The sights of Anapa are common for a resort town - beaches, embankments, parks. There is a water park "Golden Beach", aquariums and dolphinariums of various types. Fans of extreme sports should visit the “Sea of Pleasure” water entertainment center. Families with children will appreciate the amusement parks with dozens of toddler-only carousels - Jungle and Sunny Island.
In addition to entertainment, it is worth getting acquainted with the history of Anapa. You can learn about ancient settlements on its territory in the Gorgippia Museum. The picturesque landscapes of the southern region are best explored in the vicinity of the city. An hour's drive from Anapa there is a unique Cypress Lake, a reserve with preserved virgin nature Bolshoy Utrish, a magical Lotus Valley. In Dzhemete there is an excellent sandy beach and the Tiki-Tak water park.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photos with names and descriptions of the best sights of Anapa. He will help you plan routes to explore the top places of the city in 2-3 days.
Central embankment
After reconstruction in 2002, the embankment is a grandiose entertainment center of the resort town. The pedestrian part is paved with granite, lanterns, flower decorative figures, art objects, palm trees are installed. The embankment is always crowded - there are cafes and souvenir shops, attractions for tourists. The upper tier offers a wonderful view of the Black Sea and moored ships.
Read about all the top places in the region: the main attractions of the Krasnodar Territory.
Archaeological Museum "Gorgippia"
Tells about what happened on the territory of Anapa several thousand years ago. Part of the ancient city of Gorgippia, which existed in the IV-III centuries BC, is located in the open air. Several blocks with an area of 2 hectares are available for viewing. They have preserved ancient wineries, wells, the remains of residential buildings, streets with sidewalks. Archaeological finds are exhibited - sculptures made of bronze and marble, sarcophagi, weapons, coins.
Anapa lighthouse
Founded in 1898. The former strategic site is now one of the most popular attractions in Anapa. The 21 meter high lighthouse building adorns the embankment and gives it a special charm. It is impossible to get inside the small tower. From the site next to the lighthouse, located at the highest point of Anapa, an excellent view of the peaks of the Greater Caucasus opens up. The tower's illuminated light is visible from a distance of 30 km.
Gorkogo Street
It stretches from the Central Market to the Theater Square. The pedestrian part of the street is especially loved by tourists and shopping connoisseurs. In addition to a large market and large shopping centers, there are many small shops with interesting goods, cafes and restaurants with local cuisine. The market has a separate row where the famous excellent Kuban wine is sold. A fountain and iconic monuments have been installed.
Concert venue "Summer Stage"
One of the main centers of cultural life in the resort. The concert venue is located on Gorky Street, not far from the sea. Almost every day, pop singers and comedians perform there, show performances, hold music festivals. The hall is located in the open air. A suspended roof protects spectators from rain and wind. Music from concerts is perfectly heard in the park of the 30th anniversary of Victory.
Monument "White Hat"
The original monument is considered the unofficial symbol of the city. The sculpture, installed in the park of the 30th anniversary of Victory, is a popular place for tourists' photo sessions. The hat is made of marble, there is a beautiful flower bed around the monument. The monument to the headdress that protects from the hot rays of the southern sun was installed in 2007. On the site in front of the monument, entertainment events are often held, street performers perform.
Musical fountains in Central Square
The light and music show of fountains is one of the most popular shows among guests of the resort of Anapa. The complex of five fountains is 90 meters long. The main fountain has a bowl with a diameter of 23 meters. More than 300 jets of water dance to the rhythms of music and are illuminated by 300 lamps of different colors. The musical repertoire is varied - from classical melodies to jazz compositions by Louis Armstrong.
Russian gate
Ottoman military architecture monument and the only surviving fragment of the 18th century Anapa fortress. The powerful fortress had 7 bastions and three gates. The restoration of the gate located in the park of the 30th anniversary of Victory took place in the 1990s. In addition to updating the appearance of the gate, a stele was installed on which the Order "For the Caucasus" was depicted. A plaque appeared in memory of the soldiers buried near the fortress in 1788-1828.
