Gagra is the most popular resort town in Abkhazia, located in a small bay. Mountains protect it from cold winds, they keep warm sea air. The length of the coastline of Gagra is 53 km.
The coast in Novaya Gagra is divided into small pebble beaches, but there are also separate sandy areas. This type of beach is the most popular among vacationers, and therefore it is quite crowded during the summer months.
Most of the resort's beaches are public, but some coastal areas belong to boarding houses and sanatoriums, the entrance to them is available to guests, but for an additional fee, these beaches can be visited by everyone. Umbrellas and sun loungers can only be rented in certain parts of the coast, mainly in Novaya Gagra. The most comfortable water temperature in the sea is set in mid-June.
The best sandy beaches in Gagra:
1. Beach in Staraya Gagra;
2. Central Beach in New Gagra.
Beach in Staraya Gagra
Old Gagra is historical part city, it has a lot of pre-revolutionary buildings, tourists combine beach holiday with visits to local attractions. There are few vacationers on the beaches of Old Gagra, since there are almost no attractions, the entertainment infrastructure is poorly developed. The beach is well suited for lovers of secluded relaxation, without unnecessary noise and fuss. On the banks of the Old Gagra there are many large sanatoriums and boarding houses, from the windows of which a magnificent view of the sea opens. The beaches adjacent to the sanatoriums are quite clean and comfortable, nearby are large restaurants "Three barrels" and "Gagripsh", there is a beer restaurant "Stepan Razin". Restaurant "Gagripsh" is one of the main attractions of the city. The vegetation of Old Gagra will amaze you with its diversity and riot - there are palm trees, oleanders, cypresses.
Beach in Novaya Gagra (Central Beach)
The central beach has a developed infrastructure for recreation. Nearby are many shops, cafes, a large supermarket. There are much more people than on the beaches of Old Gagra, so the beach is sometimes dirty. The beach also consists of small pebbles. On the beach of New Gagra there is a water park of five slides, tourists are offered many water attractions. Not far from the beach there is a stadium, tennis courts, and a park. The beaches in Novaya Gagra are very noisy, so they are more suitable for young people. Vacationers with children are better off settling away from the noisy establishments of the central beach. Between the beaches of Old and New Gagra there is a beautiful place, Gagripsh Square, which connects these two beaches.
Because of the military conflicts that took place in 1993, many areas of this small country suffered, however resort town Gagra has been completely restored for tourists' recreation.
Staraya Gagra is the northwestern district of the city, stretching in a narrow strip along the coast. The scope of the district is very arbitrary - from the gorge of the Tsikherva River to the end of Komsomolsky Park.
Near the coast of the historical part of the city there are multi-storey boarding houses, some with own beaches. Basically, the coast is a public beach strip covered with sand and pebbles, in some places it is neglected, with practically no beach infrastructure. On average, the width of the resort coast in Staraya Gagra reaches 40 meters, the length of the coastal part of the region is 6 km.
There are many secluded places on the coast that can be reached on foot, including those that are practically empty even in high season. There are no canopies on the undeveloped city beaches, however, immediately behind the coastal strip, a park area begins where you can take a walk and relax in the shade. Such “wild” areas include the Medical Beach near Komsomolsky Park: once it was assigned to the guests of the sanatorium and was used for natural healing by sunbathing, but now only monumental buildings and sculptures on the border of the beach remind of those times.
There are in the area of Old Gagra and recognized centers of resort life, popular places family and youth recreation. One of them is the well-maintained Mahito beach at the grill bar of the same name. This place attracts tourists with free beach equipment and sports grounds, evening discos and live music.
In the Soviet past, Gagra was one of the most popular resorts in Abkhazia, it was considered quite prestigious to relax here - every citizen of a large country secretly dreamed of getting a ticket to one of the local sanatoriums. The city began to purposefully turn into resort area with the active assistance of Prince A.P. Oldenburg, who did a lot for the improvement of the Black Sea coast.
Starting in the 1990s, Gagra gradually fell into decay due to wars, conflicts, lack of funding and general instability, although tourists, against all odds, continued to come to this wonderful city, albeit in much smaller numbers. Today Gagra is a legacy of a bygone era with a slight touch of nostalgia, quiet beaches, magnificent parks and picturesque natural attractions.
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What to see and where to go in Gagra?
The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and a short description.
