Gagra. Holidays in Gagra, Abkhazia
The capital of the Gagra region, the city of Gagra, is considered the most warm place on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. The city is reliably protected from cold winds by the surrounding mountains covered with dense forests. The beaches are mostly pebble, but there are also sand and pebble beaches.
Incredible, beautiful Gagra is one of the most noticeable and beloved resorts in Abkhazia. It is here that most tourists flock from all over our homeland, choosing this country for their holidays. Gagra is located not far from Adler, only thirty kilometers away, and modestly occupies a small territory. The town is a coastal strip of several kilometers, starting from a steep slope and ending with a flat landscape in the south.
What has happened to Gagra in its entire long history! Over the course of two millennia, the village managed to be in the hands of the Genoese and Turks, and only then began to belong to the Russians. It became a resort thanks to Prince A. Oldenburg, who at the end of the 19th century conceived large-scale construction here. It’s a pity, Gagra lost a lot due to the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict that occurred in the early 90s. Fierce battles left deep wounds here, which are only now beginning to heal - the village has grown noticeably since then and does not stop developing.
Founded: 6th century BC e.
District area: 772.4 km 2
Population: 12,115 people (2015)
Currency: Russian ruble
Language: Abkhazian, Georgian, Russian
Official website: http://gagra.biz/
Flight time:
(nearest airport in Adler, 36 km)
from Moscow - from 2 hours 20 minutes.
from St. Petersburg - from 3 hours 20 minutes.
from Kazan - from 2 hours 45 minutes.
from Yekaterinburg - from 3 hours 25 minutes.
from Novosibirsk - from 5 hours 10 minutes.
Current time in Gagra:
(UTC +3)
At the beginning of the 20th century, the city of Gagra was declared a resort of national importance. However, the collapse of the USSR, and then the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict, had a negative impact on the development of the resort industry. Despite this, the flow of tourists has been growing in recent years. Mostly these are tourists from Russia. Gagra attracts young people and families with children into its tender embrace; there is everything for any type of recreation. The tourist season begins in July and ends in September.
How to get there
You can get to Gagra directly through the railway and highways. The train runs from the capital from Moscow to Sukhumi in just over a day, and the cost of a ticket per compartment is 5,800 rubles.
In summer, getting to the resort is even easier - there is a bus from almost every city in Russia to Abkhazia. For example, from the capital such a trip will take the same amount of time as by train, but will cost much less - 3,000 rubles.
The airport closest to Gagra is in Sochi. Planes fly here from the capital various airlines. The flight time is about two hours, the cost of a plane ticket varies from 5,000 to 8,000 rubles. To get to the resort, you need to cross the Psou border checkpoint; you can get to it either by taxi or by bus. After passing the checkpoint, you will only have to drive public transport to end up in Gagra.
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Climate and weather in Gagra
The climate of Gagra is subtropical, humid, influenced by the Black Sea.
Winter in the city is mild and humid: during the day on average +8...10 °C, at night the air temperature only occasionally drops to 0 °C.
In summer it is hot in Gagra: in July and August the air often warms up to +26 °C; at midday it can be above +30 °C.
In spring and autumn, the weather in Gagra is humid and moderately warm. The comfortable season for swimming lasts from May to October. At this time, the water temperature reaches from +18 to +26 °C. Sometimes you can swim in the sea even in early November. Sunny days predominate throughout the year.
According to statistics, 1580 mm of precipitation falls on the territory of the Abkhaz resort per year. High humidity and heavy rainfall characterize the region throughout the year. The wettest months are from November to January, when the monthly norm approaches 180-200 mm.
The Gagra ridge protects the city from cold mainland winds. A refreshing breeze blows on the coast in summer, and in winter sea winds soften temperature changes.
Weather forecast
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Saturday |
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Weather in Gagra by months
| Temperature day, °C |
Temperature at night, °C |
Temperature water, °C |
Quantity precipitation, mm |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 3 | 10 | 180 | |
| 8 | 5 | 9 | 120 | |
| 10 | 6 | 9 | 120 | |
| 15 | 10 | 13 | 115 | |
| 17 | 12 | 18 | 90 | |
| 23 | 17 | 20 | 100 | |
| 26 | 20 | 22 | 90 | |
| 27 | 20 | 24 | 110 | |
| 23 | 16 | 26 | 140 | |
| 17 | 12 | 21 | 135 | |
| 13 | 8 | 18 | 180 | |
| 10 | 6 | 12 | 200 |
Reviews by month
| January 6 March 2 | April 3 May 4 June 12 | July 28 August 19 September 4 | November 4 December 2 |
Transport
Photos of Gagra
Sights of Gagra
Using the links below you can go to the page with detailed information about the object you are interested in, where, along with the description, you will find contact information, opening hours, travel methods and entrance fees, the location of the object on the map, as well as photos of the sights of Abkhazia.
