In the former USSR there was no person who did not dream of spending a vacation in Abkhazia. This region attracted nomenklatura workers, bohemians, and ordinary citizens. And this is not surprising - the magnificent nature, Caucasian hospitality and the Black Sea coast attracted tourists from all the Union republics like a magnet.
A little about the country
Currently, Abkhazia is a separate state, whose independence is recognized by Russia and several other countries. It is located on the Black Sea coast, borders on the Russian Federation (Krasnodar Territory and Georgia). Small in area, this country is very picturesque - on the one hand it is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, on the other - the Black Sea coast.
The climate of Abkhazia depends on the area. Coastal - mild, the average air temperature is 15 degrees, in summer the thermometer does not fall below 22. In the mountains, the climate varies depending on the zone - eternal non-melting snow lies at an altitude of about 2300 meters.
The capital is the city of Sukhum. The population slightly exceeds 80 thousand people - this is almost a third of all residents of the republic. In total, there are 8 cities in Abkhazia, which are the centers of regions, and about 500 villages and settlements. Population, according to 2011 datayear, is about 250 thousand people, and this figure tends to gradually decrease. Abkhazia is famous for the number of centenarians - throughout the entire territory of the former USSR, it occupies a leading position in this indicator.
Tourism
The tourism sector is recognized as one of the most important for the development of the region's economy. This country is distinguished by its advantageous location near the sea, the purest nature and magnificent landscapes.
Most of the resorts have inherited almost the entire infrastructure from Soviet times - the buildings of boarding houses and sanatoriums were built back in the USSR, so many of them need major repairs or reconstruction. Gradually, the tourism sector is developing - facilities are being repaired, transport is developing and service is increasing. One of the most hospitable countries is Abkhazia. Hotels offer tourists a comfortable stay on the Black Sea coast.
Transportation
Air transport on the territory of the country is practically not used - this is due to the fact that the world organization IATA does not recognize the independence of Abkhazia, therefore, flights to the country are not carried out. Most tourists get to the Abkhazian resorts through Russian ones - to get from Adler or Sochi by taxi or minibuses. Crossing the Russian-Abkhazian border is easy - you can go right in shorts and slippers to the other side of the bridge over the Psou River and find yourself in another country. Road remains the main mode of transport for movement within the country.
Holiday destination
What does resort Abkhazia offer? Hotels and hotels accept tourists throughout the year - in summer you can enjoy a beach holiday, in winter - skiing. The country has a developed network of resorts - Avadkhara, Gagra, Pitsunda, New Athos, Ochamchira and Gudauta … Each of them has its own characteristics, for example, Avadkhara is a resort town located at an altitude of 1600 meters and has mineral water springs.
Gagra is a famous resort, famous throughout the CIS and attracting many tourists in the summer - there are excellent beaches and picturesque places. Pitsunda is also well known to most people - this resort village, which has only recently received the status of a city, is located 25 kilometers south of Gagra. New Athos is also located on the Black Sea coast. In addition to natural beauties, there are many cultural and historical attractions, monuments and museums. Ochamchira and Gudauta are small coastal towns offering travelers unforgettable views and a secluded getaway.
Accommodation Options
Practically every resort in the country offers tourists several hotels to choose from. Some of them have hardly changed since Soviet times, neither in terms of service level, nor in terms of quality of finishing. Others, on the contrary, meet all modern requirements. Accordingly, the cost of living in them is also different - from 600 to 3000 rubles per person per day.
Abkhazia (including hotels, sanatoriums and inns) is the most hospitable place in the Caucasus. Here, the shortcomings of the infrastructure are more than compensated by the cordiality and friendliness.personnel. In addition, in the resort towns, almost every local resident offers tourists their accommodation for rent. You can order food - the owners are happy to feed guests with local delicacies (for an additional fee, of course). It is worth remembering that, as in any resort, it is better to book places in advance - in the high season, many face difficulties in accommodation. Summer prices are higher than winter ones - this is due to the seasonal occupancy of hotels.