1. Gagra colonnade
This is one of the most famous sights not only of the city, but of the whole of Abkhazia. It is located next to Seaside Park. Tourists entering the country from Sochi, first of all pay attention to this building, as it is clearly visible from the road. The colonnade was erected in the 1950s. It is a structure of arched spans and porticos surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
2. Seaside park
The park was founded at the beginning of the 20th century. Throughout the century, it has been a favorite place for city guests - walking along the alleys, they inhaled the fresh smell of pine needles mixed with the salty sea breeze, and admired exotic plants brought here from different corners planets. The park stretches for several kilometers along the coast, its area is more than 14 hectares. One of the most striking compositions is the sculpture-fountain "Sagittarius", located in the middle of the pond: the figure of a young man with a stretched bow, from which a stream of water escapes.
3. Beaches of Gagra
The beaches of Gagra stretch along the coast for several tens of kilometers. All swimming areas are open for free access, even those located at boarding houses. Conventionally, they are divided into the beaches of New and Old Gagra: the former have more developed infrastructure and more people, the latter, located closer to the border, are perfect for those seeking relaxing holiday tourists. The entire coast is covered with small and large pebbles.
4. Gagra water park
Like any self-respecting seaside resort, Gagra has its own water park of a fairly decent size. On the territory there are many attractions-slides of different difficulty levels, seven swimming pools, a food court area where you can order dishes of Abkhazian cuisine in restaurants. In the summer season, the water park organizes night sessions with discos and entertainment that continues until the morning.
5. Castle of the Prince of Oldenburg
The castle-residence of Prince A.P. Oldenburg - a relative of the emperor, a public figure who, during the time of Nicholas II, was engaged in the improvement of the Black Sea coast. The building was built in Art Nouveau style in 1902. It is located in the bowels of the picturesque Seaside Park. V Soviet time The Chaika boarding house was located in the castle. After the collapse of the USSR, the building was looted, and it fell into disrepair. All that a tourist can see today is the remnants of former luxury.
6. Restaurant "Gagripsh"
Gagripsh has been welcoming guests since the beginning of the 20th century. Immediately after opening, the restaurant became iconic place Gagra, it was visited by many famous personalities: Nicholas II, I. A. Bunin, F. I. Chaliapin, and later - I. V. Stalin. We can say that it was from this institution that the history of the city began as popular resort. "Gagripsh" means chic historical interiors, excellent cuisine, wide panoramic windows overlooking the Seaside Park, and a special atmosphere.
7. Cinema "Gagra"
The cinema is located on Primorsky Boulevard. Films were not shown here immediately, at first the building served as a winter theater. The building was built in the classical style: the entrance portico supports a slender row of columns, the symmetrical facade is decorated with laconic decor. At the moment, the building is abandoned, but from the outside it looks quite picturesque and even well-groomed.
8. Railway station building
Passenger station, which in past years was one of the most popular in the country. The building was built in the middle of the 20th century, so everything that has been preserved, outside and inside, is the legacy of the USSR. The building is an example of the Soviet classical style: a monumental facade, columns, painted ceilings, massive chandeliers and arched enfilades. Today, the once majestic building is abandoned.
9. Abaata Fortress
Construction of the Early Middle Ages, presumably built in the 5th-6th centuries. V different time the bastion belonged to the Byzantines, Genoese, Russians - each owner made his own changes to its architectural appearance. In the 20th century, a hotel was built on the territory of the fortress. The remains of the fortress walls have survived to this day, the church of St. Hypatia Gagra, where the museum operates, and a hotel with a restaurant.
10. Church of Abaat
Church of St. Hypatia of Gagra is an active church, administered by the Abkhazian Orthodox Church. The building was erected in the VI century (according to another version - in the X century). It is an example of Byzantine architecture, or rather, its Caucasian interpretation, and is of great cultural value. The structure has powerful walls made of roughly hewn stone, narrow windows and a gable roof topped with a stone cross.
11. Tsandripsha Basilica
The building of the basilica was built in the VI century. It existed until the 16th century, after which it was partially destroyed by the Turks. It was not restored again. At the beginning of the 20th century, they tried to reconstruct the temple, but the plans remained on paper. In the Soviet era, the territory was repeatedly held archaeological excavations. Only the ruins of the church have survived to this day. Sometimes services are held in the surviving walls of the basilica.
12. River Reprua
Reprua can be considered the shortest river in the world, as its length is only 18 meters. It is a small section of a powerful underground stream that comes to the surface just before flowing into the Black Sea. According to experts, the water in Reprua has the highest purity characteristics, so it can be safely used for drinking. According to the Abkhazian legend, the river was formed from the tears of three sisters who mourned their dead brother.
13. Zhoekvar gorge
The gorge begins in the western part of Gagra and stretches to the high-mountain source of the Joekvara River (translated from the Abkhaz - "12 springs"). This picturesque place is a wonderful ecological route for nature lovers, passing through boxwood, chestnut and yew groves and winding along a winding river bed. There are several boarding houses very close to the gorge, so tourists often come here for a walk.
