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27 August 2024

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New and Used boats for sale

New beneteau power boats.

Beneteau Power's vast range of motor yachts encompasses superb performance and comfort for boaters of all levels. Ancasta has been a dealer for Beneteau Power for over 35 years.

New Beneteau Sailing Yachts

Beneteau sailing yachts offer thrilling experiences for all levels, from relaxing cruises to exhilarating day sails. Ancasta has been a Beneteau Sail UK Dealer for over 35 years.

New Bluegame Yachts

Bluegame motor yachts dare to be unconventional with innovative layouts, spacious outdoor living and performance hulls. Ancasta represents Bluegame yachts in the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands.

New Lagoon Catamarans

Lagoon catamarans are crafted for serene bluewater cruising and offer exceptional comfort, stability, and reliability. Ancasta is the exclusive Lagoon dealer for the UK.

New McConaghy Boats

McConaghy Boats produces luxurious multihulls and high-performance sailing yachts with high levels of customisation. Ancasta is the sole UK dealer for McConaghy Boats.

New Prestige Yachts

Prestige motor yachts are renowned for their refined interiors and innovative layouts. Ancasta is the exclusive dealer for Prestige Yachts in the UK and Balearic Islands.

New Protector Boats

Protector Boats RIBs are among the most capable and durable utility vessels in the world. Ancasta represents Protector Boats in the UK and Europe.

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Buying a yacht with Ancasta is so much more than the initial transaction – it is the start of a loyal relationship. We want to make boat ownership stress-free and enjoyable with a lifetime of support.

Browse hundreds of new and used yachts for sale with Ancasta including boats from Beneteau Sail , Beneteau Power , Lagoon Catamarans , Prestige Motoryachts , Bluegame Yachts , McConaghy Boats , CNB Yachts , Protector Boats , and Scorpion RIBs .

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Our multilingual team negotiates on your behalf, and we offer in-house legal support and access to yacht refit, repairs and servicing for seamless transactions.

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Ancasta Yacht Services offers a comprehensive range of yacht repair, refit and servicing. With a team of highly skilled craftsmen and excellent facilities in Hamble, Southampton, including under-cover workshops accommodating yachts up to 26m, our experienced and knowledgeable project management team ensure seamless coordination of every task.

Refit and Repair

Our experienced yacht refit and repair team can undertake repair work on all fibreglass and carbon motor boats and sailing boats.

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Our trained marine engineers have the technical expertise to carry out yacht engine servicing, full engine overhauls and rebuilds.

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Whether your yacht requires annual servicing, pre-sailing preparation, regular maintenance, or ad-hoc repairs, our expert boat maintenance teams can help.

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Testimonials

My husband and I are the new owners of a Jeanneau 53 that was listed by Ancasta Barcelona. Starting in April 2025, we plan to sail 7 months out of the year in The Mediterranean and work 5 months here in The Netherlands. A hybrid sabbatical for a few years so to say.The boat was owned by Australians who we never met. Not something we’re used to here in The Netherlands. When we put our Dehler 39SQ up for sale last September, we met the interested parties during viewings (at their request) and we took them for short trial sails. We then spend half a day with the buyers when we handed over the boat.In the absence of that personal interaction, Josiane Sader handled all our questions in a swift manner, chasing and securing a quick turn around by the seller in Australia or the shipyard at some point. Her replies were always very professional and explanatory so that nothing got lost in translation in this three-way, remote selling/buying reality. Daily practice for you I’m sure, but a once in a lifetime experience for us most likely (we don’t expect to sell the boat in a few years while living on the other side of the world:).We put our own broker, on copy during the process, especially during the contract phase. Not once did Josiane give us the feeling that we were over-asking or being difficult. Her patient demeanor really made this a smooth process.I also want to take the opportunity to let you know that if it wasn't for Kostas Saltouridis, we would not have bought the boat at all. In my profession I know that good and genuine customer service can make a difference and Kostas definitely over-delivered.With a seller in Australia, we as buyers in The Netherlands and a broker in Barcelona, we started to doubt after the survey if buying that particular vessel was the smart thing to do. With no one on the ground in Greece we felt uncomfortable to try and find the right people remotely to work through the essential jobs that came out of the survey.Kostas noticed that however and stepped in. He offered to use his own expertise and local network of specialists to work through the most important repairs. After consultation with the seller we agreed to a plan and a timeline. By checking in with me daily and by sending through pictures and video's, he kept us informed on the progress. Last week I hopped over to Greece to go over all the jobs done by Kostas and his team. I had no comments so we made the last payment the day I got back.The seller in Australia isn't able to handover the boat to us so Kostas also took the time to explain all the electronics/equipment to me in detail which I video recorded for later "direction for use" references.We are waiting on some final paperwork after which we hope to launch the boat early August ready for new sailing adventures starting next year. Something my husband and I have been looking forward too for a long time. Ancasta has played an instrumental role in making that happen so a big thank you to your team in Barcelona!Best regards,