Where to go in Gagra
Attractions
Where to eat and drink
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
Transport
Things to do
Beaches of Gagra
The coastline of Gagra stretches for 50 kilometers. Any beach is open to tourists and residents. More often you can find pebble beaches, although Gagra can also please fans of the sandy shore. Since the village can be conditionally divided into two zones - Old and New Gagra, then coastline differs according to the same principle.
Old Gagra will appeal to lovers of leisurely relaxation. The infrastructure here is not so developed, noisy entertainment does not disturb the ears, so it is best place for those who want to soak up the shore away from the hustle and bustle. There are not many vacationers in Old Gagra, so people are looking for solitude and peace here.
New Gagra - a haven for lovers active recreation, so life and entertainment are always in full swing here. Vacationers can ride a boat or speedboat, rent a catamaran or pedalo, ride a banana or cheesecake, tickle their nerves while paragliding, or indulge in fun in a water park. Numerous restaurants, snack bars and cafes contribute to the atmosphere of general fun. An overview of all beaches in Gagra is presented.
Treatment in Gagra
Gagra is an excellent place not only for relaxation, but also for treatment. In addition to the healing climate, in the village you can get a full-fledged balneotherapy complex. A clinic operates at the active spring, providing the full range of balneology. Mineral water in Gagra, thanks to its specific composition, it facilitates the treatment of the skin, heart and blood vessels, as well as diseases of the musculoskeletal system, genitourinary and nervous systems, and gastrointestinal tract. For those who want to prolong their youth, there is also a pleasant surprise - water has a rejuvenating effect and gives an unprecedented influx of energy. Treatment procedures Vacationers can get it at all dispensaries in the village. Only the “Sana” sanatorium has its own hydropathic facility.
Diving in Gagra
Vacationing in Gagra and not immersing yourself in its deep-sea world is a crime! Everything here is conducive to diving for both beginners and experienced divers. Underwater excursions between coral reefs or among sunken ships from the Second World War, all this awaits diving enthusiasts in Gagra.
There are a great variety of dive centers on the coast, each offering different programs. Certified instructors accompany divers during day and night dives, and also help beginners learn the basics and become familiar with this simple science. A training session lasting 30 minutes will cost a beginner 1,200 rubles.
Dive centers offer both group and individual dives. Group diving is encouraged with discounts.
Gagra for children
You can safely go to Gagra with children; right in the coastal area there is a water park with numerous slides and attractions. There are nine slides in total, eight pools with both sea and fresh water, and a separate pool for the little ones with safe entertainment. On the territory of the complex you can not only jump and dive, but also eat, enjoy ice cream or drinks.
For those who want entertainment on land, there is an amusement park, a sports and entertainment complex, where you can roll balls in a bowling center or dance in a catchy animation.
So that children not only have fun, but also get food for thought, the resort operates Children's center creativity, where every child can immerse themselves in the theatrical world, learn the secrets of dance, learn to draw and sculpt.
A young inquisitive mind will definitely love the Museum of Ancient Weapons. Here you can immerse yourself in the world ancient history with her helmets, battle swords and shields, medieval chain mail and axes
Purchases
To remember your trip for a long time and please your friends, you can buy a wide variety of gifts in Gagra. Local delicacies will appeal to any gourmet, including dried persimmons, nuts in honey, and churchkhela. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the products of the local distillery. Travelers especially liked the red wines “Lykhny” and “Alsny” and the white wines “Anakopia” and “Psou”. It is customary to serve cheese with wine; in Abkhazia they have learned to make it in their own way, and the variety of types is simply surprising.
The Abkhaz region is famous for its dry adjika and spicy seasonings. And you can pick bay leaves yourself from bushes that are found everywhere.
Gagra's souvenir shops are full of crafts made from wicker, clay and even juniper. Here you can buy sets, cutting boards with images of the resort, baskets, beads and handmade bracelets.
Attention! Local merchants do not offer discounts and prefer not to give change, so it is better to save your change in advance.
Food and drink
Dishes and drinks
It is impossible to fully immerse yourself in the local flavor without tasting the local cuisine. Mamalyga is a favorite dish local residents, here it is customary to cook it with cheese and beans. The most popular Abkhaz cheeses, suluguni and ashvchapan, cannot be imagined without mint filling and spicy sour milk sauce.
Delicacies include lamb meat roasted on a spit, goat meat stuffed with adjika and cheese. The Abkhazians also masterfully cook from offal, such as their liver shish kebab and liver with garlic-nut filling and aromatic seasonings.
