There is what marketing buffs call potential here. This is really so: the sandy beaches of Abkhazia are often replaced with broken pebble stone, the sea is warm and clean, gentle and trembling, hundreds of sights, to see which you can safely spend days or weeks, but what is more valuable - spend it on the inspection, and not in line for tickets, queues for pictures, queues for developing pictures, and so on. That is, for everything that distinguishes tourism in "developed" regions.
The flip side of this charming naturalness shyly covers poorly developed infrastructure, the lack of truly fashionable places to stay and a number of inconveniences that become a logical continuation of the above. Although for the privacy and sincerity - and there is no other way to say - these places can be paid for with some nuances of comfort.
The best resorts of Abkhazia
Abkhazia, by its administrative division, actually reflects the current tourist situation in the country. Seven regions, each of which begins with soft sea overflows and ends with cotton candy of snow on local mountain ranges, correspond to the main resorts of the country, the list of which is diluted with some old names.
Gagra
The Caucasus, so romantically portrayed by the Russian classics, flows like mountain ranges into the Black Sea. And it is at the place of this confluence - sharp ridges and sea foam - that Gagra is located, which is considered the warmest and most comfortable place to stay in this region. The local nature, due to its climatic peculiarity, is also distinguished by its abundance - subtropical abundance with grapes, kiwi, tangerines, palms and eucalyptus trees.
All the same climatic conditions made it possible to create a powerful health-improving base - the oldest health resorts in Gagra have effective treatment and recovery programs. Being the concentration of the most developed infrastructure, Gagra is ready to offer a motley entertainment program for recreation.
New Athos
Regularity and tranquility, abundance and natural luxury - beads from Mitskevich's poems - these features distinguish New Athos, which for a long time was the center of medieval Abkhazia, its main centripetal one. Rest here will seem ideal for those who like to combine long boat trips with visiting spiritual and historical buildings, of which there are really many in New Athos.
In the former Anakopia, there are also monuments of world significance, for example, the New Athos Monastery or the world's largest cave formation.
Sukhum
Back in the nineteenth century, Sukhum received its resort status, gradually consolidating its position during the Soviet era. Today, Sukhum is at the stage of active reconstruction, which has an extremely beneficial effect on the appearance of the city: many cultural monuments have been restored, some elements of the infrastructure have been significantly reorganized.
Due to its natural originality, Sukhum often resembles a real exotic park, and the local Botanical Garden pleases with the richness of its collections. The main decoration of Sukhum is its beaches, which stretch for many kilometers.
Benefits of an all-inclusive holiday
The “all inclusive” system has long turned into a classic of the tourist world - into a classic, perfectly worked out in the resorts of Turkey or Egypt, so that stability in this matter is ensured. In Abkhazia, there is also an “all inclusive” option that allows you to use your money most economically and avoid many everyday difficulties, for example, the need to painfully choose what would be more profitable: cooking yourself after a short walk to the local market or the nearest cafe, which looks quite decently.
There is a chain of luxury hotels in Abkhazia, and the all-inclusive service here will also correspond to the status of the hotel. Do not prejudice the economy class hotels that also offer this program. Infrastructure is not sufficiently developed in all regions of Abkhazia, and in most cases such economy hotels are the only possible option - perhaps in places unsophisticated, but profitable from a practical point of view. Three meals a day - as a rule, in a buffet format, a pre-prepared program of excursions, use of the pool, relaxation on the beach - all inclusive lives up to its name.
With regard to Abkhazia, there is another possibility - the all-inclusive program works not only in hotels and guest houses, but also in health resorts, most of which are old, reputable institutions with a powerful health base. Therefore, by purchasing a ticket to one of these sanatoriums, you can not only have a quality rest, but also receive specialized treatment or comprehensive health improvement at very liberal prices.
When to go to rest in Abkhazia
Winter Abkhazia has little to offer to sea recreation - Christmas markets and illumination are canceled, as well as fluffy snowflakes, which literally ask for advertising brochures. Winter in Abkhazia has nothing to do with these pictures - the beach part of Abkhazia is blown by sea winds far from warm, and precipitation complements the atmosphere of chill and cold.
