The Utrish Nature Reserve protects a coastal strip southeast of Anapa where the land rises steeply from the sea and the vegetation shifts from the cultivated vineyards of the surrounding district to wild juniper woodland and relict wild pistachio forest — one of the few such forests remaining in Russia. The coastline here is rocky and dramatic, quite unlike the wide sandy beaches of Anapa proper.
The reserve contains two lagoons — Big Utrish and Small Utrish — and a dolphinarium that stages shows with Black Sea bottlenose dolphins. Hiking trails run through the juniper forest above the sea, with occasional viewpoints over the cliffs and coves. The reserve is accessed from Anapa by excursion boat along the coast (the most popular option in summer) or by road from the village of Sukko. It makes a good half-day trip for those wanting a break from the beach resort atmosphere.