Rest with children in Gelendzhik

For those who want to go to the warm coast seasbut for one reason or another, it does not want to leave Russia, its Black Sea coast would be best suited. There are a lot of resorts here for every taste, but among those who rest with children, Gelendzhik enjoys stable popularity. Choosing a place for a whole family vacation, you need to carefully consider the option.

The geographical location contributes to the fact that the local climate is significantly different from that which is typical for Russia. Gelendzhik is already subtropics, so there is no strong frost here at all, and small ones are possible only in the period from mid-January to mid-March. In November and December, the weather is generally mild in autumn, but northeastern winds from the continent can bring a sharp change in the weather. As for most of the year, from March to October, there is a very warm weather with a huge number of sunny days with a minimum of precipitation.

The air humidity in Gelendzhik is much less than in even nearby resorts, due to which the summer is not so sultry and is perceived more easily. It should be understood that since the city is surrounded by rather high mountains almost from all sides, all the described conditions apply only to it, whereas even in a few kilometers the conditions can differ significantly.

Due to the specifics of local currents, the sea is always warm here, but it never gets warm too much - during the swimming season, which lasts from May to October, its temperature is in the range of 18-24 degrees above zero. A full-fledged beach holiday here lasts from June to September.

The mildness of the climate and the abundance of heat contribute to the fact that many beach lovers from all over the country rush here. Gelendzhik is also famous as a family balneological and mineral resort, which somewhat extends the local tourist season. In total, there are more than two dozen sources of mineral water, medicinal mud is brought, and the local health infrastructure for children allows you to come here with them all year round.

Contrary to its tourist attraction, Gelendzhik is neither the main resort of this coast, nor even just a relatively large city. This somewhat complicates the task of arriving here from afar.

Nevertheless, at least three types of transport connect this resort with the largest Russian cities:

• Aviation. Since 2004, a large-scale reconstruction of the Gelendzhik city airport has been underway, which is expected to be completed only by the end of 2018. However, the first results are already obvious. In recent years, the partially renovated city airport serves up to 300 thousand passengers annually, which is 2-3 times more than the entire population of Gelendzhik agglomeration. Geographical coverage is also quite decent - there are direct flights to many cities in the European part of Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Saratov, Cherepovets, Kazan), and to more remote regions of the country (Ufa, Yekaterinburg, Perm, Surgut, Tyumen).Approximately two hundred kilometers away, Krasnodar Airport is located, which expands the geography of flights around the country also to Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Izhevsk, Kaliningrad, Samara, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Magadan and many other cities; airplanes from Belarus and Minsk also fly here.
• Railway. As of 2017, there is no railway connection with Gelendzhik, and although there is a branch construction project, even the approximate implementation dates are unknown. The nearest station is Novorossiysk, located approximately 40 kilometers on the highway. This station provides year-round direct passenger services to cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Perm, Vorkuta and Vladikavkaz, as well as with most of the relatively large cities in the European part of the Russian Federation. Also in the summer time trains increases significantly - Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Saratov, Tambov, Izhevsk, Kazan, Ufa and Chelyabinsk are added as distant end points. It expands the geography of travel to Gelendzhik Krasnodar station even more - the routes that arrive here do not affect the Far East and Northeast Russia, but cover the entire European part, the Urals and most of the regions of Siberia and the Baikal region.
• Automotive. It is more convenient to get to Gelendik by car. Regular bus is not the most convenient mode of transport, which can come to Gelendzhik from afar. Speaking of distant flights, in addition to Moscow, you can come to the local bus station only from the cities of the South-Western part of Russia - for example, Rostov-on-Don, Taganrog and Elista. Of course, local bus service is developed within the Krasnodar Territory, including with Krasnodar and Novorossiysk

The surroundings of Gelendzhik are distinguished by a large length of coastline due to the fact that the city stands on the shore of Gelendzhik Bay, which is closed on all sides. The total length of the beaches belonging to the resort area is about 20.5 km - there are as many as 114 beach areas here! Another thing is that they all have a natural, alluvial origin, so it is not sand that prevails here, but pebbles, which is not ideal for families with children. Of course, you can sunbathe and swim here, but the child should then purchase special shoes in advance - it is painful to walk barefoot on such a beach.

However, local authorities take care of tourists - especially for them in the center of the city an artificial recreation area with a sandy beach up to a kilometer long is created, the total area of ​​the zone exceeds 5 hectares.

Gelendzhik Bay is reliably protected from strong storms, so there are almost never high waves, which only increases the attractiveness of this place for a full-fledged family vacation with children. At the same time, the proximity of a large tourist center with a large number of tourists does not contribute to the cleanliness of the sea, and those who are interested in water purity are advised to go out of town, in the direction of Novorossiysk - there are all conditions for rest with kids.

