In the eastern part of Europe in the temperate continental zone (steppe and forest-steppe zone) between southern Ukraine, western Russia and the northern part of the Crimean peninsula is the Sea of Azov. The coast, or rather its parts, belong to all the countries described above. Because of this location, it is called the "enclosed" sea of the Atlantic Ocean. Its waters are slightly s alty and very warm. This factor is decisive for tourists. It is here that many vacationers come, especially with children, since the sea is quite calm and shallow near the coastline. An interesting fact is that there are beaches on the coast where you need to walk several meters until you reach a depth of 0.5 m.
Short description
The Sea of Azov is considered the smallest body of water in comparison with all the others located in the Russian Federation. The coast is only1472 kilometers. As for the depth, the average is 8 m, but there are also such areas, the bottom level drops to 14 m.
The Sea of Azov belongs to the Atlantic Ocean basin. However, his path is quite interesting. First, its waters pass through the Black Sea, the Bosphorus and the Mediterranean. And only after that they enter the Atlantic Ocean.
Features of the Sea of Azov
Uns alted, shallow, warm - these words perfectly characterize the Sea of Azov. The coast is covered with shell rock and fine sand. Sea water contains a huge amount of chemical elements, so it can be used for medicinal purposes. Since the waves of the sea wash the sand of the shore, it also has unique properties. Probably, many have noticed that it is enough just to lie down near the water for several hours, and the discomfort in the back and muscles will go away on their own. The conclusion suggests itself: everything here acts on the human body as a medicinal and especially useful remedy.
Territorial division
Ukraine and Russia territorially divide the Sea of Azov into several parts. The coast of each state and the area surrounding it is a closed area where ships of other countries cannot enter.
For the entire existence of the independent states of Russia and Ukraine, they have been on friendly terms. That is why clear boundaries of ownership of the water expanses of the sea were not established. However, since 2014, everything has changed radically. Now these states are at enmityamong themselves, so they try to consolidate their positions as much as possible.
Plant and animal life
Steep limestone landslides, stone slopes - this is how the Sea of Azov looks at first glance. The coast of Ukraine, however, as well as from the Russian Federation, is not distinguished by dense thickets of plants. Here you can find single bushes of elderberry, blackthorn, fern, aronnik. Closer to the water, vegetation is represented only by s alt-tolerant species. This is explained quite simply: the waves, hitting the stones, douse them with s alt water. These are such herbaceous plants as beskilnitsa and kermeka. And it is in the water that you can see red and green algae, water flowers.
The animal world is also not particularly rich: geese, ducks, steppe waders, lapwings, red goose, mute swans, curlews, black-headed gulls and gulls. Turtles, frogs and even crayfish can occasionally be seen on the beach.
The underwater world of the Sea of Azov contains about 80 species of fish. The most common are stellate sturgeon, garfish, beluga, herring, big flounder, fish, mullet, sprat, anchovy and sea mole.
Climate
Average annual precipitation in millimeters: from 250 to 500. Since the climate is dry in southern Ukraine and Crimea, it negatively affects the coast of the Sea of Azov. The average temperature in July is from +23 to +30 0С; temperature in winter (January) from -2 to +7 0C.
Coast of Azov is characterized by cold but short winters and warm summers. The air temperature is evenly distributed. For spring and autumnpleasant weather is typical, during these months thermometers show from +9 to +13 0С, and high humidity is felt in the air. The transition from summer to winter is not abrupt.
Infrastructure
One of the most popular places for recreation is the Sea of Azov. The coast of Russia and Ukraine is occupied by numerous boarding houses. Their list is truly huge. These are tourist towns, recreation centers, hotels, cottage houses, etc. There are also cafes and restaurants here so that vacationers can eat or just have fun. If we are talking about holidays with children, then the most important thing is outdoor modern pools with slides of various sizes, dolphinariums, amusement parks, circuses.
Ecology
The main problem of the Azov coast is that almost the entire territory is polluted with waste from various enterprises. And a large number of steamships, boats and other equipment led to the pollution of the sea itself. The presence of numerous recreation centers on the coastline leads to the fact that it is gradually turning into a dump, especially in areas of public beaches. Closed areas look much better. However, you will have to pay a considerable amount of money for rest on them.
Rest on the Sea of Azov
For those who have never been to these places, below is a map of the coast of the Sea of Azov, where you can see all the cities and towns that offer cultural recreation. And it is worth noting that it is quite well developed here.
Beautiful scenery and warm water attract many tourists. The range of services is varied: hiking, therapeutic mud baths, etc. And a large number of pools with giant slides attracts all young people (and not only): from five-year-old children to fifty-year-old people. Everyone, young and old, at least once in their life try to visit this "attraction" and get an unforgettable experience.