They have also achieved perfection in preparing fish. Abkhazian smoked fish is prepared in special cast iron smokehouses using nut and beech chips with herbs. Local cuisine will delight tourists with achashva or khachapuri, pies with salty cheese filling.
For good absorption, after a delicious lunch it is customary to drink akhartsva, a fermented milk product made from cow, goat or buffalo milk. Some prefer sweeter drinks, then they use atskhadzyua, a traditional dish made from honey.
Cafes and restaurants
There are many restaurants, cafes, grill bars and snack bars in Old and New Gagra. Here you can try not only local cuisine, but also order familiar and favorite ones, taste something new from European cuisine, and also remember the taste of real borscht with dumplings. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are presented in a wide range. The average bill is up to 700 rubles. On a weekday you can have a hearty snack for 250 rubles.
There are also a lot of eateries and restaurants on the coast where you can enjoy the work of the chef. The cost of a full meal here does not exceed 300 rubles per person. In Apatskhe, a restaurant with local cuisine, you can have lunch for 300-600 rubles.
Cool down during beach holiday and have an easy snack right on the coast, buying soft drinks and ice cream, boiled corn and khachapuri for 60 rubles.
The most famous restaurant in Gagra dates back more than a hundred years. Its history is amazing - in 1903, the Gagripsh restaurant was delivered straight from Paris and assembled in the village, without using a single nail. A special atmosphere reigns in the establishment, it becomes clear why Nicholas II, Chekhov, Stalin, Gorky, Bunin and Chaliapin loved to be here. The famous film “Winter Evening in Gagra” was filmed in the restaurant. You can have dinner at Gagripsh for 1,700 rubles.
Communications in Gagra
There is no need to change your SIM card at the resort - all well-known mobile operators work in roaming. Those wishing to purchase a SIM card from local mobile operators Akvafon or A-Mobile will need a passport and a few minutes of time. Many hotels and boarding houses, restaurants and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.
Where to stay in Gagra
In the resort village you can find many housing options to suit every taste and budget. The cost of living depends on the degree of comfort, location and season. Housing becomes more expensive in July-August, during the hot tourist season.
Well, the resort has two 4-star hotels; you can stay here for 4,500 rubles per day per person.
The hospitals in Gagra have retained their ancient charm and cannot boast of modern conveniences. But the gorgeous nature and excellent service will definitely be remembered by all tourists. Travelers for whom comfort is paramount will find it in private mini-hotels. Rooms with all amenities, full meals and the ability to cook your own food meet all requirements. There is a parking lot on the territory of the mini-hotels, a children's playground is equipped, you can barbecue outside and sit on the open veranda in the evening. The hospitable hosts offer their guests transfers, internet and excursions. A room in a mini-hotel will cost a traveler 800 rubles per day, sometimes higher.
Those who like a secluded holiday will prefer living in a private house, where the cost of living will cost about 400 rubles per day. True, in this case the tourist may lose some amenities.
This city is rightfully considered the most beautiful in Abkhazia, but also the most expensive. This is one of the most popular resorts, famous since Soviet times. Amateurs have been coming with pleasure to this amazingly beautiful Black Sea city for many decades now. warm sea and healing air, saturated with oxygen, iodine, the aroma of eucalyptus and sea salts. It is this unique cocktail that attracts guests and gives them the opportunity to enjoy their stay in Gagra.
In the summer, people come to Gagra to sunbathe and swim in the sea. In winter, travel around the surrounding area, enjoying the warmth of the subtropics, seafood delicacies, young homemade wine and flowering vegetation. There are a huge number of sanatoriums and boarding houses in Gagra, where you can gain strength and treat your health throughout the year.
Prices in Gagra
There are many more modern establishments where you can have a tasty meal in Novaya Gagra. As a rule, restaurants and cafes are open until midnight. The prices cannot be called low; if you want to eat inexpensively, then this can only be done in canteens and buffets, where you will pay 5-10 dollars for a set lunch. In a restaurant, dinner for one person will cost from 15 to 30 dollars.
The question of where to stay is simply not worth it in Gagra. Guests of the city will be gladly received in holiday homes, hotels, and apartments for rent. When choosing housing, it is worth remembering that Novaya Gagra is located quite far from the coast.
The cost of living depends on the season. During the hottest time (mid-summer) prices reach their peak (minimum 20, maximum 100 dollars). Some places do not charge a fee for children under seven years of age.
You can also find housing in the private sector, mostly only in the summer. There are many options - from a separate house to a room with shared amenities. A room for one person costs 10-15 dollars per day, a house for 2 people costs 50-70 dollars. If you are vacationing with a large group, you can rent a villa (from 80 to 150 dollars).
