Experts have named the best destinations for beach holidays in 2025

One of the main destinations for this season's beach holidays will be Crimea. At the moment, there is an increased interest in holidays in the republic — the number of bookings for the summer is 16% ahead of last year's figures. On April 21, experts from the online hotel and apartment booking service Ostrovok told Izvestia.

At the same time, the peninsula is among the top domestic destinations in terms of demand and ranks seventh. Crimea accounts for 3% of summer bookings, which has increased since last year (2% in 2024).

It is noted that tourists are especially actively choosing the southern coast — a noticeable increase in bookings was recorded in Gurzuf (an increase of 88%), Sevastopol (by 47%) and Alushta (by 23%). In addition, demand for Yevpatoria is growing — by 29% year on year.

"Crimea offers a wide range of hotels and apartments that are not inferior in quality to the facilities of the Krasnodar Territory, as well as natural diversity, a rich excursion program, and at the same time remains affordable - the average cost of a booked night for the summer in the republic is 5,750 rubles. It is cheaper than in popular Black Sea destinations on the mainland," said Daria Kochetkova, Managing Director of Ostrovok.

Abkhazia is also popular with Russian tourists in the upcoming season. In terms of summer demand, it is twice ahead of Turkey and the leader among all foreign resort destinations. According to Ostrovok, both popular destinations (Gagra, Sukhum, Novy Athos) and locations that were not previously among the top ones are in demand: Gudauta and Ldzaa show a multiple increase in bookings.

"The resumption of direct flights with the republic, scheduled for May, as well as the launch of a high-speed train from Sochi to Sukhum, can strengthen Abkhazia's position on the tourist map this season. This will give tourists even more convenient ways to get to the coast," Kochetkova added.

The average cost of a booked night for the summer in Abkhazia is 6,400 rubles, which is 15% higher than last year (5,550 rubles).

Ostrovok calls the coast of the Caspian Sea, in particular Dagestan, as an alternative to the Black Sea. In recent years, the republic has been gaining popularity due to its developing tourist infrastructure, as well as a unique combination of natural beauty and authentic culture. The resorts of the Caspian Sea, such as Makhachkala, Kaspiysk, Derbent and Izberbash, offer a warm sea with a gentle approach and wide sandy beaches in summer. In addition to the resort recreation, tourists of the region are attracted by the opportunities for active and cultural leisure: mountain canyons, waterfalls, ancient fortresses and historical cities with a thousand-year history.

It is specified that the average cost of a booked night for the summer in the Republic of Dagestan is 5,800 rubles, which is 16% higher than last year (5,000 rubles).

For those who prefer a mild climate, the Kaliningrad region can become an alternative to traditional beach destinations. The resorts of the Baltic Sea — Zelenogradsk, Svetlogorsk, Yantarny, Pionersky and Baltiysk — offer well-groomed sandy beaches, clean air combined with European architecture, gastronomic festivals and opportunities for cultural leisure.

The average cost of a booked night for the summer in the Kaliningrad region is 7,500 rubles, which is 19% higher than last year (6,300 rubles).

Abkhazia was taken off pause: Russian tourists have increased demand for holidays in the republic

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy canceled the recommendations not to visit it and not to sell tours there.

On April 18, it was reported that St. Petersburg became the most sought-after city among Russian travelers in May. The Northern Capital accounts for 19.7% of hotel orders. Sochi came in second place, where 11.9% of tourists will be vacationing in May, while Moscow came in third with a share of 11.8%.