Things To Do
in Anapa

Anapa is a sun-soaked resort on the Black Sea coast in Krasnodar Krai, Russia. It boasts wide sandy beaches, warm sea, and a family-friendly vibe in summer. The town is rich in ancient history, with the ruins of the Greek city Gorgippia just inland and a vibrant promenade along the shore.

Visitors come for spa vacations, outdoor seafood, and pleasant year-round climates.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Anapa
morning
:

Arrive in Anapa and check into your seaside hotel to start your adventure. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque promenade, breathing in the fresh sea air and soaking in the views. Have a delicious breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Russian pancakes.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon exploring the local markets, where you can find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and souvenirs. Visit the Anapa Archaeological Museum to discover the rich history of the region. Enjoy a light lunch at a beachside café, watching the waves lap against the shore.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a seafood restaurant, tasting the freshest catch of the day. Stroll along the illuminated promenade, soaking up the lively atmosphere. Consider stopping by a local bar for a nightcap and to taste regional wines.

day 2
Beach Day Bliss
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Anapa's beautiful sandy beaches. Relax on the warm sands, read a book, or take a refreshing swim in the Black Sea. Join a morning yoga session on the beach to rejuvenate your body and mind.

afternoon
:

Indulge in a beachside lunch with fresh seafood and salads, taking advantage of the vibrant beachfront environment. Participate in water sports such as jet skiing or paddleboarding for an adrenaline rush. Spend the rest of your afternoon sunbathing or exploring the local beach bars.

evening
:

After a busy day, enjoy a laid-back dinner at an outdoor restaurant on the beach. As dusk falls, gather around a beach bonfire if available, sharing stories with fellow travelers. End the night by experiencing Anapa's nightlife at local clubs or live music venues.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-15
Coffee in a cafe$1-3
🥛Milk (1 liter)$0.70-1.20
🚖Taxi 1 km$0.50-0.80
🏠Monthly rent (1 bed in city centre)$260-420

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful coastline with long beaches
  • Family-friendly and relatively affordable
  • Rich cultural heritage with ancient ruins
  • Warm hospitality and ease of navigation
  • Seasonal crowds in summer
  • variable quality in some tourist services
  • Infrastructure development is ongoing in peripheral areas
  • Language barrier outside major tourist zones
  • "Здравствуйте" - Hello/Good day
  • "Пожалуйста" - Please
  • "Спасибо" - Thank you
  • "Где находится туалет?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Сколько стоит?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Меню, пожалуйста" - Menu, please
  • "Можно счет?" - Can I have the bill?
  • "Говорите по-английски?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Я не говорю по-русски" - I don't speak Russian
  • "Помогите!" - Help!

Places to Visit in Anapa

Visit one of these nice places.

Anapa Lighthouse

Iconic red-and-white lighthouse with sea views and golden-hour photography opportunities.

Gorgippia Archaeological Park

Ruins of an ancient Greek city framed by the sea and surrounding fields—great for atmospheric shots.

Promenade by the Sea (Naberezhnaya)

Wide waterfront with palm trees, boats, and colorful market stalls for dynamic coastal photography.

Uspensky Cathedral and Old Town corners

Historic architecture, vibrant facades, and bustling street scenes for portrait and street photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Anapa

Anapa’s cuisine centers on fresh Black Sea seafood, hearty Kuban staples, and simple market-fresh produce. You’ll find grilled fish, shashlik, hearty soups, and dairy-based delights, often enjoyed with herbs and local bread. Street food and markets offer quick bites like skewers, corn on the cob, and baked goods. Most eateries are family-friendly and feature seasonal specialties tied to the fishing calendar.

Anapa Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grilled Black Sea fish (shashlik-style)

Fresh catch grilled with herbs, lemon, and local vegetables along the waterfront.

Must-Try!

Adyghe cheese with honey

Creamy local cheese served with honey and walnuts; a common appetizer in Kuban eateries.

