Sakhalin, caressed by the waters of both the Japanese Sea and the Okhotsk Sea, stands as the largest island in Russia. Despite its population, nature remains largely pristine, barely brushed by human activity. Visitors to this enchanting destination will be captivated by the dense forests, powerful rivers, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beaches. Our carefully curated guide ranks the best beaches, ensuring that you can select the perfect spot for your preferences—be it a beach with extensive infrastructure or one that offers the most unspoiled conditions.
Aniva Beach is a long sandy coast of Bukhta Lososey in Aniva Bay, near the city of the same name on the southern outskirts of the Sakhalin region, about 40 km from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Its name according to one version is translated as “standing surrounded by mountains”. Framed by rocky outcrops, it is one of the oldest beaches on Sakhalin and the most popular place for beach holidays on the shore of not the warmest of the Sea of Okhotsk, where the bathing season lasts only 2 months.
Okhotskoe Beach is one of the cleanest and wildest coasts on Sakhalin. It is separated by about 40 km and about 45 minutes of travel from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The water here is very cold, so the beach attracts only lovers of fishing and secluded recreation with walks along the picturesque coast, the beauty of which really deserve attention.
Prigorodnoye Beach is one of the most popular places for beach holidays in Sakhalin. It is located about 50 km from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and only 2 km from the city of Korsakov, and the proximity to the highway makes it one of the most easily accessible (but only by car) coasts in the region. This beach is especially popular among families with children in combination with a fairly developed infrastructure and warm waters.
On the Eastern coast of Sakhalin, there is an amazing place located in the Terpeniya Bay, which fully justifies its name the Tikhaya Bay. It is really always very quiet, and the water is very calm. Big noise is raised only by seagulls, which nest on a rocky Zametnyi Island. They scream, if someone tries to get closer.
The road from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to the Cape Giant is about 100 km. Its beginning is asphalt and primer, the second half can not overcome without a good SUV: passages, washaways, mud. On the logging road, tourists pass the azure coast of the Sea of Okhotsk with many gorgeous sandy beaches.