Entertainment and relaxation
Those who love active recreation will have a great time at this resort. scuba diving, water attractions, boat trips on a boat, diving into the depths of the sea. Extreme lovers can hang glider and paraglider, raft down turbulent mountain rivers, climb mountains, and go horseback riding. There are several tennis courts in Gagra. And amazing beauty mountain peaks with eternal snow await those who love skiing.
If you are vacationing with children, then do not miss the opportunity to visit the Water Park, the only one in the republic (ticket costs $15). In the summer season, an amusement park is installed in Gagra, where you can ride on various attractions.
For those who love stormy nightlife, you need to go to Old Gagra. On the seashore there are many nightclubs, discos and bars, and their number is steadily increasing from year to year. In clubs you can have fun until two or three o'clock in the morning.
The main attraction of the city, the Primorsky Park of the Prince of Oldenburg, where more than 600 species of plants are collected, stretches across almost the entire coastal territory of Gagra. The park is decorated with sculptures by Zurab Tsereteli. Here is the oldest restaurant in Abkhazia, called “Gagripsh”. The restaurant is over a hundred years old.
The Prince of Oldenburg Castle is another landmark of the city. The castle was erected in 1902 and marked the beginning of Gagra as a resort town.
On the banks of the beautiful Joekvara River there is a fortress-castella with the same name, which was built by the Romans back in the 4th century. Not far from the Joekwar fortress you can see the ruins of another fortress (VI century).
The Gagra Temple, massive and monumental, has a very special atmosphere. A path of thousands of slabs, polished to a shine, leads to it. Tall cypress trees grow on both sides of the path. Currently, the temple is not operational; it houses the Museum of Abkhaz Weapons, where you can get acquainted with a unique collection of edged weapons - daggers, swords and knives.
And on the seashore, surrounded by acacia thickets, is the Tsandripsh Basilica - a very interesting monument from the times of early Christianity.
The beauty of local nature
Gagra is located in a very picturesque place. On one side there is the Black Sea, on the other there is a high mountain range. The Psou and Bzyb rivers with picturesque waterfalls flow nearby. A 50 km long mountain serpentine leads to an amazing beautiful lake Ritsa is small and very deep, with clear water.
The most high peak in these places there is Mount Mamzyshkha (1878 meters), which offers an amazing panorama of the sea, distant peaks and lush vegetation.
The mountain slopes in the Gagra region are covered mainly with beech forests. In deciduous forests, coastal pine is found, purifying the air.
If you climb higher into the mountains, you can admire the alpine nature - meadows overgrown with bright flowers and lush grass. The peaks of the mountains are covered with eternal snow, creating an amazing contrast with the lush greenery on the slopes. Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, tangerines) and boxwood grow on the coast. In the vicinity of Gagra you can find olive trees, laurel, figs, and vineyards.
Not far from the resort there is the majestic Zhoekvar Gorge with the Zhoekvara River flowing along its bottom. In these places grows the Caucasian linden, which is more than half a thousand years old.
Gagra is a place where nature itself gives a person a charge of vigor and optimism for the whole year.
Useful information for tourists about Gagra in Abkhazia - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Gagra is one of the most famous resorts Abkhazian Black Sea coast. Here the spurs of the Main Caucasus Range come especially close to the sea. Thanks to these mountains, the city is always protected from cold winds. Streams of warm sea air, on the contrary, are held back by the mountains, and therefore the city is constantly warm: the arithmetic average of temperatures for all months of the year here is approximately 15 degrees Celsius. The swimming season opens at the end of spring and ends in late autumn.
The climate in the city is subtropical, humid, but still much drier than in many other cities on the Black Sea coast. Speaking about the influence of mountains on the climate of this wonderful city, we can also add that ventilation and air renewal here occur thanks to mountain gorges.
The history of the city begins in the 1st century BC. It was founded by merchants who arrived from Greece. In the 14th century, there was a Genoese trading post here. Later the city belonged to the Turks. At the beginning XIX century it became part of Russia. About 100 years later a resort was founded here.
Transport
You can get to the city, for example, by train Moscow - Sukhumi. When crossing the border, a customs inspection is carried out, but it is carried out without disembarking passengers. From the Russian side of the border the train costs about an hour, from the Abkhaz side - about another half hour.
You can also get from Moscow to Abkhazia by bus or by your own car.
If you prefer planes to trains, buses and cars, then you will first have to fly to Sochi (flying, say, from Moscow Domodedovo), and from there get to Gagra by other means of transport. First you will need an Aeroexpress, then an electric train, and after that a bus or taxi.
City transport is buses. In addition, you can often see minibuses (private) on the streets.
Resort areas
Where is the best place to stay in Gagra? The choice is great. There are sanatoriums and boarding houses in the city, you can also stay in a hotel or guest house, in a rented apartment or apartment. Advice: when choosing housing, inquire about the presence of a pump that increases water pressure. The fact is that, unfortunately, there are interruptions in the water supply in the city. Also inquire about the presence of a boiler.