There is such a thing as Big Gelendzhik - a common resort area of ​​at least 100 kilometers in length, which goes beyond the city limits. It includes several neighboring villages, which also have good infrastructure for a beach holiday and have their own characteristics:

• Kabardinka This village is an ideal solution for those who do not like noisy resort bustle, but do not want to relax in the wild either. There are definitely fewer vacationers here, but everything looks quite well-groomed and beautiful, and there is fun where there is - there is a beautiful promenade for walking with souvenir shops, restaurants and attractions for children.Fishing lovers here are waiting for the Castalsky Font, and in the nearby café there is a service for frying fish freshly caught on coals. The local beaches are made of small pebbles, it’s good to rest with children here because there is no abrupt transition to the depth - on the contrary, everything is very smooth and gradual. However, the sea is somewhat colder here than in other places. The distance between Gelendzhik and Kabardinka is about 14 kilometers, they are connected by a highway leading to Novorossiysk.

• Arkhipo-Osipovka. This resort is almost halfway to Tuapse: from it to Gelendzhik - as much as 55 kilometers! One should not think that a considerable distance from the formal center contributes to the lack of a local area - everything is just the opposite, namely Arkhipo-Osipovka is considered the most attractive tourist destination of Big Gelendzhik. Mixed sand and pebble beaches are good for recreation, in addition, there are all conditions for kids not to be bored - here there is a dolphinarium, and a water park, and architectural history in the form of the ruins of an ancient Roman watchtower and traditional dolmens. The mountain landscape is simply enchanting, having its own mineral spring at its side. The infrastructure, of course, is also on the level.

• Divnomorskoe. Divnomorskoe is located on the road branching off from the main road on Tuapse, 13 kilometers from Gelendzhik - a resort that is equally considered an independent settlement and a suburb of its larger neighbor, and even Arkhipo-Osipovka can compete in popularity. The village got its name for good reason - the sea here is really very beautiful, as are the forests, which in some areas are very close to the water. The seabed is gently sloping here, and the beaches are mostly pebble, less often - sandy. It is very calm here, from the "big" entertainment - perhaps a rather modest in scale water park.

• Dzhanhot. This resort is located almost immediately beyond Divnomorsky, so it is not surprising that the natural conditions do not differ at all. In this village is relatively modest infrastructure - the so-called "party-goers" have nothing to do here, but children can get bored too. However, for those who love peace and nature, they will definitely like it here, because the nature here looks really stunning.

• Praskoveevka. Further, behind Dzhankhot, Praskoveevka is located. Far from all the tourists arrive here, which can be an excellent bait for those who love solitude. at the same time, the general lack of humanity of the local territories severely limits the number of available entertainment - it would not be a big mistake to say that they are, in fact, not at all.

Among the other, also relatively quiet local resorts, it is worth noting Bettu, Krinitsa and Beregovoe. They differ in a positive way by low prices and lack of seasonal excitement. Virtually the only entertainment here will be what you, in fact, came for - the sea. You can go here with teenagers who like peace, but younger children, especially those who love everything bright, beautiful and noisy, are frankly bored here.

Like at any other relatively large resort, almost all accommodation options can be found in Big Gelendzhik, including taking into account the presence of small children. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Private sector. Here you are like half away, and half at home. It all depends on whether you are renting an apartment under the same roof with the owner, or whether you are provided with a guest house. For young children, of course, the second option is preferable - neither they interfere with anyone, nor them. The service is likely to be absent (although there are offers with meals), however, prices will be pleasantly pleased. For those who have come for a long time, this is the cheapest offer.It is possible to settle in the private sector in any of the settlements of Big Gelendzhik, and in some small ones this is perhaps the only housing option at all.
• Hotels Such an option is traditionally chosen by those who are not used to saving, but in return want to get a decent level of service. Self-respecting institutions with due trepidation belong to their little guests. For them there are a variety of entertainment, allowing you to supplement the rest of the sea with a bunch of other positive impressions. It is necessary to consider only hotels with a platform - children should have where to play, especially since in hotels such private territory is usually fenced and guarded. Well, if this hotel is with animation, then the child will not have to entertain on their own, and he will not be bored either. Very convenient also if the selected hotel is equipped with a swimming pool. We should also pay attention to those hotels that work according to the “all-inclusive” scheme - by paying the bill once, you will no longer have to pay extra for additional services and calculate the remaining finances. Most of the hotels are located in the city limits of Gelendzhik, but they are, albeit in a not so wide range, and in other major resorts of the agglomeration.
• Pensions. For those who want to relax on the sea with treatment and do not have an aversion to the schedule, options for arranging in recreational facilities are of particular interest. They are in Gelendzhik and its environs at least a dime a dozen - two dozen sources of mineral waters to this oblige. However, it is possible to be treated not only with them - here, after all, the curative mud is brought up, and the air here is crystal clear, and nature itself helps restore mental health. In addition to all the others, many boarding houses take children with their parents, and for the youngest vacationers all the necessary conditions are created.

Perhaps it’s not worth mentioning specific examples - the choice is large enough so that something concrete cannot be singled out.

