When we get to a resort, we always try to choose the beach where we will swim as clean as possible - so that it is pleasant and does not get infected with anything. This is quite logical. We are especially afraid of a biological threat when we bring children with us (they swim with their mouths open). All of the above also applies to the city of Gelendzhik. The cleanest beaches in this urban district, oddly enough, are present in only five. And one is “wild”. And only in these water areas did laboratory tests reveal nothing suspicious. Alas, “Central”, like many other beaches in the center, was not on this list. Most are nearby locations.
Blue Bay Beach
One of the leading beaches in Gelendzhik, according to reviews, is located in the bay, after which it is named. Just like the neighborhood, the hotel and the color of the flag, which can easily be stuck here. Well, there is also the smallest pebble in the entire area.
Suspicious transparency, and the level of inclination is more reminiscent of the lagoon type. It’s not scary for very young children, but closer to Medical Beach the depth increases quickly: be careful.
Available in trusted places
Not all such establishments have an acceptable price tag and well-prepared food, so it is better to look into establishments that I have personally tested. For example, the Prichal 93 restaurant serves good seafood (especially mussels), and in the morning they serve delicious breakfasts and serve good wine all day. The average bill here is 1000 rubles. with a glass of wine per person.
You can visit the Giros Odissea chain, obviously, for gyros. And in “Eden” you can buy grilled vegetables, fresh vegetable salad and shish kebab; the average bill here is 800 rubles. At Eden, it’s also worth drinking proper coffee on the sand, and for other varieties of coffee drinks, you can look to the guys from Naked coffee (this is my love at first sight and a sip of cold brew).
If you're one of those people who can't go a day without good coffee, they'll help you here.
If you don’t want or can’t eat in a cafe, you can buy delicious vegetables, fruits, berries, delicious local cheese and fresh fish in city markets, I counted four of them here.
At all markets, bargaining is appropriate, and tasting everything that is offered here is highly encouraged. Well, yes, it’s better to come to the markets when there is plenty to choose from.
Beach of the Blue Wave sanatorium
Locals and visitors, those on vacation packages, and just “savages” - everyone has just been loving this place lately. There was not a single negative response about him.
The hospital mentioned in the title is the closest to the airport. The beach is adjacent to it from the south. We are talking about 300 meters running along the sea promenade built on concrete - from the Na Naberezhnaya cafe to the fence and bike rental. The width of the zone is small - 20 m.
Rather small than medium pebbles, a smooth descent to the bottom, dozens of brand new tents with sunbeds for rent, wooden flooring, greenery and areas for sports.
Probably, all this is the second reason to have fun at the Blue Wave. Lifeguards (with a boat and rings), a VIP area and a doctor are available, as well as a toilet and changing rooms.
It remains to add that, tired of sunbathing and swimming in clean water, you will quickly get from here to the attractions and the Golden Bay water park. Entrance to the beach is free. For guests of the Blue Wave, all its services are freely available.
Raise expectations
Despite the cleanliness of the streets and beaches, a decent level of service, delicious food and the friendliness of the local residents, Gelendzhik is not a Turkish resort or a European one, but a Russian one, which, as a result, is accompanied by the sale of corn on the beach, domestic pop music in local karaoke performed by noisy vacationers, lack of taxis at the airport upon arrival and many other small things. But if you don’t pay attention to these little things and don’t engage in constant comparison “and here and there,” then your vacation in Gelendzhik will definitely be remembered with a plus sign.
Gelendzhik is a resort with a Russian flavor, but this will not make your vacation any less comfortable and sincere.
When we decided to go to Gelendzhik, I asked on a social network for advice on what to do there. Several people came to me in private messages with recommendations, and these were people who came there once and fell in love with this place forever. At that moment I thought that they were exaggerating the scale of their sympathy, but now I am also among them: either because of these spreading Pitsunda pines, or because of the warm welcome, or because of the incredible sunsets, or because -for the sunrises at sea, or because of the mussels in “Pier 93,” or because of everything together. One thing is clear and unambiguous: I will be back!
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Beach of the boarding house "Pine Grove"
The only user-approved beach in the central regions of Gelendzhik. It is cleaner here than in the neighboring equipped sections, which is noticeable even with the naked eye. Well, the rest has already been confirmed by water studies.
Stvorny Mayak and Mayachnaya Street, leading to the Alean Family Resort Biaritz complex, are the main landmarks here. In addition, at a distance there is a colorful sanatorium named after Lomonosov, and three restaurants nearby.
We also recommend taking a look at excursions in Gelendzhik
The length of the medium-pebble section is 170 m. Cleanliness, the absence of any animals and public order are constantly monitored here. There is security, a paramedic, lifeguards and a whole range of other amenities - a coastal shek, rental of sun loungers and places under canopies.
Comfortable wooden paths, a bathroom, changing cabins and the opportunity to engage in water extreme sports (bananas, cheesecakes, parachutes, jet skis, and so on). In the center is a fragment with a new generation of artificial turf (your limbs are not in danger).
From here you probably have the best view of the Markhot ridge . The eastern end of this piece of paradise is the sculptural composition “Lighthouse with a Dog”. It is often used as a background for selfies or other memorable photos.