Bald mountain
The highest mountain in the vicinity of Anapa. It is located 9 km from Anapa. You can climb the steps to its top, where the most popular observation deck of the city is located. The site is called "swallow's nest" because of the holes in the relief rocks. The area around is interesting for its landscapes, which many call "Martian". Of particular interest are the large white balls near the mountain - the protective radar domes.
Popular beaches of Anapa
There are many beautiful beaches in the city and its surroundings. There are public and subordinate sanatoriums. The best sandy beaches of Anapa are located on the coast in the direction of the villages of Dzhemete and Vityazevo.
Central beach
Its banks are covered with sand, not pebbles, the water is clean, warm and transparent. Therefore, it is popular with tourists and city residents as a comfortable place to relax by the water. Families with children will appreciate the gentle entry into the water. The beach has excellent infrastructure - showers, rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, toilets, cafes, changing cabins, shops. Entertainment usual for southern beaches - riding catamarans, scooters, bananas.
Beach "High Coast"
A pebble beach located at a steep cliff. The pebbles are quite large and pleasant to walk on. Thanks to the pebbled surface, the water here is clear and clear, which is especially appreciated by snorkelers. Most of the tourists gather at the Walnut Grove, where there is a convenient and gentle descent to the water. There are rental offices for sun loungers, umbrellas and sports equipment.
Beach in Nizhny Dzhemete
Located 5 km from Anapa. This resort area has excellent infrastructure and a wide beach area. There is an amusement park with water slides and attractions, rental boats and gyro scooters, a water park, a dolphinarium and an oceanarium. The beach areas are landscaped and comfortable, the coast is covered with velvet sand. The depth increases gradually, in shallow water the water is perfectly warmed up throughout the beach season.
Beach in Vityazevo
A wide sandy beach area stretches 15 km along the village. Great for families with children - the water warms up early, the entrance to the water is shallow. There are many boarding houses in a small village, accommodation can be found within walking distance from the beach and the sea. The extensive beach area is well-groomed and has excellent infrastructure. Fun beach parties take place in the center of the beach, while atmospheric and secluded places are located in the distance.
The best water parks in Anapa
There are large water parks in the city and in the village of Dzhemete. Park "Golden Beach" can be called historical, it has existed for 20 years.
Aquapark "Golden Beach"
The water park located in the city center has been operating since 2001. Entertainment in it is divided into several thematic zones, especially for young children there is a town called Treasure Island. For fans of extreme descents, the Mountain Stream, Kamikaze and Black Hole slides are suitable. Quieter water attractions are Boa, Yellow River and Twister.There are three pools, including an artificial storm wave pool.
Water park "Tiki-Tak"
A large water and entertainment complex in the village of Dzhemete. The open-air water park is open during the warmer months. It is made in the form of a tropical island - palm trees grow, statues of Indian idols are placed. Guests will appreciate the presence of different categories of slides - extreme, family, for single and pair slopes. For the entertainment of children there is a shallow pool and a low slide, a stage with animators, a water play town.
Water Ski Park "Sea of Pleasure"
The unique complex was opened in 2017 and immediately became a popular leisure destination for vacationers. It is equipped with a ring-type water cable car. Visitors can ride a wakeboard and kniboard, inflatable buns, water skiing. Visitors who venture to fly on a flyboard will receive a dose of adrenaline. For beginners, experienced instructors and a separate small towing rig work.
Amusement and amusement parks in Anapa
The Republic of Childhood, as Anapa is called, boasts a large number of leisure activities for children. Children's amusement parks here are one of the best on the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory.
Amusement Park "Solnechny Ostrov"
Located next to the Tiki-Tak water park. The park has a fabulous atmosphere for children. The park looks especially magical in the dark, when illumination lights are turned on on all the rides. All carousels have a colorful design and a fabulous style. Guests can ride a chain carousel, mini train, Ferris wheel, horse carousel, helicopters, jeeps. There is an autodrome, trampolines, House upside down, a labyrinth of fear.
