This is how the Mediterranean Sea was formed, which then included the current Azov, Black and Caspian Sea. On the site of the modern Caspian, a huge Caspian lowland was formed, the surface of which was almost 30 meters below the water level in the World Ocean. When the next rise of land began to take place at the place where the Caucasus Mountains were formed, the Caspian Sea was finally cut off from the ocean, and in its place a closed drainless reservoir was formed, which today is considered the largest inland sea on the planet. However, some scientists call this sea a giant lake.
A feature of the Caspian Sea is the constant fluctuation of the level of salinity of its water. Even in different areas of this sea, the water has different salinity. This was the reason for the predominance of fish and crustaceans in the Caspian Sea, which more easily tolerate fluctuations in water salinity.

Since the Caspian is completely isolated from the ocean, its inhabitants are endermics, i.e. always live in its water area.

The fauna of the Caspian Sea can be conditionally divided into four groups.

The first group of animals includes the descendants of ancient organisms that inhabited Tethys about 70 million years ago. These animals include Caspian gobies (golovach, Knipovich, Berg, bubyr, pugolovka, Baer) and herring (Kessler, Brazhnikov, Volga, brazil, etc.), some mollusks and most crustaceans (long-sexed crayfish, orthemia crustacean, etc.). Some fish, mainly herring, periodically enter the rivers flowing into the Caspian to spawn, many never leave the sea. Gobies prefer to live in coastal waters, often found in estuaries.
The second group of animals of the Caspian Sea is represented by arctic species. penetrated into the Caspian Sea from the north in the postglacial period. These are such animals as the Caspian seal (Caspian seal), fish - Caspian trout, white salmon, nelma. Of the crustaceans, this group is represented by mysid crustaceans, similar to small shrimps, tiny sea cockroaches, and some others.
The third group of animals inhabiting the Caspian includes species that independently or with the help of humans moved here from mediterranean sea. These are mollusks mitisyaster and abra, crustaceans - amphipods, shrimp, Black Sea and Atlantic crabs and some types of fish: golden mullet (sharp nose), needle fish and Black Sea kalk (flounder).

And, finally, the fourth group - freshwater fish that penetrated into the Caspian Sea from fresh rivers and turned into marine or anadromous, i.e. periodically rising into the rivers. Some of the typically freshwater fish also occasionally enter the Caspian. Among the fish of the fourth group are catfish, pike perch, barbel, red-lipped asp, Caspian fish, Russian and Persian sturgeon, beluga, stellate sturgeon. It should be noted that the Caspian Sea basin is the main habitat of sturgeons on the planet. Almost 80% of all sturgeons in the world live here. Barbels and fish are also valuable commercial fish.

As for sharks and other fish that are predatory and dangerous to humans, they do not live in the Caspian Sea-Lake.

Rest on the shore of the Caspian Sea- a great alternative for those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle.

And also to gain new impressions and vitality, to improve the health of children, but does not have the financial means to travel to distant warm countries.

Cheap flights to Makhachkala

General information

The Caspian Sea, which is the most large lake in the world, spread from North to South for about 1200 km. Its average width is up to 320 km. The water surface area is about 370 thousand km2. The level of the Caspian Sea is almost 28 meters below the ocean level.

The maximum depth was recorded in the South Caspian depression and is 1025 meters.

The unique sea-lake is rich in small islands, there are about 50 of them.

More than 100 rivers flow into the sea, including the Volga, Ural, Kura, Atrek, Terek and others.

The Caspian is famous for its unique flora and fauna.

In its warm waters, you can find more than 850 species of fish and animals, more than 500 species of plants. Many representatives of flora and fauna are listed in the Red Book.

The sea is rich in fish, including valuable sturgeon species. The Caspian seal lives in warm waters. There are no sharks and other fish that are predatory and dangerous to humans.

Nature lovers can visit the famous Astrakhan International Biosphere Reserve. This is a magnificent natural monument.

In spring and summer, people specially come here to admire the amazing beauty of the phenomenon: the fields of blooming lotus.

Russian resorts of the Caspian Sea

The length of the coast of the Russian part of the Caspian Sea is more than 600 kilometers.

Large sandy beaches, warm sea, pleasant weather - excellent prospects for organizing a quality summer holiday.

The best Russian resorts of the Caspian Sea are located in Dagestan.

Makhachkala, Kaspiysk, Izberbash, Lagan, Derbent, Dagestan Lights - famous sea resort towns.

Climate

The coast of the Astrakhan region has a temperate climate. Warm weather lasts from the first days of May to the first half of September.

During the season, clear warm weather prevails ( average temperature 24-25 0 C). Cloudy days and rain are rare.

The hottest month is July.

In summer, the water in the sea warms up to 23-28°С along the entire length of the Russian coastline.

Accommodation

There are more than 150 boarding houses and recreation centers on the Caspian coast of Russia.

Vacationers can buy a ticket in advance or arrange on the spot.

In Derbent and Kaspiysk, tourists will be warmly welcomed by the staff of large comfortable hotels.

Small cozy hotels are also at the service of vacationers. family vacation. You can find comfortable housing in the private sector. Prices are very affordable .

How to get there?

The Astrakhan coast of the Caspian Sea can be reached by the following route: by train or plane to the regional center, the city of Astrakhan, and then by bus, taxi or water transport to the destination.