14. Mount Mamdzyshkha
The hill is located about 6 km from Gagra, it offers stunning views of Black Sea coast, Colchis lowland and surrounding settlements. On the mountain there viewing platforms where the paved road leads. In Soviet times, it was planned to build a full-fledged sanatorium and resort complex here and lay ski slopes but the idea was never realized.
15. Lake Ritsa
When you think about Abkhazia, Lake Ritsa immediately comes to mind - perhaps one of the most popular sights of the country, sharing glory with the New Athos Monastery and the cave of the same name. The reservoir is located in the mountains at an altitude of about 1 km above sea level, a picturesque winding road leads to it, laid among the green slopes of the mountains. The lake looks especially expressive in autumn and winter, when the water acquires a pure blue hue.
Abkhazia - amazing place incredible beauty. The unique and fertile nature, the healing climate, and the very special atmosphere of this region make a vacation here unforgettable. All these qualities of the Land of the Soul, as the locals call it, are perfect for families with children. Including for the first acquaintance with the sea, especially since it is much cleaner here than on Russian Black Sea resorts located not too far away. And since swimming in the azure water is the main thing for which people go to Abkhazia, it is worth learning more about the beaches directly, because this is an inseparable attribute of such a holiday. And if adults may well lie on a pebble or even a rocky surface, then little tomboys will certainly need to run, and jumping on stones, you see, is not a pleasant occupation. That is why the sandy beaches of Abkhazia are popular with families with children. Basically, the coastline is pebble or sand and pebble, although if you try, you can find clean sand. Consider the main beaches in some resorts of this amazing country.
Sukhum
City with ancient history, the capital of the Country of the Soul. There are few vacationers on the beaches, so you can not be afraid to be left without a place under the sun. Basically, there are large and small pebbles. However, those who are looking for sand beach in Abkhazia, they can also get what they want.
Most popular with local residents and guests of the city beach "Sinop". It is located in the southwest of Sukhum. From the center you can reach public transport within 5 minutes, on foot - about half an hour. There is an entrance for vehicles, here you can leave the car. Quite wide (more than 50 meters). The entrance to the sea is gentle - exactly what you need for children. On the territory there are cafes, snack bars, showers, toilets, a variety of water activities are offered.
You can also note the beaches belonging to the sanatoriums "RVSN" and "MVO". It is impossible to call them completely sandy, because closer to the water there is still a strip of pebbles. However, these are the most comfortable places for recreation with sun loungers, cafes and beach equipment rentals. But these sandy beaches of Abkhazia are not municipal property. Only guests of sanatoriums can use them freely. However, this does not mean that you cannot get there if you are not relaxing in the health resort of a country called Abkhazia. Sand beach - private sector, or rather its guests, can also visit. Only vacationers will have to pay an entrance fee. However, the price is rather purely symbolic.
Pitsunda
This locality is the best suited for families with children. There is surprisingly clean air here thanks to a grove of relic Pitsunda pine and the cleanest sea on the entire coast. Basically, cover coastal strip small-pebble. But here there is, perhaps, the best sandy beach in Abkhazia. More precisely, it is located not in Pitsunda itself, but 6 km from it, in the resort village of Rybozavod. Very spacious, there is always where to put the rug. And if you get up early and come to the morning sun, here you can see how the dolphins are splashing. There is another big plus this place: The Pitsunda Bay protects the coast, and therefore there are no strong winds and high waves, the sea is mostly calm and quiet.
In addition, while relaxing in the vicinity of Pitsunda, it makes sense to turn your attention to the sandy beaches of Abkhazia in the village of Agarki and the village of Ldzaa (Lidzava). Of course, they do not look like well-maintained beaches of foreign resorts, and they are far from the Russian coast in terms of comfort and infrastructure. However, in terms of silence, tranquility and beauty, they may well compete.
Gagra
Gagra can rightfully be called a youth resort. This is where most travelers go. In both the old and the new parts of the city, the beaches are mostly pebbly. However, there is a very good beach belonging to the Solnechny sanatorium. Strictly speaking, it is also not entirely sandy, rather, sand and pebble. Entrance to it is paid. Fortunately, here, as in Pitsunda, the sea is not very worried. The Gagra Range protects the tourists from high waves.
