Bolshoy Utrish, Anapa. Sights, photos, dolphinarium, reserve, beach, lake, hotels

Where is it and how to get there

The village of Bolshoy Utrish is located 20 km from Anapa, between the villages of Sukko and Maly Utrish.

You can get to Utrish in different ways:

1. From the stop st. Krasnoarmeyskaya, not far from the Anapa bus station, bus No. 109 runs to Bolshoi Utrish. The interval is 15 – 30 minutes, the fare is 75 rubles.
2. By boat or boat. There is a parking lot near the port. Water transport departs from the Anapa seaport daily, several times a day. An adult ticket for the ship costs 1200 rubles, a child ticket 700. The cruise to Bolshoi Utrish lasts 4 hours. If you return by boat, you have 1 hour and 20 minutes left for sightseeing.
3. A taxi from Anapa will cost 600 – 800 rubles.

Maly Utrish

At a distance of 8 km from the village of Bolshoy Utrish there is the village of Maly Utrish. This village attracts vacationers with its pristine nature, clean sea water and the opportunity to go diving or spearfishing. In addition, in the forests surrounding Maly Utrish, there are healing springs and clean lakes.

History buffs will be able to see the remains of a 9th century Byzantine fortress. By the way, it was at Cape Maly Utrish that some scenes for the action movie “D-Day” (2008) were filmed.

There is also a yacht club in the village, which makes it possible to rent any boat or motorboat. The beaches are clean and uncrowded.

General information about the village

Bolshoi Utrish, whose attractions are known far beyond the Krasnodar Territory, is a peninsula jutting out into the sea. It was formed as a result of a natural cataclysm in ancient times, when rock collapses occurred. Thus, translated from the Turkic language, the word “Utrish” means landslide.

On the northern side, the peninsula is protected by the Novagirsky ridge of the Caucasus Mountains from cold winds, which is why the climate is milder than in Anapa. Bolshoi Utrish is a marine and landscape-floristic reserve. The population barely exceeds 200 people. The shores and mountains are covered with forests of spicy juniper and pistachios, which secrete phytoncides that neutralize pathogenic bacteria.

The uniqueness of this reserve lies in the fact that about 107 species of trees and shrubs and 80 species of herbaceous plants grow in a small area. 60 representatives of local flora are listed in the Red Book. Among other things, the Caucasus Mountains originate here. Due to the cleanest and clear water in the sea, you can dive or snorkel.

Climatic conditions by month

Bolshoi Utrish has a continental climate with high humidity. The coast is reliably protected from cold winds by mountains, so the climate here is much milder than in neighboring Sukko and Anapa. The swimming season lasts from May to October.

Relict juniper forests emit a huge amount of phytoncides, and together with sea air they are a powerful immunomodulator. Helps normalize blood pressure, increase metabolism, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Winter in Bolshoy Utrish is warm, but the northeast wind Bora or Nord-Ost brings with it a lot of troubles. So -5°C Nord-Ost can turn into -20°C in terms of sensations. Bora usually lasts from 3 to 9 days and passes without a trace. Nord-Ost occurs due to an increase in pressure difference in the mountains and falls onto the sea.

Story

According to scientists, the peninsula (which was an island, but became such thanks to an artificial embankment) was formed as a result of an earthquake 2-5 thousand years ago, and already in the 3-7 centuries the Utrigur tribes lived in this territory. It is believed that the name “Utrish” came from here.

Local residents tell several legends associated with Ancient Greece. Some claim that it was to one of the rocks of Bolshoi Utrish that Prometheus was chained and passed fire to man. Others talk about Jason and the Argonauts looking for the “Golden Fleece” in these places.

Sights of Bolshoi Utrish

When visiting the peninsula, you can see not only masterpieces created by nature, but also artifacts in a kind of open-air museum. And also try seafood grown in a local complex.

Utrish Nature Reserve

Bolshoi Utrish (the attractions are mainly represented by natural masterpieces) was established as a State Russian Nature Reserve in 2010. It is located along the coastline with a total length of 13 km.

The reserve is open for visits on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed on weekends.