The resorts of Dagestan can be reached by local transport(bus, taxi) from the capital of the Republic of Makhachkala, which can be reached by train or intercity bus.

Treatment

Those who wish can relax and undergo a course of treatment in the Caspian sanatorium, which is located on the seashore 40 km from Makhachkala.

This spa with healing mineral baths is equipped with modern diagnostic equipment.

The course of treatment is designed for 21 days, which gives a noticeable balneological effect.

Sanatorium "Lezzet"- climatic, sea, balneo-mud resort on the Caspian Sea. It is located 8 kilometers from Makhachkala Airport.

Profile areas: diseases of the nervous, musculoskeletal, genitourinary, digestive, cardiovascular systems, respiratory organs, gynecological problems and infertility.

The resort will help to combine the rest of the sea with treatment "Talgi". The health resort is located in Makhachkala.

Specialization - treatment and prevention of diseases of the joints, nervous and genitourinary systems. For treatment, unique sulfide waters with hydrogen sulfide are used.

Recreation and entertainment

In all resorts and health resorts of the Russian coast, infrastructure is developed, conditions for a good rest are created:

• athletic facilities;
• cafes, restaurants;
• various attractions;
• for those who wish, they organize boat trips, fishing, and thematic excursions.

Rest in the Astrakhan region

The city of Astrakhan is located in the Caspian lowland in the delta of the Volga River. This old City is included in tourist tours and is popular among travelers.

Guests are attracted by wonderful architectural ensembles, majestic churches, and interesting museums.

At the end of summer and autumn, you can enjoy the famous Astrakhan watermelons and fragrant melons from the garden.

From the regional center to the Caspian Sea is only 60 km.

The most common and affordable accommodation for vacationers and tourists in the Volga Delta and on the Caspian coast are recreation centers. As a rule, these are small cozy houses located in picturesque corners.

"Dardanelles", recreation center

The Astrakhan region is an excellent region for lovers of fishing and active rest.

Fishermen have long chosen the recreation center "Dardanelles", located in the delta of the Volga River.

In the modern building, the rooms are equipped with air conditioning, refrigerators, and bathrooms.

Dardanelles

High-quality three meals a day are organized for vacationers.

In the restaurant of the base, you can prepare mouth-watering dishes from your own catch.

Sauna and billiards are at the guests' disposal. Guests are offered a variety of excursions, including to Astrakhan, boat trips along the sea and the Volga.

Address: s. Zaton, Kamyzyaksky district, Astrakhan region (base 9 km).

"Tortuga", fishing base

"Tortuga" in terms of cost of living is not very different from "Dardanelles".

The standard house has comfortable furniture, household appliances, necessary utensils, bathrooms. It is very comfortable to stay here for families with children.

Those who wish can stay in a floating house. Equipment needed for fishing can be rented on site.

Address: s. Tower, Limansky district, Astrakhan region

Mountain country - Dagestan- offers tourists the sandy beaches of the Caspian Sea, ski resorts, unique nature and culture, ancient monuments and wonderful national cuisine.

And although the idea of ​​​​rest in Dagestan is perceived ambiguously due to doubts about security, a lot of guests come to the republic. This mountainous region is very beautiful and original.

Resort complex "Chindirchero"

This popular holiday destination welcomes guests all year round.

In summer, guests can enjoy relaxing by the sea.

For vacationers:

• windsurfing;
• kiting;
• rafting.

chindirchero

There are also all conditions for paragliding and rock climbing.

In winter, "Chindirchero" is a popular ski resort.

Address: s. Ginta, Akushinsky district, Makhachkala,

Derbent

Derbent, a city with a history of 5 thousand years, is one of the most attractive resorts for tourism on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

Derbent region is a subtropical paradise with the riot of nature and the abundance of the sun. The beauty of the sea coast is framed by picturesque mountains.

There are many ancient monuments and interesting sights in Derbent. Vacationers are waiting for exciting excursions, including helicopter ones. Both in the city and in its environs there are hotels, hotels, tourist bases.

The most popular hotels in Derbent:

• Hotel Krasny Bak;
• Hotel Complex Evropa;
• Elite Hotel.

The resort can be reached by train or regular minibus from the bus station of Makhachkala or Kaspiysk. The Moscow-Baku train stops in Derbent.

Izberbash

This colorful city spread out at the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, covered with picturesque forests.

Izberbash

Warm sea, extensive sandy beaches, amazing landscapes attract tourists.

The combination of sea and mountain air, the presence of healing mineral springs make it possible to improve health.

Turbaza "Priboy"

From the windows of the three-story building of the camp site, magnificent views open up. The living rooms have all the necessary amenities, there are air conditioners, TVs. At the disposal of vacationers is a clean, well-maintained beach.

Tasty, healthy meals, a cozy bar, and a guarded parking lot are organized at the camp site.

Address: pos. Primorsky, Izberbash.

Reviews

“We arrived for the first time from Orenburg. Nature is just amazing! Everything is so beautiful - I did not part with the camera. The base itself is a picturesque place. The perfect place for relax. It is a pity that we did not give full information, and came for a three-day tour.

Next time we will try to stay longer. Top notch service. Such hospitality and cordiality is rare to find. We left with great regret. We'll definitely be back."

