Popov Island (Primorsky Krai): reviews of tourists

Many of our compatriots are saving money for a trip to the Caribbean islands or the Maldives. But in our native country there are no less interesting places to relax on the coast. Take at least the island of Popov - the pearl of the whole Primorye Territory. It is a small oasis of pristine nature in the Sea of Japan, as if created especially for summer beach and outdoor activities.

When was the island of Popov opened?

For the first time, French sailors who investigated the area on the corvette "Caprice" in 1850 reported about a ridge of islands in Primorsky Krai. It was then that the archipelago was named after the Empress Eugenia. Eight 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 vessels Rynda, Grideni and Oprichnik took part in this expedition. Washed by water from all sides a piece of land, later named "Popov Island", was then named in honor of the corvette "Rynda". Renamed this geographical object was in 1862. Since then, the island of Popov has a name that we are accustomed to.

Legends, stories, facts

Scientists managed to prove that the first settlements existed on the island of Popov 3-4 centuries ago. Among the archaeological finds obtained in these places, there are clay skulls. It is also believed that the people who lived here, as the main source of food used the seafood. At the same time, marine organisms were not only a favorite food, but they were revered in a special way. According to legends, there was a pirate base on the island, near the Alekseev Bay. In the eighties of the nineteenth century, there were detained naval robbers who recently robbed a ship loaded with provisions and money to fortify the fortress in Vladivostok. The criminals were arrested, but the stolen material assets were never found. It is possible that the island of Popov keeps treasures in itself and in our days. Pirates of those times knew how skillfully to hide treasures, the uninitiated had not the slightest chance to find 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: photo of our days and modern history

Today this object belongs to the city of Vladivostok. On the island - two townships. Total population: 1316 people. However, during the peak of the tourist season, this figure often doubles. An interesting fact: the area of the island is only 1240 hectares, and its size is 5x7 kilometers. Today there are hotels and recreation centers here, as well as two museums.

Popov Island (Primorsky Krai) enjoys an incredible popularity among tourists. Here, all the conditions for ecotourism are preserved, as well as many opportunities for active sports and quiet beach holidays.

What to do during your vacation? Go on a sightseeing tour, and do not forget that you can bypass the entire land area in a few hours. Recreation on the island of Popov is often chosen by divers. Even at a shallow depth you can see sea stars, hedgehogs, various fish and shellfish. For beginners of this sport there are rental equipment and instructors who are ready to offer private training at an affordable price.

Opportunities for tourism

The tourist season on the island of Popov 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 clean, if desired, you can dive with aqualung, go fishing or harvest mushrooms and berries in the local forests.

The beaches here are sandy and pebble. Many of them have summer cafes or tents, where you can buy refreshments, snacks and the freshest seafood. Due to its geographical location, Popova Island does not enjoy excessive popularity among tourists. Most often come here residents of Primorsky Krai or neighboring countries. But for guests from the central strip of Russia, the price for the road to Vladivostok is too high, and it takes quite some time. At the same time, the cost of recreation here is quite low, and the satisfaction of basic household needs will also be inexpensive.

Accommodation options for holidaymakers

Find a place for temporary residence on the island of Popov is not too difficult even in the midst of the tourist season. Housing for rent here is rented by local, usually it's rooms in their houses, less often - special tourist houses. More comfortable accommodation options are offered by tourist bases (Panorama, Daryushka, Volna). Pleasure such complexes and additional services, for example, rental of equipment or food. For those who came to merge with nature on the island of Popov, recreation centers are not the best option. It will be optimal in this case to settle in a tent camp. Camping here enjoy incredible popularity and are considered the best option for a "wild" holiday.

Reviews of holidaymakers

Arriving for the first time on the island of Popova (Primorsky Krai), it's hard to believe that you are still in Russia. This is what almost all tourists who vacation in this area say about it. The beauty of the surrounding nature is amazing. Beaches are pleased with snow-white sand. And the absence of noisy entertainment does not upset, but, on the contrary, allows you to think, relax from the bustle and completely recover morally. In this region there are no super-modern sanatoriums and hospitals, but it is believed that the air and microclimate are treated here. It is enough to rest on the island of Popov for a week, and you will feel stronger and healthier, all tourists who have visited here say. This place is ideal for holidays with children, do not be afraid of remoteness from civilization, in fact this place is located only 20 kilometers from the city of Vladivostok.

Tips for tourists

The island of Popov is inhabited, people constantly live here. Thanks to this, tourists can always visit local shops and catering establishments. Prices for food and manufactured goods are the same as in Vladivostok. However, if you are accustomed to choose some trifles of certain brands or take rare medications, it makes sense to stock up on everything you need before you go on a trip.

Very cheap on the island you can buy organic products - eggs, milk, fruits and vegetables. Resting here, be sure to visit the museum of the State Far Eastern Reserve, it offers a closer look at the flora and fauna of the region. You can get to the island by regular motor ships, ferries or private boats departing from Vladivostok. The approximate travel time is 1-1.5 hours.