The largest resort town in Abkhazia, stretching along the sea coast for 20 km. The center of the westernmost region of Abkhazia. Shortly before the birth of Christ, there was a settlement called Triglit, then the Roman colony of Nitika appeared. In the Middle Ages there was a Genoese trading post Khakara (Kakara), the name of which comes from the local Abkhaz surname Gagaa. In the 16th century, the Turks came here and engaged in the slave trade here for several decades. Then, for several centuries, the Gagra region was a bone of contention between neighboring mountain tribes. In 1830 - 20 years after the formal annexation of Abkhazia - Gagra was captured by the Russian army. Decembrist A.A. served here. Bestuzhev-Marlinsky. A railway passes through Gagra. Within the city there are the points of Abaata (on the bridge over the Zhoekvara River), Gagrypsh (Gagra Pavilion), Atskhyda (near the Continent supermarket) and Gagra itself (station). The M-27 highway passes through the city - along Nartaa Avenue. Certain sections of the bypass road are in effect because they provide connections with some quarters of Gagra located on the mountain slopes; There is a large overpass at the Sukhumi exit and two tunnels.

Old Gagra

Located between the Zhoekvara River (northwestern end of the city) and the Tsykherva (Zykhvertskoy) River, sandwiched between the sea and the mountains, stretched along Nartaa Avenue. Tsykherva crosses Nartaa between the Three Barrels restaurant and the sanatorium named after. Chelyuskintsev. All the historical sights of the city are concentrated in Old Gagra. In the depths of the Tsikherva gorge there is a large cave of two halls - the cave of St. Evpatia (Euphrates). It is very difficult to find; barely noticeable paths run along both banks of the river from the bridge on the bypass road (between two active tunnels), and this river dries up in some areas in the summer (goes underground). On the left bank of the Joekvara, right next to the road, is the Abaata fortress, founded in the 5th century and operating until the end of the 19th century. It was partially destroyed, partially rebuilt. In the middle of the fortress there is a small temple, built from roughly hewn stone blocks in the 6th-7th centuries. In Soviet times, there was a weapons museum inside, but now the church is closed. From the side porch begins an underground passage to the seashore (it’s only a couple of hundred meters away). Up the gorge, along the right bank of Zhoekvara, from the Abaat railway platform (it is located right on the bridge over the river, between two railway tunnels) there is the street of Russian Volunteers. On its right side (if you go from the sea), on the border of two personal plots, the ruins of the so-called. Towers of Marlinsky - Russian fortification of the 19th century. In Old Gagra, a very beautiful building of the Gagripsh restaurant with a clock on the pediment (early 20th century) has been preserved; it is clearly visible from the Primorsky Park. This is one of the symbols of the city. The park itself was founded by the Prince of Oldenburg, the founder of Gagra (the resort was founded in 1901). This park is home to many tropical plants brought specially for it from other countries. In Old Gagra you can see several ancient buildings - these are the first sanatoriums on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. In the center of Old Gagra, where Nartaa Avenue comes especially close to the sea, there is one of the most famous places in Gagra - the Colonnade (a picturesque arcade in the Moorish style, enclosing a platform with a fountain in a semicircle). One of the most interesting sights of Old Gagra is the house of Nestor Lakoba, the leader of Abkhazia in 1921-1931. This is an old mansion on the mountainside, built by the Prince of Oldenburg for the masseuse who served his wife; Lenin subsequently allowed Lakoba to “privatize” this house. After Lakoba’s death, party bosses rested in his house, receptions were held, etc. Events. For the last 20-odd years, an old Russian woman has been living here with her son (a crazy guy with a huge beard); At first she was just a cook, during the war she saved the mansion from looters, and now she continues to live in it and rents out rooms to vacationers. In Old Gagra there is the Gagra-Pavilion railway station; on the station building there is a banner with a beautiful inscription: “Give peace to the Caucasus and do not look for earthly paradise on the Euphrates - it is here. A.A. Bestuzhev-Marlinsky." The background is the state flag of Abkhazia.