I recently sold my sailing yacht via Kostas and Josiane. The service I received from them while selling my boat was truly exceptional. From the initial stages all the way through to completion, they made the entire process incredibly simple and hassle-free. Their communication was consistently clear, timely, and considerate, and they both exceeded my expectations by going above and beyond to assist me. Their dedication and commitment made the experience smooth and I can't commend them enough. All too often good service is taken for granted. I hope this note demonstrates that's not always the case! Regards,

We were looking for our next boat and had decided on a three-cabin flybridge. Ancasta Chichester was advertising a 1999 Princess 460 which looked like it could fit the bill, so we made an appointment to view. A long drive from our home in Essex to Chichester Marina to view the boat proved very fruitful, and after a fault-free sea trial and positive survey, we are now the proud owners of that vessel! From the first contact, Sam and Chris at Ancasta Chichester proved themselves to be the ideal intermediaries - well informed, responsive, flexible and friendly. We felt very welcome and supported at all stages of this process, our questions and concerns were addressed quickly, and we feel confident that we have secured a fair deal on an excellent boat. If you’re an owner thinking of selling, or a buyer considering a used boat, I’d be happy to recommend this Ancasta team.

We bought our boat from Ancasta Dartmouth and thank Nick Bishop for his help and patience during the process of arranging surveys and seatrials. Nick kept us regularly updated, liaising with the vendors whom we thank also.The offices and marina itself are a pleasure to visit.

We have recently purchased Dentino II from Sam Peters.  We initially contacted him through the website asking for more details, photos and videos about the boat. Sam was obliging and pleasant to deal with from the start.  There was nothing that seemed too much effort and he always replied to my messages and phone calls, even on weekends and after hours.  The offer did not go to plan but with Sam’s help and smart negotiation, we were able to put another offer forward.  The offer was accepted and we are now proud owners of the boat.  I will be seeing Sam next week to pick up the keys and paperwork before the boat is brought through to Christchurch. I feel in the current times we live in people are always quick to complain, but we feel that this is one situation that praise needs to be given to Sam. Hope you all have a great safe summer in Falmouth. Kind regards

Great service from Geraint and the rest of the team when selling our yacht. This was a long process requiring patience and diligence, but the whole team pulled together to push the sale though and no stone was left unturned when it came to sorting out unexpected issues.So many thanks for all your hard work - much appreciated.

We found Ancasta, Leo, Rupert and the team at Port Solent office, incredibly helpful, pleasant and knowledgeable. This was our first boat and we uncertain about the process, with their help it was simple, any questions we had, and we had a lot, were answered quickly.Collection of the boat was made simple, all paperwork was provided and importantly, explained to us, the boat was inspected, Leo’s knowledge of the operation and explanations of this boat were helpful and for myself a must.The bottle of champagne he brought for us was so appreciated, this together with the assurance that we could still contact Ancasta for any help / advice after we sailed was away, again very reassuring.With our thanks to Ancasta.