One hectare of juniper forest produces up to 30 kg of volatile substances that neutralize staphylococcal bacillus. It is strictly forbidden to cut down trees and shrubs, since some of the specimens growing here are over 500 - 1000 years old. You cannot litter or make fires, or pick mushrooms and berries.

Due to the specific landscape, the territory of the reserve contains vegetation of the Mediterranean zone and mountainous areas.

The fauna of Big Utrish is represented by:

• roe deer;
• raccoons;
• hares;
• mountain goats;
• jackals;
• foxes.

On the mountain slopes there are aesculapian snakes reaching 2 m in length. The Mediterranean butterfly and the Mediterranean turtle can only be found in the reserve. Over 90 species of insects inhabit the reserve, 13 of them are listed in the Red Book. Among them are the striped empusa and the steppe grasshopper, the largest grasshopper in Russia.

The forests are:

• Pitsunda pine;
• downy oak;
• hornbeam;
• ash;
• dogwood;
• hazel.

Pistachio and juniper and a huge number of herbaceous plants also grow here in large quantities. Ecological trails pass through areas where wild orchids grow; there are 6 species of them in the reserve.

The predominant birds are:

• snake eagle;
• peregrine falcon;
• black vulture;
• vulture;
• White-tailed eagle.

The mute swan winters, as well as 80 species of other waterfowl and semi-aquatic birds. The sea surface of the reserve hides crabs, shellfish, stingrays, mackerel and horse mackerel. Bottlenose dolphins and the Black Sea Katran swim into the water area to feast on small fish. Marine flora is represented by more than 220 species of algae.

Snake Lake

The lake got its name because of the large number of snakes in ancient times. It was an enclosed reservoir of fresh water. In the 20th century, the local population decided to get rid of the snakes, then with the help of explosives they removed the isthmus separating the lake and the sea. Now Snake Lake is a lagoon with a lot of water transport.

The area of ​​the lake is about 20 hectares, and the depth is about 8 m. Swimming is prohibited here, but there are a lot of other entertainments, for example, diving, windsurfing, fishing, jet skis. There is also a small and popular yacht club that provides boats for rent. So a yacht for 8 people can be rented for 3.5 thousand rubles. from two hours or for 30 thousand rubles. for the whole daylight hours.

Big Utrish, Snake Lake.

There is a diving club on the lake, where experienced instructors will help beginners overcome the psychological barrier. There is a tent camp nearby for lovers of extreme recreation.

Anapa Dolphinarium

Big Utrish is interesting not only for adults, but also for children; it includes 2 dolphinariums. The first is a unique modern complex; the dolphinarium building is the largest in Russia. The Dolphinarium includes one of the main attractions of the Black Sea coast.

We are talking about a unique oceanarium with piranhas, fish from the Red Sea and African lakes, reef sharks and other inhabitants. A ticket to the aquarium will cost 700 rubles, children under 5 years old are free. Under one roof there is also a small zoo and a penguinarium.

In the marine theater, the performance includes: the Chilean sea lion, the white polar whale, fur seals and bottlenose dolphins - intelligent representatives of marine mammals. After the show, you can take photos and swim with dolphins or scuba dive.

A ticket to the show will cost 950-1200 rubles, children under 5 years old are free. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Address: Anapa, st. Pionersky Avenue 20A.

Utrish lighthouse

The lighthouse was erected in 1911, the building is one of the oldest structures of its kind. In 1975, a new lighthouse was built, and the building of the old one was given over to the chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the patron saint of sailors. Next to the chapel and the lighthouse there are 2 obelisks - those who died in a plane crash in 1976 and the sailors who died on the ship Fabricius during the Second World War.

Waterfall "Pearl"

Bolshoy Utrish, the attractions of which are complemented by the Zhemchuzhny waterfall, is the westernmost point of the Krasnodar Territory in which there are waterfalls. Silver fresh water flows from a 5-meter height directly onto the rocky beach and flows into the salty sea. Located 2.5 km from Bolshoi Utrish.

An ecological trail passes by the waterfall.

Restaurant "Fort Utrish"

The restaurant is located on the seashore, surrounded by relict juniper forests, protected by UNESCO. Visitors are offered to taste locally caught fish and seafood. For example, 4 km from the coast there is a Utrish mussel and oyster farm. In the open sea, at a depth of more than 40 m, mussels and oysters are grown in special collectors.

