My essay is about how my family and I vacationed at the end of summer 2020 in the village of Kuchugury. Have you heard of such a place?
My name is Ekaterina , this will be my small travel guide. I present to you a new place to relax on the Azov Sea - the village of Kuchugury, it is located on the edge of the Kerch Strait, 50 km from Anapa.
hotel guest
It was founded back in 1923. Previously, it was an ordinary fishing village, the residents were engaged in agriculture and fishing. The railway line of the Crimean Bridge has already come into operation - with a train stop at Taman station.
The Kuchugurs have become even closer . This means that the flow of tourists will increase. The resort will continue its development. Perhaps the time when the beaches of a small settlement will become as crowded as in Anapa is not far off. Until this happens, seize the moment, come and take a break from the hustle and bustle.
The attractiveness of the village is in the long sandy beach of fine golden sand, the shallow Azov Sea, and of course in the pure nature of Taman. The resort is actively developing and improving; my husband and I observed the active construction of guest houses in its eastern part, since we moved to the Lavender Azov hotel in the middle of our vacation.
beaches eastern street
Kuchugury: TOP-3 attractions of the resort
First of all, tourists should see the sights that make the village popular and loved by vacationers. You can visit the “highlights” of Kuchugur in 24 hours.
Mud volcano Azovskoe Peklo
- Coordinates on the map: 45.431749, 36.922173.
The Peklo mud volcano is located on the cape of the same name, 3 kilometers from Kuchugur. There are about 30 mud volcanoes on the territory of Taman Island, but Azovskoye Peklo is the most accessible and comfortable. That is why tourists from different resorts come here.
Peklo is a small round lake. There are no majestic rocks or fire-breathing vents here, as the name might suggest. The mud bath is approximately 15 meters in diameter, so ten people can relax in it at the same time.
The mud and clay of Azov Pekla contain useful microelements, including iodine and bromine. Swimming in the lake will have a beneficial effect on the condition of your skin and hair.
Mud baths are also recommended for the treatment of the nervous and vascular systems, the musculoskeletal system and the respiratory tract. Before visiting the lake, you should take into account the rules of caution. Due to the activity of mud masses, you should not stay in the bath for more than 20 minutes.
Amusement park "Emelya"
- Address: Mira Street.
The main attraction of the Iskra sanatorium is the Emelya park located on its territory. Despite the fact that these are private properties, everyone can visit the attractions. Entrance is free, and then all carousels are paid separately.
Colorful attractions and playgrounds are open all day long. The most popular is the Ferris Wheel, which offers a delightful panorama of Kuchugury and the azure sea. The park is divided into children's and teenage (adult) areas.
Kids will have a good time riding on the safe carousels: “Sunshine”, “Fairytale Locomotive” and “Helicopter”. There are also free playgrounds for children, a trampoline complex and a town with water slides.
Among the older audiences, “Laser Tag”, “Autodrome”, extreme carousels “Roller Coaster” and “Storm”, as well as a 5D cinema are in demand. After a walk, tourists prefer to relax in local cafes and restaurants. In the evenings, Emelya organizes light shows, discos, music concerts and children's shows.
Alexander Nevsky Church
- Address: st. Lenina, 19A.
The only Kuchugur temple was built in 2009. It is a stone building of canonical Orthodox architecture. The main massif is completed by a quadrangle with a tent and a golden dome.
The refectory connects the building with a three-tier cubic bell tower. A tall golden spire rises from its roof, thanks to which the temple is visible from afar. The Church of Alexander Nevsky is the religious center of Kuchugur. Regular services are attended by residents and guests of the village.
Karting, aquarium and fishing
The karting track is fast, the asphalt is smooth, the markings are simply perfect, and safety is carefully monitored. You can feel like a participant in Formula 1. For 5 laps the price is only 300 rubles. Karting is located on Kommunisticheskaya Street, on the road to the Emelya amusement park.
If you go to Kurortnaya Street, you can find the Amazon water park. It is the largest on the entire Azov coast. There are slides and pools for children and adults, and foam discos are held.
Not far from the village there is a fish hatchery - one of the attractions of Kuchugur in the Krasnodar Territory. It is best to ask hotel workers or local residents for directions.
Important: in the village itself there is no municipal transport as such. People ride bicycles or drive cars. In extreme cases, you can call a taxi.
Where you can go for a walk in Kuchugury: entertainment for tourists
Cultural and leisure establishments will provide tourists with an exciting weekend, visiting which everyone will be able to find entertainment to suit their taste.
House of Culture
- Address: st. Lenina, 41.
