In the former USSR there was no person who did not dream of spending a vacation in Abkhazia. This region attracted nomenclature workers, and Bohemia, and ordinary citizens. And this is not surprising - the magnificent nature, Caucasian hospitality and the Black Sea coast attracted tourists from all Union republics as if with a magnet.
A little bit about the country
At present, Abkhazia is a separate state, the independence of which is recognized by Russia and several other countries. It is located on the Black Sea coast, borders on the Russian Federation (the 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 the summer the thermometer does not drop below 22. In the mountains, the climate varies depending on the zone - the eternal 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 the districts, and about 500 villages and towns. The population, according to 2011, is about 250 thousand people, and this figure tends to gradually decrease. Abkhazia is famous for the number of centenarians - it occupies a leading position in this indicator throughout the territory of the former USSR.
Tourism
The tourism sector is recognized as one of the most important for the development of the regional economy. This country has a favorable location near the sea, pure nature and magnificent landscapes.
Most resorts have inherited almost all of the infrastructure since Soviet times - the buildings of boarding houses and sanatoriums were built in the USSR, so many of them need major repairs or reconstruction. Gradually, the tourism industry is developing - the facilities are being renovated, transport is being developed, and service is being improved. One of the most hospitable countries is Abkhazia. Hotels offer tourists a comfortable stay on the Black Sea coast.
Transport
Air transport in the country is practically not used - this is due to the fact that the IATA world organization does not recognize the independence of Abkhazia, therefore, flights to the country are not carried out. Most tourists get to Abkhazian resorts through Russian ones - to get from Adler or Sochi by taxi or by minibus. Crossing the Russian-Abkhaz border is easy - you can go directly to the other side of the bridge over the Psou River in shorts and slippers and find yourself in another country. The main mode of transportation for movement within the country remains automobile.
Vacation spot
What does resort Abkhazia offer? Hotels take tourists throughout the year - in summer you can enjoy a beach holiday, in winter - ski. The country has developed a network of resorts - Avadhara, Gagra, Pitsunda, New Athos, Ochamchira and Gudauta ... Each of them has its own characteristics, for example, Avadhara is a resort town located at an altitude of 1600 meters and having sources of mineral waters.
Gagra - the famous resort, famous throughout the CIS and attracting many tourists in the summer - there are excellent beaches and scenic spots. 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 the natural beauties, there are many cultural and historical attractions, monuments and museums. Ochamchira and Gudauta are small coastal towns offering travelers unforgettable views and secluded relaxation.
Accommodation options
Almost every resort in the country offers tourists several hotels to choose from. Some of them have not changed much since Soviet times, either in terms of service or quality of decoration. 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 (hotels, resorts and hotels including) is the most hospitable place in the Caucasus. Here, infrastructure shortcomings are more than compensated by the cordiality and friendliness of the staff. In addition, in resort towns, almost every local resident offers tourists his own housing for rent. You can order food - the hosts 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 reserve places in advance - at the height of the season, many encounter difficulties with accommodation. Summer prices are higher than winter prices - this is due to the seasonal loading of hotels.
Gagra, Abkhazia: hotels
Gagra (or Gagra) is a resort city in which the tourist infrastructure is well developed. Currently, new hotels and pensions are being built in the village, the most popular of them are the rest house "Gagra", "Midel" and "Psou". The first one is open all year. The cost of living (from 840 to 2700 rubles / day) includes three meals a day. The view from the window is bewitching. The holiday home is located in close proximity to the sea, nearby is a pebble beach where you can rent umbrellas, boats, deck chairs.
The Midel was built in the center of the city, 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 beach is open dance floor.
Psou is a guesthouse located on the very shore of the sea. It offers stunning sea views. It is more suitable for a quiet and relaxing holiday in the resort of Gagra, Abkhazia.
Hotels here operate year-round. The beach season begins in late May and lasts until early September. “Alex” is a hotel (Abkhazia), built relatively recently. It is located on the seashore, level - 4 *. Guests are offered high-class 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” is a hotel (Abkhazia) that can offer not only accommodation, but also an entertainment program - sightseeing, animation, wellness 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 were several large pensions built back in the Soviet years - these include a chain of hotels and hotels united under the general name “Pitsunda Resort” - “Lighthouse”, “Amra”, “Bzyb”, “Golden Fleece”, “Colchis” and several others.
What else can
Abkhazia offer
? Ldzaa (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 at the resort, which offer guests comfortable rooms, excellent cuisine and a whole range of services, including 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 of the 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 such a country as Abkhazia.
Mini-hotels are small, often inexpensive private hotels with only a few rooms and minimal service.
This type of accommodation is convenient to privacy and relatively low prices. What is
Abkhazia famous for
? Pitsunda (hotels here you can choose for every taste and budget) allows you to relax without overpaying. So, accommodation prices start from 700 rubles per day per person.
Reviews
Abkhazia is in demand among Russian tourists. Vacationers stay in hotels and pensions, as well as in the private sector, renting rooms and premises from the local population. According to the majority, it is better to choose Abkhazia hotels for accommodation - 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 owners.
Security
As in any country, in Abkhazia it is worth observing a certain caution. Do not carry large amounts of money with you, make copies of documents and tickets in advance.
Fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly, it is recommended to drink only bottled water. Stay 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 moving into the private sector, it is advisable to immediately discuss with the owner all living conditions in order to avoid misunderstandings related to the payment of additional services. Hotel reservations are best booked in advance - there are always plenty of people willing to visit this sunny and hospitable country.