Children can come to rest in Gelendzhik and without parents for the purpose of rehabilitation and treatment - a number of special institutions work here. One of the most famous is the Pirogov sanatorium, which is popular all over the country. This is a year-round children's orthopedic sanatorium, which receives both children with congenital problems of the musculoskeletal system, and those who recover from injury. Considering the specifics of employment at this age, the organizers have created a school here that allows not to break away from training. Of course, it is very different from most analogs, because the majority of student places here are lying.

The rest of the sanatoriums and pensions, most of them - with the treatment of respiratory organs. This is not surprising, because the local climate features completely have: despite the proximity of the sea, the air here is surprisingly dry, while combining the features of both mountain and sea, which is very good for health. Accommodation conditions in almost all of them suggest accommodation, meals, some medical procedures, and sometimes training or entertainment program for a total fee.

The Russian Black Sea coast is a universally recognized recreation area for children, so it’s not surprising that there are plenty of camps here. Gelendzhik and its environs are by no means an exception to this rule, so it remains only to choose a specific place:

• "Cote d'Azur". Included in the company "Brigantine", combining several camps in Gelendzhik and Kabardinka. Here, all the amenities for children are organized, including a private beach on the beach, just 50 meters from the building, accommodation in 2-3 bed rooms with shower and toilet, a concert hall and a dance floor, fields for practicing various team sports. The program changes from shift to shift, and the camp is also considered to be a wellness.

• Krinitsa. Located in the village of the same name children's camp luring young tourists by the presence of a large pool, a playroom for the youngest and a psychological relief room for teens, as well as entertainment and sports facilities for every taste. Accommodation here is organized in four-bed cottages, each of which has a special interior.

• "Niva". It is one of the largest and oldest (leading its history from the distant 1934) camps throughout Russia. In this sanatorium-type institution located in the city of Gelendzhik, children are most attracted by the opportunity to make their own cinema. Yes Yes exactly! Since 2016, our own film school has been operating here, which teaches groups of holidaymakers to all the subtleties of the production of real films. This will be an excellent gift for a child as a keepsake, or even open a talent, provoke a choice of future profession.

• Children's Health Camp "Kirovets". Another well-known, on an all-Russian scale, institution located not in Gelendzhik itself, but in the village of Kabardinka. It features a variety of proposed thematic programs organized on a large scale - in particular, competitions of teams that imitate the crews of real sea vessels are organized, and the characteristic “sea” atmosphere is maintained. By order of a doctor, daily visits to medical procedures are available.

The list of such establishments is far from being exhausted; something new appears every year; from year to year, the camps try to get ahead of each other in comfort and entertainment, in the eternal laudable desire to be the best.

There are no extraordinary attractions in Gelendzhik - rather, there is just a typical resort infrastructure that is worth exploring, but this can be done without a guide. You should book a tour only if all family members, including children, are interested in the history of these places, or wish to go somewhere far away - for example, in the mountains.

As for those places that are worth visiting with children in the city itself, they really are rather objects of an entertainment plan, and not sights in the truest sense of the word. So, guests of the city are recommended:

• Visit the local water parks (there are at least three of them here) and the dolphinarium, where, in addition to dolphins, there are also seals and beluga;
• Stroll through the local parks - "City of Tales" and "Safari Park";
• Ride the boys in children's electric cars;
• Get in late July on Neptune Day;
• View the show dedicated to the ancient Roman gladiators;
• Visit the Lake with lotuses and go to the zoo on Lost Island;
• Ride on the sea on a boat;
• Experience the local cable car.

Without knowing the local specifics in advance, it is very easy to make an oversight that can spoil the overall impression of the rest. Going with children to Gelendzhik, consider the following points:

• Choosing inexpensive places to stay, note that the average price is reduced depending on how far the main entertainment infrastructure is located. Save only if you are traveling solely for the sake of the sea and nature. If you want a typical beach holiday with the whole program, it is better to pay extra.
• Gelendzhik is a popular resort, so places should be booked in advance, long before the trip. However, if we are not talking about a decent hotel, the option that you booked a room is not excluded, but it is still not occupied by you. Therefore, consider alternatives.
• In Gelendzhik and its environs, traffic jams are not such a rarity, and in the conditions of a hot summer and the air conditioner turned on in the cabin of an incomplete tank, it is most likely not enough before refueling, which was so close.
• An insurance policy and a small first-aid kit are essential elements of any trip.

In addition, do not be lazy before booking to take full advantage of the Internet and find out as much information as possible about the place where you plan to go.

Gelendzhik is annually visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists, including foreign ones, many of whom come here with children, and their flow does not dry out. This is an indicator of how guests of the city relate to its climatic conditions and infrastructure. A similar situation is observed in specialized forums where the absolute majority of people are satisfied with the city and the surrounding villages, nature, clean air and the sea, and their holidays in general.

Some negative comments can be found, but they do not concern the city as a whole, but, more often, the place where the commentator stopped. At the same time, it may not be bad, judging by the reviews of other visitors, simply the error of the critic, who was expecting one, but got something else.

In other words, Gelendzhik is one of those resorts that are worth visiting with children.

About features of rest in Gelendzhik with children can be found in the following video.