In which area of the city is it best to look for housing? Depends on what exactly you expect from your vacation. As a matter of fact, today the city is usually divided into only two districts - Old and New Gagra.
If you choose the old part of the city, you will live surrounded by greenery and ancient attractions. If you prefer the new part of the resort, then in the immediate vicinity of your home there will be a market, a water park and many shops.
Sights and excursions
The city is relatively small, but it has a lot of attractions. This is, for example, Abaata - a fortress built in the 5th or 6th centuries. It was erected in order to protect the approaches to the city from one of the mountain gorges. The fortress was destroyed, but then it was restored. Later it was destroyed again and was restored again. There have been several such episodes in the history of this building.
Another famous attraction is “Gagripsh”. This is an old restaurant, which is currently one of the symbols of the resort. It is located on the territory of the Primorsky Park, not far from the fountain. This restaurant appeared here at the beginning of the 20th century - that is, more than a hundred years ago. Interestingly, the building was brought here from Scandinavia (of course, not entirely, but disassembled). It was purchased at the Paris exhibition. Many celebrities visited this restaurant at different times, including Ivan Bunin, Anton Chekhov, and Maxim Gorky. Both the exterior and interiors of the building have remained virtually unchanged for a hundred years. Even the huge clock, which is one of the main decorations of the restaurant, is still wound by hand.
Among the famous attractions it is necessary to mention the Krubera Cave (also known as Voronya). This is one of the deepest caves on the planet. However, it is not located in the city itself, but not far from it.
You can explore Gagra either independently or as part of an excursion group. Excursions to various attractions located outside the city limits also depart from the city.
Beach holiday
The total length of the city beaches is about ten kilometers, and together with the surrounding beaches (located outside the city limits) - about thirty kilometers.
The city is located so that almost all of its boarding houses, hotels and guest houses are located close to the beaches - within walking distance. Thus, no matter where you live, the sea will be practically under your windows. All you have to do is choose which beach you prefer - quiet, cozy, secluded or crowded, lively, with colorful attractions. If you prefer the latter, then you will like the Central Beach, located near the most populated part of the city; there is a water park there.
It should be noted that sandy beaches not in the city, although there are sand and pebble areas.
Holidays with children
If you are going to Gagra with children, keep in mind that, as a rule, there are no special children’s menus in cafes, hotels, or boarding houses. Children eat the same as adults - however, they do not go hungry, since the food is usually tasty and the portions are large.
The magnificent Abkhazian nature (which differs significantly from Russian) and fabulous sea views make a great impression on children. For this reason alone, there is no doubt that the kids will really enjoy the trip.
Be sure to take your child to the water park. Surely he will be delighted with the children's slide (there are several such attractions on the territory of this water park).
You can ride bicycles and then play a game or two of tennis: there are tennis courts in the city park. These types of active recreation will be of interest to both children (most likely even teenagers) and their parents. But the main thing is, of course, the sea and sun, beaches and the unique atmosphere of a seaside resort!
Youth recreation
Young people can get a lot of pleasure from a holiday on the famous Black Sea resort if he prefers water activities and sightseeing. You can rent a jet ski or go on an excursion - say, to the amazingly beautiful Lake Ritsa.
But for those who prefer to spend their nights in discos, who cannot imagine a holiday without nightclubs, the city can offer quite a few opportunities. Choice of night and even evening entertainment it is very limited. There are practically no nightclubs or discos here - and those that exist evoke mixed responses from tourists. Sometimes discos are organized in hotels - or rather, in hotel restaurants. These discos usually play popular music. Of course, only those who live in these hotels can take part in such events.
Nutrition
If you live in one of the Gagra boarding houses, then you don’t have to worry about food: breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided for you. For breakfast you will most likely get eggs, porridge, tea and a few slices of bread. You will have lunch with soup and meat with a side dish, and you will also be offered fruit. Dinner is usually served with rice, vegetables and meat. It’s true that the menu of boarding houses cannot be called very diverse. That is why many tourists living in boarding houses still sometimes visit city cafes. By the way, we advise you not to eat salads dressed with mayonnaise - they are sometimes served in boarding houses and they are most often the cause of food poisoning.
If you decide to stay in one of the private hotels in the city, you can choose two or three meals a day. You can, of course, limit yourself to breakfast only or generally eat only in city cafes. The menu in private hotels, as you understand, is much more varied than in boarding houses. For breakfast there can be cheese cakes, porridge, omelettes, and they also serve butter and cheese. What exactly will be for lunch at the hotel you choose is, of course, quite difficult to say, but it could be, for example, fried fish and kharcho soup. The fish, as a rule, is exceptionally fresh - just caught in the sea. Fruits and various salads are also served. Dinner can consist of meat, spaghetti, salads.
