Bolshoy Utrish (Anapa): what to see in the reserve, entertainment, where to go on an excursion

Big Utrish: TOP-3 things to see in a day

First of all, tourists should visit the most famous sights of Bolshoi Utrish, which have become its symbols and “calling cards”. You can visit these places even in 1 day of travel.

State Nature Reserve "Utrish"

Coordinates on the map: 44.744722, 37.426944.

The Bolshoi Utrish Nature Reserve is one of the most valuable natural areas of the Krasnodar Territory. It was founded in 1994. Unlike other reserves, it is not a homogeneous forest area. The landscape varies greatly and includes hills, fields, forests and lakes.

The nature reserve clearly expresses the features of the pristine nature of the Northern Black Sea region. Most trees and plants are endemic. Among them are tall juniper and stinking juniper, pistachio trees, Pitsunda pine and mackerel.

The territory of “Big Utrish” is adjacent to a unique pistachio-juniper forest, which, according to experts, is a valuable ecological zone. In the future, a sports and recreation complex will be built on this site. Trees whose age reaches thousands of years have also been discovered in the reserve.

The fauna of “Big Utrish” is distinguished by its richness. Here the Mediterranean tortoise, the steppe tortoise, and the striped empusa live in their natural environment. White-tailed eagles, black vultures and vultures nest in the higher elevations. In the lakes you can see swans and loons.

Unfortunately, the huge ecological value cannot protect the reserve. It is currently under threat of liquidation. If the threat materializes, the protected area will become publicly accessible and sooner or later disappear.

Anapa Dolphinarium

GPS coordinates: 44.758644, 37.381245.

The Anapa Dolphinarium of Bolshoy Utrish is unique in that the performances take place not in pools, but in the natural environment for dolphins - in the sea.

The Dolphinarium is located on the coast, where an artificial bay with net fencing has been created. Tourists are seated in high stands. Overhead there is a clear sky with seagulls and petrels flying past, the sails of yachts flash on the horizon, and dolphins jump out of the water right before your eyes. They are accompanied by fur seals, belugas and seals.

The entertainment program will delight both children and adults. During the show, dolphins perform complex tricks: jumping through rings, synchronously “dancing”, playing with a ball and giving rides on the trainer’s back.

At the end of the performance, the dolphins jump onto the platform. You can approach them, pet them, take pictures. For an additional fee, tourists have the opportunity to swim in the pool with these beautiful animals.

At the exit from the dolphinarium there are souvenir shops where you can buy toys, T-shirts, magnets and much more.

Utrish lighthouse

Coordinates: 44.758726, 37.377801.

The lighthouse is the main architectural landmark of Bolshoi Utrish. Initially, the lighthouse was a small stone building erected in 1911.

Now it is occupied by an Orthodox chapel. The new lighthouse was built in 1975 as a monument to the employees of the Azov military flotilla, in particular the crew members of the Jan Fabricius, a steamship blown up by the Germans in March 1942. Captain M.I. Grigor was shell-shocked, but despite his injury, he managed to send a distress signal, and after evacuating the surviving crew, he grounded the ship near Cape Bolshoy Utrish.

The lighthouse has a pipe-like shape and is made of white brick. It is surrounded by a stone bas-relief around its circumference - portraits of sailors, images of steering wheels and anchors.

Where to go with children?

The Bolshoi Utrish Dolphinarium differs from similar establishments in Russia in its unique location. To keep the animal performers, it is not artificial pools that are used, but a natural bay, chosen for its exceptional convenience. There are open-air stands for spectators, from where you can watch an extraordinary performance that lasts for an hour. Together with their two-legged counterparts, dolphins and fur seals demonstrate amazing art. At the end of the program, you are allowed to take photos with the smart artists and swim with them in the warm waters.

The Sokol fortress museum is in great demand among children of all ages. Educational excursions, during which children learn about the historical past of our country and the planet, are accompanied by costumed performances in which the guests themselves can participate. Put on the outfit of an ancient Roman, try yourself in the art of throwing a spear or stringing a bow, and at the end of the tour, treat yourself to amazing tea with local sweets - all this and much more can be done at Sokol.

What interesting places to visit?

The advantage of Bolshoi Utrish is that the attractions here are not alike. You never know what other “interesting things” this wonderful village has in store for you.

Black Sea Research Center

Coordinates: 44.759495, 37.385323.

The Black Sea Study Center is located near the coastline. There is a laboratory on the territory of the complex in which various experiments are carried out on the inhabitants of the deep sea.

