Despite the fact that in recent years, Russians have been actively exploring European and Asian tourist destinations, holidays in Gagra by the sea are still in demand. This city was highly valued back in Soviet times, but then it was visited mainly by the political elite. It was very difficult for a mere mortal to get there.
Today times have changed. Everyone can visit a beautiful city in Abkhazia, there would only be a desire. If you have it, feel free to pack for a trip.
You have 100 reasons for this…
Gagra is unique and unpredictable! The Caucasus has always been famous for its hospitality and exotic views. There are several reasons that make many Russians visit this fertile place. Experienced tourists consider the main ones:
- Geographic location. The Caucasus Mountains surround the city, protecting it from cold winds and keeping warm sea air, which is extremely beneficial for people suffering from respiratory diseases.
- Diverse flora. You will not see many plants in any other Russian region. Here you can walk through eucalyptus, lemon, orange groves.
- Proximity to the border. The city of Gagra is located near the border. FromAdler Airport is only 20 km away. Therefore, there is a unique opportunity not only to admire the sights of Abkhazia, but also to visit Sochi, another famous resort.
- National cuisine. Abkhazian dishes are a real gourmet's dream. There are a huge number of delicacies that are worth trying at least once in a lifetime. And it doesn’t matter at all what you choose: hominy or Abkhazian hodgepodge. Everything will be amazingly delicious.
- Winemaking. The city of Gagra is famous for its wines. These are not the drinks that we are used to buying in stores. Here is natural wine, which is made from the best grapes, without dyes and all kinds of powders. Do you want to check the veracity of the famous phrase "Truth in wine"? Then you definitely need to go to Gagra.
- Developed tourist infrastructure. There is another advantage that Gagra can boast of - sanatoriums. There are a lot of them here. Moreover, almost each of them offers not only medical, but also wellness programs. A good opportunity to combine business with pleasure.
- A huge kaleidoscope of excursions. The city has a large number of attractions: both natural and man-made. It will take a lot of time to see them all, but the guides will definitely introduce you to the main monuments on your first visit. In addition, a pleasant surprise awaits you: the prices for excursions in Abkhazia are much lower than in Sochi or Adler.
It is all these factors that attract tourists to the southern fabulous city.
Abkhazia or Europe?
What to choose from these two geographical objects, of course, the tourist himself decides. But Gagra has undeniable advantages. Firstly, a trip to this city does not require a visa or a foreign passport, which means you can save time and nerves. Secondly, there is no language barrier here, so they will easily explain to you where to find the best supermarket or where to have a cultural rest in the evening. Thirdly, the usual Russian prices are in rubles, so you can relax and not worry about an increase in the exchange rate.
A bit of history
The city, which later became the best Soviet he alth resort, has an ancient history. It was founded by a Greek merchant back in the 2nd century BC. However, as a resort, he declared himself only at the beginning of the 20th century. And this is a great merit of a relative of Nicholas II - Prince of Oldenburg. Local residents still keep the memory of this man. This becomes clear once you visit the city.
Old and New Gagra
Conventionally, the city can be divided into 2 parts. Their border runs along the Tsykherva River. The old districts attract with coziness and intimacy. This is the historical center of the city, striking in its picturesqueness and architecture of the beginning of the century.
Novaya Gagra is a modern center built in Soviet times. It is here that you need to go shopping, as the most famous supermarkets and shopping centers of the city are located in these areas. There are many restaurants, cafes, water parks and other entertainment establishments.
An important nuance for tourists,who are going to visit the city of Gagra: sanatoriums and boarding houses are located mainly in the Old part. But private mini-hotels and small hotels - in New Gagra.
Gagra: sanatoriums and other places of temporary stay
Going on vacation to a foreign city, any tourist wonders about a temporary place of residence. Gagra in this regard provides a wide variety of options. Arriving here, any tourist can count on:
- To the hotels. For example, "Lulu" is a private institution that belongs to the economy class. Alex Beach Hotel, on the contrary, is suitable for those who love discreet luxury.
- To boarding houses and sanatoriums. Accommodation in such establishments allows you not only to relax, but also to improve your he alth. Among the most famous options are Colchis, Cote d'Azur, Ilios.
In addition, you can rent a cottage or apartment. However, it is worth remembering that in Gagra in the summer there is no hot water in the private sector. In hotels and sanatoriums, she usually happens all the time.
It is advisable to buy a ticket to the sanatorium in advance, especially if you decide to go to Gagra during the high season. Otherwise, many sanatoriums (for example, "Nart", "Amra") will be inaccessible. You can get to some of them without a pre-purchased ticket.
Pension with private beach
Do you choose a place of residence that would be close to the sea? Then the boarding house "Radiant" is perfect for you. It has its own beach, on the coastal zone you will find everything tourists need:sunbeds, umbrellas. Here you can also taste amazingly delicious coffee brewed on the sand using a special technology.
The Luchezarny boarding house itself is a cozy and quiet establishment in the old Gagra area, which is more suitable for families, including those with children. The rooms have everything you need: shower, toilet, air conditioning, refrigerator, hair dryer. The balcony is equipped with special furniture so that you can admire the sea view. The boarding house offers various excursions, as well as medical procedures. Perhaps the most popular of these is massage.
The price for accommodation from November to May is quite reasonable. Without food, it will be only 500 rubles per day, in summer - from 1900.
Reviews from vacationers claim that this is a quiet and comfortable place, with good service and a relaxing holiday.
Near the Black Sea
Another place of rest can be called the boarding house "Cote d'Azur". It is located on the border of the regions of Old and New Gagra. Therefore, it is easy to get to the modern city center from it. It will also not take long to get the opportunity to admire the picturesque surroundings of the old districts, take a walk in the unique parks located in them.
Cote d'Azur boarding house offers a European class of service. Here you will find the whole range of water activities, you can visit game attractions, sit in a summer cafe.
From the windows of the rooms offer stunning views of the sea or mountains. The Gagra Range will appear before you in all its grandeur, andlovers of history and architecture will be delighted with the outlines of the castle of the Prince of Oldenburg.
Cote d'Azur boarding house knows how to win the sympathy of the guests, according to positive reviews. The only negative that tourists often talk about is a small playground. It gets very crowded at times.
Prices in Gagra
Many tourists who have visited Gagra recognize its advantages: nature, cuisine, hospitality, sea. But almost all of them call its prices as a minus of staying at the resort.
Actually, this is not entirely true. During the peak season, the cost of living in hotels and resorts increases. However, prices are quite affordable at other times.
The most expensive month is August. Accommodation will cost 1,500 rubles per day. The cost is quite high in July - 800 rubles. But in June and September you can relax for 600 rubles. The cheapest option is to go to Gagra at the beginning of the beach season. In May, prices have not yet risen, and a hotel room will cost only 400 rubles.
Fabulous Gagra attracts many tourists. Sanatoriums, boarding houses, hotels can provide a comfortable stay, and many attractions and the Black Sea will make it interesting and unforgettable.
