Tourism in Dagestan: rest on the coast of the Caspian Sea

Dagestan is interested in tourists with the sandy beaches of the Caspian Sea, ski resorts and the unique cultural features of different nationalities inhabiting the territory of this republic of the North Caucasus. And although many people perceive the idea of ​​a tourist trip to Dagestan ambiguously, doubting the safety of a holiday there, tourism in the republic is developing, and every year thousands of tourists make their choice in favor of Dagestan. For those who decide to join their number, the "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a small "guidebook" with advice on what a tourist needs to know so that a trip to Dagestan leaves only pleasant memories.

HOW TO GET TO

The republic can be reached in various ways. There are two daily regular flights from Moscow to Makhachkala - from Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports. There are also flights from Rostov-on-Don and St. Petersburg. Air travel is carried out by the Dagestan Airlines company, on the website of which there is a detailed flight schedule. Travel time for a flight from Moscow to Makhachkala is 2 hours 20 minutes. The cost of tickets from the Russian capital - ranging from 5.5 to 8 thousand rubles one way.

In Dagestan, the airport is located about 18 km from Makhachkala. The cheapest way to get to the city is to take a fixed-route taxi that goes to the city Kaspiysk(located between Makhachkala and the airport), and then in Kaspiysk, transfer to a minibus to Makhachkala. This option will cost about 50 rubles. But minibuses from the airport run infrequently. Air passengers are always met by a lot of taxi drivers who are ready to take customers to any locality of the republic. It is worth bargaining with them, but on average a taxi to Makhachkala will cost about 150-200 rubles per person. Drivers go on the road only after filling all the empty seats in the car.

For those who prefer rail transport, the Moscow-Makhachkala train leaves daily for Makhachkala from Moscow. By the summer season, the train "Makhachkala-St. Petersburg" also began to run, following through Rostov-on-Don. Dagestan also has a regular railway connection with Astrakhan.

From the railway station of Makhachkala, located in the city center, near the sea, fixed-route taxis leave for various parts of the city. The fare is 11 rubles. Buses to Baku also run from here, where you can get to the southern part of Dagestan, having previously agreed with the driver.

A section of the federal highway "Caucasus" passes through Dagestan. The distance between Moscow and Makhachkala is just under 2,000 kilometers. Traveling by private car, you can easily get to various tourist attractions scattered throughout Dagestan without any problems.

The main highway of Dagestan is the Rostov-Baku highway passing through the republic. It goes through the main cities of the republic - Derbent, Makhachkala, Khasavyurt. You can drive into the republic by car from the territory of Chechnya, the Stavropol Territory and Kalmykia. In the south, the republic borders on Azerbaijan. The road through the territory of the Chechen Republic will be shorter, but most tourists, for safety reasons, still prefer to take a detour - through Kalmykia or the Stavropol Territory. The first major city on the territory of Dagestan along this route will be Kizlyar. From Kizlyar to Makhachkala about 3 hours drive.

A detailed road map of Dagestan is attached as an attachment to the article below.

It is better to travel by car along the highway during the daytime, and at night it is better to wait near stationary traffic police posts. Traffic police posts are located at the entrances to large settlements. When driving at night, the usual procedure for registering vehicles entering the city.

It is better to fill up with gasoline to the maximum at large gas stations. At small gas stations located along the highway, gasoline may not be of the best quality.

There are many firms in Makhachkala that take taxi orders by phone. In addition, almost everywhere in the city you can catch a taxi or meet an impromptu taxi rank. The fare in the city varies depending on the distance and ranges from 70 to 100 rubles. But you should not get into a car without the “checkers” typical of a taxi, especially if the driver insistently offers a lift. It is better to use a taxi with checkers.

RESORTS

A resort complex is located in the Akushinsky district of Dagestan "Chindirchero". In winter it is a ski resort. In summer it offers kiting, windsurfing and rafting services. You can also go rock climbing and paragliding here. Travel time from the airport to this complex will take 1 hour 45 minutes, and from Makhachkala - just over 2 hours.

Resort "Talgi" is the only balneary in the world resort practice, operating on the basis of highly concentrated sulfide waters containing hydrogen sulfide. In terms of hydrogen sulfide content, the Talginsky spring has no equal in Europe. The quality of this water makes it possible to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system, skin, gynecological and neurological diseases. The resort is located within Makhachkala, its current capacity is 386 beds.

At the resort "Kayakent" hydrothermal mud is used as a therapeutic agent. The resort is located 100 km south of Makhachkala and is designed for the simultaneous treatment of 600 people.

One of the major resorts is "Caspian", located 45 km south of Makhachkala, its capacity is up to 680 people. Here, vacationers will enjoy a well-equipped sea beach, a mild maritime climate, a large number of clear days, an abundance of sun and greenery. There are also thermal and mineral waters in the "Caspian" region.

Balneological resort "Oh you" located on the left bank of the Akhtychay River, at an altitude of about 1000 meters above sea level. The therapeutic agents here are mineral waters from five hot salt-alkaline springs such as Yessentuki waters and two sulfur-alkaline springs. The climate here is distinguished by a surprisingly favorable combination of elements: almost constant atmospheric pressure (it is 85 mm below normal), moderately hot summers, warm and dry autumns, almost complete absence of strong winds, low air humidity, the longest sunshine in the republic, clean air .

