Anapa is not only famous for its beaches and warm climate but also for many other unique aspects. Located in southern Russia along the Black Sea coast, Anapa was once a fortress before becoming a popular resort town. Perhaps after reading this article, you will want to visit this special city for your next vacation.
Interesting Facts about Anapa
- Small City: Anapa is a small city with a population of only 55,000 people.
- Resort History: Anapa became a resort destination in 1886, with the first sanatorium opening in the 19th century.
- Modern Art: Besides historical monuments, Anapa features modern art, such as the statue of a sunbathing tourist.
- Sunny Days: Due to its location, Anapa enjoys 280 sunny days a year, with sand temperatures reaching up to 60°C. Sunbathing here can help prevent colds, skin diseases, and reduce inflammation.
- Architectural Monument: Plan to visit the famous architectural monument, the Russian Gates, when in Anapa. During the liberation of the city from Turkish rule in 1828, two gates and seven fortresses were destroyed. Today, this site is popular for “heroic” photoshoots, allowing visitors to imagine themselves as liberators and protectors, while adding beautiful pictures to their photo albums.
- Amusement Park: Anapa is a huge amusement park suitable for children of all ages, featuring rides, slides, trampolines, and many other attractions.
- Lighthouse: Romantics should definitely visit the city’s lighthouse. It began operating in 1920 but was destroyed during the Great Patriotic War. It was not rebuilt until 1955.
- Ampelotherapy: Grape treatment, or ampelotherapy, is widespread in Anapa. The local grape varieties and wine have healing properties.
- Affordable Accommodation: You don’t have to pay high prices for hotels. You can plan your stay in Anapa’s private sector, which is much cheaper, and the hosts often treat guests to homemade wine and cheese.
- Fairytale World: Visiting Anapa feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Just a 15-minute drive away is the medieval castle “Lion’s Head,” where both children and adults can ride horses and try archery.
- Natural Environment: The natural surroundings of Anapa are diverse and remarkable, with forests and mountains encircling the city.
- Ancient Greece Connection: Anapa was once a developed city in ancient Greece, known as Gorgippia.
- Cypress Trees: On the outskirts of the village of Sukko, swamp cypress trees grow directly out of the water. This species is not found anywhere else in Russia and originates from North America.
- Religious Diversity: Anapa is a place where several religions coexist. Most local churches are Orthodox, but there are also Catholic and Baptist sanctuaries.
- Longest Beach: The local beach stretches over 40 kilometers and is considered the longest beach in Europe.