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.
City tours
After enjoying the sun and gentle sea waves, you want to walk along the streets and alleys and find something unusual for yourself. To get a fireworks display of impressions, it’s worth building a walk based on the principle of contrasts.
Battery of Captain A. Zubkov
During the war, the Nazis frantically rushed to the capital and many strategically important cities, but never got there. They were unable to break through to the sea coast. The open-air monument on the M-4 Don highway tells about the difficult battle and the courage of the defenders.
Address: section of the M-4 highway between Kabardinka and Novorossiysk.
Monument "White Bride"
The sculpture was made by masters Sokolov and Polyakov from bronze, coated with a special composition that is resistant to exposure to the sun and high humidity. Since 2010, the bride has not changed at all. Her dress and wedding gloves are also snow-white, symbolizing purity of thoughts and fidelity to her beloved. According to one version, the name of the city is translated as “daughter-in-law,” so the figure quickly became one of the symbols of the resort. Newlyweds come to the monument to take a memorable photo.
Address: Central Embankment Square.
Roman Empire Park
An amazing sight awaits those who go to the pine forest in search of adventure. The rich show program includes a visit to the fortress, where gladiator fights take place. Guests are invited to go through an exciting quest, taste the food of Roman soldiers and choose a memorable gift in the souvenir shop. There is a separate play segment for children with inflatable obstacles and a training area.
Dolphinarium
When planning where to visit in Gelendzhik, you should definitely set aside a few hours to visit the water show. Dolphins and sea lions show miracles of dexterity. The artists work in complete mutual understanding, bringing the audience a lot of positive emotions.
Address: st. Lunacharsky, 130.
Cost: 1200 for adults, children's ticket is half the price.
Hippo Water Park
The stunning open-air water city is never empty. It operates only in the warm season, the territory is divided into segments, there is a children's corner with a shallow pool and small slides. Adults have complete freedom. The brave ones strive for the Cyclone and the Incredible Aquatube, the ladies prefer the wide strips of the lazy river and Multiform. In total, the water park has 15 slides, 3 swimming pools, a relaxation area and several cafes.
Address: st. Lunacharskogo, 159.
Cost: ticket price is calculated by height. Adults – 1300, children up to 140 cm – 750.
Waterpark Dolphin
The very first entertainment complex of this kind in the city. It was opened in 2002, located near the Central Beach, which is very convenient for vacationers. Compact and cozy, it is open only in summer, closing in September. Famous for colorful performances and children's games with animators.
Address: st. Revolutionary, no. 8.
Cost: 500 rub. adults, 300 children, open seven days a week during the season.
Waterpark Golden Bay
The area of the largest complex in Russia reaches 15 hectares. You could get lost here if it weren't for the clear layout, signs and a schematic map located at key points between the pools and slides. The day flies by unnoticed among the attractions, recreation areas and small cozy cafes. The water park is open and operates from May to September.
Address: st. Turisticheskaya, 23.
Cost: gradation of payment according to height, up to 145 cm - 900, above - 1700. For children up to 106 cm, admission is free.
Gelendzhik gate lighthouse
The Gelendzhik Gate Lighthouse has become a historical landmark of the city. Its construction began at the end of the 19th century. During the Second World War, during the retreat of the army of the Soviet Union, it was supposed to be blown up, but was left intact. Thanks to this, the lighthouse still functions to this day, sending a red signal to the sea. Over the years of its existence, it has undergone several restorations. Now it is well-groomed, neatly painted and its surroundings tidied up and serves its purpose with honor.
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For several decades the cathedral was closed and used as a warehouse.
But the walls stood, and the interior was restored according to sketches and drawings. Built in the Byzantine style, it is open to everyone. Inside, preference is given to light azure blue tones with a touch of gilding, which gives a feeling of light and spaciousness. The paintings are considered to be the latest, but they were made in full compliance with the canons. Address: Pervomaiskaya, 4.
Embankment
Its length is 14 km from Tonky Cape to Tolstoy. An amazing sight opens from its central part. The bay looks like a horseshoe, and the exit from it into the open sea resembles a bottleneck into which pleasure boats slip. From the embankment you can immediately go down to the Central Beach or just stroll along it on a warm evening, enjoying the stunning mixture of sea air and the aromas of relict Pitsunda pines growing on the slopes of the mountains.
Holy Transfiguration Church
It grew out of a cemetery chapel built in 1909. In the 90s, a bell tower was erected and a new dome was installed. The church has a Sunday school, a library, and educational activities.
Address: st. Gornaya 17.