Of great interest as a place for a mountain climatic resort is Gunib plateau. Gunib is located in one of the most beautiful corners of the republic, almost in the center of Nagorny Dagestan, southwest of Buynaksk, at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level. The area is a mountain-climatic resort area, characterized by an abundance of sun and the absence of winds and fogs. In the picturesque village of Nizhny Gunib, the remains of a Russian fortress from the time of the Caucasian War have been preserved. The fortress walls go around the ledge of the plateau. The fortress walls, the building of the commandant's office and the monument on the grave of the soldiers of the Apsheron regiment, who fell during the siege of Shamil's detachment, have been preserved. In Upper Gunib there are the ruins of the village, where on August 25, 1859, Shamil surrendered to the Russian troops.

Derbent located in the south of Dagestan, on the coast of the Caspian Sea, where the mountains of the Caucasus come close to the coast, leaving only a narrow strip of plain about three kilometers wide.

ACCOMMODATION

In recent years, mini-hotels with comfortable living conditions have been actively built in Dagestan. There are such hotels in almost all cities of the republic. as well as along highways. In this review, we will focus on several hotels in Makhachkala.

Hotel "Ak-Gel" located on the shores of the lake of the same name, to the city center - 10 minutes walk. A single room per day costs 1,500 rubles, a suite - 3,000. In the hotel "Petrovsk Hotel" the cost of a single room is from 1,000 rubles per night. All rooms have air conditioning, refrigerator, TV. There is a conference room, business center. Hotel "Leningrad"- This is an 18-storey hotel, the largest in the country today. The price of a room here is from 1420 rubles per day. In hotels "Tourist" and "Sport" rooms cost from 1100 rubles per day.

Those who do not like the hotel environment, but want to stay at home during their vacation in Dagestan and are ready to cook their own meals, can rent an apartment for rent. A complete living environment is offered - furniture, TV, refrigerator. The cost of renting such an apartment is on average 1,000 rubles per day.

In the summer, tourists also like to stay at numerous camp sites and recreation areas located along the entire sea coast. Some of them have high-level comfort conditions, others offer inexpensive accommodation in simpler conditions - in standard houses with beds and a minimum of furniture. The prices for these rooms vary. A "standard" house can be rented for 300-500 rubles per day, luxury rooms cost around 5,000 rubles. It is better to book places at seaside bases in advance, as there are a lot of tourists in summer.

NUTRITION

In Makhachkala and other cities of Dagestan, there will be no problems finding catering places. In the capital there are hundreds of cafes and restaurants for every taste. In a middle-class restaurant, lunch in the daytime for one person will cost about 600 rubles. This amount will include the first course, the second dish such as roast with meat, salad, juice or mineral water. There are more expensive restaurants, where the cost of one dish is from 300 rubles and more. In the evening, the bill also includes the amount for musical services. On average, an evening together in a Makhachkala restaurant, provided that the order includes two salads, two hot dishes, mineral water, juices, a bottle of wine or vodka, will cost, including service and music, about 1,500 rubles.

Dishes of national Dagestan cuisine can be tasted in almost all local cafes and restaurants. These are kebabs of various types, khinkal (boiled meat in dough), miracle (flat cakes with meat, cheese, herbs, cottage cheese, pumpkin), berkal (like pancakes with viscous cheese inside) and much more.

If you want to have a bite to eat at the hotel, then it is better to stock up on food in the markets or in large supermarkets. It is better to buy fresh fruits and vegetables in the market, which are in abundance in Dagestan. In different districts of Makhachkala there are mini-markets where you can buy products at affordable prices.

ATTRACTIONS AND SOUVENIRS

You can get acquainted with the main sights of the republic and objects of recreation and tourism in detail on the website of the Tourism Agency of the Republic of Dagestan.

Of great interest, for example, is the State Historical, Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve. It includes a complex of stone fortifications of the 6th century with the Naryn-kala fortress, city walls, a system of mountain defensive walls with a length of more than 40 kilometers, the Juma mosque of the 8th century, elevated baths, ancient cemeteries, preserved tombstones of the 8th-9th centuries.

It is better for tourist groups to notify representatives of the Dagestan Tourism Agency about their arrival, who will provide the necessary assistance. It is better for single tourists to get acquainted in advance with local residents who will act as guides and give the necessary advice.

National souvenirs in Makhachkala can be purchased in branded stores, the largest of which are located near the Dynamo stadium and at the corner of Lenin and Dakhadaev streets in Makhachkala. It sells products of Kubachi masters, women's jewelry made of gold and silver, sabers and daggers.

Many tourists will surely want to take the famous Dagestan cognac and local wines with them as a souvenir. It is better to buy them in large supermarkets or in company stores. Brand stores of the Kizlyar and Derbent cognac factories are compactly located on the corner of Sovetskaya and Dakhadaeva streets in Makhachkala.

MONEY TRANSFERS

Makhachkala has developed a system of instant money transfer. In many banks, you can send and receive transfers from other cities and countries using various money transfer systems. Some banks, for example "Express", work seven days a week.

CONNECTION

The mobile communication network in Dagestan is developed, the main three Russian operators operate here - MTS, Megaphone and Beeline. Territory coverage is stable, including settlements in the mountains. MegaFon subscribers can use 3G Internet services in the republic. Terminals for accepting payments are located on almost every street, in all shops and cafes, in public places.

The Internet can be used in the internet cafe. The wi-fi network in Dagestan is not yet developed.

PERSPECTIVES

At the end of 2007, the Federal Tourism Agency announced the preparation of a tourism development strategy on the Russian coast of the Caspian Sea, in particular on the territory of Dagestan.

Eric Holm Peterson, an expert from the World Tourism Organization, was invited to the republic to develop a strategy for the development of tourism on the Dagestan coast of the Caspian Sea. The action plan proposed by the expert is designed for five years - 2008-2013.

