In the tender embrace of the Black Sea, under the reliable protection of the ancient giants - the Caucasus Mountains - a tiny magical country of Abkhazia hid. Her Majesty's nature has provided here everything for a perfect holiday: dizzy ravines, snow-covered gray peaks mountain peaks peering from behind clouds, colorful flowering carpets in meadows, emerald green citrus fruits, palm trees and eucalyptus trees, stormy rivers, bottomless lakes and magnificent waterfalls, mysterious caves with crystal treasures of stalactites and stalagmites and the gentle embrace of the honey sun and turquoise sea waves. Tale, right? And all this is at your service!
When to go?
The times of the USSR have long passed, but the majority of the population of our country still believes that traveling to the seas follows in the summer and nothing else. It is time to debunk this myth!
No, of course, summer in Abkhazia is a holiday season, but what will we get from such a vacation? The influx of holidaymakers, crowded beaches, crowds of people on all popular sightseeing routes, slightly overpriced and sweltering heat. But what if you let the whole frenzied crowd of vacationers go ahead and plan a vacation in Abkhazia in September-October? What is it like, autumn in Abkhazia? "Sad time" or "eyes charm"?
Rest in Abkhazia in October: reviews and recommendations
In October, the weather ceases to please us with warmth and sunshine, nostalgia for happy summer days begins to torment us. It's time to take a vacation and go through the gigantic mountains to the sunny paradise of Abkhazia. Rest in Abkhazia at the beginning of October refers to the velvet season - the water in the sea is still pleasantly warm, the air temperature is also quite comfortable, it gets a little cooler only in the evening - take a light jacket or a windbreaker with you.
But the second half of the month for a beach holiday is no longer good. In the daytime, the air warms up to only 15-18 degrees, and at night - up to 10. There are frequent storms at sea (by the way, a very magnificent sight), in the cities there are long autumn rains, and in the mountains there is snow at all. Rest in Abkhazia in October is not aimless lying on the beach, but a rich excursion program, including mountain hikes, walks to ancient temples, arboretums and botanical gardens. The highlight of the autumn holiday is stunning nature. Snow-capped mountains dressed in gold and crimson forests, and green cypress groves combine all seasons in one picture.
Where to go?
It all depends on your preference. One of the most popular resorts of the USSR, a mecca of beach holidays - Gagra, Abkhazia. Rest in October is simply wonderful here - picturesque cliffs densely covered with evergreen shrubs, Amra arboretum painted in gold and purplish, Abaata fortress, Prince of Oldenburg castle, and for those who crave water activities there is an aqua park with extreme slides and other attractions.
Holidays in autumn Pitsunda - relaxation in the full sense of the word. There is no noise and fuss, only unity with nature and philosophical thoughts in long walks.
And for lovers of history and cultural attractions, ancient Sukhum hospitably opens its arms.
Rest in Abkhazia in September-October: reviews and entertainment
Rest in October is peace and quiet, bright colors of nature, many hours of unhurried walks, and also a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits. In addition, taking a vacation in Abkhazia in early October, bring your swimsuits with you - the beach season is still open. But closer to the end of the month, plan a rich excursion program. However, keep in mind that you may have unexpected difficulties with the transportation issue, it is better to have a personal car. By the way, such a thing as car rental does not exist in Abkhazia - you can only hire a taxi for the day. At the end of the holiday season, public transport leaves much to be desired.
If rest in Abkhazia in October is for you mountain hikes and gatherings around a campfire, pay attention to the numerous offers of local travel companies on horseback riding. So you will enjoy stunning views and get a unique experience of communicating with these cute animals, by the way, also very useful for your health.
Gastronomic delights of Abkhazia
Holidays in Abkhazia in October, reviews of which may not always be positive, do not spoil us with ideal weather, as in the summer months. But the abundance of fruits and vegetables more than compensates for this drawback. A holiday in Abkhazia in October is a wonderful occasion to eat tangerines, persimmons, oranges, feijoa, kiwi and a bunch of other goodies. By the way, it is worth highlighting local wine separately - it is in October that festivals dedicated to the harvest festival are held here. This is an unforgettable event - a huge number of people gather on Lykhny Square, here they offer treats from local dishes, fairs, competitions and games.
What is worth visiting in Abkhazia
Rest in Abkhazia in October is, first of all, the rest is not beach, but sightseeing. And there are more than enough objects for excursions here!
- The world-famous New Athos cave amazes with its huge size. You will find 11 halls with beautiful streaking formations, through which you will pass on a unique underground railway. A somewhat gloomy blood-red highlight gives an amazing mysticism to the journey.
- The New Athos Simon-Kananitsky Monastery is the oldest center of spirituality in the entire Caucasus. Today it is a working monastery. The atmosphere and beautiful paintings on the walls fascinate and leave a lasting impression.
- Anakopia fortress is not only an ancient architectural landmark, but also one of the best viewing platforms in the vicinity of New Athos. Inexhaustible well is especially interesting here.
- The Beslet hydroelectric station is a real time machine. The hydroelectric power station remained a ghost from the past, and the caretakers who stayed here would welcome guests and even show the old machine room, where the mechanisms of 1905 were still preserved.
- The Ritsin Relic National Park will not only introduce you to bizarre specimens of local flora and fauna, but it will also reveal the secrets of the mansions of prominent political figures of the USSR.
- Ritsa Lake is a visiting card of Abkhazia. Holidays in Abkhazia in early October, reviews of which you will undoubtedly study before the trip, must include a visit to the lake. You will see a mirror of the water surface of bright blue and, perhaps, some even supernatural shade surrounded by snowy Caucasian peaks and emerald green forests. By the way, the waters of the lake remain pleasantly refreshing even in the summer sweltering heat.
A package tour to Abkhazia or an independent trip?
Of course, a package tour will be more convenient and comfortable, because you do not have to worry about anything. The tour operator will do everything for you - book a hotel, book a transfer, and even develop and offer an excursion program taking into account all your wishes.
But on the other hand, a full package of tour operator services will cost you at least 2 times more than an independent trip. In addition, having set off on your own, you will not depend on the standard tour operator program and will be able to plan your vacation if you wish.
The nuances of self-rest
How to plan and carry out an independent trip so that your vacation becomes unforgettable? First, decide on the time of travel and place of rest. Then select a hotel. This is easy to do with the help of numerous internet sites. By the way, Abkhazian hotels often do not require prepayment. Of course, you will not find hotels of large international chains here, but the charm of rest in Abkhazia lies in its “savagery” and sincerity, and go to Europe for 5-star comfort. In addition to boarding houses, the segment of private mini-hotels is widely represented here. This is a great option if you want to completely immerse yourself in the local flavor. Booked a hotel? Then go!
Tips for tourists in Abkhazia
- It often happens that there is a blackout of electricity and hot water - be prepared for these little things so that they do not spoil your vacation.
- It is better to refrain from drinking tap water - drink bottled (or spring).
- Do not miss the opportunity to taste the local khachapuri - this is truly a masterpiece of cooking.
- Going for walks in the forest, use repellents and carefully look under your feet so as not to step on the snake.
Despite its very modest size, you will need more than one week, and maybe even more than one month, to study and learn Abkhazia. But you will fall in love with its natural beauties, ancient history and hospitable hosts almost at first sight!