Abkhazia ranks at the top of the list in terms of the number of vacation reviews in this country. In the summer, there is the same influx of tourists as in the best resorts in Italy or Greece, so if someone else underestimates Abkhazia, then it's time to start respecting it. Reviews about holidays in Abkhazia are divided into two categories: one half of the tourists praises the country and tries to reason with domestic travelers not to spend money on obtaining a visa for a vacation in practically similar conditions, the other half, on the contrary, scolds and enthusiastically lists all the disadvantages of a holiday in this country.
Well, don't guess and believe various rumors. Let's take a look at the numerous reviews of holidays in Abkhazia, the main attractions and popular resorts.
Regions and resorts of Abkhazia
Territorially, the country is divided into sevenzones almost equal in area: Gagra, Gudauta, Sukhum, Gulrypsh, Ochamchira, Tkuarchal and Gal districts. When going on vacation to this beautiful country, regardless of the choice of region, you will be able to catch both a piece of the coast and enchanting mountain peaks.
Abkhazia is rightfully a historical region of the Western Caucasus, bordering the Russian Federation in the north and Georgia in the south. The Abkhazian coast, about 200 km long, is washed by the waters of the Black Sea, but this is not the main attraction of the country. Alpine skiing is an equally developed type of recreation here. The country is spread out in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains sparkling with dazzling white snow.
Climate of Abkhazia
The climate in Abkhazia is truly wonderful. The swimming season usually starts in mid-May and lasts until October. The most favorable time for a holiday in this country is considered to be the middle of summer and the beginning of autumn, when the so-called velvet season begins.
There is always snow on the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, so in addition to a beach holiday, the country has a well-developed ski resort, and mountain climbing excursions are popular.
It is also worth noting the fact that it is in Abkhazia that the warmest place on the entire Black Sea coast is located - Gagra. In winter, the air temperature on the coast does not fall below zero, which contributes to a comfortable pastime on land.
Do I need a visa?
Another reason why holidays in Abkhazia, according to domestic tourists, are very much appreciated isno visa. For citizens of the Russian Federation, as well as several other countries, it is enough to simply present documents at the customs checkpoint, declare currency and other things.
How to get to Abkhazia?
It so happened that Abkhazia has a very good geographical location in relation to Russia. You can get to the territory of the southern fairy tale in several ways at once: by plane, train or personal transport. Unfortunately, the first two options provide for a mandatory transfer in the city of Sochi, but the direct route exists only by car. It is for this reason that quite large traffic jams can be observed when crossing the border.
If you travel by train, in most cases, travelers depart from the Adler railway station, where the border is within easy reach. Customs control is carried out directly in the train cars, and the fare varies around 1000 rubles per person.
Also in the season, sea ferries are launched from Adler, the fare is 500 rubles. The main disadvantage of this option is that it is seasonal and irregular, so you should find out everything in advance before planning your route.
Let's now go directly to the main resorts of this wonderful country, for which it is worth coming here.
Gagra
As we have already said, holidays in Abkhazia at sea are one of the main reasons for visiting this state. Gagra is the first city that every tourist passes when crossing the international border. It is a picturesque resort located justa few kilometers from Sochi airport in a quiet and peaceful bay. In summer, sea water here warms up to 28 degrees, and the swimming season lasts until November. Gagra is an ideal place for families with children in Abkhazia, as the infrastructure is well developed here: water parks, entertainment, many family cafes and, of course, all this against the backdrop of beautiful nature.
Pitsunda
Pitsunda enjoys no less popularity among domestic tourists. To be honest, this settlement can hardly be called a city, rather, just a village, but what a one! It is located in a picturesque place on the edge, away from the main highway that extends inland. It is believed that it is here that the cleanest sea on the entire Black Sea coast is confirmed by the presence of dolphins. They can often be seen here in fine weather. Pitsunda is surrounded by a pine grove, which is considered the official territory of the Pitsunda-Myusser Reserve.