In addition to scientific activities, the center actively participates in the development of tourism and conducts educational excursions. The main attraction of the center is the oceanarium. The secret world of the Black Sea is recreated in large aquariums. Here you can see its typical inhabitants: stellate sturgeon, mullet, stingrays, seahorses, dragons, oysters, shrimp and countless colorful fish.

Each aquarium has a stand with brief information and interesting facts about underwater inhabitants. During the excursion, you have the opportunity to see a unique spectacle - the mating dances of seahorses, as well as take part in feeding the fish. A good addition to the excursion will be the diorama of the Tethys Ocean, which presents viewers with prehistoric creatures that inhabited the ocean during the Mesozoic period.

Tourists are also allowed into the laboratory part of the complex. The microcosm of the Black Sea appears in all its glory when you look into a microscope. Here tourists will not only see bacteria, plankton and other invisible living creatures, but also learn about their role in the ecosystem.

The tour is not limited to the themed rooms. Interesting exhibits are located throughout the complex. In the courtyard, in the corridors, in the niches you can see and touch ancient bathyscaphes, scuba tanks, diving suits, cages for diving to depths, and also read scientific information about various fish and plants.

The research center organizes walking excursions around the Bolshoi Utrish area. The most popular trip is to the juniper forest. The route touches Mount Prometheus and lagoons.

Abandoned steamship

Address: Zmeinaya Bay.

In Snake Bay, a steamship eaten by rust rests aground. The ship has long been out of service and was abandoned to the ravages of time. The steamer fell on its side. The masts and captain's bridge have been preserved.

The abandoned ship is quite famous among tourists. Impressive photographs are taken against its background, and some even climb aboard. However, such entertainment is dangerous - the ship is in disrepair.

Restaurant "Fort Utrish"

Address: Naberezhnaya st., 1.

“Fort Utrish” is the most popular, elite and stylish restaurant in Big Utrish. The establishment is decorated with a marine theme. The halls, decorated in light wood, are decorated with models of sailing ships, paintings of seascapes of Bolshoi Utrish, and ship clocks. The curtains are made for sails.

The menu mainly consists of fish dishes and seafood. Fort Utrish serves the best dried and smoked fish, mussels, shrimp and oysters. We are pleased with the large selection of wines and cocktails. Tourists who have visited this restaurant note the high level of service and first-class presentation of dishes.

Sea bath

Address: Naberezhnaya street.

The sea bath has settled on the Central Beach. It appeared thanks to proactive athletes from the Kuban Winter Swimming Federation.

The bathhouse infrastructure includes steam rooms, massage rooms, showers, and its own section of the beach. Visitors are offered a large selection of therapeutic procedures using herbal infusions, mineralized mud, clay and honey. Sand massage and hydromassage are available. The water in the steam rooms is sea water, due to which the steam is richly saturated with iodine and salts, which has a beneficial effect on the body.

At the end of the procedures, tourists are invited to tea. Tea mixtures include fragrant Caucasian herbs. This is a great place to relax and heal.

Active recreation in Bolshoi Utrish

Diving, yachting, ecological trails - all this will add a bright touch to your trip, help you stay fit and energize you for further adventures.

Diving-

Coordinates: 44.757876, 37.381496.

A fantastic underwater world opens up to scuba divers. The bottom of the Black Sea in the area of Bolshoi Utrish is cut up by ravines and dotted with stone piles that rise above human height.

On the way there are katrans, large fish and small motley fish, the kind we are used to seeing in aquariums. If you're lucky, you can find ancient artifacts at the bottom: coins, fragments of amphorae, carved stones. But most often such things are hidden by a century-old layer of silt.

The diving center organizes excursions to the sunken steamship Jan Fabritius. At the end of the Great Patriotic War, a significant part of the ship was scrapped. But there is still a lot to see here. At a depth of two to three meters, divers can notice fragments of the bow, an anchor hole, the remains of rails, and sides with portholes.

The excursion to the depths is accompanied by an experienced instructor. Tourists rent the necessary equipment.

Excursion agency "Sea life 123"

Coordinates: 44.758075, 37.380756.

"Sea life 123" provides tourists with the following services:

Floating sauna. The bathhouse is located in a special boat and is equipped with a ladder for launching into the water. Plunging into cool water after a steam room is a true pleasure.
Boat trips on yachts, boats, motor boats. Tourists note the friendliness, punctuality and politeness of the crew.
Sea fishing. Fishing from a boat in the open sea is a chance to catch large fish, such as Black Sea shark, red mullet, kalkan (the largest Black Sea flounder), katran and salmon.
Rent of vessels.

High quality of service and reasonable prices have made “Sea life” the most popular point for organizing sea excursions.

Ecological “Utrish trail”

Address: Utrish Nature Reserve.