Fish soup variation

A light, flavorful fish soup enriched with dill and paprika, often served with bread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Central Market (Rynok)

A hub for fresh fish, seafood, vegetables, bakery goods, and regional snacks.

Promenade Street Food

Skewers, fried potatoes, corn on the cob, and fruit sold along the waterfront during peak season.

Climate Guide

Weather

Anapa features a mild, humid subtropical climate with hot summers (often 25-30°C or higher) and mild winters (around 0-5°C). Spring and autumn are ideal for outdoor exploration, while summer is best for swimming and sunbathing. Rainfall is more common in spring and autumn, with the driest period in midsummer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake and direct eye contact; Russians often greet with a polite 'Zdravstvuyte' (Hello).

Dress code for sacred sites

Dress modestly and remove hats when indoors; cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches.

Punctuality and queues

Be punctual for appointments; queue patiently and respect personal space in public places.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of petty theft in crowded areas and on beaches; swim at designated beaches with lifeguards and heed flag warnings. Use reliable transport options and keep valuables secure, especially in tourist areas. Have travel insurance and know local emergency numbers (112).

Tipping in Anapa

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In casual eateries 5-10% is common; in nicer restaurants 10-15% is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash in rubles is widely accepted; cards and mobile payments are increasingly common at larger venues.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days, blooming seaside flora, and shoulder-season crowds. Great for city walks and archaeological site visits.

Summer

Hot sun and long beach days; water parks, outdoor concerts, and bustling promenades characterize this peak season.

Autumn

Warm seas linger into early autumn; comfortable for outdoor activities and early-evening strolls.

Winter

Milder winter compared with much of Russia; quieter streets, fewer tours, and occasional coastal storms.

Nightlife Guide

Anapa at Night

The nightlife in Anapa centers on beach bars and seasonal clubs along the promenade. Summer brings outdoor concerts, DJs, and family-friendly evenings by the water, with many venues offering live music, craft beers, and sunset views.

Hiking in Anapa

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Gorgippia Ruins Walking Trail

A scenic loop around the ancient port city ruins with sea views.

Utrish Nature Reserve Coastal Trail

Coastal pine forest trails with dramatic cliffs, wildlife, and sweeping sea vistas.

Pshada River Valley Trail

Forested valley hike with streams and viewpoints within driving distance of Anapa.

Airports

How to reach Anapa by plane.

Anapa International Airport (AAQ)

Main gateway to the region with domestic flights and seasonal international routes; about 25-40 minutes from the city center by car.

Krasnodar International Airport (KRR)

Major hub with broad connections; roughly 140-180 km away; transfer by train or road.

Sochi International Airport (AER)

Alternative gateway farther east; good for connections to the Black Sea coast; transfer by road or rail.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city center and promenade areas are highly walkable, with most major sights along the waterfront. Inland areas and certain beaches may require short bus rides or taxis to access.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Predominantly ethnic Russians living year-round in Anapa and nearby villages.

Seasonal tourists

Large influx during summer from across Russia and other CIS countries; families and solo travelers alike.

Expat and temporary residents

Smaller communities and seasonal workers contribute to the local economy.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Water sports (windsurfing, kayaking)

Popular along the coast; shallow, warm seas are friendly to beginners.

Beach volleyball

Casual and organized games on the sand during summer months.

Horseback riding

Rides along the shoreline and in nearby countryside.

Transportation

Traffic

Summer traffic around the promenade and resort zones can be heavy. Public transport includes buses and taxis, with higher demand on weekends and holidays. Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps for reliability.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Anapa.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most places offer vegetable-forward dishes, salads, grilled vegetables, and dairy options; ask for fish-free options if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Anapa includes municipal clinics and private hospitals; many tourists rely on private clinics for faster service. Carry travel insurance and basic medications; pharmacies are common in the city center and near beaches.

Discover Russia

Read more in our Russia 2025 Travel Guide.

Russia Travel Guide