The city has many cafes and an equally large number of restaurants. In some of these establishments you can try local traditional dishes. This, for example, is mamalyga - the so-called porridge made from corn flour. Try the local adjika.
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A long-awaited vacation becomes an excellent reason to visit some interesting place, where you can relax your body and soul. Today, tourists are offered a considerable amount interesting resorts. How to choose among all the variety the one that can leave an unforgettable impression?
Gagra: specific features of the city
Gagra is deservedly considered one of the popular and most famous resorts. 2019, according to travel agencies, will be marked by great demand for trips to this picturesque city.
Gagra is one of the cities of Abkhazia, whose location is a narrow coastal strip, the width of which is about 3 km. The city is a subtropical park, which is notable for its wide variety of fountains, alleys, ponds and plants that bloom all year round.
The area of Old Gagra is especially attractive. Abkhazia in this place is clearly visible; you can enjoy the view of the mountains, bays, and gorges. It is impossible to remain indifferent while looking at the beauty of the mountains. Gagra. Abkhazia is notable for its considerable number of ridges that recreate a specific microclimate. They serve as protection from cold winds and help retain soft sea air. Gagra is rightfully considered the warmest city on the Black Sea coast.
The climate is truly unique. The average annual temperature is +17 degrees, in winter time year the temperature drops to -2. As a rule, swimming season open from May to October. The temperature of the Black Sea reaches +27 degrees.
The air of the city, which is distinguished by its healing properties, deserves special attention. There are no harmful industries in Gagra, so you can enjoy clean air, which is rich in sea salt and a large amount of oxygen, about 40%.
Historical excursion
The city of Gagra has a rich history. Back in the second century BC, ancient Greek merchants founded a city called Triglyph on this site. Later, this territory was developed by the Greeks. It was they who established the Nitika fortress, after which the city was named.
In the 6th century, according to the descriptions of the historian Procopius of Caesarea, there was a settlement on the territory of modern Gagra, which was famous for the Trachea fortress. During the famous Battle of Trachea, the city was captured by the Byzantines.
In 1810, the Abkhazian principality was part of the great Russian Empire. In those years, the city had nothing in common with modern beauties. It was characterized by swampy terrain, terrible diseases including fever and constant attacks by Russian troops on the mountain settlements of Gagra in Abkhazia.
The history of Gagra as a resort began in the twentieth century. The founder was the Prince of Oldenburg, who was faced with the task of improving the city and making it a worthy resort.
The prince actively set to work. Under his leadership, palaces, spas, gambling houses, and a subtropical technical school were built. In addition, he contributed to the installation of electricity and running water in the city, and 1903 was marked by the construction of a climate station. This date is considered to be the solemn day of the founding of the resort town.
It is noteworthy that the opening of the city took place in the Gagripsh restaurant, which later became symbolic for the residents of Gagra. The story goes that the restaurant was bought by the prince at an exhibition in Paris.
The years 1902 - 1905 were notable for the fact that one of the most beautiful parks was founded on the territory of Gagra, which numbered large number unusual plants.
Years passed, Abkhazia became part of the USSR, the city of Gagra was actively developed and Soviet era, it was considered a fairly attractive resort. Today the resort is no less popular. Local residents are still proud of him to this day. It is noteworthy that only half of the population is Abkhaz, the other part of the population is diverse, including Armenians, Georgians, and Russian peoples.
Holidays in Gagra 2019
Gagra is considered one of the most attractive cities in Abkhazia. Your holiday in this tropical paradise will be unforgettable. This is a completely successful synthesis of untouched nature and developed infrastructure. Thanks to the unique climate, you can enjoy exotic plants that will captivate your memory for a long time.
Gagra – medical resort
The main value for tourists is the range of medical sanatoriums. The famous health complexes have been preserved since the Soviet Union, and after restoration they are kindly ready to welcome guests of Gagra. Abkhazia receives a considerable number of tourists every season who are in a hurry to get rid of their ailments. Indeed, in addition to developed health complexes, the city is saturated with fresh sea air and favorable climatic conditions.
Thanks to the recreational diversity of resources, thalassotherapy, heliotherapy, aerophytotherapy, balneotherapy, and climatotherapy have become widespread in the city. At the same time, you can improve your health at any time of the year by combining a vacation in Gagra with treatment. You can start 2019 directly in the resort town, since in winter you can get the same benefits as in summer, except for swimming in the sea.
Beaches of Gagra
It's hard to imagine without beaches summer holiday in Gagra. Abkhazia, namely its coastline, is mostly strewn with small pebble beaches, but you can also find sandy ones. Most beaches have free access for tourists, with the exception of those that belong to a specific boarding house.
