Arriving at the resort, guests try to learn about it as much as possible. And Gelendzhik is no exception. The ancient settlement preserves the cultures of two peoples: Adyghe and Russian. They are bizarrely mixed, creating a unique flavor. The resort has excellent infrastructure: guests who come across the sea and the southern sun will be satisfied. But even those who are trying to broaden their horizons will find something to do. The sights of Gelendzhik will not leave anyone indifferent.

Dolphinarium

Guests of the resort visit the local dolphinarium with pleasure: trainers who are passionate about their work show an interesting performance. Marine mammals play volleyball with each other and with people, roll trainers on their backs, jump through the ring. The performance involves not only dolphins, but also fur seals and seals. It's amazing how easy massive animals do tricks! And graceful dances on the water are simply mesmerizing.

Spectators who bought tickets to the front rows run the risk of being soaked through: from the jumps and turns of mammals, splashes fly in all directions. But this does not bother anyone, besides, those who wish can hide behind umbrellas or raincoats. But the entertainment of tourists is not the only task of the center: scientific work is being carried out here. Dolphinarium workers devote a lot of time to promoting a competent attitude towards the environment. The Dolphinarium is located on Lunacharskogo Street, 30. If you go by public transport, you need to get off at the Dom Kultury stop.

Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel for 700 RUB

Park “Roman Empire“

An amazing place for those who are interested in ancient history. The creators of the park built a real antique village. Here you can see the dwellings of the barbarians, and if you wish, you can learn the trade from an ancient potter. A unique exhibition of ancient weapons. It was prepared for 30 years: they found a description of the artifacts, created drawings and made objects from them. All exhibits (if desired) can be used to siege the fortress.

Guests will see:

Then the disguised actors will show a real battle of gladiators. Spectators are invited to decide the fate of the defeated warrior. The spectacle is absolutely authentic, adults and children enjoy watching it. The children, of course, wish to learn how to use weapons as deftly as the fighters. They will be offered to learn on special simulators. All devices are absolutely safe: they are made of plastic and filled with air.

A playground has been built for the kids. Here you can slide down the hill, walk along the hanging paths or bridges. And after playing in the fresh air, it's good to refresh yourself at a local cafe. The children will be happy to try the gladiator's lunch. The park is easy to find at the address: Sukhumi Highway, 4 km. But when ordering tickets, you can get a transfer.

Leading beacon

This is the oldest navigation building in the city. It was built according to the design of the architect de Tonde in 1897. The gate beacon consists of 2 parts. When sailors see both lights on the same line, then the course is correct. The front gate beacon is located along Mayachnaya Street 1. And the rear gate beacon used to be on the slope of Mount Markotkh, but later it was replaced by a building on the roof of the Pine Grove boarding house. Guests of the resort do not immediately find the front leading lighthouse: the building is very reminiscent of a sanatorium or hotel built at the end of the 19th century.

The structure gives out a specific red stripe. The lighthouse has been operating without interruption since its construction until our time. The equipment of the French company has never been repaired. For all the years it was only necessary to replace the kerosene stove with an electric lantern. The leading beacon is a closed object. Access inside is prohibited. But to inspect the building from the outside, to admire the bizarre architecture, which does not at all resemble a lighthouse, to stand at the monument to the Old Lighthouse on the embankment is quite real.

tunnel oceanarium

The oceanarium project was developed by Russian architects and scientists, but carried out by foreign contractors: in those years (the facility was put into operation in 2015), there was no experience of such work in our country. Today it is one of the most amazing entertainment places in the resort.

The exposition is presented on 2 floors and is divided by themes:

Sea dwellers. Here you can see sharks, moray eels, stingrays, lionfish, skates, lobsters, hedgehog fish, stone fish.
Inhabitants of the steppes and deserts. In this part of the exposition, guests admire monitor lizards, lizards, snakes and turtles.
Inhabitants of tropical forests: spiders, crocodiles, snakes, parrots.
Peaceful rabbits, fluffy raccoons and macaques bring peace to stressed guests.

The shark feeding attraction is especially impressive. A scuba diver-ichthyologist plunges into an aquarium and distributes pieces of fresh fish to underwater predators. A crowd gathers in front of the glass wall long before the action begins. The Tunnel Oceanarium is located at the address: Khersonskaya Street, 2. A nearby shopping center and the Museum of Local Lore can serve as a reference point.

