Anapa's beaches get a pristine makeover after devastating oil spill

Anapa’s beaches have undergone major improvements after a large oil spill in the Kerch Strait. Over 8.4 kilometres of coastline now feature fresh sand, with officials claiming it surpasses even the French Riviera in cleanliness. The changes come as Russian tourists increasingly favour domestic sea resorts for holidays. The restoration project followed a significant oil spill that affected Anapa’s shores. Authorities responded by adding a thick layer of new sand—at least half a metre deep—across 8.4 km of beach. Studies by Rospotrebnadzor confirmed the effectiveness of this approach.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, Russia’s Vice-Premier, highlighted the quality of the sand, stating it was cleaner than that on the French Riviera. He also noted that sea resorts remain the top choice for Russian travellers. Meanwhile, pebble beaches from Maly Utrish to Central Beach remain accessible to visitors.

Svetlana Maslova, head of Anapa’s resort administration, published an updated map on 1 June. The document outlines which beaches are now open for swimming. The sand replenishment project has expanded Anapa’s usable beachfront. Officials have declared the coastline safe and ready for summer tourists. The improvements align with growing demand for domestic holiday destinations.