Thanks to the great depth, sand does not get into the shells of mollusks. A plus for restaurant visitors will be the opportunity to relax on a fenced, clean beach with a landscaped coastal area. Or sit on a cozy terrace overlooking the sea and mountains. Among other things, the restaurant offers comfortable double rooms from 6 thousand rubles. per day, as well as yachting.

The Fort Utrish restaurant belongs to the category of expensive establishments. Located on the street. Naberezhnaya, 1. The average check starts from 3 thousand rubles. However, according to reviews from visitors, with a good menu and quality dishes, the level of service is in the region of an average “C” for this category of entertainment establishments. Address: Krasnodar region, pos. Bolshoi Utrish, st. Embankment 1b.

Mount Prometheus

Everyone is familiar with the plot of the myth about Prometheus, chained by Zeus to a steep cliff above the sea. The hero angered the god of thunder and lightning by giving fire to people punished by Zeus. The huge eagle was given instructions to peck the hero’s liver every day, which was restored again and again.

According to legend, on one of the peaks of the Caucasus, between the Black and Caspian Seas, in the bend of Pontus (Lukomorye), there is a steep cliff facing the sea. Jason and the Argonauts, who saw Prometheus, sailed past her. Hercules went to the aid of the hero, who was tormented by an eagle.

In addition, the Yasenets grass grows here, which, due to the high content of essential oils during flowering, ignites for a few seconds near an open fire, remaining unharmed.

Lermontov gazebo

The gazebo is located between Bolshoy Utrish and the village of Sukko on a high rocky shore. During high season on weekends it is very difficult to find a parking space. According to some reports, Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov himself admired the magnificent views opening from the observation deck.

From the elevation, the sea and the snow-white peaks of the Caucasus Mountains are clearly visible. There is a version that it was here that the great writer was struck by inspiration, and later the work “A Hero of Our Time” was born.

Lion's Head Castle

On the shore of a mountain lake near the village of Sukko there is an extreme park - the Lion's Head Park. The first performance of the Knight Tournament was a huge success in 2006. Three years later, an indoor pavilion was built and performances became available to spectators all year round. Tickets cost 400-500 rubles, children under 6 years old are free.

The evening performance lasts 1 hour 20 minutes, at the end the audience is treated to a fire show, the duration of the morning performance is 50 minutes. The main performance is a jousting tournament, in which professional actors and stuntmen are involved. The performers perform on horses dressed in armor.

As well as extreme sports, the park offers its guests:

• practice archery at the Robin Hood shooting range;
• take a tour of the torture museum;
• master horse riding skills;
• watch a real blacksmith at work;
• go to a pottery master class;
• have a meal in a medieval tavern at oak tables;
• hold a wedding, quest or corporate event within the castle walls.

Archaeological Museum Gorgippia

Big Utrish, whose attractions are not limited to natural phenomena, has its own museum. The Gorgippia Archaeological Museum celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2022. The founding date can be considered 1909, when the Antiquities Room was opened in the Resort Hall of Anapa. This is a unique museum - an open-air excavation site with a total area of ​​over 7 thousand m².

The exhibition includes the entire city - the necropolis of Gorgippia, a wine-making complex (2nd century AD), paved streets and the foundations of residential buildings with wells. The exhibition halls display various artifacts, household items, frescoes, and terracotta figurines. The ancient city on the site of Anapa existed from the 4th century. BC. to the 3rd century AD

In addition to ancient history, the museum presents exhibitions - collections of local history of Anapa and the Memorial Hall of Mother Mary.

Scheduled excursions daily at 11:00 and 15:00. The cost of the excursion for adult visitors is 280 rubles, for students and pensioners – 160 rubles.

Russian Gate

One of the main attractions of Anapa is the “Russian Gate”. They are the remnant of a Turkish fortress on the Black Sea, built in 1783. Fierce battles were fought at this site in 1828. On June 12, the 4,000-strong Turkish garrison capitulated from the fortress.

In 1829, according to the Treaty of Adrianople, Anapa became part of the Russian Empire. The gate got its name in honor of the 25th anniversary of the liberation of Anapa from Turkish troops.