The Kuchugur House of Culture was opened in 2022 as part of the “Development of Culture” program. The establishment quickly gained popularity among townspeople and tourists. Children's sections for ballet, choral singing, drama and guitar are based here. There is also a branch of the School of Arts at the House of Culture, and performances by a veterans’ choir are held.
Every year a congress of rural librarians is organized at the House of Culture. The goal of the project is to attract the attention of the younger generation to books and increase the number of library workers.
The institution occupies a modest building. In front of it there is a children's playground with a set of slides and swings and scales. The area is clean and well-groomed. It's a pleasure to spend time here.
Art club "I am Svetoch"
- Contact phone number: +7-918-670-62-86.
The activities of the private art club “Ya Svetoch” are aimed at revealing the talents of budding artists. The club organizes master classes on drawing portraits and landscapes, and also develops an unusual genre - “painting on stone”.
The club is very popular among young people. There is a friendly atmosphere at classes and events. Masters communicate with beginners on equal terms, give advice and help hone their skills. Art lovers should definitely visit “Ya Svetoch”.
Seasonal market
- Address: corner of Krasnaya and Primorskaya streets.
Tourists go shopping to the Seasonal Market. Shopping arcades occupy an open-air area. The products are varied. On the shelves you can see an abundance of sweets, fruits and vegetables.
Woolen and linen products, clothing and hats are also in demand. A separate row is dedicated to seafood. Due to the resort’s proximity to the sea, there is always fresh fish, mussels, rapana, etc. on the market.
A homemade produce shop is open in the mornings. Here you can buy milk, cheese, butter and homemade bread. Like most resorts, the Seasonal Market is most active in the morning hours. Food shops close after noon.
Bicycles for rent
- Group: https://vk.com/prokat_v_kuchugurah
There is a bicycle rental shop not far from the market. Tourists are presented with a selection of bicycles of various sizes and designs. Walking around Kuchugury on a “steel horse” is popular among lovers of sports and active recreation.
In addition, this type of transport will provide the tourist with freedom of movement and the opportunity to admire the resort during the excursion.
Exotic cuisine of a small village
In Kuchugury there are several original cafes where tourists can not only enjoy a pleasant atmosphere, but also taste unusual dishes.
Cafe "Two Captains"
- Address: Beregovaya st., 25.
The “Two Captains” cafe belongs to the hotel of the same name. The atmosphere of the establishment breathes the romance of sea travel.
The cafe is decorated with steering wheels, nautical charts, knots, and pillows that look like they were sewn from a naval vest. The menu includes a variety of fish delicacies, seafood and seaweed dishes. There is also a bar.
A table can be ordered both indoors and on the panoramic terrace. From this place there is a magnificent view of the Azov Sea.
Tavern "Tavel"
- Address: Krasnaya st., 32.
Tavern "Tavel" is considered the best cafe in Kuchugury. Tourists who have visited here note the cozy atmosphere, cleanliness, high quality of service and, of course, delicious food. The tavern's specialties are:
- shrimp in soy sauce;
- roast beef;
- "Cossack roast"
- tiramisu.
The cafe is always full of visitors, so it is recommended to reserve a table in advance.
Where to go in Kuchugury with children?
Couples vacationing with children will not have to rack their brains about how to entertain their child. In Kuchugury, many attractions were created for children's audiences.
Ostrich farm
- Address: village Za Rodinu, Zavodskaya st., 17.
A few kilometers from the resort there is a petting zoo that will give children a lot of impressions. Ostriches walk around in spacious enclosures; in separate cages you can see charming ostrich chicks. It is also interesting to visit the incubator.
In addition to ostriches, other animals live on the farm. Squirrels and mongooses jump in cages equipped with houses, ropes and ladders. In such an enclosure lives a cunning raccoon who amuses visitors with his pranks.
There is a poultry farm in the open air. Here you can feed turkeys, hens and chicks, ducks, geese and quails. Exotic species such as peacocks and pheasants deserve special attention. Next to the poultry farm there is a pen with donkeys. The zoo is located near an artificial pond in which red-eared turtles swim.
All animals are friendly and tame. You are allowed to pet them and pick them up. Tourists are left with funny photographs as a souvenir. You can visit the farm either independently or as part of a tour. Walking time is not limited.
Rope adventure park "Madagascar"
- Address: per. Kommunisticheskaya and Lenin streets.
Madagascar Park consists of successive obstacles on ropes, which are attached to trees at a height of one to three meters.
There are two lanes:
- “green” – safe, suitable for children and beginners.