“There are beaches in Derbent. But most of them are rented from private owners. City beaches usually quickly fill up with garbage and are poorly cleaned, and this fact does not soften even the charm of clear, beautiful, warm sea water.

Resorts of Kazakhstan on the Caspian Sea

The amazing nature and warm healing water of the sea make the rest on the Caspian Sea very attractive.

People come to Kazakhstan on the coast to relax and improve their health. It offers comfortable sandy beaches, natural mineral springs and healing mud.

Aktau is the only city near the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan.

On the Kazakh coast, the infrastructure is not yet very developed. However, there are already many pleasant places where tourists come with pleasure.

How to get there?

You can get to Aktau only by train or plane.

Getting there by road is difficult not only because of the very long distance, but also because of the quality of local roads.

Climate

On the coast of the Caspian Sea, winters are mild, and summers are dry and warm.

During the summer day the air temperature rises to +30..+32 degrees, and at night it drops to +20 degrees.

The beach season lasts from May to September.

Accommodation

There will be no problems with accommodation in Aktau, even if you do not arrive on a tour. There are more than 20 modern comfortable hotels in the city.

The most popular of them:

• "Aktau";
• Chagala ;
• "Zheruyik".

Treatment

On the Kazakh coast of the Caspian Sea, two large health-improving complexes can be distinguished:

• "Kenderli" - 300 km from Aktau;
• Steegle, near the city.

The unique balneological clinic "Shagala" is located within the city.

Recreation and entertainment

"Kenderlik"

Near Aktau there is a sports and recreation complex. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts.

This modern complex complies with all international norms and standards.

Kenderly

Guests live in small cozy cottages located on the shore or in comfortable hotel rooms, in the building of which there is a sauna, an indoor pool, a solarium and winter Garden.

At the service of vacationers billiard room, gyms, tennis courts, outdoor summer pool, football and volleyball courts, bowling hall, dance floor, bars and restaurant.

"Shagala", sanatorium

The sanatorium-dispensary "Shagala" ("The Seagull") offers high-quality rest and recovery. This is a unique balneological clinic. It is located on the Caspian coast, within the city of Aktau.

Guests are offered single and double rooms with private facilities. The building of the sanatorium has a comfortable winter garden where you can relax and admire exotic plants.

Vacationers can visit Entertainment Center, casino, technopark, roller skating area.

New impressions will give excursion tours historical sites and natural monuments Mangyshlak.

Address: Aktau, m-n 1, coastal zone.

On the seashore, 18 kilometers from Aktau, there is a modern sports and recreational entertainment center "Stigl".

There are two hotels on the territory of the center. This complex is equipped in accordance with international standards.

On its territory there is a unique sea sauna, SPA-salon, fitness center, massage rooms, as well as cafes, restaurants, attractions.

There are still disputes about the status of the Caspian Sea. The fact is that, despite its common name, it is still the largest endorheic lake in the world. It was called the sea because of the features that the structure of the bottom has. It is formed by oceanic crust. In addition, the water in the Caspian Sea is salty. As at sea, storms and strong winds are often observed here, raising high waves.

Geography

The Caspian Sea is located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. In its shape, it resembles one of the letters of the Latin alphabet - S. From south to north, the sea stretches for 1200 km, and from east to west - from 195 to 435 km.

The territory of the Caspian Sea is heterogeneous in terms of its physical and geographical conditions. In this regard, it is conventionally divided into 3 parts. These include the Northern and Middle, as well as the Southern Caspian.

coastal countries

Which countries are washed by the Caspian Sea? There are only five of them:

1. Russia, located in the northwest and west. The length of the coastline of this state along the Caspian Sea is 695 km. Kalmykia, Dagestan and the Astrakhan region, which are part of Russia, are located here.
2. Kazakhstan. This is a country on the shores of the Caspian Sea, located in the east and northeast. The length of its coastline is 2320 km.
3. Turkmenistan. The map of the Caspian states indicates that this country is located in the southeast of the water basin. The length of the line along the coast is 1200 km.
4. Azerbaijan. This state, stretching along the Caspian for 955 km, washes its shores in the southwest.
5. Iran. The map of the Caspian states indicates that this country is located near southern shores drainless lake. At the same time, the length of its sea borders is 724 km.

Caspian sea?

Until now, the dispute about how to name this unique reservoir has not been resolved. And it is important to answer this question. The fact is that all countries on the Caspian Sea have their own interests in this region. However, the question of how to divide this huge body of water, the governments of the five states have not been able to decide for a long time. The main dispute revolved around the name. Is the Caspian still a sea or a lake? Moreover, the answer to this question is more of interest to non-geographers. First of all, politicians need it. This is due to the application of international law.

Such littoral states, like Kazakhstan and Russia, believe that their borders in this region are washed by the sea. In this regard, representatives of the two indicated countries insist on the application of the UN Convention, adopted in 1982. It concerns the law of the sea. The provisions of this document state that the coastal states are assigned a twelve-mile water zone along it. In addition, the country is granted the right to an economic maritime territory. It is located at a distance of two hundred miles. The coastal state also has the right to, however, even the widest part of the Caspian Sea is narrower than the distance specified in the international document. In such a case, the principle of the median line can be applied. At the same time, the Caspian states, which have the largest length of coastal borders, will receive a large sea area.