Embankment

The local promenade is the longest in the world: its total length is 14 kilometers, and the pedestrian zone stretches for 8.3 kilometers. Conventionally, the embankment is divided into 3 parts, each of which has its own attraction for tourists:

In the northern part (the area of u200bu200bCape Tonkiy) there are attractions for children. There are playgrounds for children of all ages. Visitors are greeted by sculptures of old cartoon characters. It is in this area that a singing fountain was built. And guests are attracted to this part of the embankment by the Zolotaya Bukhta water park. The territory of the northern zone is very well-groomed: flower beds are laid out everywhere, trees are planted, and benches are placed. The air is filled with the aroma of Pitsunda pine needles. In the north of the embankment is the largest array of this plant. A colony of squirrels also lives here: the animals are almost tame, they are not afraid of humans.
But the most visited area is the central one. This is part of the embankment between the water park Begemot and Lermontovsky Boulevard. There are many clubs, bars and restaurants in this part. Remarkable sculpture White Bride. Against its background, not only newlyweds, but also guests of the resort are photographed. From the monument to Lermontov to the northern part, one can still find solitary specimens of the Pitsunda pine. There is an amusement park here, many of which are interesting for adults.
The southern part (the area of Cape Tolstoy) attracts lovers of panoramic views. There is a lone lighthouse here, the steep coast is overgrown with coniferous trees, and the pebble beach below is clean and deserted. But for decoration, flower beds were laid out, and benches were placed for weary travelers.

The embankment can be walked around. But most guests prefer to rent bicycles, electric motorcycles or hoverboards. The embankment stretches along the sea coast of the city, it is limited by capes Tolstoy and Thin.

Art Gallery “White Horse”

The organizers of the exhibition tried to show how to turn ordinary garbage into masterpieces. All exhibits are made from what should have been recycled.

The gallery includes 3 sites:

But in addition, it is proposed to visit the artist's studio. Photo and video shooting are allowed everywhere, and the author of the works and her husband entertainingly talk about their work. The excursion unobtrusively makes you take a fresh look at the problems of ecology.

The gallery is located in the Golubaya Bukhta microdistrict, on the street. Takeoff, 44.

Aquapark “Golden Bay”

The water park received its first visitors in 2004 and quickly became a favorite vacation spot for local residents and guests of the resort. It occupies an area of about 15 hectares. Here are entertainment for children and adults:

Adults are given the opportunity to relax: instructors look after the children on the rides. The territory of the water park is surrounded by greenery: not only local, but also exotic plants are planted here. Satisfying hunger is not difficult: there are enough cafes, pizzerias, and even a restaurant in the Golden Bay. And for those tourists who come by car, guarded parking is offered. Getting to the Golden Bay is easy: the park is located in the northern part of the embankment on Cape Tonkiy.

Museum of History and Local Lore

This institution has a long history: it was opened in 1909. Then the center was called the Natural Science Museum.

Today the exposition consists of several sections:

Natural science, which describes the features of the Black Sea. Here are exhibited collections of insects, minerals and rocks, herbaria.
Archaeological. Guests will see priceless artifacts found on the territory of the region, get acquainted with the history of the settlement of Torik and dolmens.
Section devoted to the traditions of the peoples inhabiting the region. The stands tell about the life and customs of the Circassians.
Section on the Caucasian War.
At the end of the 19th century, Gelendzhik began to develop as a resort. And this is dedicated to a separate exhibition.
A separate stand tells about the events that took place in the region during the Great Patriotic War.

The center is located on Ostrovskogo street, house 1.

Beach “Gardens of the Seas“

The Gardens of the Seas is a vast pebble beach. It stretches for several hectares, so even during the holiday season there is enough space for everyone. For the convenience of vacationers, gentle slopes are provided: strollers can be brought ashore along them. The shore is strewn with small and medium pebbles, so it is recommended to purchase special shoes for swimming. But the water here is always clean and transparent. The entry into the sea is gentle, so even those who are uncertain on the water feel at ease here.