On average, the water temperature in the summer season ranges from +23 to +26. The ideal temperature is +25 degrees, this figure is possible in mid-June. July is characterized by maximum water temperatures. In August there are no significant changes, the temperature drops by the end of September, this is specific to Abkhazia. Holidays in Gagra, namely the swimming season, are open until mid-October.
Among the most best beaches The following can be noted:
· Beach in Old Gagra. This place is ideal for those tourists who want to escape from the hustle and bustle and be alone with nature. The infrastructure here is poorly developed; you won’t find any attractions or other entertainment services here.
· Central beach. Its location is New Gagra. It is absolutely opposite to the first beach. The infrastructure is developed here, and tourists have a lot of entertainment at their disposal. They have access to supermarkets, bars, cafes, a water park, tennis courts, parks and much more. This noisy and busy place is ideal for young people.
Where to stay in Gagra
While on vacation in Gagra, it is very important to decide on the place that will become your home for the duration of your vacation. Thanks to the well-developed infrastructure, tourists are offered a wide range of different housing options. At the same time, local residents are ready to provide quality service for tourists.
When you come to Gagra on vacation, you can find many hotels and mini-hotels. The offers are completely different, every tourist will be able to find accommodation that suits their budget. Basically, such infrastructure is located in the New part of Gagra. Old Gagra is notable for its abundance of health complexes.
The locals are very friendly. Those who vacationed in Gagra note that they are friendly and always ready to help visiting tourists. That is why local Abkhazians offer tourists to stay in their houses or apartments. The price for such a service will depend on the season in which you arrive.
Resort town: attractions, entertainment
The magnificent nature, as well as a considerable number of cultural and historical sites, glorified Gagra not only in Abkhazia, but also beyond its borders. Most of the city's attractions, including natural ones, are available to tourists almost all year round.
It is best to start the excursion from Old Gagra, which is rightfully considered historical center resort. One of the main attractions of this area is the castle on the mountainside, owned by the Prince of Oldenburg.
Near the castle, in the Seaside Park, there is the famous colonnade and the Gagripsh restaurant, which has symbolic meaning for local residents. His story is interesting. The building was brought in parts from the Paris exhibition by the Prince of Oldenburg. The peculiarity of the building is that it was made without the use of metal structures.
No less attractive is New Gagra, although there are fewer cultural monuments on its territory. It can impress with its unique nature; flowering bushes will not leave tourists indifferent.
In the area around the town you can visit observation decks, which are located on the ridge and Mount Mamdzyshkha. It is shrouded in green plants along the entire perimeter except for the top, on which there is always snow. It offers an extraordinary view of Abkhazia. You can capture this unique view in a photo, and also enjoy the popular Abkhaz sunsets.
Popular among tourists is the medieval Abbot's fortress. It houses the Church of St. Hypatius, local history museum, which hosts excursions, a hotel and a restaurant on a regular basis.
Lake Ritsa, which is considered to be the largest in all of Abkhazia, deserves special attention. Depending on the time of year, the lake can change color. For example, in winter it is blue, and in spring it is yellow-green. This is due, first of all, to the fact that microscopic algae located at the bottom of the lake develop differently.
The highlight of the city is the Abkhazia water park, which can be more pleasant on a hot summer day. The entertainment complex includes:
· about nine slides with different heights;
· about eight swimming pools, some of which are designed for small children.
This is just a small list of the attractions of the Abkhaz resort, you can talk about them forever. After visiting the city, you can enjoy all the beauties of Gagra on your own.
How to get to Gagra
Gagra is one of the most popular resorts, both among European tourists and among Russian residents. It is worth noting that the city is located near the Russian-Abkhaz border, about 20 km. This contributes to the fact that the road is quite fast, about half an hour per minibus or by bus.
But not everyone is lucky enough to live near the border; what is the best way to get to Gagra for those residents who live far from it? For example, the distance between Moscow and the resort town is 1,700 km. But for regions remote from the border, several options are provided.
Railway transport
First alternative option involves travel to high speed train Moscow - Sukhum. Your trip will take about one and a half days. On the way, you will have to go through passport and customs control, both on the Russian and Abkhaz sides. In the first case, the procedure will take no more than an hour, in the second about half an hour.
By plane
An equally popular way to get to sunny Gagra is by air. The flight will take about two hours. You need to fly from Moscow and your arrival point will be the airport in Sochi, in Adler.
Then you have to get directly to Gagra. The journey is not long, since the distance between the airport and the resort town is 34 km.
