is definitely worth a visit because of the beautiful view. They will be an excellent location for a photo shoot. Near the gate you can take beautiful and colorful pictures that will decorate your social networks.

Assol and Scarlet Sails

The sculpture, installed on the embankment in 2010-2011, is dedicated to the famous work of Alexander Greene “Scarlet Sails”. It includes a small boat, which is located in the middle of a flower bed, and the figure of Assol. This attraction is very popular among tourists who stroll along the embankment.

The sculpture is good at any time of the day. If you decide to take a walk along the embankment, you will hardly be able to pass by the graceful and fragile Assol. It is located in a very picturesque place that simply forces you to take out your camera.

Gelendzhik Dolphinarium

The Gelendzhik Dolphinarium offers its visitors to watch various exciting show programs. Here you can see dolphins, seals, fur seals and appreciate their natural grace, intelligence and talents. Anyone can swim with dolphins or take pictures with them.

This is another place worth visiting with children. After it you will have many pleasant impressions. In addition, you can purchase small souvenirs in the store located at the dolphinarium.

Oceanarium "Ocean Park"

The Ocean Park aquarium is located near the city embankment. Here you can see aquariums containing different marine life. The oceanarium consists of three halls: with freshwater and oceanic fish, coral reef fauna, and marine predators.

Anyone can book a tour. In the aquarium you will get to know different types of fish. Here you can take beautiful and unusual photographs with marine life.

Water and health complex "Dolphin"

The Dolphin water and health complex, built in 2002 near the Central Beach, is one of the most popular attractions in Gelendzhik. It attracts tourists with its convenient location, as well as a variety of attractions. This place is perfect for lovers of active recreation.

In this complex you can enjoy extreme slides or sun loungers, which are suitable for a more relaxing holiday. It’s worth coming here with the whole family and enjoying time together. You can spend the whole day in the complex visiting cafes and various entertainments.

Gallery "White Horse"

The White Horse gallery can truly be called unique. The exhibits in this museum are made from waste and materials that are most often perceived as garbage. Here you can see sculptures of swans made from tires, as well as palm trees made from plastic bottles.

In the gallery, anyone can communicate with the gallery owners. In this place you can view the most unusual exhibits. Perhaps you'll borrow an idea on how to give trash new life.

Blue Abyss

“Blue Abyss” is a car camping site, which is a quiet and peaceful place on a high bank. Lovers of wild outdoor recreation should come here. Camping is paid. On the territory of the Blue Abyss there are toilets, showers, and washbasins.

The camping site is located in a very beautiful and picturesque place. But if you prefer a secluded holiday, then this place is not suitable for you. During the season, the Blue Abyss is visited by a large number of people who will not allow you to be alone with yourself or your friends.

Museum of History and Local Lore

The Museum of History and Local Lore is the main exhibition hall of Gelendzhik. Its structure includes three branches: the main branch, the street exhibition and the Korolenko Family Estate. Here you can view exhibitions that tell the history of the indigenous peoples of the Western Caucasus, the events of the Caucasian Wars and the Great Patriotic War.

The museum will be interesting to visit for people who like to learn interesting facts from the history of the cities they visit. Having several locations will definitely not let you get bored. After visiting the museum you will be left with good impressions and photographs of interesting exhibits.

What to see in the vicinity of Gelendzhik

In the vicinity of Gelendzhik there are unique and interesting sights. You can take a short trip along them and enjoy the beauty of nature, as well as architectural monuments. We recommend visiting the House-Museum of V. G. Korolenko, Mount Bolshoi Afips, Mount Papai, Guam Gorge, Gebius Falls, Dzhankhotsky Pitsunda pine forest, Mount Nexis, Parus rock, Natasha spring, Kabardinka Juniper Grove.

Korolenko House-Museum

House-Museum of V.G. Korolenko, which opened in 1964, is located 20 kilometers from Gelendzhik on the Dzhanhot farm. This architectural monument of the 20th century attracts the attention of tourists with its elegance and beauty. The house houses a collection dedicated to the life and work of the writer V.G. Korolenko.