Iran has a different opinion on this matter. Its representatives believe that the Caspian should be divided fairly. In this case, all countries will get twenty percent of the sea area. One can understand the position of official Tehran. With such a solution to the problem, the state will control a larger zone than when dividing the sea along the median line.

However, the Caspian from year to year significantly changes its water level. This does not allow determining its median line and dividing the territory between states. Countries such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Russia have signed an agreement among themselves defining those bottom zones on which the parties will exercise their economic rights. Thus, a certain legal truce has been achieved in the northern territories of the sea. The southern countries of the Caspian Sea have not yet come to a unified decision. At the same time, they do not recognize the agreements reached by their northern neighbors.

The Caspian is a lake?

Adherents of this point of view proceed from the fact that the reservoir, located at the junction of Asia and Europe, is closed. In this case, it is impossible to apply the document on the norms of international maritime law to it. Supporters of this theory are convinced that they are right, referring to the fact that the Caspian Sea does not have a natural connection with the waters of the World Ocean. But here another difficulty arises. If the lake is the Caspian Sea, according to what international standards should the borders of states be defined in its water spaces? Unfortunately, such documents have not yet been developed. The fact is that the issues of the international lake were not discussed anywhere and by anyone.

Is the Caspian a unique body of water?

In addition to those listed above, there is another, third point of view on the ownership of this amazing reservoir. Its supporters are of the opinion that the Caspian should be recognized as an international water basin, belonging equally to all countries bordering on it. In their opinion, the resources of the region are subject to joint exploitation by the countries bordering the reservoir.

Solving Security Issues

The Caspian states are doing everything possible to eliminate all existing differences. And there are positive developments in this regard. One of the steps towards solving problems related to the Caspian region was an agreement signed on November 18, 2010 between all five countries. It concerns issues of cooperation in the field of security. In this document, the countries agreed on joint activities to eliminate terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling, poaching, money laundering, etc. in the region.

environmental protection

Particular attention is paid to solving environmental issues. The territory on which the Caspian states and Eurasia are located is a region under the threat of industrial pollution. Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are dumping waste from exploration and production of energy carriers into the waters of the Caspian Sea. Moreover, it is in these countries that a large number of abandoned oil wells that are not operated due to their unprofitability, but nevertheless continue to have an adverse impact on the environmental situation. As for Iran, it dumps agricultural waste and sewage into the sea. Russia threatens the ecology of the region with industrial pollution. This is due to the economic activity that has unfolded in the Volga region.

Countries on the Caspian Sea have made some progress in solving problems environment. Thus, since August 12, 2007, the Framework Convection has been in force in the region, which sets itself the goal of protecting the Caspian Sea. This document developed provisions on the protection of bioresources and the regulation of anthropogenic factors affecting the aquatic environment. According to this convection, the parties must cooperate in carrying out activities to improve the environmental situation in the Caspian.

In 2011 and 2012, all five countries also signed other documents significant for the protection of the marine environment. Among them:

• Protocol on Cooperation, Response and Regional Preparedness for Oil Pollution Events.
• Protocol concerning the protection of the region against pollution from land-based sources.

Development of the gas pipeline construction

To date, another problem is unresolved in the Caspian region. It concerns the laying This idea is an important strategic task of the West and the United States, which continue to look for sources of energy resources alternative to Russian ones. That is why, when resolving this issue, the parties do not turn to such countries as Kazakhstan, Iran and, of course, the Russian Federation. Brussels and Washington supported the statement made in Baku on November 18, 2010 at the summit of the heads of the Caspian countries. He expressed the official position of Ashgabat regarding the laying of the pipeline. The Turkmen authorities believe that the project should be carried out. At the same time, only those states, on the territories of the bottom of which it will be located, must give their consent to the construction of the pipeline. These are Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Iran and Russia opposed this position and the project itself. At the same time, they were guided by the issues of protecting the Caspian ecosystem. To date, the construction of the pipeline is not being carried out due to disagreement between the project participants.

Hosting the first summit

The countries on the Caspian Sea are constantly looking for ways to solve the problems that have matured in this Eurasian region. For this, special meetings of their representatives are organized. Thus, the first summit of the heads of the Caspian states took place in April 2002. Ashgabat became its venue. However, the results of this meeting did not meet expectations. The summit was considered unsuccessful due to Iran's demands for the division of the sea into 5 equal parts. This was strongly opposed by other countries. Their representatives defended their own point of view that the size of national water areas should correspond to the length that coastline states.

The failure of the summit was also provoked by a dispute between Ashgabat and Baku over the ownership of three oil fields located in the center of the Caspian Sea. As a result, the heads of the five states did not develop a unanimous opinion on any of all the issues raised. However, at the same time, an agreement was reached to hold a second summit. It was supposed to take place in 2003 in Baku.

Second Caspian Summit

Despite the existing agreements, the scheduled meeting was postponed every year. The heads of the Caspian littoral states gathered for the second summit only on October 16, 2007. The venue was Tehran. At the meeting, topical issues related to determining the legal status of a unique reservoir, which is the Caspian Sea, were discussed. The borders of the states within the framework of the division of the water area were preliminarily agreed during the development of the draft of the new convention. The problems of security, ecology, economy and cooperation of coastal countries were also raised. In addition, the results of the work that the states have carried out since the first summit were summed up. In Tehran, representatives of the five states also outlined ways for further cooperation in the region.