According to Peterson, the first task in terms of tourism development is to create an image of the republic for foreigners. Next - to conduct marketing, study the market and promote Dagestan tourism facilities, resolve the issue of financing, use the world experience of public-private partnerships, and increase the level of communication culture among service personnel.

According to Eric Holm Peterson, the main center for attracting tourists to Dagestan should be the ancient city of Derbent: there are beaches, nearby mountains and forests nearby. The main work in this direction is planned to be done before 2013, when Derbent will be five thousand years old. Another center of tourism will be the highland village of Gunib, to which a modern road is currently being built.

Tired of the bustle of the Black Sea coasts, but at the same time you don’t want to go to distant countries to bask in the sun and swim in the salty water of the sea? An excellent option could be a vacation in the Caspian Sea.

The Caspian Sea is an inland sea located between several states at the junction of Europe and Asia. Its dimensions are amazing, and, undoubtedly, it is recognized that the Caspian Sea is the largest salt reservoir in the world. Its coast stretches for thousands of kilometers and is called the Caspian Sea.

The climate and water temperature of the Caspian largely depends on the geographic latitude and varies from continental to subtropical. Nevertheless, in the summer, the weather conditions are equally good in all the resorts of the Caspian Sea, which is why there are more and more tourists coming here on vacation every year.

Today we will talk about the main resort areas of the Caspian Sea, located in the territories of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and, of course, Russia. You can jump directly to the section you are interested in:

Among the resort cities of the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan, Baku, Sumgayit and Lankaran are considered the most significant.

In this list, as the largest city of Azerbaijan with a population of 2.5 million people, of course, stands apart. Rest in Baku is an opportunity to combine both the beach component and the cultural one in one trip, because there are several historical sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in Baku, in addition, there are many ultra-modern attractions.

Sumgayit is the third largest city in Azerbaijan, located just 30 km from Baku. There is much less city fuss here, but the beaches are extensive, shell type. Tourism occupies a large part of the employment of the local population, so the service and infrastructure are developing here from year to year, more and more new water and beach activities appear. But the main thing is, of course, the climate and the surprisingly gentle sea of ​​Sumgayit. You can get to Sumgayit by one of the regular buses, of which dozens go here every day.

Lankaran has a long history of existence, so it is equally good to come here for a beach holiday (the climate here is tropical, and the swimming season is the longest of all resorts in Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea), for visiting ancient sights, especially Lankaran fortress.

You can get to any of the resorts of Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea from Baku (if Baku is not your final goal). Every day there are dozens of bus routes that will take you to any, even remote part of Azerbaijan. About how you can get to Baku, in which areas to look for hotels, how to get from the airport named after Heydar Aliyev, how to get to other cities of Azerbaijan and other intricacies of recreation, read in our separate article:

Raymond Zoller/flickr

Resorts of Kazakhstan on the Caspian Sea

Several relatively large cities are located on the coast of the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan, these are, first of all, Aktau and Atyrau. Aktau is a city located practically in the desert, the summer here is very hot and dry. The more contrasting is the temperature of the water in the local Caspian. It is believed that here the waters of the Caspian Sea are the coldest of all resorts (in summer they heat up to an average of + 18C). The swimming season here lasts from June to August, at the end of August in Aktau a traditional holiday is held on the seashore - Aktau Open Fest, which lasts for 3 days.

The infrastructure of Aktau in recent years cannot but rejoice, a lot of modern infrastructure projects, hotel complexes, incl. the highest level. As for Atyrau, due to the drop in the water level in the Caspian Sea in recent years, there are no beaches in the city, so it makes no sense to come here in the row of a beach holiday itself. Although in any other sense Atyrau is a pleasant eastern city, quite modern and well-groomed, in addition, it is here that the symbolic border between Europe and Asia passes in the form of a bridge over the Ural River. Yes, yes, in Russia the geographical division occurs along the Ural Mountains, and here, in Kazakhstan, the mountains pass into the river of the same name.

The resorts of Kazakhstan on the Caspian Sea remain relatively little in demand among tourists from other countries, despite all efforts to harmonize infrastructure and services. The reason lies on the surface - it takes a long time to get here, with many transfers. The nearest airports are located in Astana and Almaty, then you need to transfer to the train, and then to the regular bus. Today, the resorts of Kazakhstan on the Caspian Sea remain difficult to access and are in much less demand than holidays in other Caspian countries.

Tia Turner/flickr

On the Caspian coast in Turkmenistan there are the cities of Turkmenbashi and Avaza, but it is Avaza that is considered a resort. The advantages of the Avaza resort are many kilometers of sandy and shell beaches, as well as a modern and dynamically developing infrastructure, which makes the resort more and more attractive to tourists from year to year. There are many hotel complexes on the territory of the resort, many of them are 5-star, in addition, the resort is rich in numerous sanatoriums, recreation centers and children's camps.

Avaza has the status of a national tourist zone of Turkmenistan, so every year considerable funds are allocated to the infrastructure of the resorts. In addition to hotel complexes, amusement parks, congress centers, and even have their own yacht club. A big plus of the resort is the presence of an international airport and excellent highways.

The resort of Turkmenistan on the Caspian Sea cannot yet be called popular among tourists from other countries, since visa difficulties when traveling to the country interfere with rest. Tourist visas must be issued at the embassies of Turkmenistan, while providing a list of documents similar to the list for a Schengen visa. In addition, upon arrival, the tourist must register with the Department of Tourism and Sports of Turkmenistan within 3 working days.