Church of St. Onuphrius

The Church of St. Onuphrius was erected by order of Emperor Nicholas I on the site of a Turkish mosque in 1837. It was named in honor of the saint, revered on the day of victory over the Ottoman Empire. It was destroyed during the Crimean War and restored only at the end of the 19th century.

During the Soviet period, the temple was again abolished, and the premises were given over to a local history museum. In 1964, the building became the House of Pioneers; the bell tower and domes were dismantled. The temple has been active since 1991; services and excursions are regularly held. The oldest Orthodox church in Anapa. Address: Anapa, st. Sobornaya, 7.

Dolphinarium in a natural marine environment

The second dolphinarium is located in a sea lagoon, which communicates with the sea. Its originality lies in the fact that it is the only such institution located in the open air. For its operation, a small bay with running sea water is used. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that all inhabitants live in natural conditions.

The auditoriums are equipped in the form of stands on the sea coast, and performances take place right in the open air. The theater performs: bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, beluga whales, Patagonian sea lions and the northern sea lion. Shows are held three times a day to full houses - at 11:00, 15:00 and 17:30.

Tickets for adults and children over 7 years old will cost 1000 rubles, children 4-7 years old - 400 rubles. The season lasts from May 15 to October 15. Excursion boats run to the dolphinarium and cost 1200 – 700 rubles. The sea cruise lasts 4 hours.

Beaches of Utrish

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1. Konstantinovsky beach is 500 meters long and runs from the Bolshoy Utrish parking lot to Mount Prometheus. This is the center of wild beaches
2. Zmeinka beach is located next to the yacht club. Clean, wide pebble beach, camping nearby.
3. Central Beach pebble and very clean, on the beach there are frame umbrellas and sun loungers for rent. The play area for little visitors is equipped with trampolines, pools and slides.

4. In the northern part of the Utrish Peninsula there is a wide and long beach . On which there are sun canopies, and closer to the lighthouse there is a cafe. Not the most convenient entrance to the sea. A favorite beach for freedivers and spearfishers.
5. On the south side is the beach of the Utrishskaya Volna camping site. Paid travel by car is possible. Equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, showers, changing rooms, cafes and canteens.

What to see?

The main attraction of Bolshoy Utrish, for which even people from neighboring resorts come here, is the only dolphinarium in Russia located in natural conditions, in the open waters of the Black Sea.

This research and entertainment facility is home to marine mammals: several species of dolphins, sea lions, walruses and northern fur seals.

Since 2001, in addition to the enchanting performances of the pets, “dolphin therapy” has been carried out here, which has a positive therapeutic effect in the treatment of children with delayed physical and mental development.

Utrish Dolphinarium – a sea of ​​positive emotions for adults and children (resource https://fishki.net/)

In addition to the dolphinarium, in Bolshoi Utrish you can visit:

• lighthouse with chapel and memorial;
• waterfall "Pearl" 5 m high;
• Lake Zmeinoye – a pier for ships and vessels;
• Mount Prometheus, formed as a result of a tectonic explosion;
• Lermontov gazebo, built in the style of park belvederes;
• Lion's Head Castle, built in 2005;
• the Black Sea Study Center is an educational and entertainment complex for adults and children.

Where to stay

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1. A standard double room at the Utrish Residence hotel costs 1,500 rubles. The room has 1 double bed or 2 single beds, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, towels. The cost of breakfast is 250 rubles. Address: pos. Sukko, st. Utrishskaya 29.
2. An apartment for 4 people will cost 2 thousand rubles. in 2 days. The apartment is located 2 km from the Anapa Gorgippia Museum. There is a restaurant, bar and children's playground nearby. The apartment is equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, flat screen TV, refrigerator, stove and washing machine. Address: Anapa, st. Vladimirovskaya 55V, apt. 102.
3. A two-story cottage in Bolshoi Utrish for a company of 5 people, consisting of 2 rooms, will cost 7,500 rubles. Each floor has its own kitchen, kettle, TV, safe and bathroom. Swimming pool, parking, internet, children's playground and 24-hour registration of visitors. Address: pos. Bolshoi Utrish, st. Lesnaya 5.
4. Hotel Zolotaya Bukhta offers for rent a two-level bungalow worth 11 thousand rubles. per day. Equipped with satellite TV, air conditioning, refrigerator, minibar. The room has a sofa bed and one large double bed. First coastline. It features a chic outdoor pool and restaurant. Address: Anapa, Kordonny lane 1A.