The territory of the Bolshoy Utrish reserve is crossed by several ecological trails, united into the Utrish Trail complex. The routes are designed for different age categories. There are hiking and sports trails for youth groups, as well as health trails that are safe for older tourists.

The most popular routes are:

"Savina gap." The trail passes through the thicket of a juniper forest. The route is equipped with wooden decks with railings, and there are bridges across streams and ravines. An interesting feature of Savina Gap is the numerous paths made by turtles when the reptiles descend to the streams.

“Canyon” is an extreme trail through the hills, caves, gorges and rocky slopes of “Big Utrish”. Suitable for tourists with a high level of athletic training. The difficulty of the trail lies in the constant ascent. This is a great opportunity to test your endurance and train your muscles.

"Excursion along the coastline." The trail stretches along wild beaches and gives you the opportunity to admire the sea views and breathe in the healing air of the Black Sea. An unusual landmark of the route is a memorial plaque in honor of the mullet fish, installed in 2022 by an unknown scuba diver who was especially impressed by this fish.

Nature of Big Utrish

The nature of Big Utrish is original, alienated, living in its own secluded world. Since ancient times, the picturesque corners of the village have inspired local residents to write beautiful legends that travelers love to listen to today.

Mount Prometheus

Coordinates: 44.759245, 37.399361.

The story of Prometheus is famous throughout the world. Almost every Caucasian city claims to be the scene of legendary events. Big Utrish is no exception. According to legend, Prometheus was chained to one of the surrounding rocks.

An ancient legend says that Zeus ordered Prometheus to be chained to a Caucasian mountain on the seashore so that the waves would drown out his screams. The hill in the Pontus Gorge fits the description perfectly. In addition, at its foot flows the Neberjay River, which translated means “bloodthirsty eagle.” The burning bush blooms on the slopes. This is a plant that can burst into flames in the sun and remain unharmed. According to legend, the bitter tears of titanium endowed the bush with this property.

Mount Prometheus attracts tourists not only with its legends, but also with its stunning landscapes. Winding paths along ravines, caves and rocky cliffs lead to the top of the mountain. From the highest point a breathtaking panorama of the Black Sea opens. When climbing the mountain, you should stop and listen: “bloodthirsty” eagles are screaming above.

Pearl Falls

Coordinates: 44.747832, 37.406304.

Pearl Falls is located on the territory of the Bolshoy Utrish nature reserve. The purest gentle streams fall from a five-meter height. Breaking against stones, they crumble into thousands of drops sparkling in the sun, like pearls.

Thanks to this effect, the waterfall got its name. “Pearl” acquires special beauty in the spring, when glaciers and snow masses melt, and the rainy season begins. The stream receives additional nutrition, and its powerful appearance is admirable.

The waterfall originates in the mountains of the Greater Caucasus Range. A stormy stream rushes through the relict forest. On its way, it does not encounter villages or tourist areas, due to which it maintains crystal purity. The water in Vodopadny Stream is not only clean, but also tasty. You can drink it straight from the stream.

The Zhemchuzhny waterfall is recognized as a natural monument of regional significance and is under protection. There are caretakers on the ecological trail along the waterfall. In case of non-compliance with the rules of the reserve, they have the right to fine and expel violators.

Snake Lake

Coordinates: 44.765539, 37.387870.

In ancient times, Snake Lake was separated by a sandy isthmus, and this small body of water developed its own ecosystem. The lake was inhabited by snakes, which is why it got its name.

For the settlers, this “snake breeding ground” posed a considerable danger. Some reptiles were poisonous and bred in large numbers. The problem was solved quite simply. The sandy isthmus was destroyed, the water of the lake mixed with sea waves and became unsuitable for snakes to live in. The reptiles left the lake.

Today, only the name remains of Snake Lake. Now it is a small bay with a yacht pier, an equipped beach and other tourist infrastructure.

Mount Utrish

Coordinates: 44.770900, 37.411700.

Bolshoi Utrish is surrounded on all sides by the Navagirsky ridge. The highest mountain located in the village reaches 485 meters. It is called "Utrish". Its peculiarity lies in the dense juniper forest that covers the mountain from the foot to the top. Many trees are over a hundred years old.

Numerous ecological trails are laid through the forest. Most often they are visited by sanatorium guests, athletes and hikers. The air on the mountain is magical. A walk along ecological trails promotes the speedy recovery of the lungs after pneumonia and tuberculosis. Also, such hikes have a beneficial effect on a person’s emotional state: they reduce the level of stress and anxiety, and help to relax.

At “Utrish” there are the best observation platforms, from which a beautiful view of the beauty of the resort opens.

