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SHIPYARD: Ferronavale

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SHIPYARD: Custom

SHIPYARD: Cantieri di Pisa

The marvellous Akhir 25 Sandi IV, based in Bacoli (Naples) is available for charters in in Amalfi Coast.

SHIPYARD: Cantiere di Pisa

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SHIPYARD: Maiora

Sands offers a special rate of €99,000 per week for September charters. Sands is based in Castellamare di Stabia in the Bay of Naples.

SHIPYARD: Alalunga

Resilience is available for charters from 31 September to 4 October in Naples

MegaYatchTeam

MYT is a design company that operates in the super-yacht industry, capable of providing assistance from feasibility to delivery, assisting the shipyard in managing relations with the Owner, Class, Flag Administration and external suppliers. It was born from the idea of ​​a team of Naval Engineers to bridge the gap between external designers and shipyards. This is made possible by the many years of experience spent in the technical offices of the construction sites, where it was possible to touch firsthand the difficulties encountered by the production departments in making the basic designs provided by the external engineering designers. Strengthened by the conscious use of the most modern software used in the sector, MYT is able to design any type of boat, from displacement to the fastest.

Contact us: [email protected]

MYT S.R.L. Via Francesco Petrarca, 35 – 80123 Napoli(NA)

Italy t. +39 081 19183426 e. [email protected].

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Naples Yacht Rental

A selection of the finest vessels for your Napoli Yacht Charter

Naples is the beautiful capital of the more beautiful  Campania , in the South of  Italy . Naples is the eternal meeting point between Greek and Roman cultures. Napoli is a city on the sea, topped by Mount Vesuvius, and that brings with it the precious memories of past ages, thanks to Pompeii and Ercolano.

Naples area and the region that houses it are one of the world's most alluring destinations. It combines art and architecture of Medieval, Baroque, and Reinassance-era periods. Naples brought with it and became known worldwide for its  traditions , cultural, historical, culinary, arts and artisanal and especially for its natural views that look like paintings.

The best way to experience them is from the sea: the fascinating caves, the stacks of  Capri , and the other islands with their undeniable beauty,  Procida  and  Ischia , immersed in the  Mediterranean  atmosphere.

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Yacht and Catamaran Update

MY Gatsby is Available at an Exclusive Discounted Weekly Rate for the September 2024 Gap

Yacht Charter Announcement: M/Y Okko Now Accepting Bookings for 2025

Boadicea – 10% Discount – 2024 Last Summer Availability

MY KAR 88 Folgore Riva 2021/2024 in the West Mediterranean with NO DELIVERY FEES*

MY XO OF THE SEAS – Fill the Gap July 14th to 28th, 2024 from Naples to Sardinia

36.9m/121’1″ Couach Yacht for Charter Arion – Last Summer 2024 Availabilities

Exclusive June 2024 Deals for Chartering Yachts Over 30 Meters in the Mediterranean

35 Mt Benetti Yacht Freemont – Free Delivery Fees for Summer 2024 Charters in Sicily and the Amalfi Coast

2024 Dates Booking Up Fast – Book Early and Get Up to 20% Off on Catamaran Charters in the Mediterranean

MY Lady Trudy – 42,60m  CRN Ancona Superyacht for Charter in Italy and France

Naples luxury yacht charter.

The Gulf of Naples is the heart and the main access point to the most desirable destinations of the whole Campania. Both the Coast and the Islands do not allow rivals: they must be admired. Starting your cruise from Naples, there is a junction, the choice is difficult but the result equally wonderful.

Actually, you can choose to sail first Procida and Ischia or instead to reach first the majestic Capri, to go in direction of Sorrento, Positano and the amazing Amalfi Coast. Or viceversa. In both cases, the destinations to reach are not to be missed and either sooner or later, go visit all.

Top Destinations around Naples

Yacht and Catamaran Itineraries from Naples

Once chosen Naples as the destination of your vacation, deciding where to go is largely a matter of preference. The options are endless and endlessly beautiful.

You can choose to sail the Naples Gulf and reach the Phlegraen Islands, with the unbeatable Procida and Ischia. Or even the Amalfi Coast, along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, with sheer cliffs and a rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. And these are just some of the wonderful Naples area destinations.

Below our selection of suggested routes for your Naples Yacht Charter.

1 Week in Naples

Day 1st Procida and Ischia Day 2nd Sorrento and Pompeii Day 3rd Sorrento and Naples Day 4th Amalfi Day 5th Amalfi and Capri Day 6th Capri and Procida Day 7th Procida

Week-End in Naples

Embarkation in Naples or Salerno. Friday in Procida and Ischia, spending the night in the second Island. Saturday morning departure for Capri, where you will spend the day and sunday return to Gulf of Naples.

Day Boat in Naples

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Med Yachts is a luxury brokerage  in nautical:  charter  professionals with exclusive solutions in searching,  sale and management  of dream boats. Med Yachts Style means sophistication, comfort and on board elegance care, for your relaxing and charming holidays in the world’s best locations. Neapolitan sailing tradition and consolidated experience distinguish a skilled and set brokers team work.

