In which of the Black Sea resorts is it better to relax - in Anapa, Sochi or Gelendzhik? We compare the climate, beaches, prices for tours, hotels and food in 2021. Where is it more interesting to relax and which resort to choose for a child.
Tours
Where is it cheaper to have a rest in 2021 - in Anapa, Gelendzhik or Sochi? Package tours do not differ much in price. See how much a trip for two for 7 nights with a flight from Moscow costs in the summer:
| Anapa | Gelendzhik | Sochi | |
| Hotel 1-2 * | 27 000 ₽ - Duet | 28 000 ₽ - Golden vine | 28 000 ₽ - Izvestia |
| Hotel 3 * | 31 000 ₽ - Favorite shore | 35 000 ₽ - Pension Teshebs | 31 000 ₽ - White wave |
| Hotel 4-5 * | 48 000 ₽ - Plaza | 52,000 ₽ - Kompass Hotel | $ 400 - Prestige Apart-Hotel |
Beaches and sea
Anapa... The resort is famous for its excellent sandy beaches. Nowhere on the Black Sea coast are there such wide sandy spits as in Anapa. The entrance to the water is shallow, and there are no stones or holes at the bottom of the sea. On most Anapa beaches, shallow water stretches tens of meters from the coast. Reviews about Anapa →
Gelendzhik located in a picturesque bay where there are no strong waves. There are sandy, rocky and pebble beaches on the shore. Near Gelendzhik there are almost no underwater currents that would carry mud away from the coast, so the sea water is not always clean. Reviews about Gelendzhik →
Sochi... Almost all the beaches in the resort are pebbly. There are few sandy beaches.
Where is the best place to rest - in Anapa, Gelendzhik or Sochi? All three resorts are good for a beach holiday. Everywhere there are equipped beaches, where tourists are offered sun loungers and parasols for rent. In summer, toilets, showers and inflatable attractions for children are arranged on the coast. Tourists go in for parasailing and diving, ride "tablets", "bananas", jet skis and catamarans.
Anapa, Sochi and Gelendzhik are large resort towns. During the summer season, the beaches are overcrowded and the sea water is much dirtier than in small seaside villages. According to tourists, the sandy beaches of Anapa are more suitable for families with children.
Weather and climate
Anapa located on the border of the Taman Peninsula, north of Gelendzhik and Sochi. It has a temperate Mediterranean climate. The wind brings heated air from the steppes to the seashore. Anapa is the driest Black Sea resort. In summer and during the velvet season, there are only 2-3 rainy days a month.
Gelendzhik is located about halfway between Anapa and Sochi. The weather in the resort is determined by the winds. If the north-east blows from the mountains, it gets colder. The wind, which locals call "sailor", brings rain to the coast.
Sochi lies in the south of the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory, in the subtropical zone. This is the wettest Russian resort. More than 1,700 mm of precipitation falls in Sochi and its environs a year. Weather in Sochi in summer →
Where is the climate better - in Anapa, Sochi or Gelendzhik? At all resorts, the beach season starts at the end of May and lasts until the end of October. It is hot on the Black Sea coast at the height of summer. During the day, the thermometer rises above + 30 ° С, and the sea warms up to + 25 ... + 27 ° С.
The difference between resorts is in humidity. Anapa has drier air. Small children, aged tourists and those who suffer from diseases of the heart, blood vessels and respiratory organs feel better here. In Gelendzhik, the climate is transitional. It is as hot there as in Anapa, but not as humid as in Sochi. In the subtropical climate of Sochi, summer heat is more difficult to endure.
Vacation prices
Accommodation prices. All three Black Sea resorts have cheap guest houses and apartments, budget 2-3 * hotels and luxury 4-5 * hotels. The most expensive housing is in Sochi.
Prices for a double room in Anapa, Gelendzhik and Sochi in the summer of 2021:
| Anapa | Gelendzhik | Sochi | |
| Hotel 1-2 * | 1160 ₽ - Walnut grove | 1200 ₽ - Cozy courtyard | 1500 ₽ - B&B Forest Inn |
| Hotel 3 * | 1200 ₽ - Caucasian legends | 1700 ₽ - Valencia | 2000 ₽ - Aledo |
| Hotel 4 * | 2820 ₽ - HELIOPARK Bosporus | 3800 ₽ - California | 3400 ₽ - Chebotarev |
| Hotel 5 * | 8900 RUB - Grand Hotel Valentina | 4500 ₽ - Guest house on Sadovaya | 16 600 ₽ - Pullman Sochi Center |
| Guest House | 780 ₽ - Oilman of Kuban | 800 ₽ - Ashamba Guest House | 900 ₽ - Fairy tale |
Food prices... Food costs and grocery prices are the same in stores. The average bill for two in a cafe or canteen for two is 500-600 rubles, and in an inexpensive restaurant - 1000-1200 rubles.
Excursion prices... There is no difference in the cost of excursion services either. A half-day trip costs 500-800 rubles, and full-day excursions - from 1000 rubles.
Transport rental prices... Car rental in Anapa, Gelendzhik and Sochi costs 2700-3500 rubles per day.
Where is it more profitable to rest? According to tourists, vacations in Anapa and Gelendzhik are 10-15% cheaper than in Sochi.
Sights
Anapa... Tourists love excursions to mud springs and volcanoes of Taman, Lermontov places, Abrau-Dyurso and the Utrish reserve.
Gelendzhik is located near the mountains. From the resort, trips to the picturesque valley of the Zhane river, to the Pshad waterfalls, to Dzhanhot, Mikhailovskoye fortification, safari park and Novorossiysk are popular.
Sochi offers a lot of interesting things for fans of excursion tourism. Vacationers go to Krasnaya Polyana, to the Olympic facilities, Mount Akhun, to beautiful gorges, to waterfalls and to Abkhazia. What to see in Sochi →
Where is it more interesting to spend your vacation? Any of the three resorts has enough entertainment for every taste. There are water parks, dolphinariums, aquariums and amusement parks, so each resort is good for families with children. The excursion program is also rich. From Anapa, Gelendzhik and Sochi, tourists are taken to historical sites, reserves and boat trips.
Where is the best place to relax - in Anapa, Gelendzhik or Sochi?
Which Black Sea resort to visit in 2021? It all depends on your financial capabilities and preferences.
All three resort cities have a developed tourist infrastructure. Vacationers can stay in inexpensive accommodation or choose a comfortable hotel by the sea. There are budget canteens, cafes and expensive restaurants everywhere. Tourists who live in apartments and cook themselves buy food in shops and markets. The chain stores "Magnet" are popular among holidaymakers.
For toddlers and children who swim poorly, the sandy beaches of Anapa are suitable. Gelendzhik and Sochi are good for active recreation. From these resorts it is easy to trek in the mountains and go rafting. Surf lovers like Anapa more, and divers are more interested in Sochi.