Cape Crocodile

Coordinates: 44.740080, 37.408670.

The cape got its name because of its unusual shape. Its sloping slopes, covered with junipers, resemble a crocodile’s back, and its flat ledge resembles its head. The cape is located on the edge of the Bolshoy Utrish nature reserve and acts as a line after which the legal tourist recreation area begins.

When is the best time to go?

There are 280 sunny days in Maly Utrish per year. The holiday season lasts from May to the end of October. The warmest water in the Black Sea is in July and August +26…+27°С. According to reviews from tourists, it is pleasant to relax in Maly Utrish in September. At the beginning of autumn, the sea is still warm and the weather is dry, sunny and windless.

Nightly: “We arrived in early September. The weather was wonderful, clear blue skies, without a hint of precipitation. Approximate air temperature during the day is +30°C. The Black Sea was practically undisturbed.”

The best beaches of Bolshoy and Maly Utrish

Beach tourism in Bolshoi Utrish is highly developed. Here tourists have a huge selection of well-maintained beaches with entertainment and infrastructure. But lovers of “wild” holidays will not be disappointed. The coast of the village is replete with secluded corners where there is only the sea and pristine nature.

Central Beach

Address: Naberezhnaya street.

The beach in the center of the resort is convenient for tourists due to its accessibility and amenities. Paid parking is adjacent to the territory, and there is a public transport stop nearby. The descent to the coast is equipped with convenient stairs.

The beach is covered with small pebbles. Sun loungers can be rented here for tourists, there are shade canopies, changing cabins, toilets, showers, and massage pavilions. The beach has won the love of tourists due to its numerous entertainment options.

There are water slides, diving bridges, and a volleyball court. If you wish, you can ride on a banana, tablet and catamaran. There are also stalls with sweets and soft drinks on the beach.

First Lagoon Beach

Coordinates: 44.745710, 37.407085.

The first lagoon is located at the place where the Pearl Falls flows into the sea. This territory is part of the reserve and is under the protection of the Cossacks. You can get to the beach along the ecological trails of Bolshoy Utrish, or by boat.

There is not a single trace of civilization here. Tourists relax on the wild pebble beach and draw drinking water from the Pearl Falls to refresh themselves.

Second Lagoon Beach

Coordinates: 44.738599, 37.412289.

The second lagoon is not large in size, covered with large pebbles. It is adjacent to the reserve, but is not part of it, so you can make fires and pitch a tent here. The beach is inhabited by “Indians” - so called by locals hippies, free artists and other young rebels who ran away from civilization.

The only entertainment on the beach is fishing for ruffes. In the Second Lagoon, it is customary to use not a fishing rod, but a harpoon with teeth. Ruff fish soup is cooked over a fire.

Third Lagoon Beach

Coordinates: 44.733632, 37.421004.

The third lagoon is located in a protected area. The rocky beach is bordered by a relict juniper forest. Nearby there is a picturesque lake, separated from the sea by a wide isthmus.

The beach is reached by boats. This is a secluded, uncrowded place. That is why nudists like to relax here. Before visiting the beach, you should familiarize yourself with the rules for staying in the protected area.

Zmeinka Beach

Coordinates: 44.765235, 37.386690.

Zmeinka Beach is the shore of the now defunct Zmeinka Lake. The entrance to the pebble coast is located at an abandoned steamship. A yacht club has settled in the vicinity of the beach, so vacationers can admire the yachts sailing past.

Autocamping is based at Zmeinka, and barbecue and tent rental points are open. You can rent a gazebo. The beach is covered with sharp rocky stones, so swimming here is not particularly popular. Beach visitors prefer “shore” relaxation around the fire.

Beach of the Fort Utrish restaurant

Coordinates: 44.765235, 37.386690.

The beach is accessible to restaurant visitors. It occupies a fenced pebble area, from which there are descents into the water. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. The recreation area is small, but furnished with comfort and taste - “Fort Utrish” holds a high standard.

Wild beaches of the peninsula

Coordinates: 44.759328, 37.380096.

The wild beaches of the peninsula, especially in the vicinity of the lighthouse, are visited by divers and underwater hunters. There are also many fishermen here who catch big fish in silence. The beaches are almost empty.

It is impossible to sunbathe at the lighthouse and in the depths of the beach due to the scattering of sharp stones. Only at the water's edge there is a narrow strip of pebbles - the sea waves have crushed and ground down the stones. The infrastructure on the beach includes wooden houses that are available for rent.