There are two regions on the Caspian coast in Russia - the Astrakhan region and Dagestan, and the Caspian cities are Astrakhan (located in the Volga delta 60 km from the Caspian coast), Derbent, Makhachkala, Kaspiysk and some other small settlements. Astrakhan is considered to be the southern outpost of Russia, and despite its 60-kilometer distance from the coast, it plays an important role in the development of the Caspian region. By the way, it was here that the famous Caspian summit took place, at which many controversial issues on the status of the Caspian Sea were resolved.

Astrakhan is located in the semi-desert zone, in summer it is quite hot, but not humid, on the contrary, the city is characterized by dry winds in summer. The city has dozens of architectural and historical monuments that also deserve attention along with a beach holiday.

Derbent is also one of the most interesting cities in terms of ancient architecture, and its location between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains makes the place incredibly picturesque. Many of the city's sites are under the protection of UNESCO, incl. Derbent wall, Juma mosque and Naryn-Kala fortress. In terms of tourist infrastructure, both in the Astrakhan region and in Derbent there are hotels of various types and price categories, in addition, there are always guest houses and tourist camps for a budget tourist. There is no need to think about the rest of the infrastructure yet, special entertainment places, fenced beaches and additional services at the resorts have not yet been organized.

It is also worth remembering that Dagestan (on whose territory the ancient city of Derbent is located) is considered not the safest place in Russia, so it is worth clarifying the situation in the republic before the trip. You can get to the resorts of the Caspian Sea in Russia by plane, then by public transport.

The resorts of the Caspian Sea are in many ways attractive for tourists at the same time due to their natural and climatic advantages, but are not yet very popular due to the relative underdevelopment of the infrastructure base. Of the resorts mentioned above, only the resorts of Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea enjoy stable interest, although the rest have a certain growing potential.

Practical and eventful travels for you!

With the onset of warm days, everyone tends to escape from the city and go to the sea for a couple of days: lie down on the warm sand, swim in the salty waves ... Wealthy people, attracted by reviews and photos on Instagram, choose abroad as a resort destination or go to the Black Sea or Azov coast. And almost everyone forgets that in Russia, besides them, there is another warm sea: the Caspian Sea.

Dagestan: a forgotten resort paradise

The Russian part of the Caspian Sea stretches for hundreds of kilometers. It is here, in the mountainous Republic of Dagestan, that several large resort towns, who managed to win laudatory reviews and attract tourists not only from our country, but also from abroad:

• Kaspiysk;
• Derbent;
• Izberbash;
• Makhachkala;
• and many small villages, where they also gladly receive guests.

Unlike the northern coast of the Caspian, which is mostly silty shallow marshes, the Caucasus pleases with convenient descents to the water and the rare beauty of the landscape. In our country, for many years Dagestan was not considered as a resort area. Only in the last decade have they started talking about the Caspian Sea as an incredibly promising tourist area. There are many reasons for this.

First, the Caspian coast is a real miracle of nature. There are steppes, and mountains, and picturesque gorges, and marvelous beauty of alpine lakes. So a trip to this region is not limited to a beach holiday.

Secondly, the Caucasus famous for its mineral springs. Several large health resorts are located here, undeservedly forgotten after the collapse of the USSR.

And thirdly, the warm sea is combined here with ski resorts of rare beauty.

Prices for holidays in Dagestan: camp sites or the private sector?

For those who prefer to rest on the Caspian Sea to Turkey and Tunisia, it is better to inquire about prices in advance. During the holiday season, they can change, and if tickets are bought in June, and the vacation itself is scheduled for August, unpleasant problems may arise upon arrival at the place. There are several options to avoid this:

1. Buy a ticket that includes accommodation;
2. Book a place in a hotel or mini-hotel;
3. If you rent a room or a house in the private sector, you need to clarify in advance about the owner, whether the price will increase on the day of arrival, and arrange a check-in.

You can get a room with a minimum of amenities in a private mini-hotel from 500–700 rubles per day. For a hotel room you will have to pay about 2500 - 4000 rubles; and the cost of living in many camp sites starts from 3,000 thousand per night per person. But the service there, in contrast to residential buildings converted to the needs of tourism, will be much higher. This is not to mention small pleasant nuances like swimming pools, children's attractions and comfortable sun loungers.

Dagestan camp sites on the Caspian Sea

The tourism industry in these places is only developing and is still inferior to the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus; however, even now the level of well-being is impressive. Built along the sea many places for summer holidays of the most different levels and purposes: from sanatoriums to resort and entertainment bases. And the undoubted bonus is that there are much fewer people here than in more popular regions, so you can not be afraid of crowded beaches.

"Jami"

Over the past few years, the Jami tourist base has gained fame as one of the most beautiful resorts in Dagestan. Sun loungers, umbrellas, outdoor sports courts, pleasure transport rental, cafes and discos - in a word, full range of entertainment, which every person associates with a successful beach vacation. This institution is also suitable for relaxing with a child: there are playgrounds on the coast, and they are located near the water, but in the shade. This concern for guests is especially noted in their reviews by visitors to the base.

Another plus is that this complex offers both chic deluxe rooms and inexpensive rooms for single or family vacations. However, you can visit the local beach without renting a house at the base, for a fairly reasonable price. This is especially true, since the resort is located in a large village - Turali, just a few kilometers from Izberbash and an hour and a half drive from Makhachkala.

The only negative is the rather high cost of this base. The price of daily accommodation, which does not include meals, starts from 3,000 rubles.

