The Sea of Azov boasts the warmest water in Russia. It is relatively small and shallow, so the water temperature can easily rise under the sun. There are no very strong hurricanes here either. All the beaches in the resorts are absolutely wide, flat and sandy, occasionally interspersed with limestone grains. Kitesurfers, windsurfers, and other water sports fans come for the adventures, while backpackers and parents with young children often visit to the Azores coast for vacation and relaxation. Planning to visit? You can apply Russian visa at VisaExpress.com.
The Best Azov Sea Resorts For Relaxing With Kids
The village of Golubitskaya (also spelled Golubitskoye) is probably the only place on the Azov coast that can be called a “resort” town. It has the most gentle coast in the Taman Peninsula plus there are many hotels, cafes, restaurants, amusement parks and clubs to keep visitors entertained.
Recreational facilities include Akvapark Morskoy Rif, an Amazon-style water park with slides, swimming pools, hydromassage, children’s area, and more. Other family-friendly nearby attractions include Lukomorye Zoo, Dolphinarium “Nemo” and Dinopark.
It may be small but don’t overlook Lake Grubitskoye, known locally for its medicinal mud. Although the lake depth does not exceed 1-2 meters, in summer it is almost completely dry. Instead of bathing, adults and children can roll in the mud rich in trace elements and minerals. You can then wash the mud off your body in the Azov Sea just across the road 😉
There is also a relatively developed resort area at the town of Yeysk. This is a southern port town with many boulevards, parks and small street parks. The infrastructure is not overwhelming, but includes hotels, cafes and stores with most everything you need.
On Yeysk Street there are many extraordinary statues, the most famous being those of wrestling great Ivan Poddubny, Grand Duke Vorontsov, actress Nonna Mordyukova and director Sergei Bondarchuk. There are also statues of people. There is even an armored motorboat named “Yeisk Patriot”.
The coast of the Sea of Azov is steppe. There are practically no shady spots. If you are going on a long hike or out exploring, wear a baseball cap or sun hat, and be sure to bring a bottle of water. It also helps to check the UV index before going out, which is available on the website of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center. The higher the UV index, the greater the possibility of damage to the skin and eyes. If the index is greater than or equal to 3, you must take sun protection measures.
What To See At The Azov Sea
Taman Peninsula is one of the most underrated tourist regions in Russia. It is nestled between the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea and has no shortage interesting places to visit. Here you can not only enjoy sunbathing and swimming, but also visit historical monuments, learn about Cossack traditions, taste delicious wine and bathe in mud volcanoes.
Located on the northern shore of the peninsula, the village of Grubitzkaya (Golubitskoye) is the most convenient place to stay while exploring the region.
Top 6 Attractions On Taman Peninsula
Flowers! Visit the Lotus Valley in the triangular Bay of Akhtanizovsky, where the lotus flowering period from mid-July to mid-August is a must-see.
Culture! Expand your mind at the Cossack farm in Kurchanskaya village, the Cossack History Museum and Ataman Ethnographic Park in Starotitarovskaya village.
Tanks! The open-air military equipment museum “Military Hill” in Temryuk features a collection of aircraft, tanks and weapons. Always a favorite with the guys 😉
Cheers! Wine enthusiasts and alcoholics alike will love the “Kuban-Wine” winery in the village of Stalodilavskaya, the “Fanagoriya” winery and the “Temriuk” brandy factory in the town of Senoi.
Mud! Take a trip out to the Hephaestus mud volcano in the Akhtanizovsky microvolcanic region. Named after the Greek God of fire, metalworking, and stone masonry.
History! The town of Taman includes the excavation site of the ancient Greek city of Germonassa, the Turkish fountain and the old Orthodox Church.
After you have seen and done everything on Taman peninsula, head west past the town of Taman to the Kerch Peninsula. This is another interesting place between the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea that is not well-known to tourists. (Traveling here is much easier if you drive yourself.)
Kerch Peninsula
It is worth spending a few days on the Kerch Peninsula due to the abundance of attractions and activities. A few of the main attractions include:
- The ancient capital of Panticapaeum on Mount Mithridates
- Adzhimushkay Quarry
- Historical and Archaeological Museum
- Crypt of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, grain and maternal love. One of the twelve gods of Olympus.
- Yeni-kale Castle
- Kerch Castle
I recommend stopping for a while at Chokraks’ke Lake in order to enjoy a mud bath in the beautiful scenery. You can also swim by the 15km long General’skiye Plyazhi Beach. They are all in the vicinity of Karalarskiy Nature Park.
BONUS
In the town of Shcholkine there is an unusual attraction – an unfinished and abandoned Crimean nuclear power plant. While there be sure to stop at Kazantip Cape and Arabat Spit to see the beautiful limestone sand spit, the majestic walls of the Turkish Castle of Arabat and the pink Syvash Lake.
