Many of our compatriots are saving up money for a trip to the Caribbean or the Maldives. But in our native country there are no less interesting places to relax on the coast. Take, for example, Popov Island - the pearl of the entire Primorsky Territory. This is a small oasis of virgin nature in the Sea of Japan, as if created specifically for summer beach and outdoor activities.
When was Popov Island discovered?
For the first time, French sailors, who explored the area on the Caprice corvette in 1850, reported about the ridge of islands in Primorsky Krai. It was then that the archipelago was named after Empress Eugenia. 8 years later, in 1858, the islands were explored by Russian sailors. Under the unified command of the captain of the first rank Andrey Popov, the Rynda, Griden and Oprichnik ships took part in this expedition. A piece of land washed by water from all sides, which later received the name "Popov's Island", was then named after the Rynda corvette. This geographical feature was renamed in 1862. Since then, Popov Island has had a familiar name for us.
Legends, traditions, facts
Scientists managed to prove that the first settlements existed on Popov Island 3-4 centuries ago. Among the archaeological finds obtained in these places, there are clay shards. It is also believed that the people who lived here used seafood as their main source of food. At the same time, marine organisms were not only a favorite food, but also revered in a special way. According to legend, there was a base of pirates on the island, near Alekseev Bay. In the 80s of the nineteenth century, sea robbers were detained here, who recently robbed a ship loaded with provisions and money to strengthen the fortress in Vladivostok. The criminals were arrested, but the stolen material was never found. It is quite possible that Popov Island keeps treasures even today. The pirates of those times knew how to skillfully hide treasures, the uninitiated did not have the slightest chance of finding them.
According to some sources, during the Great Patriotic War there was a large closed female colony on the island. This information has not been documented to date.
Popov Island: photos of our days and modern history
Today this object belongs to the city of Vladivostok. There are two villages on the island. Total population: 1316 people. However, during the peak tourist season, this figure often doubles. An interesting fact: the area of the island is only 1240 hectares, and its dimensions are 5x7 kilometers. Today, hotels and recreation centers operate here, as well as two museums.
Popov Island (Primorsky Krai) is incredibly popular among tourists. All the conditions for ecotourism have been preserved here, as well as many opportunities for active sports and a relaxing beach holiday.
What to do while on vacation? Go on a sightseeing tour, and don't forget that you can walk around the entire landmass on your own in a few hours. Holidays on Popov Island are often chosen by divers. Even at a shallow depth, you can see starfish, urchins, various fish and shellfish here. For beginners in this sport, there are equipment rentals and instructors who are ready to offer private training at an affordable price.
Tourism Opportunities
Tourist season on Popov Island lasts from June to September. It is at this time that the weather pleases with the maximum number of sunny days, the sea is incredibly warm and clear, if you wish, you can go scuba diving, go sea fishing or harvest mushrooms and berries in the local forests.
The beaches here are sandy and pebbly. Many of them have summer cafes or tents where you can buy soft drinks, snacks and the freshest seafood. Due to its geographical location, Popov Island is not overly popular among tourists. Most often, residents of the Primorsky Territory or neighboring countries come here. But for guests from the central strip of Russia, the fare to Vladivostok is too high, and sometimes it takes a lot of time. At the same time, the cost of rest herelow enough, it will also be inexpensive to meet basic household needs.
Vacation accommodation options
Finding a temporary place to stay on Popov Island is not too difficult even in the peak of the tourist season. Housing is rented here by locals, usually these are rooms in their houses, less often - special tourist houses. More comfortable accommodation options are offered by tourist camps ("Panorama", "Daryushka", "Volna"). Such complexes will also please with additional services, for example, equipment rental or meals. For those who came to Popov Island to merge with nature, recreation centers are not the best option. In this case, it would be optimal to settle in a tented camp. Camping here is incredibly popular and is considered the best option for "wild" holidays.
Reviews from vacationers
Arriving for the first time on Popov Island (Primorsky Territory), it's hard to believe that you are still in Russia. This is what almost all tourists who rested in this area say. The beauty of the surrounding nature is amazing. The beaches delight with white sand. And the absence of noisy entertainment does not upset, but, on the contrary, allows you to think, take a break from the hustle and bustle and fully recover morally. There are no ultra-modern sanatoriums and clinics in this region yet, but it is believed that the air itself and the microclimate are treated here. It is enough to rest on Popov Island for a week, and you will feel stronger and he althier, say all the tourists who have been here. Perfectthis place is also suitable for holidays with children, do not be afraid of remoteness from civilization, in fact, this place is only 20 kilometers from the city of Vladivostok.
Tourist Tips
Popov Island is inhabited, people constantly live here. Thanks to this, tourists can always visit local shops and catering establishments. Prices for groceries and manufactured goods here are the same as in Vladivostok. However, if you're used to picking up the little things from certain brands or taking rare medications, it makes sense to stock up on everything you need before heading out on a trip.
You can buy organic food - eggs, milk, fruits and vegetables quite cheaply on the island. While relaxing here, be sure to visit the Museum of the State Far Eastern Reserve, which offers a closer look at the flora and fauna of the region. You can get to the island on regular motor ships, ferries or private boats departing from Vladivostok. Estimated travel time is 1-1.5 hours.