New Athos
Quiet, calm resort There are few vacationers here, so families with small children love this place very much. The sea is clean and warm, the entry into the water is gentle. But, however, the phrase "sandy beaches of Abkhazia" is not about this resort. It's mostly pebbles here. However, if you choose not public beaches, and to be content with wild ones, in the vicinity of New Athos it is quite possible to find sand and pebble cover. Of course, you don’t have to dream about infrastructure, but you can fully enjoy the amazing nature. There is also a sand and pebble beach, belonging to the territory of the boarding house "At the Monastery". Despite the fact that this is a private area, admission is free, and vacationers are few enough, so there is enough space for everyone.
Finally
If you are thinking whether to choose a sandy beach should not be the only criterion. In any case, visiting the Land of the Soul is a must. After all, this is an unforgettable place that is very easy to fall in love with.
Abkhazia has been a favorite tourist destination since Soviet times. She attracted them with her hospitality, abundance of fruits and vegetables, natural landscapes of incredible beauty. And of course, endless beaches and clean sea water .
In general, not much has changed now. Many tourists still seek to spend time on the Abkhazian coast of the Black Sea.
At the height of the season, when there is nowhere for an apple to fall on the beaches of Sochi, in Abkhazia you can still find places where you can spend a calm day on the seashore. From this article you will learn: in what places of Abkhazia the cleanest and most beautiful beaches, whether there is a sandy beaches in Abkhazia and how to get there to all these places.
The best beaches of Abkhazia: description, photo, how to get
Gagra
From the Russian border with Abkhazia to the resort Gagra only half an hour by car. You can get there on routes or on private traders who offer their services. Another option is the Adler-Gagra train. Not fast, but without transfers.
Gagra - a beautiful and green resort. It is enough just to walk along the embankment to be convinced of this. There are cafes along the promenade where you can have lunch or dinner.
The beaches of Gagra are mostly small pebbles. Or sandy, but there will still be pebbles at the entrance to the sea. The water in the sea is clean, in sunny weather it acquires a bright turquoise color. This always surprises tourists: it seems that they drove only 20 km from the Sochi Imeretinka, and the color of the water in the sea is fundamentally different!
But with changing rooms, showers, sunbeds and umbrellas it's much worse here. Basically, tourists bring rugs and umbrellas with them. But if you look, you can find sun loungers with umbrellas for 100-150 rubles, which is an order of magnitude cheaper than in Sochi. Near the colonnade, a luxury tent will cost 100 rubles per hour.
A small minus may be that the beach cannot be called perfectly clean (although for Abkhazia this is not only a problem for beaches). But in general, if there is no desire to waste time on further movements, then in Gagra you can count on a quite acceptable beach holiday .
There are several very decent hotels in Gagra, which are located right on the seashore: these are hotel Abaata, Amra Park-Hotel & Spa 5*, Holiday home Midel.
Pitsunda
If you drive along the road from Gagra towards New Athos for another 30-40 minutes, you can get to Pitsunda .
The main ways to get to Pitsunda:
- By bus (minibus) from the Russian border.
- By train to Gagra, and from there by taxi or bus / minibus to Pitsunda.
- By taxi from Psou checkpoint. You will also have to get to the border by bus + walk about 2 km, or by taxi.
- By personal transport
- With a private tour
Pitsunda has always been a privileged resort. It is considered that the water in Pitsunda Bay is the cleanest on the entire coast of Abkhazia. A plus pine grove, which starts right at the beach, brings beauty and pleasant aroma to the landscapes of Pitsunda.
To get to the central beach of Pitsunda, you have to pay 50 rubles for access to the territory because it is territory Association "Resort Pitsunda". For this money, you will relax on a well-maintained beach, where there are umbrellas with sun loungers, changing rooms, showers, and cafes.
Or you can do it easier - buy a tour to the boarding house "Resort Pitsunda" , seven high-rise buildings of which are located along the embankment. True, this boarding house is so popular among tourists that it must be done much in advance. And don't look for it on booking - it's not there. The boarding house works only with large Russian tour operators, and you need to look for prices for it here - Online-tours. I described in detail the situation with hotels in Pitsunda in the article:
Most best hotel in Pitsunda, in my opinion, is the Samshitovaya Grove sanatorium built by the Turks. Of the inexpensive ones - Pitsunda Hotel and Kiaraz Start Otel.
There are also free beach in Pitsunda. More precisely, without reaching it. close boarding house "Pitius" , which in translation from the Abkhaz means "pine".
Beach and coastline Pitsunda, albeit not very conscientiously, but still removed. And the water in the sea is really clean.
Ldzaa (Lidzava)
Resort village Ldzaa (also called Rybzavod) is one of the most popular seaside resorts. Located just 4 km from the center of the city of Pitsunda. Developed infrastructure, shops and cafes in in large numbers. The same beautiful pine grove as in Pitsunda.