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The Best Boat Rentals in Naples

Browse, book, and get out onto the water with local captains and boat owners., our favorite boat rentals in naples.

5 (4 reviews)

• Boat Rentals

BRANDNEW JEANNEAU — LEADER 36 (2023) IN NAPOLI, ITALY

SPACIOUS JEANNEAU — MERRY FISHER 1095 (2022) FROM NAPOLI, ITALY

Private Luxury Motor Yacht for Charter Adventure in Napoli

Luxury Itama 40 Partenope

Cranchi M44 HT Motor Yacht (Y2022) In Napoli, Italy

Luxury Itama 40 Loverdose Motor Yacht in Napoli, Campania

Fratelli Aprea - Sorrento 50 Motor Yacht Rental in Naples, Campania

Gagliotta 44 for Cruise in Napoli

Charter 38' Tornado Motor Yacht in Napoli, Italy

luxury small ship Gulet Charter Elianora in Capri, Amalfi Napoli, Italy

Charter 70ft Ghibli Power Mega Yacht In Napoli, Italy

Ipanema 54 Motor Yacht Charter in Napoli, Campania

Suggested searches, types of boats popular in naples.

From mid-size to mega yachts, these luxury boats are great for groups and celebrations

₽15,850-₽222,880

Set sail with these traditional wind-powered boats

₽32,170-₽102,220

All the comforts of home out on the water, for multi-day boat trips

₽15,300-₽183,980

Fishing Boats

Boats outfitted for fishing, from small inshore angling boats to deep-sea yachts

₽112,450-₽143,150

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Let a captain do the driving while you do the fishing

Who says you need a motor to have fun on the water?

Explore local waters with a boat rental dedicated to sightseeing and exploration

Top Boat Rental Locations Near Naples

Sorrento , Campania

175 listings

Positano , Campania

107 listings

Amalfi , Campania

38 listings

Piano di Sorrento , Campania

37 listings

Capri , Campania

34 listings

Salerno , Campania

32 listings

Most Popular Yacht Rentals in Naples

M/Y Ramona 1964 Cruising Boat In Napoli, Campania

Most popular sailboat rentals in naples.

50' Grand Soleil Sailing Yacht Charter in Naples, Italy

Sailing Charter On 52' Sun Odyssey 52.2 Sailing Yacht In Naples, Italy

Sailing Charter On 45' Sun Odyssey 45.2 Sailing Yacht In Naples, Italy

Melpomene - Jeanneau 53 (5 cab - 10 + 2 people)

Recent reviews in naples.

Book this boat, NOW !!! Marco & his crew were easy and professional to deal with throughout the entire booking process. He communicated often and made sure we knew exactly what to expect, and there were no disappointments along the way. The boat was nicer than we expected and captain Giancarlo is the best captain you could have. He was accommodating in our itinerary and offered suggestions to take us places outside where all the tourist go... if you only have 1 day in Naples.... call Marco. if you have more days, call him twice.

My group had the best time today!!! I would definitely recommend booking with Marco! Giancarlo was very nice and responsive as well. I will recommend their boats to anyone that visits Naples. The welcome drink was a plus!!! Thanks for an awesome day! 10/10!!

Mario was absolutely amazing ! We went to Capri, Amalfi, Positano & Nerano. He was pointing out at all times points of interest. Whatever me or my family needed or wanted we got pleased. Beach recommendations, Restaurant reservations, Ground transportation (He’s got you covered) What a great Guy !!Grazie Mille Mario for such an spectacular day.🙏🏻👍🏻✅

Top Boat Rental Locations in Italy

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Frequently asked questions.

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Boating regulations in Naples are similar to those in other parts of Italy. Some of the most important rules to follow include having the necessary safety equipment on board, obeying speed limits, and staying in designated boating areas.

There are many places to rent a boat in Naples, including several marinas and rental companies. Some popular options include Molo Beverello, Castellammare di Stabia, and Positano.

Some popular activities while boating in Naples include snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and visiting nearby islands and beaches. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the area.

The best time to go boating in Naples is typically during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and the water is calm. However, it is also possible to go boating during other times of the year, although the weather may be less predictable.

Some important safety tips for boating in Naples include wearing life jackets, staying aware of weather conditions , avoiding alcohol while boating, and making sure someone on shore knows your plans and expected return time.

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Guide to Naples

Artistic, colourful and with bags of attitude - the Naples experience is unmissable.

Bursting with colour, art, gastronomy and history, Naples (Napoli) is an Italian coastal city with an edge. The intoxicating mix of new and old combined with its palpable atmosphere mean there’s something to keep everyone entertained.

A place that has over time coined the phrase ‘See Naples and Die’, this Mediterranean city has long been revered for its vibrant, unruly attitude and vitality for life. Since ancient times it has been one of the most important intellectual and cultural centres in Italy while the historic city centre itself has been deemed so special that it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although parts of Naples do live up to its slightly tattered reputation, when you explore further you will be amazed by the countless frescoes, sculptures and breathtaking architecture - things that have to be seen to be truly appreciated.

A trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius is a must for history lovers as are the Capodimonte Museum and Cappella di San Gennar containing the relics of San Gennaro of which the blood is said to often liquify, drawing in crowds three times a year who gather in celebration. Naples loves a party and this is just just one of the festivals that takes place throughout the year, others including everything from jazz to art to food. Underneath the city is a labyrinth of shops and art installations completed in 2015 and curated by Achille Bonito Oliva who commissioned more than 100 artists and architects to help transform the city's metro stations into a city-wide museum.

You can’t go to Naples without eating pizza, a speciality the city takes so seriously that in 2004 the Ministry of Agriculture issued official guidelines on how to make the perfect Pizza Verace Napoletana. The best of these are to be found away from the high-end restaurants, but don’t be deterred by the queues as the turnover is fast and it’s well-worth the wait. Coffee lovers will also be in their element with the city’s many charming cafe bars where you can sit and watch the hustle and bustle go by with a famously short and very strong espresso. Or even better have your private charter crew make one for you to enjoy on the top deck as the sun goes down.

For more inspiration about planning your next yachting vacation in this region of Italy, you can take a look at all luxury yachts available for Amalfi Coast crewed private yacht charters .

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Not sure where to go? Let our itinerary suggestions inspire your own Naples bespoke charter.

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Featured Yachts in Naples

To help you in your search for your perfect luxury charter yacht for your next vacation, we’ve selected some of the finest and most exclusive superyachts and megayachts that are currently available for charter in Naples.

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Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria: More than Mt. Elbrus!

If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it!  Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities.  Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:

1. How do I get there?

Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses.  Let’s start with the obvious.  You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.  That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia.  Here are your travel options:

A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria.  MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek.  The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus.  From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.

That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal.  As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able.  It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik.  You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).

B.  Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles.  A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.  There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic.  From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter,  marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic.  For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well. 

Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices.  In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!

C.  Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel.  Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops.  Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik.  That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.

2.  What are the best places to stay?

This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂  Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:

A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000.  Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly.  Here are some of our recommendations:

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.

B.  Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus.  If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears.  Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel.  Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:

-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish:  Azau Star , Kristall 139

-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish:   Laguna , Povorot

If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet.  The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company.  Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click  here  to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.

C.  Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location.  The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.

D.  Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik.  There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.

E.  Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive).  There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains.  Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley.  Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!

3.  Top cities to visit?

Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!”  Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town.  The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food.  Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.

4.  Best local foods to try?

There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:

A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars.  It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes.  It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂

B.  Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus!  Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region.  Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria. 

C.  Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love.  Kabardino-Balkaria is no different.  Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup.  Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note:  Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:

-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service.  Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂  There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik.  Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3. 

-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it!  There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered.  You can sample local Kabardian dishes here.  The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2. 

-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria.  Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!

6.  Must-See Sites

This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down.  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)

A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley.  Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame.  El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums.  The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination.  The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky.  Highly recommend!

B.  Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination.  First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring.  Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side.  If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus!  Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view.  Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village.  You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.

C.  Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit.  It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk).  The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu.  This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind.  There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus.  Make sure to check this out!

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands.  At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls.  These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface.  The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away.  Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts.  Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!

B.  One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side.  This is one experience still available, though!  From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2).  This is an amazing experience if you have the time.  It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around.  The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era.  For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.

C.  Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain.  Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century.  About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations.  Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place.  This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.

8.  What do I need border zone passes to visit?

In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards.  This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau).  These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.

Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:

A.  Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers.  Many mountain guides go through training in this valley.  Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area. 

B.  Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus.  It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain.  After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours.  This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!

C.  Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes.  It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers.  Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit. 

Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas!  We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.

9.  Any cultural “do’s” or “don’t’s” to be aware of

Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society.  The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.   

Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.).  There is a large population of Russians in the region as well.  Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.

Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land.  You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!

***Want to learn more?  Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:

– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

READY TO EXPERIENCE KABARDINO-BALKARIA FOR YOURSELF?

Where to find us.

• +1 704-810-4296
• [email protected]
• 1578 Pine Creek Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056

Travel Information

• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
• Is it Safe to Travel to the Caucasus in 2024?
• Climbing Kazbek & Kilimanjaro: Comparing two 5,000+ meter peaks
• How to Train to climb Mt. Kazbek in Georgia

Our Elbrus Climbing Tours

• Climb Elbrus South Route
• Climb Elbrus North Route
• Climb Elbrus & The Capitals
• Climb Elbrus & The Caucasus

Russia Cultural Tours

• Capitals of Russia
• Lake Baikal on Ice
• Delightful Dagestan
• Heart of the Caucasus

ALL Travel Services to Russia and Mt. Elbrus have been indefinitely suspended as of Feb. 2022.

Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.