Gagra, Abkhazia Hotels
Gagra (or Gagra) is a resort town with a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Currently, new hotels and boarding houses are being built in the village, the most popular of them are the Gagra, Midel and Psou rest houses. The first is open all year round. The cost of living (from 840 to 2700 rubles per day) includes three meals a day. The view from the window is mesmerizing. The holiday home is located in close proximity to the sea, nearby there is a small-pebble beach where you can rent umbrellas, boats, sun loungers.
"Midel" was built in the city center, its territory is a closed park. This hotel will appeal to all those who prefer an active holiday - there are opportunities for tennis, there is a diving center. The dance floor is open on the beach.
"Psou" is a boarding house located on the very seashore. From its windows offers stunning views of the sea. It is more suitable for a quiet and relaxing holiday in the resort of Gagra, Abkhazia.
Hotels here are open all year round. The beach season starts from the end of May and lasts until the beginning of September. "Alex" - hotel (Abkhazia),built relatively recently. It is located on the seashore, level - 4. Guests are offered high quality service and accommodation in comfortable rooms (from 1100 rubles per day). It offers guests 78 apartments located in a 5-storey building. Meals are organized on a buffet basis.
"Alex Beach" - a hotel (Abkhazia), which can offer not only accommodation, but also an entertainment program - excursion services, animation, he alth and beauty treatments. This complex is called the pearl of the resort - it is popular not only among tourists, but also among the local population.
Abkhazia, Pitsunda: resort hotels
In Pitsunda, there are several large boarding houses built back in the Soviet years - these include a network of hotels and hotels united under the general name "Pitsunda Resort" - "Mayak", "Amra", "Bzyb", "Golden Fleece"”, “Colchis” and several others.
What else can Abkhazia offer? Ldzaa (the hotels in this area are most suitable for a comfortable secluded holiday by the sea) is a small village in the suburbs, offering guests accommodation at a relatively low price. There is a boarding house "Ldzaa", which has been popular with tourists since ancient times, and there are several hotels built recently - "Palma" and some others.
Recently, new hotels and small private hotels have begun to appear in the resort, which offer guests comfortable rooms, excellent cuisine and a wholerange of services, up to transfer to Adler airport or train station.
What other accommodation options does Abkhazia offer? Mini-hotels are a great place where you can spend a vacation by the sea, saving some money on accommodation. The new Iren Hotel and the Dolphin Club Hotel can serve as an example of the development of tourism infrastructure in one of the regions of a country like Abkhazia.
B&Bs are small, often inexpensive, private hotels with only a few rooms and minimal service.
This type of accommodation is comfortable with privacy and relatively low prices. What is Abkhazia famous for? Pitsunda (you can choose hotels and inns here for every taste and budget) allows you to relax without overpaying. So, accommodation prices start from 700 rubles per person per day.
Reviews
Abkhazia is in demand among Russian tourists. Vacationers stay in hotels and boarding houses, as well as in the private sector, renting rooms and accommodation from the local population. According to the majority, it is still better to choose hotels in Abkhazia for accommodation - the reviews of tourists living in the private sector are most often not the most flattering.
Housing conditions are much worse, food can be different - depending on the hospitality of the hosts.
Safety
As in any country, in Abkhazia one should be careful. Do not carry large amounts of money with you, make copies of documents and tickets in advance.
Fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed, it is recommended to drink only bottled water. Staying on the beach should be limited, especially in the early days - the likelihood of sunburn is quite high. It is recommended to wear bathing suits only on the beach, it is better to walk around the city in ordinary summer clothes. When settling in the private sector, it is advisable to immediately discuss all the living conditions with the owner in order to avoid misunderstandings related to paying for additional services. It is better to book places in hotels and hotels in advance - there are always plenty of people who want to visit this sunny and hospitable country.