However, this does not mean that you should not appear in Abkhazia in winter - this "should not" apply specifically to the beach area, but rest in the mountains gets an unambiguous "worth". Hiking and transportation along the mountain ranges are to the taste of most tourists, since the temperature here is usually kept at zero, and the winds remain behind the stone walls. Recently, winter fishing or banal camping have become quite popular winter options. This is especially true in the vicinity of Lake Ritsa.
December can also be spent in Abkhazia by going to one of the settlements in the interior of the country. These cozy towns are distinguished by the medieval expression of architecture and southern hospitality. In addition, it is December that is considered the ideal month for persimmons, which grow here in abundance.
February and March should be chosen by those who are in an eternal search for unique shots, since at this time hazel, mimosa, cherry plum and other plants begin to really flourish, literally blooming the country. But it is still too early for a good rest, as in March the weather is the most unpredictable.
Spending spring in Abkhazia is a pretty good idea, since numerous spring holidays often have a religious connotation, and in Abkhazia - especially in New Athos - there are numerous shrines and historical sites that become the target of many pilgrims. Colorful excursion programs are held in this very atmosphere of a solemn holiday.
June is considered the most budgetary month for a beach holiday in Abkhazia, as the main influx of tourists is expected in July-August, when the country's most popular beaches become literally crowded. In June, the swimming season already has an open status, the beaches are still quite free, and excursions to the main attractions have already begun to work.
The peak of the tourist fever ends in August, giving way to the autumn months. The same September is considered a velvet season, strongly reminiscent of June with its consistently sunny and still warm days, when tourists do not sweep away their sun loungers. The last autumn months are considered ideal for the cultural component of recreation.
Rest in Abkhazia with children
Of course, for a vacation in Abkhazia with children, it is better to choose the summer months, when the temperature is consistently high and the sea is warmest. Abkhazia is known for the fact that not so much accommodation in hotels or boarding houses is popular here, but in small houses located in the private sector. Unfortunately, when going on a trip with children, it is better to leave the last option, since the availability of food at a hotel or a banal medical center is relevant.
The most visited family resort is Gagra, because children are usually not interested in architectural delights, but the developed infrastructure of the city and the presence of such institutions as a water park usually delight children much more. For recreational purposes, Pitsunda, a neighbor of Gagra and her main rival, is often chosen. The resort also boasts beautiful natural surroundings and a range of wellness facilities for families.
Private accommodation
Despite the fact that vacation in Abkhazia is considered relatively cheap, sometimes it is necessary to make it even cheaper. It would be stupid to save on tourist programs - after all, this is a vacation, and it should be remembered for its colors and quality, but on accommodation it will be possible to save some of the money.
Abkhazia can hardly be called a fashionable country of skyscrapers, and therefore living in the private sector does not mean living in the "outskirts of the empire." More often than not, the opposite is true: private sectors are located in resort areas and, as a rule, in their really picturesque places. You can choose a house in the silence of the outskirts, or you can just a stone's throw from the seething "tourist soup".
Of course, local pricing can vary greatly. Renting a fully equipped house with all modern devices can hardly be called economical, but a small wooden house for a family vacation or rest with a group of friends will allow you to spend time in a more comfortable atmosphere, arranging your life on your own. In addition, locals are always happy to help their guests by offering fresh produce, local wines, transfers, and sometimes individual excursion programs. The same goes for renting rooms in the private sector - hospitable hosts often offer meals with them and a number of additional options that are negotiated on the spot.
Guest House Palma
New Athos
With terrace and BBQ facilities
Inn Limon-Sukhum
Sukhum
BBQ facilities, terrace and bar
Guest House Agava on Cherkesskaya 36
Gagra
Free Wi-Fi and terrace
Guest house "Fish House"
Gagra
Located on the Black Sea coast
Guest house Skazka
Gagra
The guest house has a restaurant