An oil spill in December continues to plague Anapa’s beaches, casting a shadow over the 2025 summer season. Despite official bans and health warnings, some individuals are still venturing into the water to swim and sunbathe.
Cleanup efforts are ongoing, and on June 3, authorities identified specific dangerous zones related to the oil spill. The regulation outlining these zones lacks precise details, but the Anapa mayor’s office clarified that the restrictions apply to beaches, not embankments. The enforcement of these restrictions and potential fines remain unclear.
Regional authorities are attempting to attract tourists by promoting alternative attractions such as wine routes and hotels with swimming pools. However, tour operators report a decline in bookings, with some hotels opting to remain closed this season to avoid financial losses. Private homeowners are particularly affected, experiencing a significant drop in occupancy compared to larger hotel chains.