You can take the Adler – Gagra train, in just an hour and a half you will be able to enjoy the sea air of the resort. Buses are also at your disposal. But remember that they only transport passengers to the border, after which you need to find a bus that provides transportation throughout Abkhazia.
Bus
Another way to get from Moscow to Gagra involves traveling by bus. It is less convenient, since there is a direct flight to resort town absent. You will have to travel with transfers.
Personal car
And the last way is to travel to Gagra in your own vehicle. This is a very important step; you need to mark in advance on the map the route along which you plan to get to the city. Pay attention to passing services, gas stations and attractions.
In the Soviet past, Gagra was one of the most popular resorts in Abkhazia; vacationing here was considered quite prestigious - every citizen big country secretly dreamed of getting a ticket to one of the local sanatoriums. The city began to be purposefully turned into a resort area with the active assistance of Prince A.P. of Oldenburg, who did a lot for the improvement of the Black Sea coast.
Since the 1990s, Gagra has gradually declined due to wars, conflicts, lack of funding and general instability, although tourists, despite everything, continued to come to this wonderful city, albeit in much smaller numbers. Today Gagra is a legacy of a bygone era with a 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 brief description.
This is one of the most famous attractions not only of the city, but of all of Abkhazia. It is located next to the 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 porticoes surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
The park was founded at the beginning of the 20th century. Throughout the century, it was a favorite place for city guests - walking along the alleys, they inhaled the fresh smell of pine needles mixed with salty sea breeze, and admired the exotic plants brought here from different parts of the planet. 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 drawn bow, from where a stream of water bursts out.
The beaches of Gagra stretch along the coast for several tens of kilometers. All swimming areas are open to the public, even those located in 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 tourists looking for a relaxing holiday. The entire coast is covered with small and large pebbles.
Like any self-respecting seaside resort, Gagra has its own water park of fairly decent size. The territory has many slides of varying difficulty levels, seven swimming pools, and a food court area where you can order Abkhazian cuisine in restaurants. During the summer season, the water park hosts night sessions with discos and an entertainment program that continues until the morning.
The castle-residence of Prince A.P. Oldenburg, a relative of the emperor, a public figure who, during the time of Nicholas II, was involved in the improvement of the Black Sea coast. The building was built in Art Nouveau style in 1902, it is located in the depths of the picturesque Primorsky Park. During Soviet times, the castle housed the Chaika boarding house. After the collapse of the USSR, the building was looted and fell into disrepair. All that a tourist can see today are the remnants of former luxury.
“Gagripsh” has been welcoming guests since the beginning of the 20th century. Immediately after opening the restaurant became iconic place Gagr, 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 establishment that the history of the city began as popular resort. “Gagripsh” has chic historical interiors, excellent cuisine, wide panoramic windows overlooking the Primorsky Park, and a special atmosphere.
The cinema is located on Primorsky Boulevard. Films were not shown here right away; at first the building served as a winter theater. The building was built in a classical style: the entrance portico is supported by a slender row of columns, the symmetrical facade is decorated with laconic decor. The building is currently abandoned, but from the outside it looks quite picturesque and even well-kept.
A 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 survived, outside and inside, is a 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 structure is abandoned.
An Early Middle Ages structure, presumably built in the 5th–6th centuries. At different times, 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, the temple of St. Hypatia Gagrsky, where there is a museum and a hotel with a restaurant.
Church of St. Hypatia of Gagra is an active church under the jurisdiction of the Abkhazian Orthodox Church. The building was erected in the 6th century (according to another version - in the 10th century). It is an example of Byzantine architecture, or rather, its Caucasian interpretation, and has great cultural value. The structure has powerful walls made of roughly hewn stone, narrow windows and a gable roof topped with a stone cross.
The basilica building was built in the 6th century. It existed until the 16th century, after which it was partially destroyed by the Turks. It was never restored. At the beginning of the 20th century, they tried to reconstruct the temple, but the plans remained on paper. IN Soviet era Archaeological excavations have been carried out on the territory several times. Only the ruins of the church have survived to this day. Sometimes services are held within the surviving walls of the basilica.
The 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 it flows 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 Abkhazian legend, the river was formed from the tears of three sisters mourning their dead brother.
The gorge begins in the western part of Gagra and stretches to the high-mountain source of the Zhoekvara River (translated from Abkhazian as “12 springs”). This picturesque place- 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.
The hill is located about 6 km from Gagra and offers stunning views of Black Sea coast, Colchis lowland and surrounding areas settlements. There are observation platforms on the mountain, where an asphalt road leads. In Soviet times, they planned to build a full-fledged sanatorium-resort complex and pave ski slopes, but the plan was never realized.
When you think about Abkhazia, Lake Ritsa immediately comes to mind - perhaps one of the most popular attractions in the country, sharing fame 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 takes on a clear blue hue.
