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Livadia, Nahodka, Primorsky Krai
This Russian town is a real treasure, tucked away in Nahodka, Primorsky Krai. Livadia's got a rich history, and you can explore it all in its museums. But it's not just about the past - the town's surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, perfect for hiking and taking in the views. And when you're done exploring, try some of the local seafood for a taste of the region's unique culture.
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Unforgettable Adventures in the Russian Far East: Our Family's Getaway to Livadia
summarizeEditor's Summary
We spent a week exploring the Russian Far East, and our family's trip to Livadia was the highlight of our journey. This resort town on the Sea of Japan boasts stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and a lively tourist scene. We flew from Irkutsk to Vladivostok with S7 Airlines, which offers daily flights. The ticket price varied from 10,000 rubles per person for a one-way ticket, and for two adults and two kids, we paid 80,000 rubles for a round-trip ticket. The flight time was around 4 hours, and the kids were even given some gifts on board. We were impressed by the airport's efficiency, and our overall experience was nothing short of amazing. If you're planning a trip to the Russian Far East, Livadia is a must-visit destination. We loved the laid-back atmosphere, and the locals were super friendly.
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We'd been dreaming of a trip to the Russian Far East for ages, and in September 2023, we finally made it happen. Our goal was to explore the sights of Vladivostok and soak up the sun in the barberry season.
Today I'm excited to share with you our experience of Livadia, a resort town with stunning beaches, fresh seafood, a sea without jellyfish, and a lively tourist scene.
Getting There.
We flew from Irkutsk to Vladivostok with S7 Airlines, which operates daily flights. The flight time was around 4 hours. The ticket price varied from 10,000 rubles per person for a one-way ticket. For two adults and two kids, we paid 80,000 rubles for a round-trip ticket.
On the plane, we were offered a snack, and the kids were given some gifts.
Airport.
It's located in the city of Artem, which is 46 km from Vladivostok. The airport is beautiful and comfortable, and it's clear that it meets international standards of quality.
We had pre-arranged a car rental online. The car was delivered to the airport parking lot, where we signed the rental agreement. The rental of a Japanese car for one day cost 2,000 rubles.
Weather.
By August and September, the Sea of Japan has warmed up, but by mid-September, the water's already chilly. That's why August is considered the velvet season.
We were lucky with the weather - it was warm and sunny. Daytime temperatures ranged from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures were around 20 degrees. A gentle breeze was blowing, and I felt like taking a deep breath of the salty air.
From Artem, our family headed towards Nakhodka, specifically to the sandy beaches of Livadiya village. The road was great - 100 kilometers and we were there.
I'm used to seeing pines and cedars, but on this trip, I was driving through a forest with only deciduous trees, hills, and occasional coastal inlets.
Tourist Base.
The tourist base is called 'Absolute' and is located a bit further from the main beach - closer to Anna village, near the 'Firing Range' bay. We booked it in advance - remotely. The cost per day was 5,000 rubles, which was a discount (since it was September), the usual price is 7,000 rubles.
The base is fenced, and there's a parking lot for cars. The territory has 2 warm pools: one for kids and one for adults. There's also a playground with trampolines.
What's included in the price? One room with 2 two-bed bunks. The room has a shower and a toilet. There's also a dresser, a closet for clothes, a fridge, and a TV.
Upon entry, there's an outdoor kitchen with a table, kitchenware, and a gas stove (we bought gas ourselves). There's also a free barbecue area.
The base is well-maintained, everywhere is clean and nice.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the standalone cottages were 200 rubles cheaper, but I can assure you that the room in the main house was amazing.
The kids dropped their stuff in the room and ran off to the pool. The pool was fantastic – clean, warm, and huge.
One of the best things about this resort is its location in a small cove with hardly anyone around – the beach is rocky, but it's just a 3-5 minute walk from the resort.
It's surreal to sit right in front of the sea with hardly anyone around. The scenery is straight out of a postcard.
The water is warm, crystal-clear, and salty – you can even feel the tiny crystals of salt on your skin after a swim.
The only downside of this resort is that there aren't any restaurants or cafes nearby. We had to drive to Livadia town or Anna village to get groceries.
When you're on vacation, you want to relax completely, but as a woman, I had to think about feeding the family. The cafes were there, but the prices were steep, and the food wasn't great.
A liter of juice was 500 rubles, and a Caesar salad was 700 rubles.
In the evenings and mornings, I cooked myself. We bought delicious sea kale, seafood, meat, and fruits.
Prices.
When I first went to the shop, I was shocked - the prices were exactly twice as high as in our region. I thought it was a resort area, so prices would be like that. But when I got to Vladivostok, I realized that it's just expensive to live here.
I have to say, I was really impressed with the prices of the seafood - 2,000 rubles per kilo for mussels, and crab was around 3,000 rubles. And chicken was still a steal at 400 rubles per kilo.
The prices at the pharmacy were also around 50% higher.
Beach.
The central beach in Livadia is a real gem - the sand is a beautiful yellow, the water is crystal clear, and the sea is calm with hardly any seaweed.
There are loads of fish swimming in the water, and my son even managed to catch a crab and an urchin. The water is transparent, and you can see the bottom perfectly, with loads of shells scattered around.
