Sea of Azov

Crimea won’t be among summer holiday options for a number of reasons for many of us this year. It is time to think about another seaside just a few hours ride from the place where I live. We have another sea just around the corner. It is the Sea of Azov. In fact, many Ukrainians have never forgottеn about it by some mistake considering it to be cheaper than Crimea. It never was.

The Sea of Azov is the shallowest sea in the world (or probably in the whole universe). Its maximum depth reaches 15 meters. It is literally a puddle. You have to walk a long long way from the shore. Otherwise, you touch sandy sea bottom with your knees while swimming.

The typical colour of the sea is something between yellowish green and greenish yellow. Moreover, the water is often troubled and cloudy.

Every summer the sea welcomes both budget backpackers and first-class tourists. Everything is for rental here: garages, barns, soviet-style “sanatoriums”, more or less decent rooms and more luxury ones.

As you see it is not my dream holiday destination. But there are actually some advantages in having a vacation here.

Firstly, as the sea is very shallow it warms up quickly. It is already warm in May and pleasant to bathe in during the whole summer.

Secondly, as it is shallow it is safer for children (if you have some).

Thirdly, it can be a nice place to downshift. The trick is to go somewhere far on the spit, away from the settlements with lame discos, bars and dubious entertainments.

Finally, I think many people in the world would be happy and grateful to have whatever seaside available nearby. Maybe we should be grateful as well.

The photos are my film photographs from 2011.