Anapa has become one of the Black Sea coast’s most popular resorts. The city owes its popularity not only to its mild Mediterranean climate, but also to its many sandy and pebble beaches. Anapa is a favourite destination for travellers from across the region and beyond.
Not every traveller wants to spend their entire holiday lying on the beach and return home with nothing but a tan. Memorable experiences and beautiful photos are often the real goal of a trip. If you think there is nothing to see in Anapa beyond the beach and churchkhela, you are mistaken. Below are some of the city’s most photogenic spots and nearby attractions that every active traveller should visit.
“800 Steps”
It is not known exactly who built this staircase or how. However, these remarkable people certainly deserve thanks. The views from the hilly area where the stairs begin are breathtaking. The sea seems endless, almost like an ocean. Other local attractions include Bald Mountain and Anapa Lighthouse.
The most spectacular scenery and best photo opportunities are at the top. At the bottom of the staircase, you will find a wild pebble beach where you can relax and swim in the sea. Be prepared, though: the climb back up is much harder than the descent. Fortunately, several benches have been installed along the staircase for resting.
How to get there?
There is no public transport to the “800 Steps.” A taxi is the only option unless you are travelling by car. Drive along Ivan Golubets Street to Walnut Grove Park, then turn right immediately after the park onto Tamanskaya Street. Continue along it, leave the paved road for the dirt track, and follow the coast to the informal parking area. You can park there and walk the remaining approximately 50 metres.
Musical Fountains
To fully appreciate the city’s main attraction, visit after 10:00 pm. The fountain complex stretches for 90 metres and becomes a popular evening gathering spot.
The fountains are computer-controlled. In time with the music, the lighting changes colour and the water pressure varies in each jet. The result is a fountain that not only sings, but also appears to dance to the music.
How to get there?
The Musical Fountains are located in the city centre on Krymskaya Street, near the city administration building. A taxi is the most convenient option, although public transport is also available. Bus No. 109 and minibuses No. 2, 9, 11, 17, 24, 25 and 100 serve the area. If you are driving, simply enter the address into your navigation app.
Cypress Lake
Cypress Lake, also known as Sukko Lake, is a unique place surrounded by wooded hills. The reservoir takes its name from the cypress trees growing directly in the water. In fact, this striking landscape was created by people.
The artificial lake was formed in the 1930s, and the trees were planted in the water five years later. This bold idea proved highly successful. The lake began attracting visitors and became one of the calling cards of the Anapa area.
Here, you can enjoy the natural scenery, take stunning photos and relax. There is also a beach where visitors can swim.
How to get there?
The easiest way to reach the lake is by car, as it is more than 15 km from Anapa. Follow signs for the village of Sukko, located close to the lake. All nearby car parks charge a fee.
If you do not have a car, take bus No. 109 to its final stop, “Lukomorye,” then walk for around 15 minutes.
Bugaz Spit
Between the Black Sea and the Bugaz Estuary lies a 12 km strip of land. This protected area is part of the Blagoveshchenskaya Spit nature reserve. The sandy strip is home to many wild beaches enjoyed by both locals and visitors.
There are also several guesthouses in this untamed area, as well as the Blaga Beach Hotel, with its own comfortable beach, parties and good food. Thanks to the constant current, the sea here is always clean, while the scenery is wonderfully photogenic.
How to get there?
Bugaz Spit is 51 km from Anapa. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or car. Driving onto the spit costs approximately $3.
Travelling by bus is more complicated. From the “Severny Market” stop, take bus No. 106 to the final stop. From there, the destination is still about 7 km away, which you can cover by hitchhiking or calling a taxi. Entry is free for pedestrians.
Pearl Waterfall
Near the village of Bolshoy Utrish is a wild nature reserve where you will find its pearl: a waterfall. It is not particularly high, at just over 5 metres, but its setting makes it especially appealing. Crystal-clear water runs down the rocks, breaking into fine droplets before flowing into a beautiful lagoon. This tropical-looking spot is so inviting that, on hot days, visitors often cool off beneath the refreshing streams. Despite the rocky shores, there are sandy beaches here too.
How to get there?
There are no regular buses or minibuses, and the waterfall cannot be reached by car. The only way to enter the reserve is on foot. Follow the beach from Anapa towards Novorossiysk. Bring plenty of stamina and patience, as the walk takes about an hour. The experiences along the way make the hike worthwhile.
Lotus Valley
Looking for the most unusual holiday photos? Then Lotus Valley is the place for you. It is located 40 km from Anapa on a shallow freshwater reservoir. These beautiful pale-pink flowers need a very specific combination of conditions to grow: plenty of sunlight, fertile silt and fresh water. Such plants are extremely rare in the wild, especially in such large numbers, and are considered endangered.
How to get there?
If you would rather not plan the route yourself, you can book an excursion in Anapa and travel with a group. If independent travel is more your style, you can easily get there by taxi or car. Your final landmark is the Strelka farmstead, where the artificial canal begins. From there, continue by boat directly to the valley.
Have a wonderful and unforgettable holiday!