The infrastructure is pretty basic:

Surveillance cameras are additionally installed, so it is safe to relax in the Gardens of the Seas. From 8 am to 8 pm the territory is controlled by lifeguards. Those guests who are looking for an active holiday are offered surfing rentals, parasailing, scuba diving. For beginners, experienced instructors provide training. Finding Gardens of the Seas is easy: the beach is located on Cape Tolstoy and starts immediately from Krymskaya Street.

Complex of entertainment and recreation “Olimp”

The complex consists of 2 parts: upper and lower. These parts are connected by a cable car, which itself is a tourist attraction. Tourists rise in chairs (like on ski slopes), and as they rise, they admire the panorama that opens up. The upper part is the place of attractions. It is interesting for both children and adults. Younger children have fun under the supervision of animators, and entertaining contests and quizzes are held for schoolchildren.

The dance floor opens in the evening. It is visited with pleasure not only by teenagers, but also by older people. In the evening, a nightclub opens its doors for adult guests. For tourists interested in the region, the guide will arrange an entertaining event. And some guests just go fishing (caught trout are cooked on the spot on the coals) or take a horseback ride.

The lower part of Olympus is an independent entertainment complex. Here for guests work:

To see everything that is presented in Olympus, it is recommended to come here for the whole day. There are no problems with food: there is a cafe and a restaurant in the upper part.

Safari Park

A great place to relax alone, with friends or with the whole family. A safari differs from a regular zoo in that you can feed the animals: for this, there are food shops on the territory. Pets are healthy and well-groomed. There is a favorite for every guest. A playground has been built for tired children. Here, children are happy to engage in various activities, while adults at this time relax in the shade. There are no problems with a snack: there are cafes and fast foods, but the prices are quite high (especially for ordinary water).

In order to see the Butterfly Museum or the Jurassic Park, you will have to use the cable car. The trip will take about 20 minutes. And this time is recommended to be spent with benefit: an amazing panorama gradually opens up. And lovers of beautiful photos stay on the observation deck for a long time: the views of the surroundings are simply amazing. The administration of the safari park arranges promotions, so you can save on a visit. And the complex is located at the address: Odessa street, house 13a. The 1511 km of the Don highway can serve as a reference point.

Hippo Water Park”

Behemoth is recommended to visit for parents with children tired of a beach holiday. Here, among the attractions designed for different ages, time flies unnoticed. Adults can rest easy: each type of entertainment has a height and age limiter, and experienced instructors monitor the safety of young guests. Moms and dads at this time calmly sunbathe or relax in the shade. For the big ones there are also attractions, but they are not enough.

Sophisticated tourists complain about the lack of extreme sports. But this, of course, is a matter of taste. Very convenient payment procedure. At the entrance, an electronic bracelet is put on the hand, on which the credit is recorded. You don't need to take money. And the bracelet is not afraid of water: you can swim and dive with it. There are no problems with food on the territory: they sell ice cream, pizza, you can have a bite to eat in a cafe.

But at the entrance it is required to leave all food, including water. Some families spend the whole day in Behemoth, but you can buy an entrance ticket for half a day. The complex is located at the address: Gelendzhik, Lunacharskogo, house 159.

Fountain “Loving Hearts”

One of the most romantic places in the resort. The fountain is loved not only by the townspeople, but also by tourists: those walking along the embankment stop for a photo. The hearts in love are built according to local legend. The young man wished to marry the girl, but he did not have rich gifts for her and her family. He is forced to go beyond 3 seas to get and bring gifts. The journey lasted a long time, but the beloved waited for her chosen one. The lovers got married.

The sculptor captured the moment of parting. The young man and the girl are saddened by the upcoming separation, they are going to kiss. And they have the whole globe under their feet. The author of the composition is Migran Arutyunov. The fountain was installed not far from the Seaport: after all, it was from here that the young man sailed to distant lands. And nearby is the registry office of the city: after the wedding ceremony, new hearts in love are photographed by the fountain and swear allegiance. Hearts in love are located on the waterfront between McDonald's and the Oceanarium.

The center of the world

To get here, you have to work hard:

If you go along the hiking trail, you should take into account that it is steep and overgrown with thorny plants. You need to rest 2-3 times, and be sure to carry water for drinking with you.
It’s scary to drive along the highway: in some places it runs along the very edge of the abyss. And if the car has a low landing, then it is problematic to overcome potholes. And on a long car (more than 5 m) it is not always realistic to enter sharp turns. In general, solid adrenaline.
With an excursion on ATVs, jeeps or horses. For a successful trip, you should stock up on patience and some skill (for horse riding).