Maritime Museum
A city by the sea definitely needs its own exposition dedicated to brave captains and sailors. It is located on the territory of the Safari Park. The exhibition halls display ship models, ship logs, items from ships and submarines, equipment parts, and ancient weapons. Of particular interest are the “pirate hall”, the cabin of the ship “Nemo”, and a model of a coral reef.
Address: Federal Highway Don, 1511 km.
Cost: 1200-1800 rub.
Tunnel Aquarium
The list of interesting things you can see in Gelendzhik in one day will definitely include a unique center where the life of marine inhabitants is observed from the inside, through the glass walls of the tunnel. Majestic stingrays swim overhead and bright fish scurry about, lobsters move slowly, hedgehog fish and zebra lionfish spread their needle-feathers.
Address: st. Khersonskaya, 2.
Cost: up to 400 rub.
Cable car
If you find out in advance what Gelendzhik is famous for, then choosing the best places to relax is not at all difficult. One of them is the air route from the Markoth ridge to the observation deck at an altitude of 640 m. It offers a stunning panorama of the city and the bay, the main attractions, including the famous water parks. As you climb, the view gradually expands, revealing the beauty of the mountains and the sea shining at their feet. The Safari Park cable car is considered the longest in the Krasnodar region.
Cost: from 1000 rubles, the price includes a visit to the park.
Safari Park
Opened as a zoo, it gradually turned into one of the most popular places. It houses animals that have suffered from human activity. The list of pets includes tigers, wild boars, bears, cougars, leopards, birds and is regularly updated. The animals undergo rehabilitation in natural conditions, and special thematic areas have been created for visitors. Operating on site:
- cable car;
- maritime museum;
- terrarium;
- arboretum;
- "Medieval tower".
Address: 1511 km. Federal highway Don.
Cost: single ticket for 1800 rubles. includes a cable car ride and inspection, there are preferential categories.
Museum of History and Local Lore
At first the building was located in a holiday village outside the city. The creator of the museum was Mikhail Reinicke, who called it natural history. The basis was archaeological finds. The collection was taken to the capital, where in 1913 it received an award for its uniqueness. After the war, the museum was given the building of a former school, and then it moved to the embankment. Its halls display thematic areas of wartime, post-war reconstruction, and ethnographic exhibits. In total there are 86 thousand items.
Address: st. Ostrovsky, 1.
Cost: 150 rub.
Night club "Disco Terrace"
The Primorye hotel complex has an open area with 160 seats. Night discos are held, the menu includes Mediterranean, Oriental, Japanese and European cuisine.
Leisure
Diving "Victor and K"
Address: Mira street, 21, building 6. Telephone: . Website: https://www.victor-dk.ru/ Opening hours: 8:00-18:00. Cost: Introductory dive in the pool: 15 minutes – 700 rubles. Introductory dive from the shore: 30 minutes – 1500 rubles. Introductory dive in the open sea: 30 minutes – 1800 rubles. Night dive: 30 minutes – 1800 rubles.
The only diving center on the Russian Black Sea coast that has been certified under the TDI/SDI system and meets international and domestic requirements for scuba diving clubs. Exists 12 years.
- Diving in different areas of the resort water area for beginners and professionals. An opportunity to see the wreckage of sunken planes and ships, observe the inhabitants of the reefs, and swim between the rocks.
- Training in various types of diving with issuance of certificates.
- Rental of quality equipment.
- High class instructors.
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Bright cocktails and delicate desserts combined with fiery music set the mood for a festive wave.
Address: st. Mira, 21.
Gallery White Horse
Garbage can also be useful as a material for creating masterpieces. This is clearly demonstrated by the owner of a prestigious gallery and author of works Nina Nikiforova. The exhibits are located on the summer terrace, in the hall and partly in the open air.
Address: st. Vzlyotnaya, 44.
Cost: adult – 650 rubles, children – 350, children under 5 years old and veterans enter free of charge.
12. Rock Sail
No wonder they say that nature is the best creator. The Parus rock, which is located on one of the shores in the vicinity of the city, has become one of these assets. It got its name due to its shape resembling a sail. An interesting feature of the attraction is a through hole in the body of the rock - no one can say where it came from. For some time, its appearance was explained by the version of being hit by a cannon shell during the Caucasian War, but historians quickly refuted it, arguing with the memories of sailors who wrote that even shells from the battleship did not take the rock.
Interesting places
Among the locations where you can go in Gelendzhik and where you can take a walk, natural attractions take the lead.
