Soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, lush forests – beaches in Russia offer much more than you might expect. Stretching from the Gulf of Finland to the Pacific Coast, the country’s 37,653 km coastline is dotted with hundreds of beaches, each with its own unique character. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or an action-packed resort, Russia’s famous beaches have something for you. Join us as we explore 15 of the best beaches to visit in Russia.
1. Khalaktyrsky Beach
Nestled near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Khalaktyrsky Beach is known for its striking black volcanic sand and wild Pacific surf. The 30 km long beach is a favorite spot for experienced surfers, who come to ride the powerful waves.
- Address: Kamchatka Krai, Russia, 683041
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: Take a bus or taxi from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The beach is about 10 km from the city center.
- Things to do: Surfing, beach walks, wildlife spotting, picnicking
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to August)
- Accommodation: Hotel Petropavlovsk, Nachalnik Kamchatki, Avacha Hotel
- Top restaurants: Stolovaya Arbat, Kafe Prichal
2. Yagrinskiy Beach
Located in the naval town of Severodvinsk, Beach Yagrinskiy is a tranquil spot along the White Sea coast. The sandy beach stretches for over 2 km and is backed by a fragrant pine forest. Shallow waters make it ideal for swimming.
- Address: Yagry Island, Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast 164500, Russia
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: Take bus #1 or #15 from central Severodvinsk. The beach is on Yagry Island.
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, forest walks
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to August)
- Accommodation: Hotel Nikolsky Posad, Yashma.
- Top restaurants: Kafe Brigantina, Kafe Yagry, Kafe Mayak
3. Riviera Beach
Part of the Sochi Riviera Park, this well-maintained pebble beach is one of Sochi’s most popular. With its clear waters, seaside cafes, and amusement park, Riviera Beach offers fun for the whole family.
- Address: Bolshoy Sochi, Krasnodar Krai, Russia, 354000
- Timings: Open 24/7. Riviera Park open 7am-12am.
- How to reach: Walk or take a bus to Riviera Park in central Sochi. The beach is inside the park.
- Things to do: Swimming, people-watching, amusement rides, dancing fountains
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to August)
- Accommodation: Swissôtel Resort Sochi Kamelia, Mercure Sochi Centre Hotel, Denart Hotel
- Top restaurants: Sinee More, Brigantina, Khmeli Suneli
4. Olympic Beach
Stretching for 5 km along the Black Sea coast, Olympic Beach was constructed for the 2014 Sochi Olympics. The pebble beach features modern amenities, cycling tracks, and stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains.
- Address: Olympic Embankment, Adler District, Sochi 354340, Russia
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: Take a bus or train to Olympic Park in the Adler district of Sochi.
- Things to do: Swimming, beach volleyball, cycling, visiting nearby Olympic venues
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to August)
- Accommodation: Radisson Collection Paradise Resort & Spa, Forward Aparthotel, Sigma Sirius Park Hotel
- Top restaurants: Vysota 5642, Sochi Sinee More, La Terrazza
5. Laskovy Beach
Located 50 km from St. Petersburg, Beach Laskovy is a peaceful stretch of sand backed by dense pine forests. The beach is known for its shallow waters, which warm up quickly in the summer sun.
- Address: Laskovy Beach, Solnechnoe, Kurortny District, St. Petersburg 197739, Russia
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: Take an elektrichka train from St. Petersburg to Solnechnoe (1 hour journey).
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, beach walks, forest hikes
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to August)
- Accommodation: Park Hotel Sosnovy Bor, Residence Russkaya Riviera, Hotel Aquamarine
- Top restaurants: Russkaya Rybalka, Shafran, Xren
6. Repino Beach
Just 45 km from St. Petersburg, Repino Beach is a lovely sandy stretch along the Gulf of Finland. The beach offers plenty of amenities, including cabanas, showers, volleyball courts, and cafes.
- Address: Primorskoe Highway 411, Repino 197738, Russia
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: Take an elektrichka train from St. Petersburg to Repino (45 min journey).
- Things to do: Swimming, beach volleyball, windsurfing, kayaking
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to August)
- Accommodation: Residence Hotel&SPA, Grand Hotel Zhemchuzhina, Dacha Lavissa Hotel
- Top restaurants: Stroganoff Steak House, Russkaya Ryumochnaya №1, Karelskaya Gornitsa
7. Tarkhovka Beach
Situated 27 km from St. Petersburg, Tarkhovka Beach offers a quiet escape along the forested shores of the Gulf of Finland. The sandy beach provides lovely views of the gulf and the nearby Kronstadt Naval Cathedral.