Meeting at the third summit

Once again, the heads of the Caspian countries met in Baku on November 18, 2010. The result of this summit was the signing of an agreement on expanding cooperation regarding security issues. During the meeting, it was pointed out that which countries werehes the Caspian Sea, only those should ensure the fight against terrorism, transnational crime, weapons proliferation, etc.

Fourth summit

Once again, the Caspian states raised their problems in Astrakhan on September 29, 2014. At this meeting, the presidents of the five countries signed another statement.

In it, the parties fixed the exclusive right of the coastal countries to deploy armed forces in the Caspian. But even at this meeting, the status of the Caspian was not finally settled.

The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water. And although the water in it is salty, and the bed is lined with rocks of the oceanic type, it is located at a distance from the oceans and is a giant drainless lake.

The Caspian Sea is located in two parts of the world at once. Its western shore washes the European part of the mainland, and the eastern one is part of Asia. Its length from north to south is 1030 km, and from west to east 435 km at the maximum point. Sea coordinates: 36°34'–47°13' north latitude and 46°–56° east longitude.

You can get to the Caspian Sea from anywhere in Russia. One of the main destinations for the Russians will be Astrakhan and the region, from which from the capital and other major cities All year round there are both air and rail flights. It is not so easy to get from remote cities, as often the stations do not make direct flights to Astrakhan.

Another popular route runs through Dagestan and leads to Makhachkala, Kaspiysk or Derbent - the main cities for tourists. Planes from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Krasnoyarsk fly to the capital of the republic all year round. It is also possible to get there by train, but in summer they are usually packed with people.

Historical facts

The lake was formed from the Sarmatian Sea tens of millions of years ago, when the Caucasus Mountains did not divide it into the Black and Caspian Seas. The Sarmatian Sea itself finally lost direct access to the ocean more than 70 million years ago.

One of the first written references to the Caspian was found on clay tablets dating back to the 9th century. BC e. They were found during excavations in Assyria, the territory of which mainly belongs to modern Iraq and Syria. Later, Herodotus, Aristotle and the "father of geography" Hecateus of Miletus mention the Caspian. Their knowledge was generalized and expanded by Arab scientists in the 9th-10th centuries.

How was the Caspian Sea formed?

With the development of medieval trade relations, information about the Caspian Sea spread to Europe and Turkey. The famous navigator and traveler Marco Polo described it in the 13th century. With the further passage of time, knowledge about the lake was only replenished, more detailed and truthful maps were created.

As for the name, over the thousands of years of its existence on it, people have given the lake more than 70 names. So, the ancient peoples called it Hyrcanian, and the Arabs - Khazar. The Chinese gave it the name Sihai, the Iranians - Kolzum, the Turks - Kyuchuk-Deniz.

The Russians called it the "Blue Sea", Khvalynsky or Khozemsky. The name also changed depending on the neighboring states. At one time it was also called Sarai, Turkmen, Avar, Persian and many other names. It took its modern name from the ancient nomadic pastoral tribes - the Caspians, who lived on its right bank around the 2nd millennium BC.

Characteristic

Of all the characteristics of the Caspian, the most interesting are its unique flora and fauna, which have collected many rare species of plants and animals, the determination of its origin and the problems associated with the ecology and pollution of the reservoir.

Bottom relief and depth

The Caspian Sea is divided into three geographical zones: North, Middle and South. The north is a sea plume with an average depth of no more than 5 m. It accounts for the smallest amount of lake water - about 1%. The second largest was the Middle Caspian, where the bottom at its maximum point goes to 780 m. It contains more than 30% of water reserves.

The southern part is equal to the Middle part in terms of area, but is deeper and has more than 60% of the water mass.

It is here that the deepest point of the lake is located today - 1025 meters under water.

The boundaries between the parts are rather arbitrary, but they exist.

Between the North and the Middle of the border were the island of Chechen and Cape Tyub-Karagansky, and between the Middle and the South - the island of Zhiloy and Cape Gan-Gulu.

The relief of the lake bottom is quite uniform, but differs in different zones.

In the North, it is flat shallow water with small alluvial areas. The middle one goes deep and is covered with silt or shells. The southern one, being the deepest one, is also covered with silt, and in some places with ledges of bedrock.

Area and length

The surface area of ​​the lake is approximately 370,000 sq. km. The water level is subject to cyclical changes: it goes down, then it rises. Scientists have found that over the past millennium, the water level in the lake has fluctuated within a dozen meters. This is a very big indicator.

It is connected primarily with the activity of people, as well as geological factors that constantly affect the reservoir. According to confirmed data, the water level is only rising. The South, Middle and North account for 40, 35, 25% of the area, respectively.

The length of the coastline is 6700 km, and taking into account the island territories - about 7000. The coasts themselves are quite smooth, without large hills. In the north, the lowland of the coast is represented by channels and islands formed by the Volga.

The area here is swampy and covered with dense thickets of reeds. The eastern coastal areas are adjacent to deserts and are composed of limestone or shells. The most "mountainous" were the coasts of the Absheron Peninsula and the Kazakh Gulf.

The Caspian Sea is located in an area where there are many islands and peninsulas. The largest and most significant peninsulas are: the Agrakhan Peninsula, the Absheron Peninsula, on which Baku is located, the Mangyshlak Peninsula, which has the Kazakh city of Aktau, the Buzachi, Miankale and Tyub-Karagan Peninsulas.