5. The Utesov Hotel has a luxury double room with a sea view. Two bedrooms each with a large double bed, a jacuzzi right on the terrace overlooking the sea. The price includes an amazing breakfast, room service, spa, and wellness center. Daily maid service, Turkish bath, TV and Wi-Fi, concierge services, laundry, babysitting services. For one night the cost will be 50 thousand rubles.

Address: Anapa, st. Mayakovsky 2.

How to organize meals

Where to eat:

1. Dining room No. 1 is located on the territory of the Utrishskaya Volna camping site. This is a budget option for lovers of homemade food. Large selection of soups, main courses and desserts. According to tourist reviews, the food is quite tasty. There is a large influx of visitors in the dining room, the staff works quickly.
2. Dining room of the guest house "Juliet". Located opposite the Utrish Dolphinarium. The cafe menu includes dishes of European, Uzbek, Caucasian cuisines, as well as set lunches and buffets. As a main course, you can order locally caught mullet or flounder. A 15% discount on the dining room menu is valid for residents of Juliet.
3. Cafe Yogurmania is located near the Utrish Dolphinarium. A special feature of this establishment’s menu is dozens of yoghurts prepared in combination with berries, fruits and chocolate additives, which can quench your thirst in the heat.
4. Bar Oyster under Cheese . Anapa, st. Terskaya 130/8. Opening hours from 12 to 22 hours. Seafood, Mediterranean and European cuisine. The menu includes fresh oysters from Japan, the Far East and local Black Sea ones, Anadara clams, sea urchins, and cheeses. Oysters price from 250 rub. a piece. There is no alcohol in the establishment, but you can bring your own.
5. Restaurant "Porto Nero" located at the address: village. B. Utrish, st. Embankment 1B. This establishment is designed for people of middle and high incomes, since the cost of the average bill is in the range from 2 to 3 thousand rubles. In addition to restaurant services both indoors and outdoors, it provides comfortable rooms starting from 6 thousand rubles. per day.

6. Pizzeria Sicily is located in Anapa at the address st. Astrakhanskaya 3. Japanese, Italian, European, Russian cuisine, there is a menu for vegetarians. Wide selection of dishes, average bill 500 rubles.

Food

On the beach of Bolshoi Utrish there are several cafes where you can order dishes from the Black Sea seafood: fish, rapana, mussels, as well as sushi, pizza, and shish kebab. There are also canteens here, where set meals are offered from 200 rubles.

Products can be bought in small shops, vegetable stalls and at the local mini-market. You can buy fresh, just caught fish and other seafood from fishermen.

How to navigate

The only public transport in B. Utrish is route bus No. 109. If you are traveling from Anapa, you need to pay attention to the sign in the windshield. With the same route number, the vehicle can travel either through Utrish or directly to Sukko. When traveling in groups, it is best to use a transfer.

Bolshoi Utrish is home to many natural and archaeological attractions. In addition, many diverse tourist infrastructure facilities are concentrated on a small area of ​​the peninsula. All this makes the village one of the most significant places in the vicinity of Anapa.

Adviсe

To ensure that your holiday on the Black Sea leaves only pleasant impressions, do not forget:

• Take with you the medications you need, as well as antipyretics, antiallergic drugs and remedies for intestinal infections.
• Compulsory medical insurance policies for yourself and for children.
• Do not buy food in unequipped places or from vendors on the beach.
• Buy excursions from official representatives at excursion desks.
• Do not make an advance payment for housing if you are not sure of the integrity of the owner of the property, or if the reservation is not guaranteed by special sites (booking.com, www.ostrovok.ru, www.trivago.ru, etc.)

If you have not yet chosen where you will live and want to save money when booking, we recommend using the RoomGuru service. Firstly, it contains hotels, apartments and guest houses from many different booking systems, so you won’t miss out on a worthwhile option. Secondly, you can immediately compare prices for one place in different services and book where it is cheaper (this is not always Booking!).