Sail Rock
Parus Rock is an unusually shaped flat rock standing on the Black Sea coast, near the village of Praskoveyevka, 17 km southeast of Gelendzhik. The yellowish-gray cliff is a remnant of a vertical sandstone bed. It rises 30 meters, has a width of 25 meters and a thickness of about 1 meter. The cliff stands across the coastline and is 2/3 submerged in the sea. It got its name because its shape resembles a spread quadrangular sail.
Video: Sail Rock
ContentsHighlights
Near the popular tourist attraction try to visit almost all vacationers on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. Visiting the Sail Rock is included in many tours, and most of all travelers come to look at the wonder of nature from the sea on boats, yachts and pleasure boats. Such tours, for example, are organized from the marina of Gelendzhik. Some tourists come to the rock Parus on the road from Praskoveevka, and there are vacationers who come to the natural monument on foot along the seashore from the farm Dzhankhot.
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Most of the rock Parus washed by sea waves, and its opposite end surrounds a small pebble beach. Above it rises a steep shore, made of alternating layers of yellow sandstone and dark clay shale. The rock layers, like a single rock, are arranged vertically and rest at right angles to the shoreline.
.The picturesque place attracts both locals and tourists. Near the rock you can swim in the clear sea, admire the colorful sunset and make interesting photos. From here, it is worth hiking along the coastline.
.Today, the main threat to Sail Rock comes from the crowds of tourists coming here. Many of them try to break off pieces of the rock “as a souvenir”, leave “autographs” on it and litter on the shore.
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How Sail Rock was formed
Very long ago the Parus Rock was a part of the coastal massif, composed of sandstone and marl layers. Powerful geologic processes crumpled the rocks into huge folds, and part of the strata was in a vertical position. Wind, temperature fluctuations, rainfall and sea surf destroyed the rocky shore year after year, turning it into pebbles, sand and clay rolled by the waves.
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Softer limestones and marls were washed away first, while strong layers of fine-grained dense sandstone continued to resist erosion. Thus the remnant of the once solid coastline became a lonely cliff.
.Natural elements continue to destroy the cliff Sail and in our days. She steadfastly withstands strong Black Sea storms, scorching sun, winter cold winds and downpours. However, all of them leave deep cracks on the sandstone layer, resembling huge scars.
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In the rock Sail visible through a rounded hole. According to one version, it appeared in 1903 as a result of artillery fire. Sailors fired four rounds at the lonely rock from the battleship. One shell pierced through the sandstone layer, while the others left noticeable potholes in it.
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Shoreline
Nowadays, the majestic Parus Rock and its surrounding shore have the status of a natural monument of regional significance. It is noteworthy that these places received the protected status back in 1971. The local coast surprises even those who have been to the Black Sea many times.
.Above the coast rise yellowish layers of rocks, which look very impressive from the sea. And above them stretches the green Dzhankhotskiy boron, overgrown with pizundskaya pine. It stretches for several kilometers from Divnomorsky to Praskoveevskaya cleft and is also a natural monument. Dzhankhotsky boron has an area of 950 hectares and is considered the largest in the country massif, where the relict trees, listed in the Red Book of Russia, are preserved.
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In the valleys of streams flowing into the sea, which here are commonly called “slits”, you can meet tent camps. They are camped by tourists who prefer a secluded vacation. These places are far from the settlements, and the air is filled with the aromas of pine needles and the sea. For vacationers in “crevices” there is only one problem – drinking water, as small streams in the middle of summer usually dry up.
.In the puddles left by the sea and along the shore swim jellyfish and flocks of small fish. Under the cliffs, flowering plants delight the eye. In the growing pine trees above nest a lot of birds. And large cormorants, not shy tourists, importantly drying their wings on large boulders near the water.
.How to get there
Usually travelers get to Parus Rock from Praskoveevka or Dzhankhot.
.Gelendzhik and Praskoveyevka are separated by 32 kilometers. From the resort town and farm Dzhankhot to Praskoveyevka four times a day runs a shuttle bus number 108. Besides, it is easy to get to Praskoveyevka by cab or private car. From the village to the Parus Rock for 15-20 minutes you can walk along the beach.
.The way to Parus Rock from the farm Dzhankhot more picturesque. From the pier to the rock about 4.5 km along the edge of the sea, and you can pass them for 1.5-2 hours. You should go on such a trip in good weather, because in a storm strong waves crash directly on the rocky shore, and the road becomes dangerous. There are no paths on this part of the coast, so you have to walk on medium and large pebbles, crossing in some places the beds of small streams. You should wear sturdy shoes and have a supply of drinking water with you. The bonus of the coastal walk is that on the way to the rock there are many pleasant coves for swimming.
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From Parus Rock it is easy to return to Dzhankhot along the familiar path along the sea. If desired, from here you can go to Praskoveyevka and leave the village by bus.
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