New Gagra

Located between Old Gagra and the village of Psakhara (formerly Colchis); Most of the city's population lives here, almost all the shops, cafes, post offices, about 10 pharmacies, a market, etc. are located here. Most cafes and stalls are open only in June-September. Films can be bought and returned in just a couple of places on the main streets; orders are transported to Sochi for fulfillment. The Gagra collective farm market is a large two-level building covered with a concrete vault; Opening hours are from 7.00 to 17.00, but traders begin to actively disperse as early as 14.00. In the area around the market there are many stalls and shops that operate according to their own schedule. From the transit route - st. Demerdzhipa - to the market you need to go along narrow lanes (there are many of them, all parallel), and you will have to climb over the railway line. The street goes north from the market. Abazgov (Abazgaa) is the main highway of New Gagra (not transit), along which there are the high-rise hotels “Abkhazia” and “Energetik”, numerous cafes, and the beach is just a couple of hundred meters from the roadway. There is no traffic on this street, but there are many passers-by. If the market is located approximately opposite “Energetika”, then the nearest post office is opposite “Abkhazia”, also on the street. Abazgaa (house approximately No. 49). If you walk along Abazgaa north to the place where it makes a bend, a well-groomed square with lanterns, benches and a monument in the center will open on the right. Although the monument does not have any signs, it is clear that this is a memorial to the last war (a golden ball on a high concrete pedestal - apparently a futuristic flower as an allegory of peace). On the street Abazgaa, right opposite the market, there are usually several UAZ cars, the drivers of which invite vacationers to go on a jeep tour (to Mamzyshkha, Ritsa or somewhere else). All along the street you can see other excursion barkers. There is a small taxi stand near the market; It’s not convenient to sit on them here, because... the most popular ring is at Continent.

"Continent" supermarket

The most luxurious store in Gagra, with automatic doors and self-service (it opened just recently). Located on the street. Demerdzhipa, which runs east of the railway, parallel to it. On the site next to it there is a ring of minibuses going to Pitsunda, Bzyb, Gudauta, Sukhum and to the Psou checkpoint. There is also a bus stop here where you can catch passing transport. Next to the Continent department store there is the so-called. The tricky market is a little more expensive and smaller than the city one. Immediately behind the “Continent” there is a railway, op. Atskhyda and the folk trail to the central street of Abazgaa, which is only a 5-minute walk away. The railway station (Gagra station) is located on the street. Demerdzhipa is about a kilometer from the “Continent” (towards Sukhum). The building itself has not been renovated, but a small cement house with long-distance ticket offices has been restored (the Express system works here!). The Sukhum-Moscow train has a stop in Gagra. Please note that the station is difficult to see from the highway - it is behind the trees, and also at the bottom, but there are wide asphalt roads leading to it.

In the north of the street. Demerdzhipa “dives” under the railway overpass, on which it is written “Gagra is our city!”, and - merging with Adygeyskaya Street. - turns into an endlessly long avenue. Nartov (Nartaa), which leads to Old Gagra. Tsar Leon Street (Apskha Leon), extending towards the sea at the beginning of the avenue, connects it with the street. Abazgaa. If you walk about 20 minutes along Nartaa Avenue to the north, you can find a working library No. 2 (house 223), buildings of the local Ministry of Internal Affairs and administration, a working cinema, the Reprua River (its length is 18 m - this is the shortest river in the world that has a name) and main Gagrinsky post office (Nartaa Ave., 147). On Nartaa Ave. there is also a city stadium named after. Daura Akhvlediani; opposite it, among private courtyards, is hidden an Orthodox church, the only one in Gagra, which, surprisingly, was created from an ordinary house in Soviet times. Services are held only on weekends; the priest lives nearby. The most popular beach in Gagra is near the Abkhazia hotel and the Energetik holiday home; On the promenade nearby there are many small cafes and souvenir stalls; services such as scooter riding, sea fishing and a dolphin boat cruise are offered directly on the beach.