But the end point of the route makes you forget all fears. This is an excellent observation deck and at the same time a place of power. Connoisseurs say that the view of the surroundings is especially beautiful in silence at dawn. The navel of the Earth is located 500 m to the right of the Ferris wheel of Olympus Park. The most convenient way is to take the cable car to Olympus, and then take a walk to the place.

Central Beach

A well-equipped place for swimming and active recreation. The beach is municipal: there are always a lot of people, but the area is clean and comfortable. The natural pebble shore is covered with imported sand, so it is comfortable to move around. The depth increases gradually: the children feel confident, they are not afraid of the sea.

The infrastructure offers a standard set:

Tourists who prefer outdoor activities can rent a catamaran or jet ski, ride a banana boat, parasail or play volleyball on the equipped playground. Fishermen are offered sea fishing from a yacht or boat. The central beach is located 500 m from the bus station. This distance is easy to walk along Sadovaya Street.

fat cape

Here are the most expensive hotels and restaurants, and apartments are not cheap. But there is no resort fuss: there are few vacationers. The air is clean and fresh due to the humid wind constantly blowing from the sea. And the water is crystal clear (it can be seen even from a high cliff). By the way, the southern end of the bay got its name because of the height of the coastal cliffs.

Here they rise more than 15 m. Locals call one of the wild beaches Krucha. You have to go down to a narrow strip of land near the water along goat paths: not every tourist can afford it. But swimming in the warm and clear Black Sea is a pleasure. The largest massif of Pitsunda pine grows on Tolstoy Cape. Unfortunately, this section of the coast does not have the status of a protected natural area; a cafe has been built here.

But walking among the unique trees, inhaling the air filled with needles, is very pleasant. There is an operating lighthouse on Tolstoy Cape. This is a closed facility, it is impossible to go inside. But really look at the area around. To the north of Tolstoy Cape, a delightful city embankment begins (and entertainment appears at the same time). The cape is located in the south of the Gelendzhik Bay.

Mount Markoth

The name of the mountain was given by the Adygs, the people who lived here long before the Russian colonization. Translated from Adyghe, it means a blackberry bracelet. Once on the slopes of the mountain there were continuous thickets of blackberries and raspberries. Today, closer to Novorossiysk, on Markotkha, there is the Sheskharis woodland, where the protected juniper grows. This is a natural monument.

The height of Mount Markoth is 696 m. The guests of the resort started climbing here quite a long time ago. Having overcome the obstacles of the mountain path, tourists for a long time admire the views of Divnomorskoye, Aderbievka, Tsemesskaya Bay with ships in the roadstead, Gelendzhik Bay.

There are several ways to reach the top:

When climbing Markoth on foot, it is recommended to orientate yourself on the Cross. This building can be seen from anywhere in the city.

Square “City of fairy tales”

No one will be bored here: children rush from one sculpture to another with enthusiasm, and adults relax on benches placed in the shade. The statues are made of various materials: plaster, wood, metal, plastic, and painted with bright colors. All the heroes of old Soviet cartoons are represented, animals and fairy-tale characters are depicted.

All this splendor is surrounded by flower beds. There is even a picture painted by living plants. You can sit on the lawns by spreading the brought rug. Finding the square is easy: not far from the singing fountain on the embankment is a monument to Lermontov. Behind the monument, a children's town begins, turning into the square City of Fairy Tales.

Andreevsky park

The park opened in 2017, this event is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Krasnodar Territory. The resting place is named after the Apostle Andrew, a disciple of Jesus Christ. The sculpture of St. Andrew is located on the central alley. A separate corner dedicated to the Cossacks, who settled the area by decree of Empress Catherine the Great, was built. Guests are greeted by a Cossack and a Cossack woman, presenting a loaf of salt. The territory is green: shady trees are planted along the alleys, flower beds are laid out.

There are comfortable benches for relaxing. In the center, a pond was dug out, where colored koe carp live. In the evening, the backlight turns on, the pond takes on a fabulous look. Fans of activities will be happy to visit the playground with exercise machines, and the kids will frolic on the playground. The Health Path is especially popular.