Excellent team effort. Lots of good advice and guidance through the sale process

Hi Veronika and TeamThank you for a fantastic day on Friday. Everything was perfect and ran like clockwork! We’re delighted with the boat and very pleased we chose the GT41 - it’s going to be perfect for us. We were also very touched by the gifts - a really kind gesture!The trip down to Plymouth went very smoothly and was a real experience, at about 20-24 knots most of the way, and we’re now safely moored in Plymouth for the year. Tim Ball was brilliant.Thank you all for helping us through the purchase process from start to finish - we’re really pleased we bought our new boat from Ancasta.All the best

After several months of looking and two failed surveys, I have just completed the purchase of my first boat, a Jeanneau Merry Fisher 795. As a newcomer to boating I have to admit my first impression of boat brokers was pretty poor (compared to other industries I deal with) - descriptions were definitely on the optimistic side, boats were untidy, dirty and generally poorly presented. No excuses, just very poor sales and I would be careful who to list my boat with in the future. Then I came across Ancasta (Leo Walters) who shone bright like a beacon. The description of the boat was accurate, minor faults highlighted and extra pictures provided on request. Communications with Ancasta have been excellent, the boat was very well presented for inspection and after sales Ancasta remained interested to ensure my experience was positive. I wouldn't hesitate going to Ancasta for another purchase and if you are thinking of selling a boat, consider using Ancasta, you will get better service and value for money than many other brokers out there. And as a buying customer I would feel confident buying through them so you would be more likely to sell to me!

Bonjour à tous Un carton plein (mais pas rouge) pour le courtier d'Ancasta Benoit SIZUN. Professionnel , présent quand il le faut, de bon conseil, à l'écoute, un suivi parfait...le top!Hello everyone A solid card (but not red) for Ancasta broker Benoit SIZUN. Professional, present when needed, good advice, attentive, perfect follow-up...the best!

The Ancaster team at Dartmouth have gone above and beyond in assisting with a somewhat less than straight forward international sale and they have managed to keep their professionalism and attention to detail at the forefront throughout. A BigThank you to you guys

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Scientists Have a New Theory About Why Orcas Are Attacking Boats

A pod of orcas damaged a boat and left its two-person crew stranded. It was the latest in a string of attacks that research suggests could be used for hunting practice.

By Lynsey Chutel

Reporting from London

The orcas have struck again — this time ramming a sailboat off Spain’s northwest coast, rescue workers said on Tuesday.

A pod of orcas damaged the rudder of a sailboat, leaving its two-person crew stranded in the waters off Cape Finisterre Sunday, according to an emailed statement from the rescue workers. It is the latest in a string of attacks by pods of orcas swimming around the Iberian Peninsula.

While the sailboat, the Amidala, did not sink, pods of orcas have sunk several vessels in recent years. Researchers still do not know whether the attacks are playful or malicious, but a new theory based on studying the troublesome pods of orcas suggests that they could be using the boats as practice targets for new hunting techniques. Other competing theories still exist.

Regardless of the orcas’ intentions, the behavior is enough to worry sailors journeying in the highly trafficked waters around North Africa, Spain and Portugal.

The Amidala, manned by a crew of two Belgians, encountered an unknown number of orcas on Sunday afternoon. They sent a mayday distress call to the Finisterre Maritime Rescue Center, which towed the vessel back to shore, the center said.

The sailboat’s damaged rudder, and poor weather conditions in the area, made the rescue more arduous, with waves reaching up to nearly 10 feet and winds hitting speeds of 40 miles per hour. A female crew member on the Amidala suffered injuries to her hand as the sailboat was being towed, and she was transferred to a rescue vessel, the rescue center said. After more than four hours, the Amidala made it back to shore.

In recent years, sailors have shared tips about how to stop orca rammings, or at the very least deter them. Deterrents include painting the hull a different color. Another tactic is to blast heavy metal music, or to scatter sand into the ocean. There’s also an app that tracks orca activity in the ocean, letting boats steer clear of pods.

Researchers have no definitive explanations about why orcas, seemingly in this region alone, are increasingly ramming ships. One theory suggests that the ramming stems from past traumatic encounters between orcas and boats. Some scientists think it may be simpler than that — as naturally curious and playful mammals, orcas may just be having some fun.

The other, new, theory comes from the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute in Spain, which has been tracking the orca ship rammings since 2020. It has found that orca pods off the coast of Spain, who migrate in the waters between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, have developed a taste of Atlantic bluefin tuna, according to a paper the institute will publish next month.