"Odysseus"

In this elite institution, located not far from Makhachkala, almost all possible range of services and entertainment. For guests there is a billiard room, a sauna, discos and even a banquet hall. For those who try to take care of their health during their holidays, there is a fitness club and several sports grounds. At the same time, the prices for accommodation, unlike other bases, are quite budgetary here. It is not surprising that the reviews about this paradise place are mostly positive.

arena beach

This is the most unique recreation center in Dagestan: there is no access to the coast, but there is a huge open-air swimming pool. This is a definite minus. And here the child will definitely not get bored here: on the territory of the institution there is a children's town with many attractions and a sports ground. Among vacationers "Arena" is quite popular; especially since not only the guests of the base, but also guests can swim in the transparent pool and ride the swing - for a small fee, of course. In this regard, there are many visitors from Makhachkala and other neighboring cities.

"Paradise Beach"

This picturesque recreation center is located on the outskirts of Izberbash, not far from the small village of Rybny. There is no hotel as such here: vacationers live in cozy two-room houses standing almost on the shore.

On the beach there are changing rooms, showers and cozy gazebos that are offered to rent for a few hours without paying for accommodation. Sports enthusiasts can play volleyball on the sports ground or go to the gymnastic court located right by the sea.

Sanatorium "Kaspiy"

In the middle between Makhachkala and Izberbash, on the very coast, there is a sanatorium-resort complex "Kaspiy". Guests who have visited this place leave the most positive reviews about it. There is a huge beach adjacent to the resort. There are dozens of cafes nearby. And vacationers with children will be especially pleased with two open-air swimming pools, one of which is designed specifically for minors. However, for kids, there are a lot of entertainments besides pools: animated performances, watching cartoons and even acting classes, which any young “star” can come to.

"Sail"

Sanatorium "Sail" is a young institution, but managed to win the love of tourists. Here you can not only relax, but also improve your health. The uniqueness of this base is that meals are already included in the price of the tour: breakfast, lunch and dinner. A well-maintained beach, swimming pools and children's towns built right by the water complete the picture and collect many grateful reviews.

Active rest in Dagestan

Those who prefer outdoor activities to the beach will definitely not get bored in Dagestan. There are many interesting places in this part of the Caspian Sea:

Rest in Dagestan

And this is just a small list of what you should look at on the coast of the Caspian Sea. The Transcaucasian Republic of Russia has long been famous for its health resorts, amazing nature and mountain hospitality for a reason. And, although the beach infrastructure here is still less developed than in the Black Sea region, reviews about these places are mostly positive, and purely fans of this region are growing every year.

The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water on the planet Earth, located on the continent of Eurasia - in the border area of ​​the states of Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Azerbaijan. In fact, it is a giant lake left after the disappearance of the ancient Tethys ocean. Nevertheless, there is every reason to consider it as an independent sea (this is indicated by salinity, a large area and decent depth, the bottom of the oceanic crust and other signs). In terms of maximum depth, it is the third among closed reservoirs - after lakes Baikal and Tanganyika. In the northern part of the Caspian Sea (a few kilometers from the northern coast - parallel to it) there is a geographical border between Europe and Asia.

Toponymy

• Other names: throughout the history of mankind, different peoples of the Caspian Sea had about 70 different names. The most famous of them are: Khvalynskoe or Khvalisskoe (it took place in the times of Ancient Russia, arose by the name of the people praise who lived in the Northern Caspian and traded with the Russians), Girkan or Dzhurdzhan (derived from the alternative names of the city of Gorgan, located in Iran), Khazar, Abeskun (after the name of the island and city in the Kura delta - now flooded), Saray, Derbent, Sikhay .
• Origin of name: according to one of the hypotheses, the Caspian Sea received its modern and most ancient name from a tribe of nomadic horse breeders the Caspians who lived in the 1st millennium BC on the southwestern coast.

Morphometry

• Catchment area: 3,626,000 km².
• Mirror area: 371,000 km².
• Coastline length: 7,000 km.
• Volume: 78,200 km³.
• Average depth: 208 m
• Max Depth: 1025 m.

Hydrology

• The presence of a constant flow: no, it's pointless.
• Tributaries:, Ural, Emba, Atrek, Gorgan, Heraz, Sefidrud, Astarchay, Kura, Pirsagat, Kusarchay, Samur, Rubas, Darvagchay, Ulluchay, Shuraozen, Sulak, Terek, Kuma.
• Bottom: very varied. At shallow depths, sandy soil with an admixture of shells is common, in deep water places - silty. Pebble and rocky places can be found in the coastal strip (especially where mountain ranges adjoin the sea). In the estuarine areas, the underwater soil consists of river sediments. The Kara-Bogaz-Gol bay is notable for the fact that its bottom is a powerful layer of mineral salts.

Chemical composition

• Water: brackish.
• Salinity: 13 g / l.
• Transparency: 15 m.

Geography

Rice. 1. Map of the Caspian Sea basin.