- Address: Tarkhovka, Kurortny District, St. Petersburg 197720, Russia
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: Take an elektrichka train from St. Petersburg to Tarkhovka station (30 min journey).
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, walking along the coast
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to August)
- Accommodation: Park Hotel Sosnovy Bor, Hotel Aquamarine, Baltiets Hotel
- Top restaurants: Grill&Gyros, Kafe Tarkhovka, Kafe Alyosha
8. Podrezovo Beach
Located in the Khimki Reservoir, Podrezovo Beach is a popular summer hangout for Muscovites. The wide sandy beach offers plenty of space to spread out, along with cafes, sports facilities, and boat rentals.
- Address: Pribrezhnaya Ulitsa, Podrezovo, Moscow Oblast, Russia, 142135
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: Take the metro to Planernaya station, then bus #865 or #865k to the beach (30 min journey).
- Things to do: Swimming, beach volleyball, football, boat rides, kayaking
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to August)
- Accommodation: MosFilm Hotel, Khimki Park Hotel, Hotel Gallery
- Top restaurants: Prichal, Chaika, Kruiz
9. Amber Beach
The 2 km long Beach Promenade in Yantarnyy is a scenic spot along the Baltic Sea coast. Known as the Amber Beach, it’s one of the few places in the world where amber regularly washes ashore. A ropeway offers panoramic views.
- Address: Sovetskaya Street, Yantarnyy, Kaliningrad Oblast 238580, Russia
- Timings: Open 24/7. Ropeway operates 10 am-8 pm (summer).
- How to reach: Take a bus or taxi from Kaliningrad to Yantarnyy (40 km journey).
- Things to do: Swimming, amber hunting, ropeway rides, visiting Amber Museum
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to August)
- Accommodation: Schloss Hotel Yantarny, Hotel Alber, Hotel Yantar Hall
- Top restaurants: Galereya, Amber
10. Yantarnyy Beach
Nestled along the Baltic Sea in Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast, Yantarnyy Beach is a stunning stretch of amber-hued sand. This picturesque beach is perfect for leisurely strolls, sunbathing, and swimming in the gentle waves.
- Address: Becker’s Park, Yantarnyy, Kaliningrad Oblast 238580, Russia
- Timings: Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- How to reach: Yantarnyy is easily accessible by car or bus from Kaliningrad, approximately 50 km away. Parking is available near the beach.
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling, cycling
- Best time to visit: Summer [June to August]
- Accommodation: The Yantarny Retreat, Baltic Sands Inn, Sea Breeze Hotel
- Top restaurants: Amber House, The Baltic Pearl, Seaside Café
11. Imeretinskaya Embankment
Stretching for 4.6 miles along the Black Sea coast, Imeretinskaya Embankment in Sochi is one of the most popular beaches in Russia. This lively beach promenade offers a mix of sandy and pebbly areas, along with a wide range of amenities and activities.
- Address: Imeretinskaya Embankment, Sochi, Krasnodar Krai 354340, Russia
- Timings: Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- How to reach: The beach is easily accessible on foot or by public transport from central Sochi. Parking is available nearby.
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, kite flying, surfing, fishing, beach volleyball
- Best time to visit: Summer [June to August]
- Accommodation: Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Centre, Pullman Sochi Centre, Mercure Sochi Centre
- Top restaurants: Café 33, La Terrazza, The Sochi Park Restaurant
12. Lazurnaya Bay
Lazurnaya Bay (also called Shamora) is a popular spot near Vladivostok. This expansive sandy beach boasts clear waters, fresh sea air, and stunning coastal scenery.
- Address: Lazurnaya Bay, Vladivostok, Primorsky Krai 690108, Russia
- Timings: Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- How to reach: Lazurnaya Bay is about 30 km from Vladivostok and can be reached by car or bus. Parking is available at the beach.
