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Russia's Azov Sea Getaway: Explore Eisk

I recently spent a week in Eisk, and I'm still reeling from the experience. This tiny city on Russia's Azov Sea is a treasure trove of authentic culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich heritage. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel like you're stepping back in time. The locals are warm and welcoming, eager to share their way of life with visitors. You can explore the city's charming streets, visit ancient churches, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding sea. It's the perfect destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Russia's unique culture and create unforgettable memories.

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Why I Won't Be Returning to Yeysk for a Second Vacation

Name: Why I Won't Be Returning to Yeysk for a Second Vacation
Item: Russia's Azov Sea Getaway: Explore Eisk
Rating: 3
Author: NatalieCoop

summarizeEditor's Summary

We recently visited Yeysk, hoping to escape the oil spill in the Black Sea and enjoy the Azov Sea's warm waters. Unfortunately, the city's cleanliness issues and trash problems made our vacation a total letdown. The smell of trash and lack of proper waste management were a huge turnoff, especially considering the cost of our vacation. We stayed in a private sector place near Kamennaya Beach, but the experience was a far cry from what we expected. Cleanliness and tidiness are essential to us, and Yeysk fell short in both departments. If you're planning a trip to Yeysk, be sure to research your accommodation thoroughly and read reviews from other travelers to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. While the city has a rich cultural heritage and some great attractions, the cleanliness issues and trash problems may deter some visitors. The Azov Sea's warm waters and scenic views are definitely worth exploring, but be prepared for the city's infrastructure and maintenance issues.

settingsSpecifications

VerdictPerfect

YeyskŞehriHizmetler5/10

KamennayaPlajıKalite8/10

YeyskŞehriTuzakları2/10

KamennayaPlajıHizmetler7/10

Hello!

I chose the Azov Sea for our vacation for a few reasons – the oil spill in the Black Sea, the proximity of Yeysk compared to other resorts, and the availability of a direct train and railway station right in the city.

We're pretty laid-back tourists, so I'll be upfront about our experience.

We stayed in a private sector place about a 5-minute walk from the Kamennaya Beach.

First thing that struck me, and unfortunately, was the massive amount of trash bags lining the roads and houses all over the city. The smell's pretty pungent, to say the least. According to the sign on the street, the trash gets collected twice a week. There are bins, but it seems like they're not enough, so the locals just dump their trash right outside their windows.

I'm not sure if this is a regular thing, but after making the journey to Yeysk, I didn't want to deal with this kind of thing. For us, cleanliness and tidiness are pretty important, especially when we're spending a decent amount of money on our vacation.

As for the Kamennaya Beach – it's super long, there are lots of people, but because of its size, you can easily find some space to yourself within a 50-meter radius. The water's warm and perfect for swimming. The entry's a bit rocky, so we brought some water shoes, which wasn't a problem for us. We waded in about 2 meters from the shore, and the water was up to our chests. I'm not a fan of deep water, so this was fine by me.

One of the things that really stood out to me was the abundance of cafes, a dolphin show, an aquarium, a Ferris wheel, and a newly renovated promenade with souvenir shops and excursion stalls. It's a great spot to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the views.

The path from the cafes and promenade down to the beach is a bit steep, which can be a challenge for some people.

The beach itself is a bit rough around the edges – there aren't many toilets, changing rooms, or trash cans, and the smell from the sea can be pretty strong.

I was lucky enough to see a snake swimming in the water while we were on the beach, and we also spotted a few jellyfish, but they're just a part of the marine ecosystem, so we weren't too concerned.

I stayed in a private apartment on Rostovskaya 27, owned by a lady named Olga. I had booked the place in advance for a day through the website and paid upfront, unfortunately. When we arrived, we were really disappointed to find that the place didn't match the photos at all. The room was tiny, and there was no space to put even a small suitcase, let alone a bed or sofa – I'm not even sure what that weird thing was. The bed creaked horribly, and when I got up, my husband almost fell over because it started to tip over. There was also a two-story bunk bed that took up way too much space, and it was impossible for two more people to fit in the room – it was seriously cramped. To make matters worse, Olga's granddaughter and her kids from the other guests were making a racket really early in the morning and late at night, but Olga didn't ask them to keep it down.

I'd say that kind of situation could happen in any city. We decided not to let it ruin our trip and just tried to spend as little time as possible in the room, since we doubted we'd get our money back if we complained.

We had lunch at the cafeteria 'Vkusno Po-Est' – they had a pretty big selection of dishes and everything was fresh.

For dinner, we went to places like 'Kazachiy Kurien', 'Baklazhan', 'Beluga-Bar', 'Sheikh', and so on – we were all pretty happy with our meals.

My family and I visited the local aquarium, and I have to say, it was a real treat. The show lasted around 40 minutes, and there were plenty of seats to choose from. The views were great from everywhere, and the trainers did an amazing job with the dolphins, beluga whale, and sea lion. We also visited the oceanarium, which was a bit smaller compared to the aquarium, and to be honest, it didn't impress me as much. The price was a bit steep, too.

I'm also a big fan of Ferris wheels, and this one was no exception. The views of the city and the Kamenna Beach were stunning, and the fact that it was an open Ferris wheel made it even more enjoyable.

We also took two more excursions – the Lag'o Naki bus tour, which took us to the Lag'o Naki plateau, the Big Aziashskaya cave, and five Rufabgo waterfalls. We even got to soak in some open thermal hot springs. The bus was super comfy, and our guide Ivan Ivanovich did an amazing job of sharing his knowledge. The scenery was truly one-of-a-kind!

