In the northeastern Caucasus, the southernmost cordons of the Republic of Dagestan have a unique sea - the Caspian. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the largest drainless salt lake in the world by area . It is called the sea because of its huge size, but also because of its origin: once this pond was part of the world's oceans, that is, the sea. But in the era of alpine folding , the Caucasus Range formed, which separated the Caspian from the Black Sea and, accordingly, from the ocean. Thus an ancient, “scientific” language, “juvenile” Caspian Sea was formed. Holidays on the shores of this lake-sea will give an unforgettable experience, help to improve your health and bring a lot of positive emotions.
In general, the Republic of Dagestan has a rich recreational resource. There are mountains here (the highest point is Mount Bazardyuzi - 4466 m above sea level), attracting climbers. Rough mountain rivers, convenient for rafting, make noise here (for example, the Sulak River, which forms a very beautiful canyon in the Salatau ridge). There are interesting caves attracting cavers. But if we talk about holidays on the Caspian Sea in Russia, then one can not help but mention the famous beaches of the Caspian Sea, stretching for many kilometers. So Kayakent, Samur and Manas beaches have a length of more than 40 kilometers, and Makhachkala - about 80.
Unlike the Black Sea coast of Russia, where pebble beaches are mainly found, the shores of the Caspian are covered with wonderful golden sand. In addition, this drainless salt lake is shallower than the Black Sea: its average depth off the coast of Dagestan is 5 m, and the maximum is 25 m. Therefore, the Caspian Sea warms up earlier from these two water bodies. Holidays on the beaches of the Caspian are possible from May to September inclusive, that is, the season lasts about 5 months.
Despite the fact that both climate, water temperature, and the beautiful coast provide opportunities for the development of tourism infrastructure in this region, many Russians undeservedly ignore the Caspian Sea. Resorts on its coast are little known, but still they are there and, moreover, they give the opportunity not only to sunbathe and swim, but also to improve their health. After all, the Caspian is a juvenile sea, which means that innumerable natural resources are hidden in its bowels.
So, 95 km from the capital of the republic of Makhachkala is the sanatorium "Kayakent". This resort is considered balneological, although it is washed by the Caspian Sea. Rest in this sanatorium can be used for the treatment of thermal silt-peat mud from Lake Dipsus, located nearby, and thermal mineral water. Therapeutic baths that cure various diseases, such as skin diseases, gynecological problems, as well as joint pain and many others, are taken by guests of the resort right in this lake. Also adjacent to the Caspian coast is another resort - Manas, located 25 km from the city of Izberbash. Various ailments are treated with iodine-bromine brines.
But the Caspian Sea is not rich in mineral waters and healing mud alone - rest on its coast makes it possible to get acquainted with cultural and historical sights. Derbent, located in the extreme south of Russia, is a very ancient settlement and a famous historical center. It is located on the shore of the Caspian. The history of the city is inextricably linked with the sea. By the way, according to local legends, the sea itself was named after the ancient Caspian animal breeding tribes that inhabited the shores of this giant lake before our era. In general, the Caspian Sea had more than 60 names. Ancient Rusichi called him Khvalynsky or Khvalissky, because merchants from Khorezm came to them by sea for trade. And the Arabs, Persians and Turks called the Caspian Sea the Khazar Sea.