Amusement park "Jungle"
An entertainment area especially for children. It is located in a green area near the sea. Among the thickets that resemble a real jungle, there are sculptures of elephants and giraffes. The largest number of carousels are designed for children under 8 years old. For teenagers, there are several exciting rides - Wild Mouse or Dream Ship. The park has a 70 meter high Ferris wheel. There is a circus nearby.
Dolphinariums and aquariums in Anapa
Observation of the underwater world and acquaintance with its inhabitants is one of the most popular entertainments in resort towns at sea. Anapa also has interesting oceanariums and dolphinariums.
Dolphinarium "Nemo"
The entertainment complex is located on Pionersky Prospekt. In it you can not only watch the show of sea animals, but also swim with dolphins, take photos with them, inspect the oceanarium. Bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, walrus, sea lion, white whale participate in the performances. The animals, under the guidance of trainers, perform complex and interesting tricks, and even paint pictures that visitors can purchase.
Oceanarium "Reef"
A unique oceanarium near Central Beach, where you can see coral-algal reefs. The marine forests are positioned behind illuminated glass to enjoy the enchanting beauty of the underwater world. The aquariums are home to exotic fish, stingrays, octopuses, starfish, piranhas, carpet and cat sharks. Educational excursions are regularly held - demonstrative feeding of fish and a story about the life of marine life.
Sea aquarium "Bathyscaphe"
Tunnel Oceanarium near the Anapa lighthouse. Walking through the unique glass tunnel will give the impression of walking along the bottom of the ocean. Exotic fish swim around visitors - stingrays, sea cocks, mirror carps, pikes, silver carps. The volume of the aquarium is 24,000 liters. On the second floor there is a terrarium where monitor lizards, chameleons and snakes live. The "dry" exposition includes dried starfish, shells, stuffed fish.
Anapa Dolphinarium on Bolshoy Utrish
The inhabitants of the dolphinarium live in natural conditions - the sea lagoon of the village of Bolshoy Utrish, 18 km from Anapa. From the spectators' seats, you can not only watch the show of sea animals, but also enjoy the picturesque beauty of the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains. Dolphinarium shows include dolphins, sea lions, fur seals and beluga whales. Shows are held only during the warmer months.
Interesting museums of Anapa
The best museums in Anapa, which you should definitely visit.
Museum of local lore
In a small modest museum building near the Central Embankment, there is a rich collection of exhibits telling about 25 centuries of Anapa's history. For a long history on this place there existed a Greek polis, a trading settlement of the Genoese, a Turkish fortress, a health resort. In the halls of the museum, there are expositions of Circassian weapons and armor, Turkish household items, exhibitions telling about the nature of the region.
Military equipment square
Opened in 2018. A collection of military equipment is on display in the open air. Visitors will see real combat vehicles - the BTR-70 armored personnel carrier, the PT-76 amphibious tank, artillery and anti-aircraft guns, MI-8 and KA-27 helicopters, the legendary T-34 tank and the SU-27 fighter. All exhibits can be climbed, especially for small children. Military equipment is located among the flower beds and green spaces of the park.
Center for Black Sea Studies
A visit to the center in Bolshoy Utrish will allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world, previously available only to divers. Representatives of the depths of the Black Sea live in large aquariums - crabs, dragon fish, seahorses, sturgeons, stingrays. The ichthyology guides tell interesting facts about the Black Sea and its inhabitants. There is a walking tour in which guests will see the rock to which Prometheus was chained, relict plants and trees.
Gardens and parks of Anapa
You can walk in Anapa not only along the embankment. There are beautiful green parks and public gardens here. It is nice to walk there in the evening, sit on a bench and breathe in the fresh air.
Park named after the 30th anniversary of Victory
Central park for recreation and entertainment in the resort area. It houses the main city attractions - the White Hat sculpture, light and music fountains, and the Russian Gate. Since Soviet times, it has preserved a standard set of attractions - a Ferris wheel, a room of laughter, an autodrome. In recent years, modern entertainment has been added - trampolines, a game castle with obstacles, a 7D cinema, a panic room.