New Athos
Just think about this title. Do you feel how majestic it sounds? This is the main pilgrimage center of Abkhazia. Tourists should go here to see important sights, monuments of nature and history. It is here that the famous New Athos Monastery, the grotto and temple of the Apostle Simon the Zealot and other religious monuments are located. Particularly interesting is the rest in Abkhazia in the summer, or rather in New Athos. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to visit this wonderful country, do not miss yourchance.
Gudauta
Another resort town located near Gagra. Here the holiday season lasts throughout the year. Why is Gudauta so popular? Perhaps because the resort is located in a peaceful bay with a predominance of coniferous trees and citrus plants. There is a beautiful city park here, and the sea bay is bordered by a gravel beach, which helps to keep the underwater world clean.
Sukhum
So, in the end, we will talk about the capital of Abkhazia - the city of Sukhum. Here, like nowhere else in the state, beach holidays are superbly developed, there are many hotels with excellent infrastructure, a large private sector for budget holidays. In addition, if we talk about rest in Abkhazia in sanatoriums, then there are a huge number of them. Sukhum is famous for its nature, clean beaches and, of course, therapeutic rest with many wellness treatments.
Here every tourist will find entertainment. The city is known for its beautiful botanical garden, monkey nursery, state museum. Also in Sukhum you can take a look at the Park of Glory, built in memory of the heroes of the 1992-1993 war. Getting to the city will not be difficult, for example, a direct train "Moscow - Sukhum" runs regularly from Moscow.
Hotels
Park-hotel "Tsar Bagrat Mountain" is a full-fledged complex with unique architecture. Here they offer a widea range of services, ranging from the European level of service to a high level of security. It will be interesting for both adults and children.
The hotel is located in the city of Sukhum at the address: st. Jelia, 14.
The Abaata 4 hotel in Gagra boasts a beautiful and cozy design of the rooms. It has everything you need - a huge territory, beautiful environment, inexpensive rooms.
Amra Guest House can be an excellent option for relaxing in the private sector. This guest house is located in Pitsunda at the address: Agrba street 16/2. The house has 15 rooms, its own spacious territory, parking spaces and much more.
Rest in Abkhazia. Tourist reviews
The entire modern network is replete with numerous reviews of people vacationing on the territory of this wonderful state. Probably, there is no such place in the world that would be spoken about exclusively in a positive way. Abkhazia is a country of contrasts: picturesque nature, well-groomed beaches, but sometimes a rude attitude, unfriendliness and lack of high-class service.
Separate attention should be paid to living space. Rest in Abkhazia in hotels is very popular, but we can only talk about quality service in relation to 4- or 5-star complexes. Many travelers complain about the discrepancy between the pictures on the hotel website and reality.
If you plan to spend a beautiful holiday in a hotel, it is better to overpay for the quality or choose an alternative option. For example, vacation inAbkhazia in the private sector. Do not underestimate this type of pastime. Vacationers always have their own kitchen, bathroom, and the appearance of some rooms can seriously compete with hotel rooms. Plus, the presence of a kitchen, which significantly reduces the additional cost of food in cafes and restaurants. Sometimes the private sector for recreation in Abkhazia is the best solution.
Conclusion
Abkhazia is a great place for a long-awaited vacation. To visit this country, you just need to purchase tickets and book a hotel room, no paperwork with obtaining permission to enter the country is required. It is also worth noting the fact that there is no need to make a money transfer, since the Russian ruble is accepted in the country, and this, in turn, simplifies the situation again.
The tourism sector is well developed in the country: various excursions, water parks, jeeping, parachuting - all this will leave indelible impressions in your memory, and photos about holidays with children in Abkhazia will periodically remind you of a great time.
We hope that our article helped you form your own opinion about this country. Listening to people's opinions is sometimes useful, but still the best way to make sure the information is true is to check for yourself. Therefore, do not be shy: find out for yourself what a vacation in Abkhazia is like in the summer. Have a nice trip and new discoveries!