That species of tuna can grow up to 10 feet long and move at speeds that orcas can’t always catch, at least not without training, said Bruno Díaz López, the institute’s chief biologist. Sailboats are often the ideal size to train on — they move quickly and silently, and close to the water’s surface, not unlike the orcas’ prey.

Researchers studying the ramming incidents have found that it is mostly young orcas who go after sailboats, but sometimes adults appear to be teaching younger members of the pod how to do so. The orcas have also figured out that the rudder is soft enough to bite, and that fiberglass makes for good ramming, Mr. Díaz López said.

“This is like a training toy,” Mr. Díaz López said. “It’s a shame that we humans are in the middle of this game, but they are learning.”

Lynsey Chutel covers South Africa and the countries that make up southern Africa from Johannesburg. More about Lynsey Chutel

Around the World With The Times

Our reporters across the globe take you into the field..

Lessons From a Philosopher President:  Pepe Mujica, Uruguay’s spartan former president and plain-spoken philosopher, offers wisdom from a rich life as he battles cancer .

Taiwan’s Nightmare, Onscreen:  Some think “Zero Day,” a Taiwanese television drama that fictionalizes a Chinese invitation, helps the island confront an increasingly plausible scenario . Others say the show is alarmist.

Beekeepers at the DMZ:  The heavily fortified area separating North and South Korea is a place of deep meaning for nearby farmers whose honeybees can fly freely through it .

Scotland’s Wild Boar Problem:  Residents say the animals are roaming the roads and hills around Loch Ness , tearing up lawns and terrorizing sheep.

Mennonites in the Amazon: Seeking inexpensive land far from modern life, groups of Mennonites are carving out new colonies in Peru . There are fears they are adding to the deforestation of the jungle.

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Astrakhan Region

The Astrakhan Region is situated in the south of Russia where the River Volga drains into the Caspian Sea forming one of the largest river deltas in Europe.  It is also though a  land of both deserts and semi-deserts. Historically this area was the location of Sarai-Batu - the original capital of the Golden Horde.  The administrative centre is the city of Astrakhan, which arose as a Golden Horde trading point and was annexed into Russia by Ivan the Terrible in the mid-16th century.  Today the city is famous for its white kremlin - the most southern  kremlin in the whole of Russia.

The best time to visit the Astrakhan Region is in July and August when the lotuses blossom on the Volga Delta and the famous Astrakhan watermelons are harvested.  The region is also associated with the black caviar from the Caspian Sea.

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Former Microsoft boss’ $15m superyacht spotted at Port of Aberdeen

The yacht belongs to Nathan Myhrvold, Microsoft's former chief technology officer.

A $15m superyacht owned by tech boss Nathan Myhrvold has berthed at the Port of Aberdeen this week.

The impressive vessel was spotted docked along Regent Quay in the North Harbour, its sleek design standing out against other larger work vessels docked.

Named Teleost the 160ft yacht was built in 1998 at a cost of $15m by renowned shipbuilders Feadship.

The interior is tastefully decorated and incorporating the 90s aesthetic with plush furnishings and dark wood panelling.

Some unique features included two tenders on the back as well as a hot tub on the fly bridge.

The yacht can reach a top speed of 15 knots.

Owner Nathan Myhrvold was a prominent figure at Microsoft during the 1980 and 90s culminating in his position as Chief Technology Officer in 1996.

In 2000 he started a new company called Intellectual Ventures which deals with patents, which has become very lucrative.

The tech boss is now worth more than $700m.

Teleost is the second superyacht to make an appearance in Aberdeen following the Elysian, a £66m craft owned by John W Henry – a major shareholder in Liverpool FC.

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Astrakhan city, Russia

The capital city of Astrakhan oblast .

Astrakhan - Overview

Astrakhan is a city in Russia, the administrative center of Astrakhan Oblast. This is the oldest economic and cultural center of the Lower Volga and the Caspian region included in the list of historical cities of Russia.

It is located about 1,400 km southeast of Moscow in the upper part of the Volga River Delta, on 11 islands of the Caspian Lowland.

The population of Astrakhan is about 518,700 (2022), the area - 209 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 8512, the postal codes - 414000-414057.

Astrakhan city flag

Astrakhan city coat of arms.

Astrakhan city map, Russia

Astrakhan city latest news and posts from our blog:.