- “yellow” is more complex, for professionals.
Participants in the adventure start in turns and advance one after another. At each site, different elements await them: hanging wheels, nets, ladders, crossbars and logs. Safety for tourists is ensured by safety belts and the assistance of an experienced instructor. Before the start, participants undergo a safety briefing.
People who are intoxicated, as well as those suffering from injuries and excess weight are not allowed on the attraction.
"Madagascar"
This is a rope park. Various obstacles were made from ropes, tracks were made, all of them were scattered in some order. The degrees of difficulty are different. And the height of the route is at least one meter above ground level, maximum – three. The route is selected depending on the age of the child.
The children are supervised by an instructor who will always help, teach and advise. For example, a child is allowed on the yellow route if he is already 10 years old. Be sure to attach cables and carabiners. Adults are also allowed to climb ropes.
Active recreation in the village of Kuchugury
Active and sports tourism in Kuchugury is as well developed as beach tourism. Tourists should visit playgrounds, gyms and try themselves in extreme sports.
Paragliding
- Group on VKontakte: https://vk.com/paraplan_azov.
On the seashore there is a starting point for paragliding. In the company of an instructor, everyone can take a walk above the beach and waves. The tourist will be provided with everything necessary: special clothing, a helmet, goggles and safety belts, as well as an action camera, if desired.
Paragliding is becoming increasingly popular. Anyone can take an exciting walk, regardless of experience or level of athletic training.
Gym at the Iskra sanatorium
- Address: st. Mira, 29.
The gym at the Iskra sanatorium is the best sports facility in Kuchugur. It is equipped with thirty strength and cardio equipment, showers, mirrors, as well as a special surface for warm-ups and sparring.
The cardio area is equipped with treadmills and exercise bikes. The gym is open daily. Both a one-time visit and the purchase of a subscription are possible.
Miami Sports Complex
- Address: Primorskaya st., 28/1.
The Miami sports and hotel complex was built in 2013 on the shores of the Azov Sea. The infrastructure includes:
- gym with modern equipment;
- choreographic hall with laminated flooring;
- a warm-up room equipped with mirrors;
- small gym;
- indoor swimming pool with six professional lanes;
- trampoline;
- a universal hall for playing handball, basketball, volleyball and football.
Miami offers classes in rhythmic and aesthetic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, dancing, water polo, acrobatics, martial arts, etc.
Classes take place indoors or outdoors. The complex is located in an ecologically clean place. The area is equipped with jogging tracks, recreation areas and drinking fountains. Thanks to night lighting, walking and training in the dark are possible.
Fish hatcheries
Fishing lovers should visit the fish hatcheries located on the outskirts of Kuchugur. At the fishing bases, tourists will be provided with everything they need: nets, fishing rods, traps, hooks, bait.
The reservoirs are located in quiet, secluded places. The banks are equipped with wooden bridges, and you can also rent a rowing boat. The catch will be different in each fish hatchery. The most common species caught are bream, carp and grass carp.
The advantage of fish hatcheries is that the catch here is 100% guaranteed, while on the beaches success depends on the weather and luck.
Kuchugur war memorials
In 1940, the Red Kuchugur artel was created on the territory of the modern resort, and a few years later the farm was completely destroyed by German troops. Today, in the revived village there are memorials reminiscent of those terrible years.
Memorial of Glory to Soviet soldiers who died in battles for the village in 1943.
- Address: Krasnaya street.
The main war memorial is located in the center of the village. In a small area, brick walls with silver bas-reliefs - images of Soviet soldiers - were erected. On one of the walls there are plates on which are imprinted the names of the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of their small homeland.
The square is surrounded by a flowering park. Roses, carnations and marigolds are fragrant next to artificial wreaths, and behind the complex the crowns of willows and chestnuts rustle.
Monument in honor of the 10th anniversary of the liberation of the Taman Peninsula from the Nazis
- Address: s. Ilyich, Taman Peninsula.
In 1943, there were fierce battles on the Taman Peninsula. Soviet troops ousted the Nazis, liberating the Kuban cities and villages.
In the fall, the fascist group was split in two. The enemies retreated to Kuchugury. The Soviet army was advancing from the southern coast. On October 3, Red Army soldiers managed to break through the German defenses and liberate the Taman Peninsula.
In honor of this significant event, a memorial was erected in the vicinity of Kuchugur. It is a stone statue of a young fighter holding a little boy by the shoulder. The pedestal has a stepped shape. There are memorial plaques on three tiers.