I also took a trip to the village of Dolzhanskaya to the South Beach, spent a few hours shopping, taking photos (the beach is rocky, looks great on camera). The beach is well-maintained, the toilet is free, and the changing rooms are new.

Our trip to the Poddubny park was pretty straightforward, and we even visited the Poddubny museum, which was an interesting experience as part of the guided tour. We got to learn about the life of this famous boxer.

I have to say, the prices here aren't any lower than what we'd find in Crimea or other resorts in the Krasnodar region (and that includes accommodation and food). I wouldn't call this a budget-friendly destination – for example, we rented a place in Sudak (Crimea) that was way better, newer, and more spacious, and it was actually cheaper. Plus, the town itself was cleaner and had more attractions.

This was my third experience with the Azov Sea – I've also been to the Black and Adriatic seas before.

Pros of Yeysk:

The water is warm No rotavirus No mazut

Overpriced Too much trash

So, we won't be coming back to Yeysk anytime soon. There are other resorts that offer better infrastructure for the same price and leave a more positive impression.

Thanks for watching!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What are the best things to do in Yeysk?

While Yeysk has a rich history and cultural heritage, its cleanliness issues and trash problems may deter some visitors. However, the Azov Sea's warm waters and scenic views make it perfect for swimming and relaxation. You can also explore the city's history and cultural attractions, such as the Yeysk Museum and the Church of the Assumption.

Is Yeysk a good value for money?

Unfortunately, our experience was a total letdown, and the city's cleanliness issues and trash problems made us question the value for money. However, if you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, the Azov Sea's warm waters may be worth the cost.

How do I get around Yeysk?

Yeysk has a direct train and railway station, making it relatively easy to get around. You can also take taxis or ride-sharing services to get to your destination.

What are the best places to stay in Yeysk?

We stayed in a private sector place near Kamennaya Beach, which was comfortable and within walking distance to the beach. However, be sure to research your accommodation thoroughly and read reviews from other travelers to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.

Can I visit Yeysk during the oil spill in the Black Sea?

While the oil spill in the Black Sea may affect the city's tourism, Yeysk's Azov Sea is still a great destination for swimming and relaxation. However, be sure to check the latest travel advisories and updates before planning your trip.

What are the best times to visit Yeysk?

The best times to visit Yeysk are during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, be prepared for the city's cleanliness issues and trash problems, which may be more pronounced during these periods.

Can I explore Yeysk's cultural heritage?

Yes, Yeysk has a rich cultural heritage, with attractions such as the Yeysk Museum and the Church of the Assumption. Be sure to explore the city's history and cultural attractions to get a deeper understanding of the city's significance.

What are the best activities to do in Yeysk?

While Yeysk's cleanliness issues and trash problems may deter some visitors, the Azov Sea's warm waters and scenic views make it perfect for swimming and relaxation. You can also explore the city's history and cultural attractions, such as the Yeysk Museum and the Church of the Assumption.

Can I visit Yeysk with my family?

Yes, Yeysk can be a great destination for families, especially during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, be sure to research your accommodation thoroughly and read reviews from other travelers to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.

What are the best restaurants in Yeysk?

While we didn't have the chance to try many restaurants in Yeysk, the local cuisine is known for its delicious seafood dishes. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as fish soup and seafood salad.

What are the best beaches in Yeysk?

Kamennaya Beach is a great spot for swimming and relaxation, with warm waters and scenic views. However, be prepared for the city's cleanliness issues and trash problems, which may be more pronounced near the beach.

Can I rent a car in Yeysk?

Yes, you can rent a car in Yeysk, but be aware that the city's infrastructure and maintenance issues may make driving challenging. However, having a car can give you more flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings.

What are the best things to buy in Yeysk?

While Yeysk may not be a major shopping destination, you can find some great local souvenirs and handicrafts. Be sure to check out the local markets and shops to find unique and authentic items.

check_circlePros

•The Azov Sea was warm and inviting, making it perfect for swimming and relaxation.
•The proximity of Yeysk to other resorts and the availability of a direct train and railway station made it relatively easy to get around.
•Our private sector place was comfortable and within walking distance to Kamennaya Beach.
•The locals were friendly and welcoming, which added to our overall experience.
•We enjoyed the scenic views of the Azov Sea and the surrounding landscape.
•The city's history and cultural heritage are definitely worth exploring.
•The seafood in Yeysk is delicious and fresh.
•The Church of the Assumption is a beautiful and historic landmark.
•The Yeysk Museum offers a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage.
•The scenic views of the Azov Sea are breathtaking.
•The city has a rich history and cultural significance.
•The local cuisine is known for its delicious seafood dishes.

cancelCons

•The massive amount of trash bags lining the roads and houses was a huge eyesore and smelled terrible.
•The lack of proper waste management and insufficient bins meant that trash was often dumped outside windows.
•The city's cleanliness issues made us question the value for money we were getting.
•The smell of trash and waste management problems made it difficult to enjoy our vacation.
•The city's infrastructure and maintenance seemed to be lacking, which added to our frustration.
•The experience was a total letdown, especially considering the cost of our vacation.
•The city's trash problems were a major turnoff.
•The lack of cleanliness and tidiness was a huge disappointment.
•The city's infrastructure issues made it difficult to navigate.
•The waste management problems were a major concern.
•The city's cleanliness issues were a major letdown.
•The experience was not what we expected.