4 March, 2020 / Astrakhan - one of the oldest cities in southern Russia .

18 May, 2019 / Colorful summer sunset in the Volga River delta .

4 April, 2019 / Cities of Russia at Night - the Views from Space .

11 May, 2017 / Astrakhan Kremlin after the Restoration .

13 December, 2016 / Astrakhan - the view from above .

More posts..

History of Astrakhan

Foundation of astrakhan.

Astrakhan, the oldest city of the Lower Volga region, is included in the list of Russian cities recognized as historically valuable. From ancient times, trade routes of Persians and Arabs passed through this territory.

For the first time Astrakhan was mentioned by historians, scientists, travelers in the 13th century. The town was part of the Golden Horde. It was located about 12 km north of present Astrakhan on the right bank of the Volga River. The town was known by such names as Astarkhan, Ashtarkhan, Hajji Tarkhan.

Hajji Tarkhan played an important role in trade between Asia and Europe. Trade caravans with silk, spices, and other goods passed through the town. In 1395, Astrakhan was captured by the army of Tamerlane and plundered.

It was rebuilt with the formation of the Astrakhan Khanate in 1459. In the first half of the 16th century, Astrakhan, due to its favorable geographical position, began to attract the attention of the Ottoman Empire, the Crimean Khanate, and the Nogai Horde. The Grand Duchy of Moscow was also interested in establishing control over this region.

In 1556, after several campaigns of Russian troops sent by Ivan the Terrible, the Astrakhan Khanate was liquidated, its territory became part of the Russian state. In 1558, a Russian wooden fortress was laid on the left bank of the Volga River.

More historical facts…

Astrakhan - the main Asian gate of Russia

For the Moscow Kingdom, Astrakhan became not only a powerful military outpost in the southeast, but also its main trading gate to Asia. In 1582, stone walls with 8 large and small towers were built. The town grew quickly - the remoteness of this region and the need for labor attracted a lot of Russian settlers.

The Astrakhan Kremlin was built at the beginning of the 17th century. Both cathedrals located on its territory were constructed by architects from Yaroslavl in the traditional style of Russian church architecture in 1700-1710.

In the middle of the 17th century, Astrakhan was one of the border fortresses of the Russian state guarding the mouth of the Volga. Since 1668, Indian merchants had a permanent residence in the town and various benefits as people useful in the development of trade. The plague epidemic of 1692 claimed the lives of more than 10 thousand people out of 16 thousand inhabitants of Astrakhan.

For almost three centuries, Astrakhan was the main administrative center through which trade and political relations of Russia with the countries of the East, Transcaucasia, and the North Caucasus were carried out.

In the 17th-18th centuries, standing at the crossroads of caravan and waterways, Astrakhan turned from a small fortress in the south of Russia into a large trading town. The Volga River became the country’s most important transport artery.

Intensive Russian colonization of the Astrakhan region began in the 18th century. In 1717, by the decree of Peter I, the Astrakhan province was formed with almost the same borders as the present Volga Federal District. Astrakhan received the status of a provincial town.

In the first decades of the 18th century, a strong navy, admiralty, shipyards, and port were created in Astrakhan. After the Russo-Persian War of 1722-1723 (the Persian campaign of Peter the Great), the northwestern provinces of Persia (Gilyana, Mazandaran, Astrakhbad) were annexed to the Russian Empire, which had a huge impact on the development of the economy of the Astrakhan province.

Astrakhan in the 19th-20th centuries

In 1811, the population of Astrakhan was about 37,800 people. In the 1860s, in connection with the development of oil fields in Baku, the Astrakhan port became one of the largest in Russia. In 1873, the world’s first oil tanker sailed on the Caspian Sea. It was built by the Astrakhan shipowners, the Artemyev brothers, who poured oil for transportation directly into the hold of their sailing ship “Alexander”.

This technical solution was used by the Swedish industrialists, the Nobel brothers, who had their factories in Astrakhan and were engaged in oil development in the Caspian. In 1875, they built the world’s first steam oil tanker. In 1885, there were 62 factories in Astrakhan and its environs. Among urban industries, fishing and horticulture (especially viticulture) stood out.

