Many of our compatriots save 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 even the island of Popov - the pearl of the entire Primorsky Territory. This is a small oasis of pristine nature in the Sea of Japan, as if created specifically for summer beach and outdoor activities.
When was Popova Island discovered?
For the first time, a series of islands was reported in the Primorsky Territory by French sailors who explored this area on the Caprice corvette in 1850. It was then that the archipelago was named in honor of Empress Eugenia. After 8 years, in 1858, the islands were explored by Russian sailors. Under the unified command of Captain First Rank Andrey Popov, the ships Rynda, Griden, and Oprichnik took part in this expedition. Washed by water from all sides, a piece of land, later called “Popova Island”, was then named after the corvette “Rynda”. This geographic feature was renamed in 1862. Since then, the island of Popova has the usual name for us.
Legends, Traditions, Facts
Scientists were able to prove that the first settlements existed on the island of Popova 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 their favorite food, but they were also revered in a special way. According to legend, there was a pirate base on the island near Alekseev Bay. In the 80s of the nineteenth century, sea robbers were detained here, who had recently robbed a ship loaded with provisions and money to strengthen the fortress in Vladivostok. The criminals were arrested, but the stolen material assets were never found. It is possible that the island of Popova keeps treasures in itself today. Pirates of those times were able to skillfully hide treasures, the uninitiated had no chance to find them.
According to some sources, during the Great Patriotic War on the island was a large closed female colony. This information is not documented to date.
Popova Island: photos of our days and modern history
Today this object belongs to the city of Vladivostok. On the island there are two villages. Total population: 1316 people. However, at the peak of the tourist season, this figure often doubles. An interesting fact: the island area is only 1240 hectares, and its size is 5x7 kilometers. Today, hotels and recreation facilities work here , as well as two museums.
Popova Island (Primorsky Territory) is incredibly popular among tourists. Here, all the conditions for ecotourism are preserved, as well as many opportunities for active sports and a relaxing beach holiday.
What to do during the holidays? Embark on a sightseeing tour, and do not forget that you can bypass the entire land area on your own in a few hours. Holidays on the island of Popova are often chosen by divers. Even at shallow depths, you can see starfish, hedgehogs, various fish and shellfish. For beginners of this sport, rental equipment and instructors are available here, ready to offer private training at an affordable price.
Tourism Opportunities
The tourist season on the island of Popova 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 you want, you can dive, go sea fishing or harvest mushrooms and berries in local forests.
The beaches here are sandy and pebble. Many of them have summer cafes or tents, where you can buy soft drinks, snacks and the freshest seafood. Due to its geographical location, the island of Popova 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 for the road to Vladivostok is too high, and it sometimes takes a lot of time. At the same time, the cost of rest here is quite low, and the satisfaction of basic household needs will cost inexpensively.
Accommodation options for vacationers
Finding a place to stay on Popova Island is not too difficult even at the height of the tourist season. Local rentals here are rented, usually these are rooms in their houses, less often - special tourist houses. More comfortable accommodation options are offered by tourist camps ("Panorama", "Daryushka", "Wave"). Such complexes will be pleased with additional services, for example, rental equipment or meals. For those who came with the aim of merging with nature on the island of Popova, recreation centers are not the best option. In this case, it will be optimal to settle in
a camp. Campings here are incredibly popular and are considered the best option for a "wild" vacation.
Guest reviews
Arriving for the first time on the island of Popova (Primorsky Territory), it is hard to believe that you are still in Russia. This is what almost all the tourists who rested in this locality speak of. The beauty of nature is amazing. The beaches delight with white sand. And the lack of noisy entertainment does not upset, but, on the contrary, allows you to think, take a break from the hustle and bust and fully recover morally. There are no ultramodern sanatoriums and hospitals in this region, but it is believed that the air itself and the microclimate are treated here. It is enough to relax on Popov Island for a week, and you will feel stronger and healthier, say all the tourists who have been here. 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.
Travel Tips
Popova Island is inhabited, people live here constantly. 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 used to choosing some little things of certain brands or taking rare medications, it makes sense to stock up on everything you need before setting off on a journey.
At an inexpensive price on the island you can buy environmentally friendly products - eggs, milk, fruits and vegetables. While relaxing here, be sure to visit the museum of the State Far Eastern Reserve, it invites you to get to know the flora and fauna of the region. You can get to the island by cruise ships, ferries or private boats departing from Vladivostok. Estimated travel time is 1-1.5 hours.