Gelendzhik, Russia

Capital City

With a population of just 80,534, Gelendzhik is a small resort town on the Black Sea that hardly lives up to its grand reputation. The beaches and waterfalls may draw tourists, but permanent residents face a heavy bureaucratic burden and unpredictable weather, including the occasional devastating flood. While the town's colonial history and Genoese influence are interesting, the reality is that Gelendzhik is a sleepy backwater, best suited for retirees or those seeking a quiet, seaside escape.