Don't have cash
Almost everywhere they accept bank transfer or the good old transfer to Sberbank, but in our hotel they only took cash, and we, as non-residents of the Krasnodar Territory, had to pay a tax of 10 rubles. per person per day (this is the rule in the region). So it’s better to stock up on cash; it will be useful for tips, for shopping at the market, and as payment for sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach.
When vacationing in Gelendzhik, it is better to always have cash with you: pay for sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach, leave a tip, buy fruit at the market. Photo: nikolpetr / Shutterstock.com
Wild beach "Sosnovka"
Zero infections! Confirmed by the Ministry of Health. And how will they appear in a place that does not position itself as a beach at all? Of all the equipment here, there is a staircase along which tourists descend from the cliff, as well as stream water seeping out of the cracks in the rock.
The name of the beach is taken from the landscape towering above it - a fragrant pine forest. By the way, you can live there - there is a campsite with parking and tent spaces, showers, toilets, exercise stations, an equipped kitchen, a ropes course and a cafe. The latter is at the same time an awesome “lookout” - this terrace is on the very ledge of the ravine.
The distance of the Sosnovka beach from edge to edge is 300 m. But the width of the strip is not large - 6-8 m. The surface is large pebbles and cobblestones. The water is quite clear. The shore angle is average.
Stay within the city
And this is simply a crime against your own tourist experiences, because there are many picturesque places in the area that are worthy of spam on Instagram. From what impressed me is the Blue Abyss. From there the view is so breathtaking: a steep steep bank (the height of the slope, by the way, is 20 m, and in some places reaches 50 m!), the azure clear sea, Pitsunda pine trees all around.
The Abyss is located 6 km from the village of Divnomorskoye (16 km from Gelendzhik) towards Dzhanhot. It is better to budget half a day for the trip. If you go from Gelendzhik by taxi, it’s about 30 minutes one way and 600 rubles. (to go back, call the taxi number that is glued to the pole, and it will cost 700 rubles).
The blue abyss - a steep steep bank, an azure clear sea, Pitsunda pine trees all around.
The route is as follows: after the village of Divnomorskoye, take the first turn to the right, there you will see a small parking lot and a barrier, then you need to walk, without turning, along a dirt road in a pine forest past an abandoned gatehouse to the second barrier (there used to be a campsite of the same name there, but now there is nothing) . It takes about 30 minutes. After the second barrier, you move along the same dirt road until the second turn to the left. Turns are roads down. You go down the path, and there it is - that same abyss. If you wish, you can go even lower to the sea, sunbathe and swim on the wild beach.
Since the last thing people think about in this place is the comfort of tourists, it is better to wear comfortable shoes and get ready for the not-so-carefree descent of your life (and then the ascent). But the challenges are definitely worth it! Now this is one of my favorite views.
The descent to the sea is not very easy, but the scenery is worth it!
Those who are not ready for such an active adventure can take a boat ride to the White Rocks (departs from the city pier). The duration of the excursion is three hours. You can look from the sea at the Blue Abyss and, in fact, the steep white cliffs, and also swim in the open sea. The average cost of an adult ticket is 700 rubles.
Well, to watch the sunset and admire the city bay from the sea, you can rent a small yacht at the pier for 3000-3500 rubles. at one o'clock. Such yachts can accommodate up to six people. It’s also good (and free) to watch the sunset from Tolstoy Cape or from Blue Bay; these are all areas of the city, so you don’t need to go anywhere specially.
To admire the bay from the sea, you can rent a small yacht and go on a boat trip.
Beach "Gardens of the Seas"
Come here with the kids! Crystal water, easy access to the bottom and the absence of dangerous microbiology are combined with luxurious infrastructure. There are many expensive VIP zones in the Gardens of the Seas. That is why the cleaners, the local paramedic of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the management of the guest complexes adjacent to the Riviera are trying. The one they get to by getting off at Krymskaya.
The beginning of Tolstoy Cape has always attracted those who like especially clear water. This beach is also famous for its free entry, the famous wooden mushrooms with a reed cap, its length (as much as 400 m, where there are paid VIP zones), small pebbles and a number of other services:
- locker rooms;
- toilet;
- rescuers;
- rental of sunbeds and umbrellas;
- a set of water activities;
- coastal diner.
Paid
To enter such recreation areas, you will need to pay an entrance fee. As a rule, they are well equipped and kept clean, which makes your stay as comfortable as possible.
"Red Talca"
A great place to relax with the whole family or a large group. It is located at the intersection of Lermontovsky Boulevard and st. Mountain. The water area is clean, the coastal strip is covered with small pebbles. Vacationers are provided with everything they need. They have sun loungers, umbrellas, mattresses, showers, and changing rooms at their disposal. There are plenty of attractions for entertainment; children are entertained by animators if parents need a swim. Active visitors can try their hand at diving or parasailing.