There are about 50 large and medium-sized islands in the lake. Their total area is 350 sq. km. The most famous of them are: Chechen, Gum, Dash, Zyanbil, Seal Islands, Chygyl, Garasu and Ashur-Ada.

Water composition

The composition of water is different from that observed in the seas and oceans. This is due not only to the fact that the Caspian Sea is closed, but also subject to a significant influence of the waters of the continental runoff. This greatly reduces the content of chlorides and salts in the water, but increases the amount of calcium, carbonates and sulfates inherent in river water.

In the Sea of ​​Azov, for example, there are two times less calcium cations than in the Caspian. Despite this, the water in the lake is salty - from 0.05 ppm at the confluence of the Volga to 11-13 ppm in the southern part.

	Carbonates (CaCO3)	Sulphates CaSO4, MgSO4	Chlorides NaCl, KCl, MgCl2	Average salinity of waters ‰
Ocean	0,21	10,34	89,45	35
Caspian Sea	1,24	30,54	67,90	12,9

The basin of the sea and its relationship with the oceans

The Caspian Sea basin is 3.1 million sq. km. km. It includes such rivers as the Volga, Kuma, Uluchay, Samug, Sudak, Terek. The Volga is the largest and deepest river flowing into the lake. More than two hundred large rivers flow into it, and the number of its tributaries is more than 5000.

From the Astrakhan region begins its delta, which is the largest in Europe. The Volga receives most of its water from melting snow, rain and springs. In addition to these rivers, more than 100 rivers flow into the Caspian.

To date, the Caspian Sea has no direct connection with the ocean, however, an indirect connection is provided through the Volga-Don Canal. Through it, ships and fleets can get from the Caspian and Volga to the Don, Azov and Black Sea.

Climate

The Caspian Sea is located in several climatic zones, and the climate depends on its parts. In the northern part, it is continental with temperatures ranging from -10 °C in winter to +25 °C in summer. In the southern part, the climate becomes subtropical. The temperature there ranges from + 8 °C in winter to +27 °C in summer.

The middle part of the Caspian Sea is located in a temperate climate with average temperatures. The highest temperature recorded on the east coast was +44 °C.

Water temperature is also subject to significant changes and depends on latitude. During the cold season in the northern part, the water can freeze or cool to 0 - 1 °C, and in the south the temperature does not fall below 10 °C. In summer, the water warms up from +20 °C to +27 °C depending on the region.

As for precipitation, their average annual rate is 200 mm. Again, it all depends on the climate and varies from 100 mm in the eastern part to 1700 mm in the southern subtropics. It is best to visit the Caspian Sea in the summer at the end of July or in August. Ideal resorts will be Baku, Makhachkala and Astrakhan.

Flora and fauna

The fauna of the Caspian Sea is diverse and rich. It somewhat repeats other reservoirs, but is peculiar in its own way. Ancient sturgeon and salmon species of fish live here, as well as several types of herring, carp, pike perch, carp, sprat, mullet, bream, pike, and vobla. There are about 100 species of fish in total.

The volume of sturgeon makes up 90% of all world stocks. The only and unique species of mammal living in this area is the Caspian seal, which is the smallest of all seals. Many of the species are protected by three reserves: Astrakhan, Caspian and Gyzylagadzh.

The vegetation has more than 700 species. The most significant for maintaining favorable conditions for animals are blue-green, red, brown and diatoms. Most of the flora represents the Neogene period of the ancient Caspian, however, some species are brought into the sea on purpose or accidentally due to shipping.

Ecological situation

The current ecological situation in the Caspian Sea is not the best. The main polluting factor was oil and its processing. As you know, it began to be mined here 150 years ago in Azerbaijan.

In this regard, the suppression of the development of finoplankton and blue-green algae began, the concentration of oxygen in the water decreased, which affected the reproduction of sturgeon fish, waterfowl and other living organisms.

A lot of troubles were also brought by the mass reproduction of the comb jelly Mnemiopsis, which penetrated into the Caspian Sea from the Black and Azov Seas through the Volga-Don Canal. The comb jelly feeds on the same plankton as the Caspian fish.

This reduced their food base and put sturgeon on the brink of extinction. The number of valuable sturgeons has also decreased due to poaching, which, according to unofficial data, accounts for more than half of the catch.

The biological and hydrocarbon riches of the Caspian, unique in nature, are also destroyed by phenols and heavy metals that enter it with wastewater from industrial enterprises located near the reservoir.

Countries washed by the Caspian Sea

The waters of the sea wash the territories of modern:

The main cities located on the coast are Astrakhan, Baku, Aktau, Bender-Anzeli, Makhachkala and Turkmenbashi.

Tourism infrastructure on the Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is located around developed countries and its tourist infrastructure is represented by a large number of coastal resort towns with many recreation centers and hotels. Tourists have at their disposal not only active recreation in the form of fishing or water parks, but also beaches where, for little money, you can relax from morning to late evening, renting sun loungers, hammocks or gazebos.