• Coordinates: 41°59′02″ s. sh., 51°03′52″ E d.
• Height above sea level:-28 m.
• Coastal landscape: Due to the fact that the coastline of the Caspian Sea is very long, and it is located in different geographical zones, the coastal landscape is diverse. In the northern part of the reservoir, the shores are low, swampy, in places of the deltas of large rivers they are indented by numerous channels. The eastern shores are mostly limestone - desert or semi-desert. The western and southern shores adjoin mountain ranges. The greatest indentation of the coastline is observed in the west - in the area of ​​the Apsheron Peninsula, as well as in the east - in the area of ​​the Kazakh and Kara-Bogaz-Gol bays.
• Settlements on the coast:
  • Russia: Astrakhan, Derbent, Kaspiysk, Makhachkala, Olya.
  • Kazakhstan: Aktau, Atyrau, Kuryk, Sogandyk, Bautino.
  • Turkmenistan: Ekerem, Karabogaz, Turkmenbashi, Khazar.
  • Iran: Astara, Balboser, Bender-Torkemen, Bender-Anzeli, Neka, Chalus.
  • Azerbaijan: Alyat, Astara, Baku, Dubendi, Lankaran, Sangachali, Sumgayit.

interactive map

Ecology

The ecological situation in the Caspian Sea is far from ideal. Almost all large rivers flowing into it are polluted by the effluents of industrial enterprises located upstream. This could not but affect the presence of pollutants in the waters and bottom sediments of the Caspian - over the past half century, their concentration has increased markedly, and the content of some heavy metals has already exceeded the permissible limits.

In addition, the waters of the Caspian Sea are constantly polluted by domestic wastewater from coastal cities, as well as during oil production on the continental shelf, and during its transportation.

Fishing in the Caspian Sea

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• Artificial settlement: not all of the above fish species in the Caspian Sea are native. About 4 dozen species came by chance (for example, through channels from the basins of the Black and Baltic Seas), or were deliberately populated by humans. An example is the mullet. Three Black Sea species of these fish - striped mullet, sharp-nosed mullet and golden mullet - were released in the first half of the 20th century. The striped mullet did not take root, but the golden mullet and golden mullet have successfully acclimatized, and by the current moment they have settled in virtually the entire Caspian water area, having formed several commercial herds. At the same time, fish feed faster than in the Black Sea, and reach larger sizes. In the second half of the last century (starting from 1962), attempts were also made to populate such Far Eastern salmon fish as pink salmon and chum salmon in the Caspian Sea. In total, several billion fry of these fish were released into the sea within 5 years. Pink salmon did not survive in the new habitat, but on the contrary, chum salmon successfully took root and even began to spawn in the rivers flowing into the sea. However, she could not reproduce in sufficient quantities and gradually disappeared. There are as yet no favorable conditions for its full-fledged natural reproduction (there are very few places where spawning and development of fry could successfully occur). To ensure them, river reclamation is needed, otherwise, without human help (artificial sampling of eggs and its incubation), fish will not be able to maintain their numbers.

Fishing places

In fact, fishing is possible at any point on the coast of the Caspian Sea, which can be reached by land or water. Which species of fish will be caught at the same time depends on local conditions, but to a greater extent on whether rivers flow here. As a rule, in places where estuaries and deltas (especially large watercourses) are located, the water in the sea is strongly desalinated, therefore, freshwater fish (carp, catfish, bream, etc.) usually predominate in catches; rivers (barbels, shemaya). Of the marine species in desalinated areas, those for which salinity does not matter are caught (mullet, some of the gobies). In certain periods of the year, semi-anadromous and migratory species can be found here, fattening in the sea, and entering the rivers for spawning (sturgeon, some of the herring, Caspian salmon). In places where there are no inflowing rivers, freshwater species are found in a slightly smaller number, but at the same time, marine fish appear, usually avoiding desalinated areas (for example, sea zander). Away from the coast, fish that prefer salt water and deep-sea species are caught.

In total, there are 9 places of interest in terms of fishing:

1. North Shore (RF)- this area is located on the northern coast of the Russian Federation (from the Volga delta to the Kizlyar Bay). Its main features are the insignificant salinity of the water (the lowest in the Caspian Sea), shallow depth, the presence of multiple shoals, islands, and highly developed aquatic vegetation. In addition to the Volga delta with its numerous channels, bays and erics, it also includes the estuarine seaside, called the Caspian peals. These places are popular with Russian fishermen, and for good reason: the conditions for fish are very favorable here, and there is also a good forage base. The ichthyofauna in these parts may not shine with a richness of species, but it is distinguished by its abundance, and some of its representatives reach a very considerable size. Usually the basis of catches are freshwater fish, typical for the Volga basin. Most often caught: perch, pike perch, roach (more precisely, its varieties, called roach and ram), rudd, asp, sabrefish, bream, goldfish, carp, catfish, pike. Bursh, silver bream, white-eye, blue bream are somewhat less common. There are also representatives of sturgeons (sturgeon, stellate sturgeon, beluga, etc.), salmonids (nelma, brown trout - Caspian salmon) in these places, but their catch is prohibited.
2. Northwestern coast (RF)- this section covers the western coast of the Russian Federation (from Kizlyar Bay to Makhachkala). The Kuma, Terek and Sulak rivers flow here - they carry their waters both along natural channels and artificial channels. In this area there are bays, among which are quite large ones (Kizlyarsky, Agrakhansky). The sea in these places is shallow. Of the fish in the catches, freshwater species predominate: pike, perch, carp, catfish, rudd, bream, barbel, etc., marine species are also caught here, for example, herring (black-backed, shad).
3. West Bank (RF)- from Makhachkala to the border of the Russian Federation with Azerbaijan. An area where mountain ranges adjoin the sea. The salinity of the water here is somewhat higher than in previous places, therefore, marine species are more common in the catches of fishermen (sea pike, mullet, herring). However, freshwater fish are by no means uncommon.
4. West Bank (Azerbaijan)- from the border of the Russian Federation with Azerbaijan to the Absheron Peninsula. Continuation of the section where mountain ranges adjoin the sea. Fishing here is even more similar to typical sea fishing, thanks to fish such as hart and golden mullet (mullet) and several types of gobies, which are also caught here. In addition to them, there are kutum, herring, and some typically freshwater species, for example, carp.
5. Southwest coast (Azerbaijan)- from the Absheron Peninsula to the border of Azerbaijan with Iran. Most of this area is occupied by the delta of the Kura River. Here the same species of fish are caught that were listed in the previous paragraph, but freshwater ones are somewhat more common.
6. North Shore (Kazakhstan)- this section covers the northern coast of Kazakhstan. The Ural delta and the Akzhaiyk state reserve are located here, therefore fishing directly in the river delta and in some waters adjacent to it is prohibited. Fishing is possible only outside the reserve - upstream from the delta, or in the sea - at some distance from it. Fishing near the Ural delta has much in common with fishing at the confluence of the Volga - almost the same species of fish are found here.
7. Northeast coast (Kazakhstan)- from the mouth of the Emba to Cape Tyub-Karagan. In contrast to the northern part of the sea, where the water is greatly diluted by large rivers flowing into it, its salinity is somewhat increased here, therefore, those fish species appear that avoid desalinated areas, for example, sea zander, which is caught in the Dead Kultuk Bay. Also, other representatives of marine fauna are often found in the catches.
8. Eastern coast (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan)- from Cape Tyub-Karagan to the border of Turkmenistan and Iran. Differs in the almost complete absence of flowing rivers. The salinity of the water here is at its highest. Of the fish in these places, marine species predominate, the main catches are mullet, pike perch and gobies.
9. South Shore (Iran)- covers the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. Throughout this section, the Elburs mountain range adjoins the sea. Many rivers flow here, most of which are small streams, there are also several medium and one large river. Of the fish, in addition to marine species, there are also some freshwater, as well as semi-anadromous and anadromous species, for example, sturgeon.