In 1897, according to the census, 112,880 people lived in Astrakhan: Russians - 86,563 people, Tatars - 15,355, Armenians - 4,038, Jews - 2,115, Germans - 1,573.

From 1920 to 1928, Astrakhan was the capital of Kalmyk Autonomous Oblast. Until 1934, it was part of the Lower Volga Region, from 1934 - the Stalingrad Region. In 1939, the population of the city was 253,595 people. In 1943, Astrakhan became the center of Astrakhan Oblast.

In the 1950-1960s, the city was reconstructed. A new master plan for development and reconstruction was approved, according to which new parks were laid out, squares were formed, the Volga embankment was reconstructed, and the Astrakhan Kremlin was restored, new residential neighborhoods were built. At the end of the 1980s, the population of Astrakhan exceeded half a million.

Today, Astrakhan remains an important transit trade center and a major transport hub at the junction of Asia and Europe.

Architectural contrasts of Astrakhan

Apartment building in Astrakhan

Author: Dvornikov Mikhail

Old wooden houses in Astrakhan

Author: Groshev Yuri

Imperial and Soviet architecture in Astrakhan

Author: Bakhshiev E.M.

Astrakhan - Features

Astrakhan is located in the southeast of the East European Plain, in the Caspian lowland. The city stretches along the Volga River coast for more than 45 km on 11 islands. Astrakhan is somewhat similar to St. Petersburg - islands connected by a large number of bridges.

The City Day of Astrakhan is celebrated on the third Sunday of September. The Astrakhan Airport offers regular flights to Moscow.

The climate is temperate continental, arid, warm with large annual and summer diurnal amplitudes of air temperature and low rainfall. This type of climate is explained by the geographical position of Astrakhan in the semi-desert zone.

On average, there are 213 sunny days a year in Astrakhan. By the amount of annual precipitation (234 mm), Astrakhan is the largest arid city in Europe. The average temperature in January is minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 25.6 degrees Celsius.

The location of Astrakhan in the delta of the Volga River with rich reserves of natural resources contributes to the development of the fishing, fruit and vegetable, chemical and petrochemical industries, shipbuilding, and tourism.

The shortest routes connecting Europe with the countries of Central Asia, India and Pakistan, and the countries of the Indian Ocean basin pass through the Caspian Sea. The leading positions in the local economy are occupied by the enterprises of the fuel and energy complex (oil and natural gas production), shipbuilding, and the food industry.

Main Attractions of Astrakhan

The Astrakhan Kremlin (1580-1620) is the main historical and architectural attraction of Astrakhan. This picturesque ensemble of monuments of defense architecture, religious, and civil architecture includes 22 objects of the 16th - early 20th centuries. The Cathedral of the Assumption (1699-1710), the largest Orthodox church in Astrakhan, is located on its territory. This is one of the best examples of Russian church architecture of the early 18th century.

The Embankment of Astrakhan is one of the favorite places for walks. Here you can see a number of old buildings, unique fountains and enjoy the views of the Volga - the main river of Russia. The Petrovsky Fountain also known as the Musical Fountain is of the greatest interest. The show takes place every hour and is especially beautiful in the evening when the illumination is turned on.

“Selenskiye Isady” is the most famous market in Astrakhan that has become a popular tourist attraction. Here you can buy mainly processed fish: dried, smoked or caviar. The choice is very wide and a lot of sellers offer to taste their fish products. Prices are relatively high, but you are allowed to bargain - it is a market after all. Pokrovskaya Square, 3?. Opening hours: 08:00-18:00.

If you are interested in ecotourism, then from Astrakhan you can go on an excursion to the Astrakhan State Natural Biosphere Reserve located southeast of the city. Its territory is included in the list of wetlands of international importance. Tsarev River Embankment, 119.

Astrakhan State Picture Gallery named after P. M. Dogadin is the largest art museum in the Astrakhan region. The collection includes works by famous Russian artists of the 18th-20th centuries including the Russian avant-garde. The gallery also has a large collection of West European engravings of the 17th-19th centuries. Saratovskaya Street, 14. Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (Thursday: 13:00-21:00). Day off: Monday.

