The Azov Sea is experiencing a surge in tourism after an oil spill closed beaches in the Anapa and Temryuk district of Russia’s Black Sea coast. This has led many vacationers to seek alternative destinations.

Resort towns on the Azov Sea, including Yeysk, Golubitskaya, Dolzhanskaya, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, have seen up to 300,000 tourists per season. Due to the increased demand, travel agencies had already sold out of tours by mid-spring. This leaves late planners with the option of only unorganized travel.

The Azov Sea’s appeal lies in its unique characteristics. Unlike the Black Sea, the Azov Sea is shallow. In addition, many of the available hotels are rated two or three stars, and there are fewer entertainment options. For many, these aspects are a draw, offering a more relaxed and less crowded vacation experience.

Sergey Romashkin, Vice President of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, has provided a short video detailing the best vacation spots on the Azov Sea in 2025.