It is lined with different-level materials of different densities, it is recommended to walk on it barefoot. The cozy park has become a favorite vacation spot for the townspeople, and guests of the resort also appreciated it. Andreevsky Park is located opposite the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called. On the one hand, it is closed by the M4 Don federal highway, and on the other, by Solntsedarskaya Street.

Plesetsk waterfalls

Amazing cascades are formed by the Tkhab River, which flows through a rocky bed. Sometimes the channel has drops, from where water falls picturesquely. There are about 100 such sections in total, but only 16 are available for inspection. Before traveling, it is important to take into account the features of the trail: it passes over stones, some are sharp, others are slippery. Therefore, shoes should be comfortable and have thick soles.

The most impressive waterfalls on the trail:

The trail itself is interesting. It passes through the gorge, overgrown with hornbeam, ash, berry yew, dogwood, viburnum, chestnut. There are springs with drinking water. But in order to enjoy the view of the unique monument, it is recommended to follow the trail during the wet season. In the summer heat, Thab becomes shallow and goes under the pebbles, and the waterfalls turn into insignificant streams.

To get to the unique monument of nature, you need to walk to the bus station, take a regular bus to the village of Mikhailovsky Pass and ask the driver to stop at the turn to the waterfalls. Then you have to go on foot.

Holy Ascension Cathedral

At the beginning of the 19th century, military men were stationed in Gelendzhik. The believing soldiers turned the hut into a small chapel where they could pray. And after a while, under the guidance of a monk, a small wooden church is being built. Unfortunately, the building burned down in the 1950s. There were already so many parishioners that it was necessary to build a new church. It was stone, more spacious. Photographs of the cathedral have been preserved: they helped in the restoration of the building.

During the Soviet era, the temple was closed, but they did not destroy it: it was used as a storage facility. But this did not save him from desecration: the frescoes were smeared over, extraneous inscriptions appeared on the walls. In the 90s, the cathedral was returned to the parishioners, it was restored, and in 1993 the temple was consecrated by Archbishop Isidore. Today, guests of the resort can admire the amazing Byzantine-style building, appreciate the interiors and icons. The cathedral is located on Pervomaiskaya street, house 4, near the administration building, not far from the Central Beach.

singing fountain

This is a popular place: with the onset of twilight, guests of the resort and local residents come here. An ordinary fountain (in the daytime) turns into a stunning structure. Its jets are beautifully illuminated and dance: they change height, direction and intensity of the stream in accordance with the music. There are as many as 20 melodies in the arsenal of the fountain. They (and the light too) are controlled by electronics.

The action is equally liked by children and adults: it is recommended to come in advance in order to take a comfortable place. But at first, the fountain was quite ordinary: in a round pool, round bowls of different diameters were placed one above the other. The building was attracted by the beauty of the stone tiers. And by the 2014 Olympics, the fountain began to sing and dance. At first, he pleased the guests with only 5 melodies, and after a while the number of works was increased to 20. And everything was controlled by electronics.

The singing fountain is located at the intersection of Sadovaya, Ostrovsky and Lermontovsky Boulevards.

The Wax Museum

There are 2 wax museums in the city:

On Lenina street, house 6, there is a fairly dense exposition. Artifacts are located close, so the photos are somewhat strange. But there is an advantage of the center: you can change into costumes for free and take pictures with the exhibits.
At 20 Revolutionary Street, there is an exposition of cartoon and fantasy characters. The objects are so realistic and terrible that they cause amazement in adults, but children really like it.

These exhibitions are worth visiting if the weather suddenly changes.

Square of Victory

In 1970, in honor of the victory of the USSR over fascism, a park was laid out in the city, but over time it fell into disrepair. In 2015 it was reconstructed. Today it is a wonderful place where themed buildings coexist with recreation and entertainment areas. Victory Square is great to wait out the heat of the day: arborvitae, boxwoods, cypresses and shady magnolias are planted here. There are benches under the trees. For sports fans, the organizers have designed a training ground. And the kids can play in a specially equipped area.

Victory Square is located on Cape Tolstoy, along Revolutionary street, house 47/1.

Church of Michael of Chernigov

The temple was built according to the design of Pokrovsky almost 100 years ago. But the cathedral has a difficult fate: it was closed during the fight against God and turned into an auxiliary building. And after the war, it simply collapsed with the full connivance of the communist authorities.