House of the Merchant G. V. Tetyushinov (1872) - a unique two-story wooden building used as a museum and cultural center. Kommunisticheskaya Street 26. Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (Thursday: 13:00-21:00). Day off: Monday.

Cathedral of St. Vladimir (1895-1902) - one of the main Orthodox cathedrals of Astrakhan. It was built in honor of the 900th anniversary of the baptism of Russia, as a monument to this significant historical event. General Yepishev Street, 4.

Saray-Batu is a tourist center dedicated to the history and culture of the Golden Horde Khanate located in the Kharabalinsky district of the Astrakhan region, northwest of Astrakhan, near the village of Selitrennoye, in places where the old capital Saray-Batu used to be (also known as Saray-Al-Mahrusa, Old Saray). It was built as the backdrop for the movie “Horde” in 2011.

Astrakhan State Opera and Ballet Theater . One of the most notable objects in the center of Astrakhan, this huge building, which looks more like a palace, is located near the bus station and railway station. The opera troupe of this theater has a wide repertoire: Russian opera, Italian opera, oratorios, chamber programs. Anri Barbyusa Street, 16.

Astrakhan Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve - the oldest regional museum in Russia. In total, there are about 300 thousand exhibits: unique natural science collections, archaeological, ethnographic, numismatic, taxidermy collections, and much more. Sovetskaya Street, 15. Opening hours: 10:00-17:00. On Mondays, the museum operates only in a guided tour mode.

The White Mosque (1810) - the oldest mosque in Astrakhan built in the forms of late classicism at the expense of the Tatar merchant David Izmailov. In 2006-2008, the building was restored. Kazanskaya Street, 34.

Astrakhan city of Russia photos

Pictures of astrakhan.

Shopping center in Astrakhan

Wedding palace in Astrakhan

Old power station in Astrakhan

Author: Varganov Mike

Sights of Astrakhan

Conservatory in Astrakhan

Church of St. John Chrysostom in Astrakhan

Transfiguration Church in Astrakhan

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• A 48 Hour Guide To...

A 48 Hour Guide to Astrakhan, Russia

Travellers who venture into Astrakhan will enjoy the historical charm and cultural vibrancy of this old Silk Route town. The otherworldly Lake Baskunchak and extensive Delta wetlands are just a day trip away.

Astrakhan lies close to the Kazakhstan border where the Volga River flows into the Caspian Sea. It used to be a town on the old Silk Route and is built on more than 10 islands. Meander along canals and over bridges to soak up ancient Tatar, Christian and Islamic history. Venture into the surrounding countryside to enjoy the splendour of the Volga Delta wetlands and the region’s natural beauty.

Day one – Acquaint yourself with the city

Morning – Explore local history

Start the day by taking a walk through the Kryusha Quarter. It’s the city’s former Tatar and Persian area, and it remains a predominantly Muslim area. As such, there are clusters of mosques in various states of neglect and repair.

Starting at Ulitsa Kirova, walk along Kazanskaya Ulitsa until you reach a Lenin bust. If you cross over the canal, you’ll come across a well-kept park, complete with sculptures and a lake. Continue past it, and you’ll end up at the foot of the hill where the city’s Kremlin sits on top. A UNESCO World Heritage site with inviting gardens and temporary exhibitions, the Kremlin is not to be missed.

Pro tip: The Kryusha Quarter is fascinating to walk through, but it is still a little rough. It is fine to walk through during the day, but it is best to avoid it at night.

Afternoon – Discover Astrakhan’s cool hidey-holes

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Once you’re finished at the Kremlin, cut through the Fraternal Gardens to the city’s hipster hangout, Rozmarin Cafe , and fill up on freshly cooked meals and refuel with strong coffee. Once revived, take a peek at the Museum of Military Glory, which is as patriotic as the name suggests. However, despite the museum’s nationalistic slant, it is a good place to learn about historical battles.

Afterwards, it is worth walking over to Moloko, a hip, modern canteen-style café, which is run by the same people as Rozmarin Cafe. Even if you’re still full from lunch, they are licensed. So, why not have a cheeky afternoon drink and a snack?

From Moloko , it’s another lazy stroll along the banks of the Kutum River to the banks of the Volga – the manicured riverfront is the city’s crowning glory. There are people to watch, sculptures to see, and sunsets to enjoy.