Square named after I.V. Gudovich
The square is named after the famous general who seized the Turkish fortress. The green and cozy park has become one of the favorite places for cultural recreation of the townspeople and vacationers. Children will appreciate the playground with a hut on chicken legs. Baba Yaga's house is surrounded by sculptures of fairy-tale heroes. The cozy park is quiet and calm - there are no cafes or kiosks. There are sports grounds, a gazebo for playing chess.
Park "Walnut Grove"
Recreation park in the region of the High Bank. The territory began to be improved in the 2000s. We planted several varieties of walnut trees, pines, and rose bushes. For children, there is a playground with slides, trampolines and swings, there is an electric car rental. Bicycle and pedestrian paths have been laid, benches installed. There is an area with exercise equipment. There is a beautiful dancing fountain in the center of the park.
Churches and temples of Anapa
There are not many cult historical places in Anapa. There are only a few small ornate temples and chapels.
Temple of Saint Onuphrius the Great
Founded by order of Nicholas I in 1830. The original building of the temple was destroyed in 1855 during the Crimean War. Divine services in the restored church began in 1874. The second time the temple suffered from the actions of the Bolsheviks. Currently, the renovated church building is interesting for its turquoise walls and black gilded roof. Bright decoration is also present in the interior design of the temple.
Temple of Seraphim of Sarov
Founded in a residential building at a time when the main building of the Church of St.Onuphrius the Great was closed by order of the Soviet government. For 30 years it served as the main temple of the city, until the return of the main building to the believers. In 1991, the temple received a new consecration in honor of Seraphim of Sarov, and in 2014 a full-fledged church building in the Pskov-Novgorod style was completed for the temple.
Monuments and sculptures in Anapa
The most famous historical and modern monuments of the city.
Ship-monument "Scarlet Sails"
Art object made of wood. The ship is set on the embankment, against the backdrop of the blue waters of the sea, and is a popular location for photo shoots. The frigate's height is 5 meters. The authors of the sculpture tried not to miss a single detail - the steering wheel was made on the captain's bridge, the hemp ropes were stretched, the scarlet sails, famous from the story of Green, were stretched on the masts. A beautiful flowerbed has been planted around the ship.
Monument to the Vacationer
The dimensions of the original monument are impressive. The height of a man resting on the beach is 8.2 meters, shoulder width - 2.2 meters. A holiday-maker enjoying life lies in the sand in a carefree, relaxed position. Part of his body is covered by a white cowboy hat. The monument is located in the pedestrian zone at the end of the Central Embankment. Guests of the city are happy to take unusual photos with the original sculpture.
Monument stele "Soaring Eagle"
Located in the place where the Caucasus Mountains begin near the village of Supsekh. The observation deck at the monument offers a wonderful view of the unique landscape of Anapa and its environs - mountains, sea and steppe. The sculpture of an eagle made of cold bronze is designed to emphasize the greatness of nature. The authors of the monument are sculptor V. Polyakov, architect Y. Rysin. A visit to the monument is included in most excursion programs.
Monument to the commander Ivan Gudovich
Opened in 2011 in a park named after him. It was in this place in the 18th century that the wall of the Turkish fortress was located, which was captured by the Field Marshal, the commander of the Russian troops. You can find out the details of the military deeds of the commander in the local history museum located nearby. The bronze bust of Gudovich was made by the sculptor A. Apollonov. On his chest are depicted all the orders deserved by the hero.
Memorial stone "To the Cossacks who fell at the walls of the Anapa fortress"
Located at the Russian Gate - a surviving fragment of the Turkish bastion, which was captured and held by Cossack troops in the 18th-19th centuries. In 2013, a memorial stone 2 meters high was erected in memory of their exploits, with a metal cross and a commemorative plaque attached to it. The opening of the monument was attended by the Cossack chieftain and the rector of the church of St. Onuphria. Flowers are laid on the stone on memorable dates.
