This calm Black Sea resort town centers around a sheltered bay, with beaches ideal for swimming and windsurfing. The nearby Caucasus Mountains slopes make it a good base for regional exploration.
Gelendzhik sits on the Black Sea coast, with public beaches covering eight kilometers of its shoreline. Walk through centuries-old pine forests, take a chairlift ride up the Markotkh mountains, or swim at one of three waterparks. The area's ancient dolmens and the 30-meter Sail Rock formation tell stories of both human and geological history along this part of the Russian coast.
Getting to Gelendzhik
Fly into Gelendzhik's airport terminal, opened in 2021, with multiple daily connections to Moscow. A taxi ride from the airport to the town center takes 15 minutes. Buses run hourly from Novorossiysk, with a journey time of about 40 minutes.
Weather and Seasonal Activities
The town has a drier climate than other Black Sea locations. Summer temperatures reach 30°C (86°F), while winter temperatures range from 5-10°C (41-50°F). Swimming season runs from June through September, with water temperatures averaging 24°C (75°F). Strong winds can occur in winter, making spring and autumn better times for hiking and mountain activities.
Beaches and Waterfront
The central bay's main beach combines pebble and sandy areas. The water depth stays shallow for about 20 meters from shore, making swimming safe for children. Walk along the waterfront promenade to find cafes and ice cream stands. Three waterparks line the shore, each with multiple slides and swimming pools.
Natural Landmarks
Walk 40 minutes along coastal trails to reach Sail Rock, a 30-meter-high, 25-meter-wide natural arch standing over the water 17 kilometers from town. Two groves near town have marked walking paths through 200-year-old pine trees and rare juniper species.
Archaeological Sites
Stone chambers called dolmens, built by the Maykop culture 5,000 years ago, dot the surrounding hills. These structures, made from massive stone slabs, have distinctive round entrance holes measuring 40 centimeters across. Take a local bus or drive to the village of Pshada to see several well-maintained examples.
Old Park and Kabardinka
Walk through the architectural park in Kabardinka to see scale models of buildings from various time periods. The park includes Greek temples with detailed columns, Egyptian sphinxes, medieval towers, and Orthodox church designs. Gardens between the structures grow plants and trees native to the Black Sea region, with signs identifying each species.
Day Trips
Drive 30 kilometers to tour the Abrau-Durso winery's 1870 cellars and see how Russian sparkling wines are made. Visit the Dagomys tea plantations - the world's northernmost tea fields at 45 degrees latitude. Both locations run guided tours and tasting sessions.