Mount Big Afips
One of the popular hiking routes leads to the middle of the slope, from where you can admire wonderful views. You can climb to the top without any equipment; the peak is 700 m high. In winter, ski slopes open, and in spring it’s definitely worth climbing here to see the variety of colors of alpine meadow grasses.
Plesetsk waterfalls
The route to the natural attraction is on foot, starting from the village. Mikhailovsky. The source of the water streams is from Mount Thab. The Plesetskaya gap is often called the Valley of 100 waterfalls. There are 20 large ones, and water slides are added to them. To travel, you will need comfortable shoes and a burning desire to see all the beauty with your own eyes, and not on advertising postcards.
Rock Sail
The unusual rock formation really resembles a sheet that has partially sunk into the water. When listing what attractions there are in Gelendzhik, the rock is one of the first to be mentioned. It is considered a symbol of the city along with the embankment and the horseshoe-shaped bay. The rock used to be part of a mountain range, but under the influence of natural factors it gradually separated, acquiring its unusual shape.
Mount Popeye
The mountain range has several peaks and from a distance resembles a saw, for which it received the appropriate nickname from local residents. Climbing to any peak is not difficult; the slopes are surrounded by a network of hiking trails and are a popular place for walks for lovers of nature and solitude.
Abrau-Durso Winery
A two-hour drive from Gelendzhik is the magnificent bright turquoise mountain lake Abrau and the village of Abrau-Durso. Every resident of our country is familiar with this name. The famous champagne wine factory, founded during the reign of Alexander II, is now open to the public. Guests are invited to walk through the winery's damp cellars. These conditions are ideal for storing wine. Inside the cellars it is quite cool and very damp, the walls are covered with wine mold, and the air is filled with the aroma of champagne, bottles and barrels are everywhere. This place has a very interesting atmosphere!
During the tour, guests are told about wine production technologies, changes and improvements in modern methods of producing sparkling drinks. In the equipped mini-cinema you will be shown a documentary about the history of wine and Abrau-Durso in particular. After the tour, everyone is invited to a tasting. The Abrau-Durso Wine Tourism Center regularly organizes thematic tastings and gastronomic festivals.
An excursion to the Abrau-Durso sparkling wine factory is one of the most popular and visited excursions in the Krasnodar region. Typically, the organizers of excursions include not only a visit to the vineyards and cellars of the Abrau-Durso plant, but also a tour of the nearest city of Novorossiysk. You will also be taken to the mountain lake Abrau itself. Here you should definitely take a walk along the clear azure lake, take a photo, and buy wine, but not factory wine, but local wine - from private winemakers.
How to get there?
The distance between Gelendzhik and Abrau-Durso is 54 km. You can get there by bus as part of an excursion group, by commuter and passing buses with a transfer in Novorossiysk, or by car on your own.
By car:
The journey will take one and a half hours. You need to follow the M4 highway, get to Novorossiysk, then passing the village of Tsemdolina, you will see a sign to the right to Abrau-Durso. Turn off and follow the road signs.
By public transport:
Any way by public transport to Abrau Durso (except for direct taxi) involves a transfer in Novorossiysk. In order to get to Novorossiysk from Gelendzhik, you need to take a regular bus from the bus station. Bus No. 185 departs from the Upper bus station (Obyezdnaya, 3) in Gelendzhik, and regular intercity buses depart from the Lower (Lenin, 31) bus station to Novorossiysk, as well as buses passing through Novorossiysk to Krasnodar and Temryuk. The price of a trip from Gelendzhik to Novorossiysk by bus will cost 130 rubles.
From the bus station in Novorossiysk you need to take commuter bus No. 102 to Abrau-Dyurso (goes to Bolshie Khutor). It runs from 06:00 to 21:40 at intervals of 15–25 minutes.
As part of the excursion group:
The simplest and most interesting option. We recommend it because excursion companies will not only take you to the Abrau Durso plant itself, but will also tell you a lot of interesting things along the way about Novorossiysk, Abrau Durso, wine, etc. The guides will suggest taking a walk along the Novorossiysk embankment, walking along Lake Abrau, visiting Temple of Xenia of St. Petersburg, look at the monument to Utesov.
Entry price
to the Abrau Durso sparkling wine factory is 650 rubles. The price includes a one and a half hour excursion and a tasting during which you will be offered five varieties of champagne. Tours run from 10:00 to 18:00 every hour.
Where to go for a walk in Gelendzhik
The city has several of the most popular places, distinguished by their beauty and interesting range of entertainment.
Olympus Park
The entertainment complex offers a ride on a cable car, a visit to the zoo and exotarium, and rides on attractions. To attract visitors, each guest is offered one free entertainment to choose from. This could be a spin on the Ferris Wheel, a visit to the petting zoo, or other seasonal offerings.