Triumphal Arch
It was erected in honor of the feat of the Russian troops in the wars with Turkey in the period from 1787 to 1829. It is located not far from Gudovich Square and Teatralnaya Square. The arch is 8 meters high and is made of white stone. It is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting great generals and ships participating in sea battles. In the dark, the arch is illuminated by lighting, trees are planted around. The author of the project is D. Krivenko.
Fountain "Pearl of Anapa"
A modern fountain with an original design. Mirror balls rise above the streams of water, giving the impression that they are floating in the air. In the dark, the streams of water are illuminated, enhancing the sensation of a magical sight. You can view the fountain while walking along the embankment. For the convenience of tourists, there are bright orange benches around it. Jets of water beat from the sidewalk, you can walk between them.
Unusual sights of Anapa
Ladder "800 steps"
An unusual structure is located near Anapa, in the village of Su-Psekh. The village itself is located on a mountain, a long staircase leads from the village to the beach. Walking the stairs, you need to overcome a vertical drop of 130 meters. There are benches and observation platforms on the stairs. Descent and ascent of the stairs are comfortable - the steps are made conveniently. The beach at the foot of the stairs is wild with no infrastructure.
Flower clock
An interesting element of landscape design at the intersection of Lenin and Kirov streets, which hides a real clockwork. Arrows 10 meters long show vacationers what time it is now. During the day, the clock can change its appearance. The plants in the flowerbed are selected so that different types of them are revealed at different times of the day. And after a week, the flowering period for other plants may begin, and the flower bed will again change its appearance.
Attractions near Anapa
There are very interesting places in the vicinity of the city. Therefore, you should not limit your rest in Anapa to entertainment within the city limits.
The Lion's Head Castle in Sukko
Located in a picturesque natural gorge a few kilometers from Anapa. Built in 2006 in the style of a real medieval castle with towers and massive wooden gates at the entrance. Knight tournaments are held on the lists, in which professional actors of the equestrian stunt theater are involved. Jugglers, magicians, acrobats take part in the performances. On the territory of the castle there is a shooting gallery, a smithy, a pottery workshop.
Cypress Lake in Sukko
An interesting ecological zone 20 km from Anapa. Cypress trees grow in the middle of an artificial reservoir. In summer, when the depth of the lake does not exceed 1.5 meters, you can approach them and take spectacular photos. Oaks, hornbeam trees and junipers grow on the shore of the lake. Foothill hills protect the lake from the wind. The mountainous clean air mixes with the essential oils secreted by cypress trees, creating a favorable atmosphere for the body.
Reserve "Bolshoy Utrish"
The reserve, 12 km long, stretches between the villages of Bolshoy Utrish and Sukko, 20 km from Anapa. It includes a variety of natural landscapes, including the sea area. About half of the plants in the reserve grew during the Ice Age. Hiking trails lead to waterfalls and lakes. Many tourists are attracted by diving in clear water. All movements must be coordinated with the administration of the reserve.
DoDo Wildlife Park
A grandiose park 25 km from Anapa, where you can enjoy the beauty of pristine nature and the proximity of the animal world. Neat paths lead past vast territories where different animals live in natural conditions - monkeys, lemurs, squirrels, pelicans, deer, ostriches. You can buy food and feed the animals yourself. There is an equestrian club where you can ride horses under the guidance of instructors.
Valley of the lotuses
There is a wonderful place 50 km from Anapa, which is worth going on a journey that takes no more than an hour. The natural landmark of Taman was created artificially in the 1980s. The lotus plantation covers an area of about 2 km² and during the flowering period it is a magical sight from a pink-green carpet on the surface of the water surface. Lotus blooms for only a few weeks - from early July to late August.
Bugaz spit
It is considered one of the best kite surfing and kite surfing spots. Located 40 km from Anapa. The spit is about 12 km long. Shallow water, clear water and strong winds that blow almost the entire season are excellent conditions in which even a beginner can master the skills of skiing. Several kite schools operate here. The spit is covered with fine quartz sand mixed with pebbles and small shell rock. A beautiful view opens from the dunes.