Russians more often choose to vacation in warm climates near the sea or the ocean, according to a survey by the online service Ostrovok.ru. Some of the most popular destinations are Turkey and Cyprus. Mountain holidays are also in demand, with climbers conquering the peaks of the Alps, Velebit and Durmitor.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, entry to many countries is still closed. Some countries are beginning to open their borders: Cyprus is fully open to tourists, while Portugal has only allowed foreigners to visit the island of Madeira.
Four countries for a beach holiday
Cyprus, Aphrodite Cove
The country is open to Russians
Visa is required
Aphrodite's Cove is a bay with picturesque views and evergreen plants. The bay is lined with boulders of various shapes, one of which, Petra tou Romiou, is believed to be the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.
The beach in the bay is sandy, but smooth stones can be found. There are a couple of cafes on the beach. The beach is secluded, clean and well maintained. Near the bay there is parking, hotels and shops. The beach can be reached by public bus or private car.
Portugal, Porto Moniz natural basin
The country is partially open to Russians
Visa is required
Russians can only go to the Portuguese island of Madeira. This volcanic island is located in the Atlantic Ocean. In the village of Porto Moniz is the main attraction - natural lava pools with sea water.
Some of the pools in Porto Moniz are wild and free of charge, while others are made comfortable, with lanes and steps, sun loungers and umbrellas for hire, first aid facilities, showers and toilets.
Maldives, Baa Atoll
The country is open to Russians
No visa required
Baa Atoll is one of the best resorts in the Maldives. The beaches are almost everywhere white sand, palm trees grow nearby and the water in the Indian Ocean has a turquoise hue.
Vacationers write rave reviews on social media, share photos of the seascape and recommend the islands for an intimate, relaxing holiday with good service.
Turkey, Fethiye
The country is open to Russians
No visa required
Not all lovers of Turkish holidays know about the blue lagoon of Oludeniz, the jewel of Fethiye. The lagoon is considered a protected area and one of the most beautiful places in Turkey, with its white sand, green hills and clear turquoise water.
Apart from a beach holiday, tourists can go paragliding or charter a yacht and cruise around the islands of the Aegean Sea.
Three countries for holidays in the mountains
Austria, Alps
Country is open to Russians
Visa is required
The most picturesque view of the Alpine mountains in Austria is near the village of Hallstatt. It is located near the lake of the same name, which is popular all over the world: postcards with a view of the village and the lake are available at almost every airport in the world.
Tourists can go for a walk in the mountains on their own or with a guide, take a boat ride on the lake, or simply stroll through the cozy local streets.
Croatia, Velebit Mountain
Country is open to Russians
Visa is required
50 km north of the city of Zadar there is a picturesque mountain arearncalled Paklenica. The Velebit Mountains are located in the park of the same name: rocks with bizarre shapes, caves and mountain depressions, valleys with pine and beech trees, small waterfalls and mountain streams.
Beginners often choose the slopes of Mala Paklenica Canyon, while more experienced climbers choose Velika Paklenica. The steepest rock for climbers is considered to be Anica Kuk, which reaches a summit of 712 metres. The mountain peaks of Sveto Brdo and Vahanski vrh are also popular among climbers.
Montenegro, Durmitor mountains
Country is open to Russians
No visa required
The Durmitor Mountains are located in the national park of the same name. There are hiking trails of varying difficulty along the ridge. The most popular route is the ascent to the summit of Bobotov Kuk.
Hidden among the mountains is one of the most beautiful lakes in Montenegro, the Black Lake. And on the slope of Mount Obla Glava is the Ice Cave, which is a natural museum of ice stalagmites and stalactites of various shapes and sizes.
How to travel around the world without a visa
To travel freely around the world, cosmopolitans obtain a second passport. The standard route to another country's citizenship is naturalization. This requires many years of residence in the chosen country, then passing a language and history test. Obtaining a passport can take up to 20 years.
Some countries offer a quicker route to citizenship by investing in the state's economy. Such an option exists in Malta, Montenegro, Turkey, five Caribbean countries and Vanuatu.
Countries where it is legally possible to obtain a passport by investment
| Country | Investments | Term of receipt | Number of visa-free countries |
|---|---|---|---|
 Citizenship of Malta | From €690,000 | From 1 year | 186 |
 Citizenship of Turkey | From $250,000 | From 3 months | 111 |
 Citizenship of Montenegro | From €350,000 | From 6 months | 124 |
 Citizenship of Vanuatu | From $130,000 | From 4 weeks | 133 |
 Citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis | From $150,000 | From 2 months | 157 |
 Citizenship of Dominica | From $100,000 | From 3 months | 143 |
 Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda | From $100,000 | From 3 months | 151 |
 Citizenship of Grenada | From $150,000 | From 4 months | 144 |
 Citizenship of Saint Lucia | From $100,000 | From 3 months | 146 |
A residence permit in one of the Schengen countries allows for free travel to other countries of the agreement and a stay of 90 days within a six-month period. The five Schengen countries have government programs whereby investors buy real estate, securities, invest in science, culture or local businesses. The options depend on the country chosen.
Countries where you can obtain a residence permit or permanent residence permit by investment
| Country | Investments | Time of receipt |
|---|---|---|
 Residence permit in Portugal | From €350,000 | From 2 months |
 Residence permit in Austria | From €100,000 | From 3 months |
 Residence permit in Greece | From €250,000 | From 3 months |
| Permanent residence in Malta | From €150,000 | From 6 months |
 Residence permit in Switzerland | From ₣450,000 | From 6 months |
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent who helps you obtain citizenship or residence permits by investment in European and Caribbean countries. If you want to travel around the world without visas, seek advice from investment program experts.