Evening – Enjoy riverside views

After all of that walking about, treat yourself to a delicious meal. Right on the waterfront, Yamato is an indulgent, top-notch Japanese restaurant. The menu offers Japanese dishes, sushi, pan-Asian and Asian-fusion meals, as well as a lot of classic European and Russian cuisine. And it’s not just the food that is good here – so is the decor, inspired by Japanese minimalism and traditional aesthetics.

Pro tip: Yamato is popular. Book a reservation or be prepared to wait for a little while.

Night – Embrace the local culture

For those who want to sample some high-brow culture, why not check out what ballet is showing? The Astrakhan State Theatre of Opera and Ballet may not have the same clout as other regional theatres, but like most ballet and opera in Russia, they are still done to an outstanding standard.

For those who want to kick on, take the short stroll over to Kul’tovyy Bar (Cult Bar) for dim lighting, live music and boozy drinks. It also serves reasonably priced food. After loading up on positive vibes, belt out a few tunes with new friends at any of the many karaoke bars in town, such as Chicago House.

Whatever time the night ends, rest your well-worn legs at the luxurious Novomoskovskaya Hotel , a 10-minute walk away from Kul’tovyy Bar. Sleeping options are limited in Astrakhan, but they are also affordable, which means this five-star hotel comes with a bargain price tag. It’s also right in the heart of the city, so the Kremlin and the central sights are all within walking distance.

Day two – Soak up the Astrakhan region’s beauty

Morning – Venture out to the great outdoors

Although the city still has plenty to offer, a trip to the surrounding countryside is a must. Around Astrakhan , the Volga River splinters off into thousands of streams and rivers, known as the Volga Delta Wetlands. The wetlands, filled with birds and animals, are lush and an adventure to explore.

Roads eventually peter out and make way for rivers and marshes. The further you explore the wetlands, the more likely you’ll need a boat. A trip into the wetlands is a day trip in itself, so don’t plan to cram too many countryside sights into your itinerary.

Pro tip: Many tour companies offer trips into the wetlands, so shop around to find a deal that you like. Parts of the area are protected, so tourists need a permit. Tourist agencies in Astrakhan can help you organise these. Procosta is a tour company that offers trips into the delta with a guide, and only Procosta tours can be taken without one of these permits.

Afternoon – Float in salty water

An alternative day trip is to Lake Baskunchak, near the Kazakhstan border. One of Russia’s major salt basins, it supplies the nation with approximately 80 percent of its salt. Back in the day, people used to flock here to reap the health benefits of the salty water and the clay, and legend has it that it is a place of healing. Despite, or because of, its otherworldly appearance and its far-flung locale, it remains a popular tourist destination, albeit an unusual one.

A swim in the lake is comparable to a dip in the Dead Sea , although many swimmers bring shoes because prickly salt covers the bottom of the lake-bed. The lake used to be an important stop on the Silk Route, as its seemingly endless supply of salt has long been a precious commodity.

Pro tip: Make sure you pack a picnic, plenty of fresh water and sunscreen because there aren’t any trees around the lake.

Evening – Feast on traditional dishes

All that country air will induce hunger that must be satiated. So, head straight to Mindal (which translates to Almond) to feast on steaming hot Georgian khachapuri and Uzbek pilaf and other drool-inducing dishes. A top restaurant in town, Mindal serves up hearty central Asian and Caucasian dishes in a casual, yet stylish setting – a perfect treat to end a long day spent on the road and in the great outdoors.

Night – Relax with a beer

Mindal has a licensed bar that also serves up hookahs, so if you are suffering from a post-pigout food coma, and are exhausted from the day, hang around and enjoy yourself for a little bit longer. But if you want a change of scenery, visit Akademiya Piva, (Beer Academy). This restaurant and brewery is not only a stumble away from the hotel, but it is an opportunity to try a local brew or two. Of their five house-made beers, one is brewed in the style of the iconic Soviet beer, Zhigulevskoye.

Pro tip: If you want to relax after dinner at Mindal, book a booth table and make yourself comfortable. Also, for those on a budget, Akademiya Piva serves pub grub at a reasonable price.

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