Resorts on the Caspian Sea

Baku has become one of the most prestigious resorts. The capital of Azerbaijan with a population of 2.5 million people provides an opportunity not only to relax on the beach, but also to visit many attractions, some of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It is still better to go to the beaches in the suburbs of Baku, where Shikhovo, Mardakan or Zagulba are located. The resort infrastructure of the Caspian Sea is at a high level. The beaches are clean and well maintained, hotel complexes provide a wide range of accommodation near the coast. IN

All this is a 30-minute drive from Baku. Do not write off Sumgayit either. It is located 30 km from Baku, but has more extensive shell-type beaches. It has less city fuss, but service and maintenance are not inferior to the capital.

Kazakhstan also has several resorts in major cities. Aktau and Atyrau became the most popular. Despite the fact that Aktau is located in the desert and began to recreate the tourism infrastructure relatively recently, it has new hotel complexes with a decent quality of service.

Atyrau, on the other hand, has ceased to be in demand, since the Caspian Sea has become shallow in these places and the beaches have ceased to exist. In general, Kazakh resorts are in low demand among foreign and Russian vacationers.

The Caspian Sea washes several large Turkmen cities, including Turkmenbashi and Avaza. The second city enjoys tourist demand. Here, the construction of hotels and complexes also began relatively recently, but the resort has already managed to find its adherents.

One of its features are sand and shell beaches stretching for kilometers. The resorts of Turkmenistan also cannot be called popular among foreigners, since there is a rather complicated visa system when entering the country.

In Russia, the two most popular resorts are Astrakhan and Dagestan, represented by Astrakhan itself, Makhachkala, Derbent, Caspian and a couple of other small towns. One of the most picturesque is Derbent. Thanks to its landscapes and ancient buildings, which are part of the UNESCO heritage, the city has become popular not only among tourists from Russia, but also among foreigners.

Beaches on the Caspian Sea

The most interesting beaches Russian resorts became Jami, Goryanka, Laguna and the beach of the Caspian sanatorium, located on the territory of Dagestan. Unfortunately, according to the reviews of tourists in Astrakhan, there are few good beaches, and most of the coastal areas are in the thickets of reeds.

Jami Beach, like the Caspian, belongs to hotel and sanatorium apartments located on the coast. That is why they are well equipped in terms of recreation and service. Goryanka beach is different in that only women and boys under 6 years old can enter its territory.

Among the beaches of Kazakhstan, the beaches of Manila, Nur Plaza, Dostar, Marrakesh deserve the most attention. The beaches of Manila and new Marrakesh are very popular, as the entrance to them is free, and they are open until late in the evening.

Nur Plaza and Dostar are paid. Entrance costs from 35 to 80 rubles. This price already includes umbrellas, sun loungers and other benefits. It is possible to cheaply rent gazebos, barbecues and park cars.

The beaches of the Turkmen Avaza stretch for 30 km and have good infrastructure and huge hotel complexes. But not everything is so good. Many note the many shortcomings of hotels and service for rather high ticket prices. Among them: cold water in the sea, low population, smells from oil refineries, which are located near the Caspian Sea.

The beaches of Azerbaijan are rightfully considered the most developed. There are a lot of them for every taste and budget. Almost the entire coastal zone of Baku is built up with hotel complexes, recreation centers and beaches.

The most famous is the beach of the water park Shikhovo. It has everything for active recreation not only for adults, but also for children. Waterslides and attractions will not make you bored, and a large number of sun loungers will fit everyone who wants to just lie in the sun. But do not forget about such beaches as Nabran, Sumgaiti, Novkhani and other places.

Sights of the Caspian Sea

On the territory of Russia there are many attractions that are worth visiting when arriving at the resort. In Astrakhan, they were the Astrakhan Kremlin, the Bridge of Lovers, the Wedding Waltz fountain. In Makhachkala, you can visit the Juma mosque, many museums and theaters, and in Derbent, the ancient Naryn-Kala fortress and the 150-year-old Derbent lighthouse often become a place of visit.

Azerbaijan has unique architectural objects of its kind. In the suburbs of Baku, there is the Maiden Tower and a whole complex of walls with the palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Gobustan landscape with ancient rock paintings. There is something to see in the city center. Here are modern hotels, galleries and museums. For example, the Carpet Museum, the TV tower, the cultural center of Heydar Aliyev.

There are not so many sights in the Turkmen Avaza. Among them are several yacht clubs, a park, a Congress Center and an aqua park with attractions. There are no special sights in Kazakh Aktau, as well as streets. The whole city is divided into districts.

Entertainment and active recreation on the Caspian Sea

For people who love outdoor activities, there are special fishing tours to Astrakhan. Prices start from 20,000 rubles. and include accommodation, boat rentals, fish freezing and cooking facilities.

In Kazakhstan, for outdoor enthusiasts, there are bases with fitness centers, shady courts and much more. Among them, the Kenderly base stands out. Its only drawback: it is located 300 km from the coast.

On the Azerbaijani coast there is everything for a good time. Water parks Shikhov and Resort will not let children and adults who love active entertainment get bored. Like the Turkmen water park in Avaza.

Prices for hotels in the Caspian Sea

Resort prices in Russia are the cheapest. Accommodation in apartments in Astrakhan will cost 600-700 rubles, and in hotels from 1200 to 3600 rubles. per day. The most popular hotels are Corvette, Bonhotel, Novomoskovsky. In Dagestan, the average price for a hotel will be 1,500 rubles. Coastal hotels: Argo, Pegasus, Assorted, Sharhistan, Versailles.