Features of fishing

The most popular and catchy amateur tackle that is used on the Caspian coast is a heavy spinning rod converted into a “sea bottom”. Usually it is equipped with a strong spool, on which a fairly thick line (0.3 mm or more) is wound. The thickness of the fishing line is determined not so much by the size of the fish, but by the mass of a rather heavy sinker, which is necessary for ultra-long casting (in the Caspian it is widely believed that the farther from the shore the casting point is, the better). After the sinker comes a thinner fishing line - with several leashes. As a bait, shrimps and amphipods living in coastal thickets of algae are used - if it is supposed to catch sea fish, or an ordinary bait like a worm, cockchafer larvae and others - if freshwater species are found in the fishing area.

Imagine you are standing on the beach. Inhale the salty air, hear the sound of the surf. Seagulls scream around, waves break on the rocks. You forgot about the bustle of the metropolis. Do you already want to go on vacation?

The disadvantage of many well-known resorts, both ours and foreign ones, is an excess of tourists. The traveler has just left the metropolis, when he again finds himself in a noisy city, unbearable heat and traffic jams.

It is equally important that the vacation does not ruin the family budget. Agree, it’s unpleasant to start work with a hole in your pocket after a fun vacation.

Rest on the Caspian Sea in Russia is affordable and exciting. Tourists say that there are many places for a fabulous vacation in the Caspian Sea.

Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is an unusual natural reservoir. To be precise, this is a huge lake. Geographical position: The Caspian is located on the border between Europe and Asia. The length is about 100 km, the maximum depth recorded by scientists is 1025 m. It washes the borders of several countries: the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan.

The Caspian is located near Dagestan, Kalmykia and the Astrakhan region. An interesting fact: the locals call it the "Khazar Sea".

What will strike you first of all is the untouched wilderness. You will definitely not let go of your camera or phone. Pure clear water. Rich flora and fauna. Only on the Caspian Sea you will see rare birds and animals from the Red Book.

Who will be interested in relaxing on the coast of the Caspian Sea

Holidays on the Caspian Sea in Russia will appeal to lovers of fishing. The region is famous for its fisheries.

There are many recreation centers for fishermen in the Astrakhan region. You can come with the whole family. Cozy cabins, three meals a day. Possibility to fish in the best places. We will talk about this in more detail a little later.

If you have a burning desire to admire the nature of the sea-lake, be sure to visit the Astrakhan International Biosphere Reserve.

The Caspian is beautiful in all seasons. But in spring and summer you can admire an unforgettable sight - lotus fields in the Volga Delta.

Hunters from all over Russia come to hunt for rare animals and birds. In autumn, the hunting season for sea and river birds begins.

Everyone who wants to just take a break from the noisy city and get medical treatment in a sanatorium. There are many sanatoriums in the Astrakhan region, where they offer healing mineral waters and therapeutic mud.

Recreation for fishermen

If you go on vacation to the Caspian Sea, good catches are guaranteed. The water in the lake is slightly salty, and there are both marine and freshwater fish. The most valuable, of course, is the sturgeon breed. Vobla, carp and pike perch are found in huge quantities in the lake.

Boats can be rented very cheaply from the locals. And if you rent a room from them, then it's completely free.

Fishing flourishes in all seasons. Underwater fishing is also possible.

In the Astrakhan region there is a famous recreation center "Dardanelles". Lots of comfortable triple rooms. They provide baths for tourists. The cost of a voucher with meals is about 7 thousand rubles (a room for three people).

Tourists note that it is not easy to get to the recreation center on their own. Road in rainy weather The backwater becomes almost impassable.

