REST IN ABKHAZIA: SEA, PRICES, CITIES
ꙭ read in 2 min. 02.01.2024
Those who rested in Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, when arrive in Abkhazia, will note the similarity of the natural features of this Caucasian republic with the Balkan beauties. And they really have a lot in common: the same high mountains, covered with dense subtropical vegetation, azure sea with clear water, beautiful mountain lakes, palm trees and vineyards. Even people themselves are similar - they do not hurry, and even work with a bit of laziness. The differences that are immediately evident - are poor quality of service, some constructional destructions. The tourist potential of Abkhazia is very high, since the middle and older generations remember that during the Soviet Union these resorts were the most prestigious.
So, we will briefly describe 9 pluses or reasons for rest in Abkhazia:
- Magnificent nature, clean air and sea.
- Favourable climate. From the mainland resorts are protected by a mountain belt that reduces the impact of cold cyclones. There are no storm above 2 points.
- The resorts are less crowded with tourists than in the neighbouring Krasnodar region.
- An opportunity to combine business with pleasure and visit the famous thermal springs of Abkhazia, which are popular both in winter and in summer.
- Delicious national cuisine. Taste local khachapuri and pastry with cheese.
- The closeness of The Russian town Adler brings confidence in vacation abroad. For example, the beautiful resort of Gagra is only 40 km away.
- Unforgettable excursions in Abkhazia with many natural and historical sights.
- Suitable for a family vacation with children.
- Low prices compared to neighboring Sochi.
Good transport accessibility of the republic provides a year-round flow of tourists. It is enough to use the transfer service to Abkhazia from the airport or railway station Adler to see everything with your own eyes.
The best summer resorts in Abkhazia
Gagra
It is the closest town to the border of the Russian Federation and the most popular tourist town in Abkhazia. Distance from Adler is only 40 km. The town is divided into Old and New Gagra. The famous Soviet sanatoriums and boarding houses were located in the Old part. Unfortunately, only a small part of these boarding houses are working to this day, and most of them are abandoned. This applies to the famous parks of Gagra as well.
Here started the development of the resorts of Abkhazia more than a century ago by the Prince of Oldenburg. During the last 5 years there is an annual stable growth of tourist flow from Russia, which affects, first of all, New Gagra, where during the peak season you can rarely see free places on the beach. Meanwhile, on the shores of the old part of the town you can find some deserted beaches. You can get here on foot or by 2 public transport stops to see the striking contrast and enjoy a promenade along the paths of Primorsky Park or Nartaa Avenue. In the new part of the town the tourist infrastructure is more developed, there are various sea entertainments for children, as well as a small water park. Read more about rest in Gagra ...
Pitsunda: The charm of a tarnished pearl
If Gagra in Soviet times was a favorite vacation spot of the then elites, Pitsunda at that time was known as a resort of the first persons of the state. It's history. And what attracts tourists to this paradise today? Let's consider all the advantages and disadvantages of rest in Pitsunda.
It is clear that in this resort, and indeed in all Abkhazian health resorts at present, money is not invested and against this background those towns that suffered the least from the Abkhaz-Georgian war and preserved at least something from the former infrastructure are in favour. So, Pitsunda is among them, the war seemed to pass this place. There you can stay at OPK (Association of boarding houses of the resort) "Pitsunda" which consists of 7 high-rises of tourist complex on the cape with the same name. Of course, the level of there is low and does not reach to the hotels of Turkey and Egypt, but there are constant improvements of quality and infrastructure.
If you choose a private sector, then it's better to go to the nearby village of Ldaa, which is 4 km away from the town. This is a quiet and peaceful place with a magnificent private sandy beach. You can also consider the outskirts of the village - the Rybzavod (fishfactory) district. The factory stopped working long ago, and only its name remains.
The unique microclimate of Pitsunda is its main attraction. If you look from above, you will see that the resort is located on its own cape, almost a peninsula. This place is located below the other resorts of the country. Along the entire coastline - 4 km long there is a protected area, where the famous Pitsunda pine grove grows. The fusion of pine smell with the sea breeze creates a unique atmosphere for this resort. In addition, this combination of natural features makes the weather here unique and different from neighbouring towns. So, if it's raining and storming in the neighbouring Gagra , then in Pitsunda the sun is shining and everyone is sunbathing at the sea. More about the rest in Pitsunda ...
New Athos. Holy places
Holiday in New Athos can be described as a combination of useful and enjoyable. It is a good choice for those who want to have a budget holiday, away from noisy entertainment, a large crowd of tourists, to swim and sunbathe in the clear sea, and don’t go far for sightseeing.
Many people like the white sand beaches, which can be found among pebble one. In 2011 the population was just over 1500 people. The types of accommodation in the village are private sector, hotels, or newly built boarding houses. In summer, quite comfortable rooms with all amenities are waiting for tourists, often transfer to the station is offered. Of course, the level of infrastructure still does not reach international resorts, but it is constantly growing. In the private sector it is common to provide residents with home meals, and the Abkhazian home cooking is very tasty.
Read more about rest in New Athos ...
Sukhum, the capital of the republic
In order not to offend the local population, vacationers in Abkhazia are advised to call the capital of the Republic SUKHUM, and not Sukhumi, since the latter name has Georgian roots. The people heroically and with great losses defended their independence and in December 1992 the then Supreme Council returned the former Russified name of Sukhum.
Read more about rest in Sukhum ...
Have a look at the most popular places of interest in Abkhazia in our short video guide:
Moving around the republic with comfort, for the purpose of independent acquaintance with its sights, will allow car rental in Abkhazia, both with and without a driver. On our portal you will find other popular travel services, as well as see reviews and ratings of performers.