The Hidden Gems of Primorye: A Coastal Getaway with a Catch
check_circlePros
- The island of Russky is a gem, with its own settlement and a lighthouse that's steeped in history.
- The coastline around Primorye is simply stunning, with the Sea of Japan offering up some of the clearest waters you'll ever see.
- The Tokarev Lighthouse is a must-visit, with its stunning views of the surrounding area.
- The island itself is home to a variety of different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character.
- The natural beauty of the area is truly breathtaking, with the sea, the sky, and the land all combining to create a truly unforgettable experience.
- The island's got a laid-back vibe that's hard to resist.
cancelCons
- The road to the island is a real challenge, especially if you're not used to driving on uneven surfaces.
- The weather can be pretty rough, with strong winds and rough seas making it difficult to get around.
- The settlement of Russky is a bit of a scattered affair, with different neighborhoods spread out across the island.
- The island can get pretty crowded, especially during peak season.
- The lack of amenities on the island can make it difficult to get the things you need.
- The island's not very accessible for people with disabilities, due to the rough terrain and lack of amenities.
Editor's Summary
If you're looking for a coastal getaway with a bit of an edge, Primorye's got it in spades. The island of Russky and the Tokarev Lighthouse in Vladivostok are must-visits, but be prepared for a bumpy ride. The road to the island is about half dirt track, which can be a real challenge, especially if you're not used to driving on uneven surfaces. The island itself is home to the settlement of Russky, which is a bit of a scattered affair, with different neighborhoods spread out across the island. The natural beauty of the area is truly breathtaking, with the Sea of Japan offering up some of the clearest waters you'll ever see. But don't say we didn't warn you – the weather can be pretty rough, with strong winds and rough seas making it difficult to get around.
Specifications
Hello everyone, and welcome to my review! I'm super excited to share our recent adventure with you. My family and I love spending our weekends exploring the local sights and sounds. We've been to a lot of places, but the coastline around here is just endless, and I feel like there's always something new to discover.
This time, we decided to check out the island of Russky and the Tokarev Lighthouse in Vladivostok. But let me tell you, you're going to need a 4x4 vehicle that's ready for some rough terrain. The road to the spot is about half dirt track, which can be a real challenge, especially if you're not used to driving on uneven surfaces.
The island is located in the Peter the Great Gulf of the Sea of Japan, just a kilometer from Vladivostok city and part of the Vostochny Municipal District. It's also part of the Imperial Eugenia Archipelago. The island itself is home to the settlement of Russky, which is a bit of a scattered affair, with different neighborhoods spread out across the island.
First things first, we headed to the Tokarev Lighthouse, which is actually located within the city limits of Vladivostok. We parked up near some cafes and then walked the rest of the way (you can grab a coffee for around 300 roubles, and the loo is just 50 roubles!). It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the lighthouse, and the path is pretty rocky, with some great views of the sea and loads of seagulls. I was really impressed by how well-maintained the path was, considering it's a pretty remote spot.
Via this path to the lighthouse, by the way, there are some benches at the start, on either side. They're perfect for taking a break and taking in the views.
Vista of the bridge to Russky Island.There were loads of people keen to take a stroll to the Tokarev Lighthouse. We met some really friendly locals who were happy to chat and share their knowledge of the area.
Next up, we headed to conquer the island itself. The road's not always in great nick, and for half the journey, you're driving through the woods, past abandoned buildings - it looks like there used to be some military barracks here. The scenery is really beautiful, though, with loads of snowdrops carpeting the forest floor.
The whole forest is carpeted with snowdrops, mostly the usual yellow ones, but in some places, we spotted some white ones too. It's amazing how much color and life there is in the midst of winter.
These places are breathtakingly beautiful, especially for travelers visiting Primorsky Krai. I highly recommend visiting these spots, especially for those who have never seen the sea before. The coastline is simply magical, and I'm sure you'll fall in love with it just like we did.
For thrill-seekers and those who love extreme experiences, there's this slope with a rope that you can slide down to the beach and enjoy the sea up close. My husband was brave enough to try it, but I didn't dare! The views from the top were stunning, though.
Another must-see attraction is this piano standing on one of the hills on the island. Many people want to play and take photos with it, and we couldn't resist either. It's such a unique and fun experience, and I'm sure you'll love it just as much as we did.
Beautiful spots, fairytale landscapes, but there's one major downside - the weather. Despite the sun shining near the sea almost always, the wind was terrible. It was so strong that it would knock you off your feet. Maybe someday it'll be calm, but we just weren't lucky. Every time we visited the island, there was always a strong wind on the hilltops.
I still highly recommend visiting these places. I think any tourist coming to our sea should experience them. Just don't forget to dress warmly and bring a hat! The scenery is definitely worth braving the elements for.