Address: Kupriyanova Shchel, 1.
Cost: 900 rub. for adults, 500 for children, free admission for children under 5 years old.
Old park of Gelendzhik
It will certainly be remembered by connoisseurs of architectural ensembles. Samples of buildings, gazebos, towers, galleries from various centuries and eras are collected in a small area. A total of 20 exhibits are presented, the author of the collection is A. Alekseev. Classicism, Gothic, Byzantine style are presented, Egyptian and Caucasian themes are clearly demonstrated. For an additional fee, it is possible to tour the House of the Caucasus and visit the art gallery.
Address: Kabardinka village. st. Chernomorskaya, 55.
Cost: adult – 500 rubles, children under 13 years old – 200.
Dolmens
Mysterious megalithic structures of unknown purpose have been troubling scientists for many decades. And tourists simply selflessly take pictures against their background.
Address: pos. Revival.
Cost: adult – 250 rubles, children – 150, free admission in the off-season.
Square Town of Fairy Tales
When choosing where to relax, what to see, where to go in Gelendzhik, exploring interesting places and attractions to visit with children, you should pay attention to this small square. The joy of recognizing your favorite fairy-tale characters and colorful photographs will be guaranteed.
Address: st. Kherson.
Embankment and singing fountain
The most popular and easily accessible place for relaxation and walking is the Gelendzhik embankment. From here you have an excellent view of Gelendzhik Bay. It’s equally pleasant to walk here with a group of people or with children. The embankment is landscaped, there is a lot of greenery and well-groomed flower beds around, shady alleys with benches, children's playgrounds and exercise equipment are equipped.
In summer, the embankment turns into a particularly lively entertainment area. Street cafes, roller skate and bicycle rentals are opening, photographers with animals and traders come here, attractions, shooting ranges and trampolines are opening. At night, the light and music fountain begins its work. His repertoire includes 20 musical compositions. To watch how jets of water, illuminated in different colors, dance synchronously to well-known favorite melodies, all the vacationers passing nearby along the embankment gather.
How to get there?
Walk along the embankment or take public transport to the “Lenina (Bus Station)” stop on buses 1,3,10,103, 199 and minibuses 5,7,8,12,12a,12B,14,15,16,17, 18,20,21,22,24,29,31,40
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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.
4. Safari Park
In the Safari Park, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the “heterogeneity” of the flora - here you can see coniferous and deciduous trees, shrubs and, of course, a huge variety of flowers. The last representatives of the plant world, with their beauty and diversity, are perhaps capable of surprising even guests experienced in this matter. Also, by visiting the Safari Park in Gelendzhik, tourists will be able to get acquainted with many animals that live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat.
What to see in the vicinity of Gelendzhik
A resort town cannot be compared with megacities, and if suddenly there are no more attractions within the city limits, then it’s time to pay attention to the surrounding area.
Blue Abyss Bay
Near the village Divnomorskoe has a campsite and several beaches, including a nudist area. Clean water, the complete absence of noisy cafes and attractions allow you to truly take a break from civilization.
Mount Nexis
It is not high by local standards, the highest point reaches only 398 m. The name translates as “connection of worlds,” for which it is given a mystical meaning. It is famous for the ancient dolmens Solar and Lunar, located at its top.
Spring "Natasha"
Located near the village of Mikhailovskoye. Near a small pond there is a sculpture of a girl holding a jug. Crystal clear water flows from it. Legend has it that she was petrified from grief for her lover, and the continuous flow of water was her tears.
Janet Waterfalls
Behind the first waterfall there is an area that adherents of spiritual practices call a place of power. Creativity festivals and self-improvement seminars are regularly held there, to which people come not only from all over our country, but also from abroad. Multi-level waterfalls and waterfalls are completely different from each other and unique in their own way.
Address: pos. Revival.
Rocks "Grey Monasteries"
A chain of rocks stretching for 2 km. From a distance it really resembles monastery walls. The natural monument is made of dark sandstone, chosen by climbers to hone their climbing skills.
Address: pos. Revival.
Pshad waterfalls
They are located between Gelendzhik and Dzhubga along the M-4 highway. More than 100 large and small cascades are united under this name. They originate along the beds of 2 rivers, and bus excursions are organized here annually. According to the legends of the Circassians, the ancient Papagi tribe revered waterfalls as a habitat and resting place for spirits.