Mount Mamzyshkha

Has a height of 1866 m; rises directly above Gagra, on the other side it is adjacent to the Mamzyshkha ridge, along which you can go down to the famous Blue Lake (see description of the Bzyb Gorge). At the beginning of the 20th century, an Alpine road was built to the top of Mamzyshkha from Old Gagra - a winding serpentine road, which under Soviet rule was mostly covered with asphalt (it was planned to create a ski resort at the top, and they were going to install a cable car on the slope). The total length of the road is 30 km, it is quite possible to walk it in one day (you can go down twice as fast). The sign to Mamzyshkha hangs on the avenue. Nartaa, quite far from the modern city center. There is a trail that is several times shorter and does not make as many turns, but it is difficult to find without a guide. It starts in the Gorge and goes along a certain stream. There are two observation platforms on the Alpine road, from where you can see almost the entire Gagra, as well as the village of Bzyb, Cape Pitsunda and the Black Sea. The first site is located relatively close to the beginning of the road, where the residential buildings end, and is equipped on a grand scale - a concrete balcony over the abyss, an expensive cafe. The second site is in the middle of the second turn of the serpentine, where a certain Dzikhcha is indicated on the map; there is no longer any housing here; the bushes around the small balcony are completely hung with rags tied for good luck. Excursion minibuses bring vacationers to the Mamzyshkha observation decks to admire the sunset. Above the second site, several actively used logging roads branch off from the road. About 5 km before the top the asphalt ends; further on the narrow and dirty road can only be passed by goats.

Soon after the asphalt ends, the road will bifurcate: to the right and upward there will be a continuation of the alpine road to the top of Mamzyshkha (it’s 30 minutes by UAZ or an hour on foot), and to the left and slightly down will be the difficult road to Mount Arabica. UAZ cars with tourists occasionally drive along it, so it looks like it is actively used. They say that this road is quite new; it is absent from the General Staff's kilometers. The UAZ owners who are on duty opposite the market in Gagra and offer jeep tours through the mountains charge an additional 1,000 rubles for a trip to Arabica. The Arabica mountain range is very vast and is famous mainly for its large number of karst caves. Somewhere there is the deepest cave in the world - Krubera-Voronya, as well as some other famous cavities. In the alpine meadows of Arabica there are inhabited summer grounds of shepherds and hunters.

The peak of Mamzyshkha is already in the zone of alpine meadows. Armenian shepherds spend the summer months there (they have about two dozen booths). In addition to a huge number of cows, they graze their horses on Mamdzyshkha, on which they lead tourists - from the end of the asphalt road to the top of the mountain and back. Mamdzyshkha offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the Black Sea; below you can see Pitsunda, and at night the lights of Sochi and Adler airport are clearly visible. Cell phones work great. If you want to spend the night with the shepherds, bring/bring them bread and tea, they always lack these products. But they will feed you to your heart’s content with cheese and milk. It is better to come to Mamdzyshkha before dark - at night the paths between the booths are difficult to see, and the guard dogs pose a great danger. Another danger is thunderstorms; On the mountain there is a monument to a 22-year-old shepherd who died from a lightning strike.

Hi all!

At the beginning of August, my family and I decided to take a car to the sea, and not just anywhere, but to something distant and previously unknown to me Abkhazia - Apsny - the country of the soul. All and sundry tried to dissuade me from this idea - they say there is devastation, robbery, theft, etc. But I went. And - I’ll tell you - I didn’t regret it... Quite the contrary - I left a piece of my soul in Abkhazia...

We went specifically by car - to see as many sights as possible, of which there are a huge number in Abkhazia. The trip was divided into 2 parts - we lived in Gagra for 5 days, in New Athos for 5 days, and almost every day we went somewhere. I, like a child, looked at everything with wide open eyes, such a charming impression. I plan to write a review of the country as a whole later, but for now I won’t litter the airwaves with details and will move on to the actual topic of the review - city ​​of Gagra ( or Gagra, as it is also called)

So - Gagra, the city is deservedly considered the pearl of Abkhazia, where the entire Soviet elite rested, and which was undeservedly forgotten after the Georgian-Abkhaz war...