Third Lagoon

On the third lagoon the beach is rocky, so the place is not very convenient for sunbathing and swimming. There is another famous attraction of Utrish - the Picturesque Lake. The reservoir is separated from the sea by a strip of beach. Recently, this place has become popular among vacationers; there are a lot of people here who like to sunbathe naked, since the third lagoon is not part of the reserve and is not under special protection, so it is open to everyone. You can get there by boat from Bolshoy Utrish. The place is quiet and calm, there is no entertainment, fuss, or noise here.

Remarkable architecture of Utrish

The basis of the development of Bolshoi Utrish is made up of standard residential buildings and modern hotels. However, there are several special buildings that are worth visiting for tourists.

Chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Coordinates: 44.758609, 37.377552.

In 1910, a lighthouse was built on the cape of the Bolshoi Utrish peninsula. The tower, made of hewn stones, served sailors for 60 years, after which it was demolished. For a long time, only the ruins of stone steps reminded of its existence.

In 2010, when the first lighthouse celebrated its centenary, the Cossack community submitted a petition to create a chapel in its place. The request was granted. A concrete cubic chapel with a massive drum and cross was erected next to the centuries-old steps. A memorial plaque with the history of the lighthouse was installed above the entrance.

The chapel was consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Candles are lit in it in memory of sailors of all times and nations who died in the line of duty.

Observation gazebo on the road to Sukko

Address: 44.774456, 37.387089.

On the road from Bolshoi Utrish to Sukko, you cannot help but notice the snow-white rotunda on the top of the hill. The gazebo offers stunning views of the reserve, the peninsula and the sea. It is deservedly recognized as the best observation deck in the village and surrounding area.

Where to stay

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Utrish historical sites

The ancient history and tragic events of Bolshoy Utrish are captured in monuments and ruins, which are a tribute to memory and respect to the past of the modern village.

The skeleton of an ancient settlement

Address: Utrishsky reserve.

The impressive sight of Bolshoy Utrish is hidden in the darkness of the juniper forest. As soon as you step under the canopy of ancient trees, an ancient wall catches your eye.

Broken stones, entwined with moss and lichen, are the remains of a settlement whose age exceeds a thousand years. The medieval settlement was founded by the Empire of Trebizond, whose government was trying to consolidate its power in the region. However, the majestic fortress was soon abandoned. The reasons for the hasty flight of the settlers remain unknown to this day.

In 1984, excavations were carried out on the territory of the ancient settlement, but scientists were unable to find valuable artifacts that shed light on the history of the ancient settlement.

Monument to the victims of the 1976 plane crash over Anapa

GPS coordinates: 44.758579, 37.377657.

On September 9, 1976, two passenger aircraft collided over the Black Sea: An-24 and Yak-40. The cause of the disaster was an error in calculating the intersection of routes and the negligence of dispatchers who missed messages about oncoming flights. The planes collided head-on and crashed into the sea. The disaster claimed the lives of 70 people.

Later, wreckage of the An-24 was discovered at the bottom of the sea. The bodies of all the dead passengers and crew members were recovered from the water. All that was left of the Yak-40 was the tail; the search for the fuselage was unsuccessful. The bodies of passengers and pilots of the Yak-40 disappeared into the depths of the sea. In 1976, on the shore of the Bolshoy Utrish Peninsula, a common tombstone was erected for the Yak-40 crew members.

Complex "Mass Grave"

Coordinates on the map: 44.758843, 37.378094.

At the foot of the lighthouse, five sailors who died on the steamship Jan Fabricius in 1942 found eternal rest. A stone slab with the names of the heroes was installed above the burial. In 2015, the remains of the Dnepr crew members joined the mass grave.

The training ship was blown up by the Germans in 1941 southwest of Bolshoi Utrish. Initially, this monument was a tribute to the memory of the heroes of “Jan Fabricius”, but now it has become a symbol of honor and courage of the sailors of the Great Patriotic War.

You may be interested in the sights of other cities and towns in the Krasnodar Territory:
Goryachy Klyuch, Krasnodar, Temryuk, Vityazevo, Taman,
Armavir, Sukko, Abrau-Durso, Tikhoretsk, Golubitskaya, Dolzhanskaya,
Psebaya, Slavyansk-on-Kuban, Dagomys,
Belorechensk, Nebuga, Myskhako, Labinsk,
Krasnaya Polyana, Gelendzhik, Dzhubga, Mezmaya, Kuchugur,
Tuapse, Anapa, Dzhemete, Olginki, Sochi and Novorossiysk.

Bolshoi Utrish is the most unusual resort in Anapa. It does not seek to win the love of tourists with large entertainment centers, bright lights and noisy life. Its appeal lies in the originality, isolation and wildness of the open spaces. Tourists here will find not just a vacation, but a real adventure through the ancient Cossack countryside, which will definitely be remembered for a long time.