nearly 6.5 million visitors have journeyed to Kuban region since the year 2025
The Krasnodar region, home to the popular tourist destination Yeisk Spit, is experiencing a surge in popularity among tourists seeking unique holiday experiences beyond traditional beach vacations. With over 730 tourist attractions ranging from ethnographic and natural to industrial and agricultural, the region offers a wealth of options for travellers[1].
Beyond the Black and Azov seas, alternative beach holiday options in the Krasnodar region are increasingly focusing on agrotourism, enogastronomic tourism, and hiking. Although the Black Sea coastline remains the primary draw, especially the sandy beaches from Anapa to Veselovka, recent environmental issues have encouraged tourists to seek different experiences inland and in more rural settings[1].
**Agrotourism** is a growing trend in the Krasnodar region, with a rich agricultural tradition and a growing number of rural guesthouses and farms offering authentic experiences. Tourists can engage in farm activities, taste and learn about local produce, and enjoy the rural lifestyle amid scenic landscapes. This type of tourism is a perfect alternative during times when beach conditions deteriorate[2].
**Enogastronomic tourism** is another popular choice, with Krasnodar Krai famous for its fertile lands producing wine, fruits, and other culinary specialties. Visitors often take part in vineyard tours, wine tastings, and local food festivals. This tourism type pairs beautifully with hiking and visits to traditional villages, offering a taste of regional culture beyond the sea[2].
**Hiking and nature exploration** are ideal for those seeking active holidays surrounded by nature away from crowded beaches. The region's varied terrain, especially in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains and its natural parks, provides excellent opportunities for hiking and nature tourism. Trails through forests, mountains, and reservoirs let visitors explore Krasnodar’s rich flora and fauna[2].
The Yeisk Spit, the central resort zone of the city of Yeisk, features a 3-km sandy strip and is a local landmark and a popular tourist destination, with five equipped beaches and five rest zones open[3]. Development in the Yeisk Spit is currently limited to a small part of the coast, with neighboring areas requiring renovation in the future[3].
Simultaneously, over 380,000 people are vacationing in the Krasnodar region, with over 6.5 million tourists having visited the resorts of Kuban this year[4]. The most popular tourist destinations in Kuban are Sochi, Gelendzhik, Novorossiysk, Tuapse, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk municipalities, as well as Slaviansky and Yeisk districts[5].
While swimming and bathing are safe and permitted on beaches from Gelendzhik to the border with Abkhazia, and from the village of Tamany to the Rostov region, over 68 hotels in Anapa have pools, aqua- and spa-complexes, and operate on an all-inclusive basis[6]. There are five hotels and guesthouses in the Yeisk Spit, accommodating 1,100 people, with a maximum service level of three stars[3].
The Krasnodar region's resorts in the Azov Sea are experiencing an increase in popularity among tourists[7]. Anapa and the Temryuk District offer a comprehensive agrotourism program, inviting tourists to visit wineries, cheese dairies, snail and oyster farms, and fish farms[8]. Regional authorities are working on preserving the coastal strip of the Yeisk Spit, as part of it is eroding[3].
In conclusion, the Krasnodar region offers a diverse range of holiday experiences beyond traditional beach vacations, catering to various interests and preferences. From agrotourism and enogastronomic tourism to hiking and nature exploration, these alternatives provide travellers with unique ways to explore and enjoy Krasnodar Krai while avoiding some challenges faced by coastal beach resorts this year[1][4].
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krasnodar_Krai [2] https://www.kuban-region.ru/en/ [3] https://www.kuban-region.ru/en/tourism/yeisk-spit/ [4] https://www.kuban-region.ru/en/tourism/statistics/ [5] https://www.kuban-region.ru/en/tourism/destinations/ [6] https://www.kuban-region.ru/en/tourism/hotels/anapa/ [7] https://livkuban.ru/news/2021/07/02/kuban-resorts-azov-sea-popularity [8] https://www.kuban-region.ru/en/agrotourism/anapa/
Tourists exploring the Krasnodar region may opt for an agricultural or rural experience through agrotourism, immersing themselves in farm activities and local cuisine, providing a change from conventional beach holidays.
Travellers can also delve into the enogastronomic culture of Krasnodar Krai, visiting vineyards, tasting local wines, and attending food festivals, offering a taste of regional culinary traditions beyond the sea.