Only in the 90s of the twentieth century (after the decree of President Yeltsin was issued) was the creation of the brilliant Pokrovsky remembered: the temple was returned to believers. The renovation was funded by donations. The architects managed to completely recreate the appearance, but the interiors and the iconostasis were redesigned. Today, services are held in the church. Religious guests of the resort can visit them, and the rest can appreciate the architecture of the building.

Located on Chernigovskaya street, house 1.

Greek Cultural Center

The center began to work recently: since 2017. But it has already become important for the townspeople and guests of the resort. The Greek Cultural Center invites visitors to familiarize themselves with:

The center is an institution where guests can spend their leisure time: it is never empty here. A friendship society is active here. Its members visit the regions of Greece, study the culture and customs. And those young people who want to learn the language of the Hellenes receive a nominal scholarship from the society for the entire period of study. There is only one condition: after graduation, it is required to teach the language in higher educational institutions of the Krasnodar Territory for 5 years.

Pilgrimage developed. The center organizes trips to the monasteries of Athos. Or you can just submit notes about the repose and health. The employees of the center will deliver them to Greece free of charge. At the center there is a shop with consecrated goods. Here, anyone can purchase products made in Athos.

Address: Lunacharskogo street, 112.

Battery No. 394 of Captain A.E. Zubkov

The battery controlled the Tsemess Bay from August 1941 to September 1943. The position was chosen successfully: the Black Sea was perfectly visible. But the Nazis fought fiercely: more than 12,000 shells were fired at the fortification. The soldiers under the command of Zubkov fought bravely: their exploits were reflected in the front-line newspaper “On Guard”. Correspondents called the junior sergeant Zinchenko the street traffic controller of Novorossiysk for his accurate shooting.

The fortifications were built in July 1941, but they are perfectly preserved. Guests can see:

The premises exhibit personal belongings and photographs of combatants. The Zubkov battery is located on the M4 Don highway between the village of Kabardinka and Novorossiysk.

Monument “White Bride”

The White Bride is a popular place not only for newlyweds, but also for guests of the resort. Near the sculpture, excellent photos are obtained: to take a photo, you have to wait. The white bride appeared in the city in 2010, and was created by St. Petersburg residents Polyakov and Sokolov. The statue is cast in bronze and covered with white of a unique composition: their snowy color does not change from the sun and the salty sea wind. The bride has more than 2 m in height, and the mass of the statue is more than 2 tons. For the construction, a pedestal of granite was required. It has 3 steps.

The townspeople quickly received a symbolic interpretation of the new statue:

The White Bride is located: the embankment, the Central Square, between the piers Commander and Central. An additional landmark is the Shopping Center.

Mount Big Afips

Another natural attraction of the resort. You can climb to the top (height 737 m above sea level) without special equipment and preliminary preparation. It is important to wear comfortable shoes and take groceries with you. The ascent passes along a comfortable path surrounded by beech groves, hornbeams and alpine meadows. In places there is a berry yew. As you get tired, you can stop to rest. And so that tourists do not stray from the chosen route, there are signs at the forks.

Already from the middle of the passed route, a marvelous panorama of the surroundings opens up. And the highest point of Big Afips is visible mountains Lysaya and Papai. Some tourists go to Afips with a tent to meet the sunrise. But it is important to understand: you need to take all the equipment with you, there are no shops nearby.

Big Afips is located: the interfluve of the Afips, the Left Slit and the Shebsh.

blue abyss

This picturesque tract is located not far from the fake Gelendzhik (Divnomorsky). It attracts those tourists who prefer natural monuments to the conveniences of the city. The blue abyss beckons with the purest air, filled with the aroma of heated Pitsunda pine needles, sea breeze, crystal blue water and silence. The shore of the tract is steep and steep, but it is all the more interesting to overcome it and go down to a narrow strip of the coast.

The beach is covered with small and medium pebbles, the depth increases quickly, so bold swimmers enter the water. But in the Blue Abyss there is expanse for divers: no one bothers them to explore the beauties of the Black Sea. Part of the coastal territory was occupied by nudists: they appreciated the virgin purity of this place. But there is also a wild piece available to every tourist. Those who have visited the Blue Abyss are sure that this is a place of power. Here time goes backwards.

The Blue Abyss is located: the village of Divnomorskoye.