Gebius Falls
They are considered a nature reserve and you must pay an environmental fee upon entry. Visitors are offered fishing, swimming, hiking along the rifts and an amazing feeling of unity with nature. There are 7 waterfalls, 3 of them are the highest and deepest, the rest almost dry up in the summer months, filling only in the spring and after rainfalls.
Address: highway M-4.
Cost: 200 rub. will be a fee for an adult, 150 for a child.
Dolmens
Dolmens are places of power. One of the most famous attractions not only in Gelendzhik, but also in the entire Krasnodar region. Dolmens were built 5 thousand years ago. These are ancient tombs made of monolithic stone, the same age as the Egyptian pyramids. Scientists began studying the history of dolmens only 100 years ago. Much older are the legends, stories and stories of the indigenous people about the mysterious power and history of the origin of dolmens. You can find out details from the history and read more legends about dolmens HERE.
It is believed that a dolmen is a place of concentration of energy, a certain frequency: love, success and wealth, maternal happiness, creative inspiration, etc. When going to Gelendzhik, be sure to visit at least one of the Dolmen complexes available to tourists. Make a wish at the dolmen with the energy that interests you! Enjoy nature, quiet forest walks and picturesque waterfalls in the Zhane River valley.
How to get there?
There are several domain complexes in Gelendzhik. All dolmens, as a rule, are located on the tops of ridges, in an area remote from the city. The nearest dolmens are the Dolmens of Mount Nexis, 6 kilometers from the city, near the village of Svetly.
The rest of the dolmens are located further from the city, and getting to them is more difficult. In this case, it is worth taking an excursion, where you will not only be taken to one or several domain complexes, but also accompanied, shown and told about each dolmen. If you wish, you can set off on your own by choosing public transport or a taxi. Regular buses run regularly to the most popular dolmen complexes (in the village of Vozrozhdeniya in the valley of the Zhane River and the Dolmens of the village of Pshada). Entrance to the fenced dolmen complexes is 100-150 rubles per person.
If you want to visit dolmens that are difficult to access and less popular with ordinary tourists, you should choose the “Jeeping to the Dolmens” excursion or get there by car yourself. We wrote more about dolmens and how to get to them by car HERE.
Church of the Ascension
The oldest shrine in the city is the Church of the Ascension of the Lord. Its history is not as old as it could be - the ancient churches have not survived to our time, but Orthodox believers still have something to worship within its walls. But for supporters of other faiths (or atheists), a visit to the cathedral will also be useful - the church has important historical significance. Over the many centuries of the city's existence, various cultures and civilizations have left their mark on its image. Thus, the history of the cathedral goes back to the time of the inheritance of these lands by Russia (from the Turks).
When is the best time to relax?
What is remarkable about each period:
- April. This time is suitable for mountain hiking and tourist excursions. The water temperature is around 18 degrees, so it’s too early to swim.
- May June. At the beginning of the holiday season in Gelendzhik the weather is around 25 degrees. Therefore, it will be still cold at sea with children, but just right for young people. At this time there are fewer tourists and prices are slightly lower.
- July August. The height of summer. The temperature rises to 27-35 degrees. The sea is warm, there is much more entertainment and cultural programs. But the beaches are crowded, and the prices are hard on your wallet.
- September October. The heat subsides, but the sea remains warm. Great time to improve your health and sunbathe.
The choice of time for the trip depends on the goals and age of the vacationers.
Gelendzhik Oceanarium
In the central part of Gelendzhik there is an oceanarium, which will be interesting for guests of any age to visit. The most attractive thing about it is that it welcomes visitors all year round, and not just in season, like most other city attractions. In its aquariums, tourists can get acquainted with a huge variety of marine life, and the managers claim that their water is taken directly from the Mediterranean Sea.
How to get there?
There are several ways to get into the city:
- Airplane. The nearest airport is 10 km from Gelendzhik. After arrival, you can take a taxi or wait for a regular bus. True, there are regular flights only from Moscow and some large cities during the high season. The cost of the flight is within 15,000 rubles.
- Train. It is best to take a ticket to Novorossiysk, since there is no railway station in Gelendzhik itself. The journey will take about 1-1.5 days from the capital. But the trip will cost less - about 2,500 rubles. After arrival, you can get to your final destination by taxi or bus. Avid travelers recommend option 2.
- Bus. The price of a ticket from Moscow is from 1500 to 3000 rubles. It will take about 24 hours to travel.
- Automobile. It is considered the most convenient mode of transport, as it provides advantages in visiting city excursions and attractions. Gasoline costs when leaving the capital are approximately 4,000 rubles. Since the road is long, it is better to take a partner with you.