The monument was opened on October 3, 1953 as part of the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the liberation of the Taman Peninsula.
Lotus Valley
You don't have to fly to India to see the Indian lotus in bloom. Go to Akhtanizovsky Bay near the village of Taman. This is an artificially created reservoir on which Indian lotuses were grown experimentally, for the sake of experiment. Delicate pink buds, up to 20 centimeters in diameter, now bloom here every summer.
The best time for an excursion to the Lotus Valley is July. At this time, the bay turns into a continuous pink extravaganza. Large flowers, as if realizing their irresistibility, proudly hold their heads on meter-long stems, and huge dark green leaves turn the bay into an emerald field.
Those who get maximum pleasure from a trip to the Lotus Valley are:
- chooses the right boat for the excursion: with a cheerful captain and an awning that provides shade
- Don't forget your sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's glare
- remembers that you can’t pick flowers. Indian lotus is listed in the Red Book!
Distance from Kuchugury village 30 km, from Ilyich village 41 km
Lotus Valley
Picturesque places for walks
At the end of the sightseeing tour, it will be pleasant to stroll through the resort’s beautiful gardens and embankments. Outdoor recreation will be complemented by photo sessions against the backdrop of amazing landscapes.
Embankment
- Address: Naberezhnaya street.
Kuchugur embankment is the most popular place for walking. In the center of the coastal area there is an observation deck with paved paths. From here you have a stunning view of the sea panorama.
Most of the embankment is occupied by public beaches. Moving away from the crowds of vacationers, tourists will find themselves in a wild part of the coast. There are no cafes or sun loungers here. Only clean sand, thickets of bushes and the rustle of the surf. In such quiet corners you can meet crabs and lizards.
Peach orchards
- GPS coordinates: 45.390998, 36.963021.
At the entrance to the village there is a private fruit plantation known as the Peach Orchards. Visitors are offered a tour of the fruit groves and outbuildings.
At the local store you can buy both fresh peaches and sweets made from them. Tourists should try the signature peach liqueur and liqueur, as well as marmalade and marshmallows.
The best beaches in Kuchugury
The coastline of the resort consists entirely of beaches. Swimming areas are varied. Tourists will not have any difficulty finding comfortable or wild beaches, surfing spots and safe children's areas.
- Address: Mira Street.
The main beach of the resort is loved by locals and tourists thanks to its developed infrastructure.
The area is equipped with changing cabins and dry closets. Swimming equipment rentals and cafes are located nearby. Locals sell corn, baklava and soft drinks. Visitors have the opportunity to rent sun loungers, deck chairs and umbrellas.
There is complete freedom for children here. There are trampolines and slides at the water's edge, and for a small fee you can ride a banana boat. For adults, there are hydro scooter rentals and bars.
The central beach stretches for three kilometers. The coastline is covered with clean sand, which contains feldspar and quartz.
Gagarinsky beach
- Address: st. Coastal.
There is a comfortable beach at the intersection of Gagarin and Beregovaya streets. There are trampolines, slides, zorbing, bananas, bridges and other attractions. Facilities also include parking, swimming equipment rentals and a café.
The beach is great for children. The flat bottom is covered with sand, there is absolutely no chance of bumping into sharp stones.
Beach camping "Azov Coast"
- Address: per. Seaside.
The campsite is popular among tourists who travel "savages". Cars are parked on the seashore, tents are set up and fires are lit. The romance of travel is complemented by wild thickets and a sandy beach. The coast is not developed, but the area is clean.
Beach of the camping "Pechora"
Photo: © https://yandex.ua/maps/-/CCUUu8Xb2B
- Address: per. Azov.
A cozy campsite is located near the coast. In addition to the clean sandy beach, tourists will be able to visit corners of wildlife. Berry bushes and fruit trees grow on the campsite.
The thickets are home to praying mantises and small lizards. During algae blooms, harmless jellyfish approach the shore. They can be found on this beach more often than on others.
Primorskaya street beach
Photo: © https://yandex.ua/maps/-/CCUUuDAjHC
- Address: st. Primorskaya.
There is a sandy beach along Primorskaya Street. Its length exceeds one and a half kilometers. Some areas are covered with large shell rock.
Entry into the water is a two-stage process - shallow water gives way to deep water. The main attraction of the beach is the two-meter dunes or kuchugurs, which gave the name to the village.
Cape Pekla
- Coordinates: 45.433017, 36.923613.
The beaches are located near the balneological complex. From the mud baths, tourists need to walk along low hills covered with lush vegetation. There are small mud craters here.