- Things to do: Swimming, jet ski rentals, motor boat rentals, diving, underwater walks, hiking
- Best time to visit: Summer [June to August]
- Accommodation: Neptunea, Lotte Hotel Vladivostok, Versailles Hotel
- Top restaurants: Kvadrat, Fregat, Ocean
13. Vysoky Bereg Beach
Vysoky Bereg Beach in Sochi offers a more rugged coastal experience, with its rocky shores and pebbled areas. This beach is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more natural setting away from the crowds.
- Address: Vysoky Bereg, Sochi, Krasnodar Krai 354000, Russia
- Timings: Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- How to reach: The beach is accessible by car or public transport from Sochi. Parking is available nearby.
- Things to do: Swimming, fishing, hiking, water sports
- Best time to visit: Summer [June to August]
- Accommodation: Radisson Blu Paradise Resort & Spa, Swissôtel Resort Sochi Kamelia, Hyatt Regency Sochi
- Top restaurants: Vysota 5642, Chayka, Sanremo
14. Anapa Beach
Located in the resort town of Anapa on the Black Sea coast, Anapa Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Russia. This wide, sandy beach offers calm, shallow waters, making it perfect for families with children.
- Address: Anapa Beach, Anapa, Krasnodar Krai 353440, Russia
- Timings: Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- How to reach: The beach is easily accessible on foot from central Anapa. Parking is available nearby.
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, water sports, amusement rides
- Best time to visit: Summer [June to August]
- Accommodation: Anapa Marriott Hotel, Valentina Hotel, Zhemchuzhina Hotel
- Top restaurants: Bereg, Krai, Pit Stop
15. Gelendzhik Beach
Stretching for several kilometers along the Black Sea, Gelendzhik Beach is a picturesque spot known for its pebbled shores and clear blue waters. This beach offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of amenities and activities.
- Address: Gelendzhik Beach, Gelendzhik, Krasnodar Krai 353460, Russia
- Timings: Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- How to reach: The beach is within walking distance from central Gelendzhik. Parking is available in the area.
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, jet skiing, parasailing, beach volleyball
- Best time to visit: Summer [June to August]
- Accommodation: Gelendzhik Sanatorium, Krasnaya Polyana Hotel, Olymp Hotel
- Top restaurants: Bereg, Krai, Pit Stop
FAQs
Are there any entry fees for the beaches in Russia?
Most beaches in Russia are free to visit, but some may charge for parking or specific amenities. For example, while entry to Beach Promenade in Yantarnyy is free, there is a fee for parking nearby. It’s always a good idea to check with the specific beach for any potential costs.
Are Russian beaches suitable for families with kids?
Yes, many beaches in Russia are family-friendly, offering safe swimming areas, playgrounds, and other amenities. Anapa Beach is particularly popular among families due to its shallow waters and wide range of activities. However, it’s important to supervise children at all times and adhere to any posted safety guidelines.
Is there any dress code for visiting beaches in Russia?
While there is no strict dress code for beaches in Russia, it’s important to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere. Nude sunbathing is generally not allowed on public beaches in Russia. It’s always a good idea to bring a cover-up or t-shirt to wear when not swimming or sunbathing.
What are some must-try local dishes near Russian beaches?
When visiting Russia’s beaches, be sure to sample some delicious local cuisine. Seafood dishes like grilled fish, mussels, and shrimp are popular along the coast. Other must-try dishes include shashlyk (skewered and grilled meat), pelmeni (dumplings), and borscht (beetroot soup). Don’t forget to pair your meal with a refreshing kvass (fermented bread drink) or kompot (fruit punch).
Is it safe to swim in the waters of Russian beaches?
Generally, the waters at Russian beaches are safe for swimming, with many beaches having designated swimming areas and lifeguards on duty. However, it’s always important to exercise caution, follow any posted safety guidelines, and be aware of your own swimming abilities. Check the weather conditions and any warning flags before entering the water.
What facilities are available at the beaches?
Beaches in Russia offer a range of facilities to make your visit comfortable and enjoyable. Most beaches have restrooms, changing rooms, and showers available. Some also offer sun lounger and umbrella rentals, as well as food and drink vendors. Many beaches also have dedicated play areas and sports facilities like volleyball courts.
What should I pack for a day at the beach in Russia?
When heading to the beach in Russia, be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Bring a beach towel or mat to sit on, as well as any swimming gear you may need. If you plan on staying for a while, consider packing snacks or a picnic lunch. Don’t forget to bring a bag for any trash to help keep the beach clean.