There are loads of tourists and holidaymakers around, and you can rent a sun umbrella, a SUP board, or even buy some shawarma and corn on the cob.
I have to say, the temperature might be a bit mild at plus 27 degrees Celsius, but you can still get burned quickly. The sand is scorching hot.
Medicine.
My daughter started getting a bad cough, both during the day and at night. We managed to find a medical center in Livadia, and the staff were really helpful.
They listened to us and told us that her lungs were clear, so they prescribed some treatment. The whole experience was pleasant, and the staff were very understanding.
If you or your kids need any medical attention, don't worry – you'll be treated for free.
We were also prescribed some medication for a stomach infection, just in case, but thankfully we didn't need it.
Excursions and Souvenirs.
There are plenty of souvenir shops around, where you can buy seashells, beads, and all sorts of other knick-knacks with the Livadia logo. Prices are pretty average.
You can book excursions either at the pavilion or with private guides. The private guides are way cheaper, but they don't take any responsibility for you.
We took a family boat trip to the Five Fingers rock. We sailed for about 25-30 minutes in open sea on a small Japanese boat.
We stumbled upon a lone guy fishing for sea urchins on the SapBorde, and we stopped on the shallow water to watch the seaweed grow and the sea urchins sitting on the rocks... Yeah, those are the delicacies served in restaurants.
To be honest, the boat was pretty small and I was a bit scared, even though we were all wearing life jackets.
When we arrived at the icebergs, I was blown away by the natural beauty!!!
Around the rocks, I saw seals and walruses swimming, and a few sea lions swam right next to the boat. I also spotted a bison. In my region, we have black bison, but these ones were brown with spots.
We drove past their nesting site on the rocks, and it was a truly unforgettable experience. In short, it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
We returned quickly. We paid around 7,000 rubles for four people. If we had booked through the pavilion, it would have cost at least 10,000 rubles.
We didn't take any more excursions after that, but we did head back to our resort a few times to relax in the hot tub. The kids would run out of the hot tub and into the pool to play while I'd pour a bucket of cold water over myself.
We also visited the Anna Bay, which was another beautiful spot. We caught the sunset there.
It's always great to unwind. We spent a whole week in this amazing place, swimming, catching crabs, listening to the waves, and just enjoying...
Livadia was a great choice, the nature, the sea, and the resort were all top-notch, but the organization of the food was lacking.
It's been two years since our trip, and we're already missing the Japanese Sea - we'll definitely be back!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is the best way to get to Livadia from Irkutsk?
We recommend flying with S7 Airlines, which offers daily flights from Irkutsk to Vladivostok. The flight time is around 4 hours, and the ticket price varies from 10,000 rubles per person for a one-way ticket.
What are the must-try dishes in Livadia?
You should definitely try the fresh seafood at local restaurants. The variety of dishes is impressive, and the quality is top-notch.
Is Livadia suitable for families with young children?
Yes, Livadia is perfect for families. The resort town's stunning beaches and lively tourist scene make it an ideal destination for all ages.
What is the best time to visit Livadia?
The best time to visit Livadia is during the barberry season, when the town is filled with vibrant colors and warm weather.
Are there any language barriers in Livadia?
Yes, some locals may not speak English fluently, which can make communication challenging. However, many locals are friendly and willing to help.
What are the local customs and traditions in Livadia?
Livadia is a culturally rich town with a strong sense of community. You should respect local customs and traditions, especially when interacting with locals.
Are there any safety concerns in Livadia?
Livadia is generally a safe town, but as with any travel destination, you should take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
Can I use credit cards in Livadia?
Some local businesses may not accept credit cards, so it's recommended to have cash on hand. However, many restaurants and shops do accept major credit cards.
What are the top things to do in Livadia?
There are plenty of things to do in Livadia, including visiting the local beaches, trying the fresh seafood, and exploring the town's lively tourist scene.
check_circlePros
- •The resort town's stunning beaches are perfect for families, with crystal-clear waters and powdery sand.
- •We enjoyed fresh seafood at local restaurants, and the variety of dishes was impressive.
- •The town's lively tourist scene made it easy to find activities and attractions for all ages.
- •We were pleasantly surprised by the airport's efficiency, making our travel experience smooth.
- •The daily flights with S7 Airlines made it easy to plan our trip and get to our destination on time.
- •The locals were friendly and welcoming, making us feel at home in Livadia.
- •The town has a great selection of local shops and markets, where you can find unique souvenirs and try some delicious street food.
- •We appreciated the town's relaxed pace, which made it easy to unwind and recharge.
cancelCons
- •The ticket price for a round-trip ticket was steep, especially for a family of four.
- •We encountered some language barriers when communicating with locals, which made things more challenging.
- •Some of the local restaurants had limited English menus, which made it difficult to order food.
- •The town's infrastructure could be improved, with some roads and buildings in need of repair.
- •We experienced some issues with customer support when dealing with a lost item.
- •The town's nightlife was limited, which might not be ideal for those looking for a lively party scene.
- •The weather can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to pack layers and be prepared for sudden changes.
- •Some of the tourist attractions were a bit pricey, but they were definitely worth the cost.