Clean beaches on the map of Gelendzhik
The question of where to swim in Gelendzhik to avoid getting infected can take a long time to answer. If the sea is cleared of debris and turbidity during a storm and with the help of underwater currents, then getting rid of pathogens is a more difficult job. The fact is that they do not threaten people with strong immunity in any case. Therefore, the problem of infections does not receive resonance. However, what about children and people with initially poor health, pregnant women and those recovering? Go to the clean beaches of Gelendzhik, which we described!
Six things not to do in Gelendzhik
“Shouldn’t we go to a corporate event in Gelendzhik? Well, none of us have been there yet, it’s by the sea and inexpensive, so let’s support the trend towards domestic tourism,” I suggested to my employees in the summer. And when they suddenly agreed for me, it became clear that there was nowhere to retreat, the team weekend in Gelendzhik loomed ahead, whatever that meant.
I returned as an absolute ambassador of the city and to this day I continue to strongly recommend it to everyone who wants to listen to me (and those who don’t either). The reasons are simple and obvious: just a two-hour flight from Moscow, inexpensive tickets, accommodation and food, stunning nature, delicious seasonal food, a long promenade with bike paths, a picturesque cape, hospitable residents, a warm sea and a lot of things to do. But there is something that you definitely shouldn’t do in Gelendzhik, and today I’ll tell you about it.
Where to live
In Gelendzhik itself and the regions there are many hotels, hotels, guest houses, and locals also rent out their rooms and apartments. Housing prices are more than reasonable. We have collected several accommodation options to suit every taste.
"Luxury"
If suddenly for some reason you want to relax in Gelendzhik as “beautifully” as possible, then this is possible. There are several 4-5 star hotels here. For example, Hilton or Alean. But in the ranking of top hotels you can most often find Kempinski. This is a new luxury hotel, which is located on the coastline overlooking Gelendzhik Bay, mountains and relict pine trees.
st. Revolutionary, 53
14,500 - 100,000 rubles (last price - for the “presidential” room)
"Like before"
Those who went to the seaside “n-ts” years ago remember that they rented housing through friends or looked for advertisements upon arrival. Fortunately, in the hot cities of our country there are many such offers. They still do this now - advertisements can be found right on the streets. In this way you can rent rooms or a room in a house. If such extreme is not for you, use some “Cyan” or “Avito”.
in any private sector
600 - 700 rubles per room or 1500 - 2000 rubles per room
"I'm a backpacker"
For those who usually travel around “Europe and Asia” with a backpack at the ready, a great option is to find something on Airbnb. Here you can rent accommodation from the owners: rooms in guest houses, apartments in new buildings, cozy studios in townhouses. Close to the sea, far from the sea, close to the mountains and dozens of other options. Also suitable for those who like to plan a trip from start to finish, but at the same time want to imitate the locals.
search on Airbnb
from 1600 to 5000 rubles per night
"Somewhere in the middle"
If you want the service like in a hotel, perhaps even with a swimming pool, and at a price tag like that of a private owner, then your option is three-star hotels. There are many of them here: during the season, your eyes run wild, you just need to choose.
search on any accommodation booking sites
from 2000 rubles per night
"Classics of the genre"
The boarding house is almost synonymous with the Black Sea coast. If your soul wants to check into a “standard” room, eat food on the buffet and live this vacation as if in a song by Stas Mikhailov, then you can choose a clean boarding house on the seashore. For example, "Gelendzhik".
st. Khersonskaya, 1
from 1700 rubles
What to buy
This is a question that everyone can easily answer themselves, but let’s repeat it just in case.
Magnets, keychains, bottle openers and shells
Buy as many of these souvenirs as possible to give them to everyone you know in the world. This is truly a unique gift that you won’t find anywhere else.
Plates with sea views
One more must-have item. Plates you can eat from are a thing of the past! Plates that can collect all the house dust - that’s our way.
Captain's white cap
If you manage your life playfully, as the captain of a ship does in the worst storm, then you should definitely buy such a cap. NECESSARILY.
T-shirts with unfunny jokes
And this wardrobe item will perfectly complement the bow with a cap. On the one hand, you seem to be a seasoned warrior, but on the other, a hero whose excellent sense of humor the sea devil could not drag into the abyss.
Now let's get serious.
Wine
Where would we be without him? Gelendzhik wines are inexpensive and tasty. The most popular options: “Amber Muscat”, “Madame Firsova”, “Sauvignon Gelendzhik”, “Alexandrite Gelendzhik”, “Black Eyes”. They cost on average 400 rubles. You can buy it in company stores. We also recommend taking drinks from the famous Abrau-Durso production as a gift.
Churchkhela
Who doesn't love nuts and sweets? And churchkhela is two in one. Feel free to take it for yourself or as a gift - it lasts a long time, it’s delicious, and it’s the best from the southern countries.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics based on the healing mud of the Taman Peninsula are often brought from Gelendzhik. Clay and other items with its addition. You can also buy natural honey soap with herbs: it is inexpensive and useful in everyday life.
Dried red mullet
There are a variety of fish you can buy, but red mullet is a personal favorite. You can unpack it on a winter evening, pour a glass of light, savor it and dreamily remember the beauty of Gelendzhik.
Adyghe salt
It's like regular salt, but with herbs. Delicious added to meat and vegetables. A gift that will last a long time.
