Looking out over the azure waters of the Sea of Azov, the port city of Azov is a picturesque stop on Russia’s southern border. The city has been inhabited since ancient times and its strategic location has made it a target for invaders over the centuries. Today, the city is a thriving commercial center, with a busy port that exports grain, steel and other goods. The old city is a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed houses, with a fort and a mosque from the Ottoman era. There are also several beaches in the area, making it a popular summer destination.