How much does a savage vacation cost

If you do not want to go through a travel agency, then your vacation will be even more interesting. Get ready for adventure and vivid impressions. Rest on the Caspian Sea as savages is an inexhaustible source of good mood.

To get to the Caspian Sea, you can use several routes.

1. The most expensive: by plane to Makhachkala or Astrakhan. Two hours of flight, and you are on the seashore. Flights go from several large cities of Russia: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Novosibirsk. From Astrakhan to the sea can be reached by minibuses and buses. Makhachkala is located right by the sea.

Let's calculate the cost of travel:

For example, a ticket from Moscow to Astrakhan costs from 4,000 rubles (one way). If you immediately buy and reverse, it will be 8000-11 000 rubles. Travel by local minibuses and buses to the sea costs no more than 100 rubles.

2. Cheaper option: train to Astrakhan. From Moscow and St. Petersburg. Walks daily. Ride for about two days. The cost of a reserved seat ticket is about 3,000 rubles, a compartment - from 5,200 rubles. The ticket must be booked in advance. In the summer, there is often a large influx of passengers, and tickets run out. In addition, travel will be cheaper.

3. By own car. If you live near the Caspian, a very convenient option. You need to consider the cost of gasoline, but in general this is the most budget option for traveling.

As a result, a vacation on the Caspian Sea in Russia will cost no more than 15,000-20,000 rubles for two tourists.

Where to live for a tourist near the Caspian Sea

• There are more than 160 boarding houses and recreation centers. It's very easy to book a ticket. In many boarding houses and holiday homes, you can book a ticket in advance, even a few months before your vacation.
• From local residents. The prices are more than affordable. In Dagestan, private traders are ready to provide tourists with food and even room cleaning.
• In a hotel. Large chain hotels have been operating in Derbent and Kaspiysk for a long time.
• In hotel. There are also small hotels for families.

It turns out that a vacation on the Caspian Sea in Russia can be spent quite comfortably.

Where to eat tasty and inexpensive

If you use the services of a travel agency, you should not worry about food. Typically, the price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Moreover, at the fishing camp sites, local chefs will cook your catch deliciously.

In Astrakhan and the Astrakhan region there are many cafes, canteens and restaurants where it is easy to eat cheaply and tasty. The cost of an average lunch in the canteen (without alcohol) is approximately 200-500 rubles per person.

But if you prefer to cook yourself, you shouldn’t worry too much and bring all the products from home. In the stores you will buy basic provisions for the trip, as well as fishing rods and tackle. And it will all be very cheap. Travelers note that they need 500-1000 rubles for the whole company.

Rest in the Astrakhan region: attractions

If you are traveling on your own, you should study maps and guides before the trip. In the Astrakhan region there are fewer places for organized recreation, but more wild untouched nature, where no tourist has ever set foot. Here we will briefly talk about the cities on the coast of the Caspian Sea.

Astrakhan- a beautiful city in the south of Russia. It is located just 60 km from the sea. Wonderful architecture, churches, museums. In summer and autumn, you can enjoy fresh watermelons and melons right from the garden. Many baths and saunas for tourists.

Be sure to visit the local attractions: Astrakhan Kremlin - a very ancient building, built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. John the Baptist Monastery and Assumption Cathedral. An art gallery and a drama theater will be interesting. You can ride a boat by visiting the city of Astrakhan. Rest on the Caspian Sea gives a lot of impressions. The only negative is that it is very hot in summer.

Makhachkala - southern city near the Caspian Sea, the capital of Dagestan . Beautiful architecture, many attractions. Holy Dormition Cathedral, Yusuf-Bey Dzhami mosque, monument to Vladimir Lenin. There are theaters, museums, cinemas.

Kaspiysk - the city is located in Dagestan. Here you can visit the famous mosques. There is also a beautiful architectural monument: the Holy Kazan Church. If you have a rest in Kaspiysk, be sure to visit the Seaside Park. The rarest and most beautiful trees and plants grow there.

Of considerable interest is the Local Lore Museum of the city. There are many monuments dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

Derbent - picturesque city of the Caucasus. The city is decorated with a bright attraction: the ancient fortress of Naryn-Kala.

Be sure to take your camera with you to immortalize the beautiful views of the Caspian Sea from the fortress.

Beach holidays on the shores of the Caspian Sea

If we talk about a beach holiday on the Caspian Sea, you should definitely talk about several interesting places. Rest on the Caspian Sea, reviews of tourists provide a lot of valuable information about the cities of the Caspian coast. Vacation spots on the Caspian Sea are beautiful and safe.

In Dagestan, not far from the city of Makhachkala, there is the famous oldest sanatorium "Kaspiy". Good equipped beach, soft sand, comfortable places for swimming.

In the vicinity of the city there is also another famous resort - "Chindirchero". It is simply created for lovers of kiting, windsurfing and rafting.

Holidays on the Caspian Sea - traveler reviews allow you to say so - a great opportunity to have a great time during the beach season.

Treatment on the shore of the Caspian Sea

If you want to improve your health on vacation, the Talgi resort is at your service. Treatment with waters with a high content of hydrogen sulfide. Helps with diseases of the joints, neurology, skin and gynecological diseases. A beach holiday on the Caspian Sea is an opportunity to combine business with pleasure. And the Kayakent resort treats with hydrothermal mud.

Have you already decided where you will stay? We hope that our article has helped you once again make sure that the rest on the coast of the Caspian Sea is unusual and diverse. The Caspian coast is a great place for a vacation. In addition, it allows you to find a lot of impressions for little money and take a break from the metropolis. And learn a lot of new things from the history of Russia.