Black Sea Coast

Introducing Black Sea Coast

A narrow coastal strip edges the Black Sea from where rolling hills ascend fairly rapidly into mountains in the southeast and low uplands in the northwest. This is Russia's seaside playground. A long summer from June to October gives rise to warm to hot weather, plenty of sunshine and a warm sea. Several resort towns dot the sometimes-rugged coast and Sochi is the pearl.

While the sea is unexciting - pebbles all the way to Anapa, which has the only sandy beach - it is safe swimming. Despite pollution of the Black Sea at depth, dolphins can often be seen frolicking off the coast. The interior, slashed by deep valleys, provides some terrific walking through lake and waterfall-filled terrain. Skiing is popular at nearby Krasnaya Polyana and Mt Fisht from about January to April.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009