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Home / Beaches / Shirokaya Balka Beach

Shirokaya Balka Beach

Пляж Широкая Балка
Russia · Beach · Novorossiysk
excellent
Best month: July

Best for

Ideal for lovers of clean water and quiet nature holidays. Not suitable for families with small children due to coarse pebbles and strong winds.

Best month

July

Water
+23.0°C
Length
3 000 m
A scenic beach in the suburbs of Novorossiysk, stretching almost 3 kilometres. It features a pebble shore and clear water, popular for a quiet retreat.
Surface
pebble
Waves
moderate
Entry
moderate
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
A scenic beach in the suburbs of Novorossiysk, stretching almost 3 kilometres. It features a pebble shore and clear water, popular for a quiet retreat.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • One of the cleanest waters on the Black Sea coast
  • Clear water even at depth
  • Pebble beach
  • Developed infrastructure
  • Scenic mountain views

Cons

  • Coarse pebbles, special footwear needed
  • Strong wind (bora) can ruin the holiday
  • Beach is narrow in some places
  • Few entertainment options
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for lovers of clean water and quiet nature holidays. Not suitable for families with small children due to coarse pebbles and strong winds.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Shirokaya Balka Beach is famous for the cleanest water on the entire Russian Black Sea coast. The water is so clear that in calm weather you can see the bottom at a depth of 3-4 metres. The beach is located in a scenic bay surrounded by mountains, creating a unique microclimate.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
pebble
Sand Color
Main sand colour
grey
Sand Texture
Grain size
coarse
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
pebble
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
mandatory
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
3 000 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
excellent
Underwater Visibility
4.0 m
Average Water Temp
+23.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+26.0 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
0.8 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
June July
Season end
August September
Best month
July
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
moderate
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
20.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats.
Dangerous creatures
jellyfish
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
Yes
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
5 pcs
Best restaurants

Promenade Cafes

Kuban

Cafes and restaurants with seafood along the beach

Nearby cuisines

Local

Kuban cuisine with seafood

Must try: Fresh fish, shashlik, Kuban wines
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
Yes
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Headwear Towel Swimsuit Cash First aid kit Water shoes
Best Time to Swim
The best time to visit is June and September, when the weather is stable and there is no strong wind. The water is especially clear in the morning.
Local Rules
Leaving litter on the beach is prohibited. Swimming only in designated areas. Swimming is prohibited in strong winds.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Mount Koldun

Scenic mountain with panoramic coastal views

Myskhako

Neighbouring resort village with wineries

Abrau-Durso

Famous winery and lake

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Shirokaya Balka Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity excellent, average temperature +23.0°C, warms up to +26.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.8 m.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. Bottom — pebble. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — pebble. Sand colour — grey. Texture — coarse. Beach length — 3 000 metres.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June, July. It ends in August, September. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — moderate. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: jellyfish. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Promenade Cafes. Cuisines available: Local. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Headwear, Towel, Swimsuit, Cash, First aid kit, Water shoes.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is June and September, when the weather is stable and there is no strong wind. The water is especially clear in the morning.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Leaving litter on the beach is prohibited. Swimming only in designated areas. Swimming is prohibited in strong winds.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for lovers of clean water and quiet nature holidays. Not suitable for families with small children due to coarse pebbles and strong winds.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Shirokaya Balka Beach is famous for the cleanest water on the entire Russian Black Sea coast. The water is so clear that in calm weather you can see the bottom at a depth of 3-4 metres. The beach is located in a scenic bay surrounded by mountains, creating a unique microclimate.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: One of the cleanest waters on the Black Sea coast, Clear water even at depth, Pebble beach, Developed infrastructure, Scenic mountain views. Cons: Coarse pebbles, special footwear needed, Strong wind (bora) can ruin the holiday, Beach is narrow in some places, Few entertainment options.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Mount Koldun, Myskhako, Abrau-Durso. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Shirokaya Balka Beach: how do I get to the city of Novorossiysk?
The beach is located near the city of Novorossiysk. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Novorossiysk.

City

Novorossiysk

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

July

Useful information

Country: Russia
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 44.666700, 37.666700

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