Gelendzhik Bay, Bay at the Black Sea coast in Russia
Gelendzhik Bay stretches across about 12 kilometers of coastline between Cape Tonkiy and Cape Tolstyi along the Black Sea. With a maximum depth of about 11 meters and two-thirds of the shoreline covered by beaches, the bay offers a range of coastal experiences.
The region was first a Greek outpost called Torikos before appearing in Roman records around 64 BC as Pagrae. These early settlements established the bay's lasting role as a trading point along the Black Sea coast.
The name comes from Turkish, meaning 'little bride,' a reference to the historical market that once thrived here. You can still sense these maritime traditions today in how local fishermen and boat operators go about their daily work.
The ice-free waters year-round make swimming and boating accessible any time, making the bay a reliable destination for water activities. The calmer conditions in the inner part of the bay work better for beginners and families with children.
The bay faces the Markotkh mountain range, which generates specific weather patterns affecting the local maritime conditions. This geographical influence creates varying wind patterns across different parts of the shoreline, changing the water experience depending on where you are.
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