In Kazakh Aktau there are hotels Rakhat, Aktau, Victoria. Prices depend on the quality of services, but on average they start from 2,000 thousand rubles. Renting an apartment starts from 600 rubles.

Baku hotels provide the best conditions and service, however, the prices here are by no means the highest. The average price is 2000 rubles. Popular hotels are Consul, Bosfor, Safran. It is also possible to rent apartments and individual rooms.

But Turkmen hotels are the most expensive. Prices here start at $70. Despite this, many complain that for such money the service leaves much to be desired.

The Caspian Sea is a unique body of water with its own original flora and fauna. There are 5 states on its shores, most of which provide good tourist infrastructure and services at affordable prices. IN coastal cities there are ancient sights that are world heritage UNESCO.

Article formatting: Mila Fridan

Video about the Caspian Sea

Overview of holidays on the Caspian Sea:

Caspian Sea- the largest lake on Earth, located at the junction of Europe and Asia, called the sea because of its size. Caspian Sea is a drainless lake, and the water in it is salty, from 0.05% near the mouth of the Volga to 11-13% in the southeast.
The water level is subject to fluctuations, at present - about 28 m below the level of the World Ocean.
Square Caspian Sea currently - approximately 371,000 sq. km, maximum depth - 1025 m.

coastline length Caspian Sea estimated at about 6500 - 6700 kilometers, with the islands - up to 7000 kilometers. coast Caspian Sea in most of its territory - low-lying and smooth. In the northern part, the coastline is indented by water channels and islands of the Volga and Ural deltas, the shores are low and swampy, and the water surface is covered with thickets in many places. The east coast is dominated by limestone shores adjacent to semi-deserts and deserts. The most winding coasts are on the west coast in the area of ​​the Apsheron Peninsula and on the east coast in the area of ​​the Kazakh Gulf and Kara-Bogaz-Gol.

IN Caspian Sea 130 rivers flow into it, of which 9 rivers have a mouth in the form of a delta. Large rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea are the Volga, Terek (Russia), Ural, Emba (Kazakhstan), Kura (Azerbaijan), Samur (Russian border with Azerbaijan), Atrek (Turkmenistan) and others.

Map of the Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea washes the shores of five coastal states:

Russia (Dagestan, Kalmykia and Astrakhan region) - in the west and north-west, the length of the coastline is 695 kilometers
Kazakhstan - in the north, northeast and east, the length of the coastline is 2320 kilometers
Turkmenistan - in the southeast, the length of the coastline is 1200 kilometers
Iran - in the south, the length of the coastline - 724 kilometers
Azerbaijan - in the southwest, the length of the coastline is 955 kilometers

Water temperature

subject to significant latitudinal changes, most clearly expressed in winter period when the temperature changes from 0 - 0.5 °C at the ice edge in the north of the sea to 10 - 11 °C in the south, that is, the water temperature difference is about 10 °C. For shallow water areas with depths less than 25 m, the annual amplitude can reach 25 - 26 °C. The average water temperature at west coast 1 - 2 °C higher than that of the eastern, and in the open sea the water temperature is 2 - 4 °C higher than that of the coasts.

Climate of the Caspian Sea- continental in the northern part, temperate in the middle part and subtropical in the southern part. In winter, the average monthly temperature of the Caspian varies from -8 -10 in the northern part to +8 - +10 in the southern part, in summer - from +24 - +25 in the northern part to +26 - +27 in the southern part. The maximum temperature recorded on the east coast is 44 degrees.

Animal world

The fauna of the Caspian is represented by 1809 species, of which 415 are vertebrates. IN Caspian Sea 101 species of fish have been registered, and most of the world's sturgeon stocks are concentrated in it, as well as such freshwater fish as roach, carp, pike perch. Caspian Sea- habitat for fish such as carp, mullet, sprat, kutum, bream, salmon, perch, pike. IN Caspian Sea also inhabited by a marine mammal - the Caspian seal.

Vegetable world

Vegetable world Caspian Sea and its coast is represented by 728 species. From plants to Caspian Sea algae predominate - blue-green, diatoms, red, brown, char and others, from flowering ones - zoster and ruppia. By origin, the flora belongs mainly to the Neogene age, however, some plants were brought into Caspian Sea by a person consciously or on the bottoms of ships.

Mining of oil and gas

IN Caspian Sea many oil and gas fields are being developed. Proven oil resources in Caspian Sea are about 10 billion tons, the total resources of oil and gas condensate are estimated at 18 - 20 billion tons.

Oil production in Caspian Sea began in 1820, when the first oil well was drilled on the Absheron shelf. In the second half of the 19th century, oil production began on an industrial scale on the Absheron Peninsula, and then on other territories.

In addition to oil and gas production, on the coast Caspian Sea and the Caspian shelf, salt, limestone, stone, sand, and clay are also being mined.

Ecological problems

Ecological problems Caspian Sea associated with water pollution as a result of oil production and transportation on the continental shelf, the flow of pollutants from the Volga and other rivers flowing into Caspian Sea, the vital activity of coastal cities, as well as the flooding of individual facilities due to an increase in the level Caspian Sea. Predatory harvesting of sturgeons and their caviar, rampant poaching lead to a decrease in the number of sturgeons and forced restrictions on their production and export.