The coast at the foot of the hills is covered with small pebbles - this is a great place to swim and wash off the dark gray clay. The entry into the sea is gentle, the depth is shallow. Away from the volcano, you are allowed to pitch tents and make fires.
Eastern Beaches
Photo: © https://goo.gl/maps/fwJiKZUkP7jZu7sHA
- Address: st. Yellow-Green.
In the east of Kuchugur there are many guest houses, so the beaches in this part of the village are very crowded. There is no infrastructure on the beach. Tourists have to take sunbeds and umbrellas with them. The advantages include:
- equipped descent to the beach;
- clean sand;
- gentle entry into the sea;
- close location if a tourist is vacationing in one of the nearby guest houses.
Wild beach between Peresyp and Kuchugury
Photo: © https://yandex.ua/maps/-/CCUUuDqhPA
- Coordinates: 375885, 37.038336.
On the road from Kuchugur to the village of Peresyp there is an 8-kilometer beach. The surface is varied: here you can find pebble, sand and shell areas. In some places there is a descent into the water, but for the most part the banks are steep. The depth is uneven, so this beach is not recommended for children or inexperienced swimmers.
Don't miss the sights of other cities in the Krasnodar Territory:
- Goryachy Klyuch, Krasnodar, Temryuk, Vityazevo, Labinsk,
- Armavir, Sukko, Abrau-Durso, Tikhoretsk, Golubitskaya,
- Psebaya, Slavyansk-on-Kuban, Belorechensk, Nebug,
- Krasnaya Polyana, Gelendzhik, Dzhubga, Dolzhanskaya,
- Mezmay, Bolshoi Utrish, Olginka, Dagomys, Myskhako,
- Tuapse, Anapa, Dzhemete, Sochi and Novorossiysk.
When we hear the phrase “ideal resort”, a picture with golden beaches, tropical thickets and rows of bright umbrellas appears in our heads. Kuchugury is just such an ideal resort in the Krasnodar Territory. The variety of beach holidays comes from interesting attractions and entertainment centers that will give tourists a lot of impressions and emotions.
Prices
The cost of a holiday at the resort is low. You can spend a week in Kuchugury in the middle of summer for an amount starting from 20,000 rubles. A week-long trip in the off-season will cost from 15,000 rubles.
Sanatoriums and boarding houses
There are no sanatoriums with treatment programs in Kuchugury, but thanks to the proximity of mud volcanoes, relaxation here is considered healthy. Local mud is rich in iodine, bromine, and microelements, so mud baths in craters help treat diseases of the joints and skin, improve metabolic processes, and promote rejuvenation of the body.
The Iskra hotel and tourist complex offers health procedures in the village. There is a pump room with mineral water, courses of balneo and mud therapy, thalassotherapy, manual and machine massage are conducted.
To visit sanatoriums, consult your doctor. Possible contraindications. Reservations for sanatoriums are made through the website of the Expert Medical Center.
- Book a trip to the Kuchugur sanatorium
Hotels
Most of the hotels and guest houses in the village are located near the coast and near the central market. Accommodation prices depend on the season and hotel category. A hotel room for one guest will cost from 19,000 rubles per week in the high season and from 11,000 rubles in the off-season. The cost of weekly accommodation in a guest house will be from 8,000 and 3,500 rubles, respectively.
You can find out prices and book a room in Bolshoi Utrish through Booking.com.
It is convenient to check prices and book rooms in Kuchugury through the Avianity hotel search. On the site you can find 180 offers for accommodation and hotels with discounts of up to 60%.
Rental of property
The village offers apartments, cottages, and private houses for rent. Attractive offers can be found both on the first line of the sea and in the depths of the resort. To rent a house for a week during the holiday season, you will need an amount of 10,500 rubles. In the off-season, accommodation will cost from 7,000 rubles.
To check the cost of renting and booking a house, we recommend using the Sutochno.ru service. Here you can find listings from verified homeowners and make reservations without hidden fees.
You can use Airbnb to rent accommodation. If you haven’t used this service yet, get a discount of up to 4,000 rubles after registering using the promotional link.
Food
Guests in Kuchugury will find cafes, restaurants, and canteens where you can taste dishes of Kuban, Russian and European cuisine. The average cost of lunch is 300 rubles.
Receiving good reviews:
- Oliva'S Cafe
- Cafe "Family"
- Restaurant "Sea Love"
- Tavern "Tavel"
To try fresh fruits and local delicacies, you can visit the food market.
Market address in Kuchugury: st. Krasnaya, 38 (Yandex Maps | Google Maps).