August brings a flood of tourists to the town of Anapa
Anapa, a popular beach destination in Russia, has been hit hard by the oil spill that occurred in the Kerch Strait in December 2024. The contamination has led to a major tourism crisis, with persistent oil contamination resulting in a swimming ban along the coast, beach closures, and a dramatic decline in visitor numbers[1][3][5].
The situation has taken a toll on the local economy. Out of nearly 1,600 registered accommodations, only about 950 remain open, with some trying to attract visitors through discounted packages. Hotel occupancy rates have plummeted to around 30%, and many local businesses, including restaurants and souvenir shops, are struggling or closing as a result[1][3][5].
Despite efforts by the Russian government to provide relief, the ongoing environmental damage hampers full cleanup and containment as oil continues to seep from the sunken tankers. This sustained pollution discourages tourists, particularly Russian visitors and those from the UK and Germany, who have canceled trips or demanded discounts due to health concerns related to the oil contamination[1][3][5].
However, there seems to be a glimmer of hope. Blogger Andrei Makovozov reports that he sees equipment working and a crowd making their way to the beach in Sukko, suggesting that efforts to clean up the beaches may be underway[2]. Blogger Max Anapskiy also reports finding a unique species of marine life off the coast of Anapa, including shrimp, jellyfish, a large school of fry, and a Russian sturgeon, which is listed in the Red Book and its capture is prohibited[4].
As for the cost of a trip to Anapa, the average cost for a 6-night stay is 5508 rubles, with various options available at different price points[6]. Other popular destinations for road trips in August 2025, as determined by "Tvil.ru", include Gelendzhik, Krasnodar region (6324 rubles for 6 nights), Feodosia, Crimea (4195 rubles for 7 nights), Sochi, Krasnodar region (4991 rubles for 8 nights), Sudak, Crimea (4259 rubles for 5 nights), Yalta, Crimea (6834 rubles for 6 nights), Alushta, Crimea (5296 rubles for 6 nights), Eisk, Krasnodar region (4169 rubles for 7 nights), and Eupatoria, Crimea (4431 rubles for 7 nights)[6].
Despite the ongoing challenges, Anapa remains among the top ten destinations for road trips in August due to its convenient location and developed infrastructure[7]. The mounds along the shore that protected cleaned-up areas from oil spills have almost been dismantled, and the sea in Anapa is currently crowded, with many adults and children swimming in water that is 26 degrees[8].
The decision on whether to open the beaches for swimming in Anapa will be made by Rospotrebnadzor, with eight units of special equipment involved in the cleaning process, including screening machines, rakes, a plow, and an excavator-loader[9]. The work schedule of the equipment has been changed due to the reduction of daylight hours, and machines now work from 6:00 to 14:00[9].
As the cleanup efforts continue, it's not certain that the beaches in Anapa will be opened for recreation and swimming, even after the cleaning is completed[10]. The text does not mention any restrictions on opening the beaches for recreation and swimming, but the current state of the beaches and the cleaning process are not specified[10].
References: 1. Anapa's Tourism Industry Struggles Amid Oil Spill 2. Blogger Reports Equipment Working in Anapa 3. Oil Spill Cripples Anapa's Summer Tourism 4. Unique Marine Life Found off Coast of Anapa 5. Health Concerns Deter Tourists from Anapa 6. Cost of Trips to Popular Destinations in August 2025 7. Anapa Among Top Ten Destinations for Road Trips 8. Sea in Anapa Currently Crowded 9. Special Equipment Involved in Anapa Cleanup 10. Beaches in Anapa May Not Open for Recreation and Swimming
Travelers, despite the ongoing environmental concerns due to the oil spill in Anapa, are dissuaded from visiting the popular beach destination due to health concerns related to the contamination. Lifestyle bloggers, however, have reported possible improvements, such as equipment working to clean up the beaches in Sukko and the discovery of unique marine life in the area.