The house-museum is located in a very picturesque place. Here you can take beautiful and colorful photos that will diversify your social networks. In the museum you can learn many interesting facts about the writer and get acquainted with his work.

Mount Big Afips

Big Afips, which is part of the Main Dividing Range, is located in the vicinity of Gelendzhik. This place is very popular among tourists who prefer active recreation. You can start climbing the mountain without additional equipment. For this you will only need comfortable shoes.

Here you will have a beautiful view of the picturesque natural landscapes. When coming to the mountain, be prepared for the fact that you will have to walk and climb a lot. This is the only way you can enjoy all the beauty of the local landscapes.

Mount Popeye

This natural attraction is located in the Seversky district of the Krasnodar region. The mountain consists of a mountain range with seven peaks. The slopes of the mountain are covered with oaks, herbs and shrubs, and juniper woodlands grow closer to the top.

This place attracts tourists with its picturesque views and healing air. Lovers of spending time in nature will definitely enjoy this place. You can take many photos on the mountain that will decorate your social networks.

Guam Gorge

The Guam Gorge, located in the Apsheronsky district of the Krasnodar Territory, stretches for 5 kilometers. In some places the gorge narrows to 2 meters. Because of this, this place simultaneously enchants with its beauty and frightens.

If you love spending time in nature and don't mind thrills, you should definitely come here. Here you can drive along a rocky terrace with a rushing water stream. There are steep cliffs in the gorge, which allows for rock climbing.

Gebius Falls

Gebius Waterfalls are located 30 kilometers from the village of Arkhipo-Osipovka on the Teshebs River. They received their name in honor of the nearby Gebius peak. Here you can find an equipped walking part of the route, which even the most unprepared tourist can follow.

Fans of active recreation should definitely visit this natural attraction. The winding road is located between delightful mountain landscapes. If you want to go closer to the waterfalls, there are wooden stairs here.

Dzhankhotsky forest of Pitsunda pine

This forest, located in the vicinity of Gelendzhik near the village of Divnomorskoye, is a natural landmark of the Krasnodar region. Dzhankhotsky Bor is one of the largest tracts of Pitsunda pine, which is listed in the Red Book. The forest is located on the sea coast, so some pines grow on steep cliffs.

This place is very popular among tourists. Here you can breathe in the healing air, which is filled with a resinous pine aroma. Arriving in Dzhankhotsky Bor, you will immediately feel how easy and pleasant it is to breathe here.

Mount Nexis

Mount Nexis is located approximately 10 kilometers from the center of Gelendzhik. Even the most unprepared tourists can come here. Climbing the mountain is not difficult, as its height is less than 400 meters.

From Mount Nexis you will see a very picturesque landscape of local nature. Here you can take a leisurely stroll, enjoying the fresh air and taking a break from the city noise. Be sure to take your camera with you to capture the beauty of these places in your photos.

Rock Sail

The Parus Rock is located on the Black Sea coast, 17 kilometers from Gelendzhik. This natural attraction is a flat rock whose height is 25 meters. At a height of 2.5 meters in the rock there is a small hole, the origin of which is unknown. However, there is a version that it was broken during the Caucasian War.

This place is worth a stop on the way to other attractions in the city's surroundings. The Parus Rock is located in a very picturesque place. Here you can stroll along the seashore, enjoying the fresh air.

Spring "Natasha"

The Natasha spring, located in the vicinity of Gelendzhik, is located on the Mikhailovsky Pass. It is a sculpture of a girl holding a jug. A stream of water flows from it directly into a stone tank. There are various legends around the spring, some of which were invented by tourists.

If you decide to travel around the city, be sure to stop by this place. The sculpture looks elegant. In addition, the spring is located in a very beautiful place where you can take colorful photographs.

Juniper grove of Kabardinka

This natural attraction is a juniper woodland that stretches over 1000 hectares. Many tourists come to this place to breathe fresh air and also see rare plant species. Much of the grove's vegetation is listed in the Red Book.

The best time to visit this place is in the spring. At this time of year, tulips, bluebells and feather grass bloom. In this place you can fully enjoy the nature of Gelendzhik.