Summer without the sea: where to go if you don't want to go south

Vacation destinations without the sea

If you're thinking about where to go in the summer instead of the sea, take a closer look at destinations away from the coast. These are not only mountains and forests, but also cozy resort corners, retreat hotels, historical sites and protected areas. Many of them have Accor hotels with the usual level of comfort and attention to detail.

There are many locations in Russia that can easily replace a beach holiday. Here are some ideas on how to replace the sea in summer.

Mountain resorts: Caucasus, Urals, Altai

Where to go in the summer, where it's not hot? Of course, to the mountains. The heat doesn't swelter during the day, and it's easy to sleep in the cool at night. The air is clean and light, surrounded by space, silence and greenery.

What to do

In the mountains, it's easy to alternate activity with rest. In the afternoon, you can go hiking or cycling, take the cable car to the observation decks, go to the waterfalls or try rafting on a mountain river. And in the evening, relax at the hotel, enjoy dinner, go to the spa or just sit on the balcony, enjoying the view of the mountains illuminated by the setting sun.

What to choose

• Krasnaya Polyana. A modern mountain resort with a well-developed infrastructure. There are cable cars, pedestrian and bicycle routes, and festivals. You can have a picnic by the Mzymta River, go to the waterfalls or just walk along the green slopes with views of the Caucasus Range.
• Ural. A region with a diverse topography: from mountain ranges to wide rivers. Hiking trails, rafting, walks through pine forests and trips to ancient villages are popular here. There are really a lot of places for a secluded holiday.
• Altai. One of the most picturesque places in Russia, where you can combine activity with calm contemplation. Lake Teletskoye, the Katun River, mountain passes and cedar forests make the rest intense and spectacular. The area is famous for its "wild" trails, interesting routes for cars and plenty of opportunities for complete privacy.

Where to stay

In Krasnaya Polyana, take a closer look at Novotel Resort & Spa Krasnaya Polyana and Nanorama by Mercure. Both hotels have mountain views, stylish rooms and convenient access to cable cars.

If you are planning a trip to the Urals, Novotel Yekaterinburg Center will be a convenient starting point. It is easy to reach the natural routes of the region from here.

Lakes and nature reserves: Karelia, Baikal, Valdai

If you prefer tranquility, water and forest landscapes, choose to relax on a lake in the mountains and in protected areas. It is suitable for both privacy and active travel.

What to do

The routes here are water and hiking. SUP boards, kayaking, rafting, fishing and boat trips give way to quiet evenings around the campfire or island tours. There are berries, mushrooms, rare birds and absolute silence in the forests.

What to choose

• Karelia. The edge of lakes and rocky shores. Routes along Ladoga and Onega, rafting on Shuya, trips to waterfalls and skerries.
• Baikal. Clear water, rocky shores and the spirit of Siberia. It's warm in summer, but not hot. Boat trips, trekking and acquaintance with the Buryat culture are waiting for you.
• Valdai. A quiet national park with pine forests and dozens of lakes. It is suitable for leisurely recreation, fishing and hiking.

Where to stay

• ibis Irkutsk Center is a modern hotel in the very center of Irkutsk, near the Angara River and the main attractions. A great base for a trip to Lake Baikal: it takes only about 1 hour by car to get to the lake.

The Golden Ring of Russia and small towns

If you are wondering what to replace a vacation at sea, pay attention to the ancient Russian cities with a special atmosphere. In such places, you can walk along the cobbled streets, visit ancient temples, discover the gastronomy of the regions and touch the culture of crafts.

What to do

• Participate in master classes: in the manufacture of traditional ceramic products, wood carving, pottery.
• Take a bike ride through the picturesque surroundings — along rivers, through parks or to temples and monasteries.

What to choose:

• Yaroslavl has a rich architecture, Volga embankment and museums.
• Suzdal is an open-air chamber city museum. Here you can visit ancient monasteries and visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture, which houses authentic churches and buildings of the XVIII-XIX centuries.
• Vladimir — the central point of Vladimir The Suzdal Museum‑Reserve, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Where to stay

ibis Yaroslavl Center is a modern hotel in the heart of Yaroslavl, just a five-minute walk from Red Square and the Volga Embankment.

Forest retreat hotels: Moscow region and Leningrad Region

Sometimes it's better not to go far from the metropolis, but just change the rhythm. The forest, silence, leisurely walks — all this perfectly replaces the usual rest on the beach. This format helps not only to relax, but also to put your thoughts in order and finally exhale. It's not just a vacation without the sea, but also a way to deeply reboot — physically and emotionally.

What to do

• Practice yoga or meditation in nature;
• Complete cleansing and recovery programs;
• Relax in the spa and sauna complexes;
• Participate in workshops, art residencies, or gatherings of wild herbs and berries.

What to choose

• The Moscow region has many secluded places with forests, ponds and infrastructure for relaxation. Ideal for a short vacation or wellness weekend.
• The Leningrad region is the silence of pine forests and lakes, where it is easy to feel unity with nature.

Where to stay

Arthurs SPA Hotel by Mercure is a country spa hotel in a pine forest 20 km from MKAD. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a wellness complex with a swimming pool, and a spa center. There is an Ayurvedic massage service.

Tips for choosing a vacation without the sea

When planning a summer vacation in Russian resort towns without the sea, it is important to think over the details. This will help make your stay comfortable, eventful and budget-friendly.

How not to overpay

The summer season is a popular time to travel. In order not to face high prices and lack of places, book the hotel as early as possible. Many hotels offer favorable conditions for long-term stays: for example, weekly or weekend rates with a fixed discount.

What to take with you

Holidays in the mountains and nature reserves require thoughtful equipment. Even in summer, the weather in these places can change dramatically.

Don't forget:

• Comfortable trekking shoes, windbreaker and waterproof jacket;
• Clothes for different temperatures — from a T-shirt to a warm hoodie;
• Swimsuit or swimming trunks, towel, flip-flops;
• Small backpack for trekking;
• Thermos flask;
• Flashlight, power bank;
• A first-aid kit with basic medicines.

If you are planning active routes, rafting or hiking, you should arrange travel insurance in advance and keep contacts of the region's emergency services.

Mobility Hacks

If you are thinking about where to go in the summer besides the sea in Russia, and at the same time you want to visit several places, consider renting a car. In many regions, natural attractions are scattered for tens of kilometers.

This will give you more flexibility and freedom of movement and will help you avoid being tied to buses and taxis. This way you can visit wild protected areas, go mushroom picking, or just stop by a beautiful lake. It is also useful to download offline maps in advance and check if there are gas stations and shops in remote areas.

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To summarize

What is a substitute for a vacation at sea in Russia in the summer? There are many alternatives, from trekking in the mountains to gastronomic tours of the Golden Ring. Instead of beaches and heat, there is coolness, open spaces, nature, ancient cities and impressions that really reboot.

And to make your vacation truly comfortable, choose Accor hotels. Attentive staff, comfort and convenient location are waiting for you.