It is here that in recent years began to appear new cozy hotels , in which it is no longer ashamed (and not scary) to spend a few days. For instance: Villa Valentina, hotel Pine Beach Hotel , Guest House black house.
The beaches here are mostly small pebbles, which gradually turn into sand as they approach the rocks. And at the very end of Lidzava you will see such cozy sheds:
Everyone who saw a photo of this beach on my phone did not believe that it was made in Abkhazia.
You can get to Lidzava in the same ways as in Pitsunda (see above)
Musser
This is one of my favorite places in Abkhazia.
The resort is located even further along the coast (about 35 km from Pitsunda), and you can only drive up to it from the main highway. Turning off the Sukhumi highway at 46 km, where there is a sign "Mysra / Myussera", you will drive 10 km along the Pitsundsko-Myussersky reserve before you find yourself on the seashore.
The road will lead to the gate, behind which there is a guarded territory. It is here that state dachas of Stalin and Gorbachev , as well as boarding house named after Lakoba. The entrance fee to the territory is 250 rubles. But get at your disposal the most gorgeous beach in Abkhazia with a view of Gorbachev's state dacha:
At the same time, look at the cottages (their visit is included in the price indicated above). By the way, in Gorbachev's dacha you can even book a room - several rooms in it are rented out for living. So, if you want to feel like the president (or the wife of the president), follow this link and book rooms: State dacha of Myusser
Getting to Mussera place by public transport will not work. The main methods are as follows:
- by private car
- on a pleasure boat from Pitsunda
- with private tour
The beach at Gorbachev's state dacha is limited picturesque rock on the right and a small lagoon near the Mussera River on the left.
The beach itself is pebbly, a dozen meters from the sea begins fine golden sand. They say that at one time, by order of Raisa Maksimovna, several barges of sand from Bulgaria were brought to the Myussera beach.
Of the amenities on the beach there are toilets, changing cabins, awnings and sun loungers. There is also a decent cafe-bar (although not always open)
The boarding house named after N. Lakoba, often called "Mussera", also has its own beach. You can see the prices for accommodation in it here: rest in the boarding house Myussera. It will definitely appeal to all tourists tired of the bustle and other introverts who do not like crowded resorts - there is nowhere to leave the boarding house, except for the territory of the aforementioned summer cottages and the beach.
But himself Beach you will definitely be pleased: clean and well-groomed, small pebbles. Sun loungers and umbrellas are free, however, the latter are often not enough for all visitors. There is a shower and toilet.
About this and the next beach on the list, I have this video:
Gudauta region
Gold Coast beach
Golden Beach is located in the Gudauta region of Abkhazia. If you drive along the Sukhumi highway, then the guideline will be locality Apshny. From it to the village on the seashore, which is called the Golden Coast - about 4 km. The beach is sand and pebble, very wide. The sand has a pleasant golden hue.
Its only drawback is that it is almost not equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and changing rooms. But here there is a warm, transparent sea, and you can’t throw a stone to your neighbor - the beaches in Gudauta are spacious and still not crowded.
There are several good cafes on the Golden Beach. Here is calm quiet rest for tourists tired of the bustle big resorts. And by the way, here is one of the most inexpensive prices for living in the private sector. There is a recreation center of the same name - "Gold Coast".
You can get here by taxi, or with an individual tour. Theoretically, you can take a minibus to the village of Apshdny, but stomping 4 km to the beach on foot, in the heat, is not the best vacation.
Bambora
About the place Bambora (something in tune with Bora Bora, right?) Previously, you could read mainly what is located here military airfield . Its 3,000-meter long runway can accommodate all types of combat and military transport aircraft. In Soviet times, fighter, attack and transport aircraft of the USSR Air Force were stationed at the airfield. V given time The Russian Air Force aviation group is located at the airfield.
Ironically, here are one of the best beaches in the Gudauta region of Abkhazia. And many tourists have chosen these places for their vacation (maybe just because the proximity of the Russian military guarantees a certain security). So, if you treat your vacation in Abkhazia with some apprehension, choose hotels in this place.
Cottage settlement "Bambora" » located on the very shore of the sea. Despite the outward simplicity, all bungalows of the complex have air conditioning, a private bathroom, a TV, a refrigerator and a terrace with garden furniture.
More from good options — Silver Beach Hotel. If the sea is cool, hotel guests can swim in the heated pool.
useful links
Here you can see everything individual excursions for Abkhazia:
Well, now you know where to go to Abkhazia for a wonderful beach holiday.
And that's where I end my review. See you on the blog!