A little history

Gagra or Gagry (as the city was called in the USSR) is a relatively small settlement. About 12,500 people live there permanently. This is a resort town with no industry. The official birthday of the city is January 9, 1903. Gagra was immediately conceived as a resort. The ideologist of its creation was the Prince of Oldenburg, from the royal Romanov dynasty. He decided to found the “Russian Monte Carlo” here. And he partially succeeded. Before the arrival of the Russians, these territories were inhabited by ancient Greeks, Genoese, Turks and other nationalities.

Gagra is the first city from the border with Russia (we crossed the border easily and naturally, in about 15 minutes - although it was late at night) - only 22 km.

By the way, I want to immediately dispel myth No. 1 - that it’s scary to walk around the city at night, you might get attacked, etc. - they can only approach you with the question - “Is everything okay with you and do you need help?”

We stopped near one of the cars with a “housing” poster, and within half an hour a polite Abkhazian showed us several housing options, from which we chose the closest to the sea - only 1.5 blocks, haggling for 2500 for a room for three with amenities in New Gagra.. I will attach a photo below. It may be expensive - but August is the hot season, and it’s close to the sea... For those who want to save money - rooms without amenities are about 500 rubles per person.

And I want to start the photo report with the sights.

Just before entering Gagra we are greeted by an observation deck with wonderful views of the city and the sea.

Colonnade in Gagra

one of the calling cards not only of Gagra, but of the whole of Abkhazia. The colonnade is located in the Old Gagra area not far from the Primorsky Park and the Gagrypsh restaurant. The Gagra colonnade opens the entrance to the city beach, which stretches along the entire city. In total, the colonnade has 4 towers connected by small arcades (8 arches each). The total length of the colonnade is more than 60 meters.

Cinema "Gagra"

located on Primorsky Boulevard. The building began to be called a cinema under Soviet rule; before that it was called the Winter Theater, which was built in the middle of the 20th century. The architect is presumably Z. Tsereteli. The cinema was heavily damaged by Georgian artillery during the hostilities.

This is such a beauty from the outside - a beautiful palace...

And such devastation inside...

And another selfie spot

Seaside Park in Gagra

founded in 1902 and designed by architect Shervinsky. Plants for the new park were brought from all over the world, including from southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America and Syria. In total, more than 400 species of plants grow in the park. The Primorsky Park stretches for six kilometers along the Black Sea coast and occupies a substantial territory - more than 14 hectares.

Abandoned cable car in Gagra

The lower station of the cable car is located in the Primorsky Park. The electric cable car was designed in 1904 and built in 1935. Previously, the cable car transported vacationers to one of the most popular boarding houses in Gagra - "Skala".

I expected to see lonely abandoned booths hanging here, but they were all removed - apparently, restoration is being prepared.

Prince of Oldenburg Castle

a unique structure located in Old Gagra. It was erected in 1902 according to the design of the famous architect I.K. Lyutseransky.

Upstairs is a hotel.

Yes, the prince was no fool - what a view from the window...

Abaata Fortress

the oldest architectural monument of Gagra. Built more than 15 centuries ago, either by the Romans or by a local tribe, it once closed the Zhekvar Gorge and blocked the path from east to west for possible invaders.

At the beginning of the 20th century, by order of the Prince of Oldenburg, part of the fortress wall was destroyed and a hotel was built inside. Currently, in addition to the hotel, the Gagra Museum of History and Local Lore "Abaata" and a restaurant are also located on the territory of the fortress.

We didn't go inside, so these are the only photos

Restaurant "Gagripsh"

Opposite the famous Primorsky Park in Gagra there is the no less famous restaurant “Gagripsh” - a symbol of the birth of Gagra as a world resort.
The restaurant building was built from Norwegian pine by order of Prince A.P. Oldenburgsky, disassembled and brought to Gagra from the World Exhibition in Paris in 1902, and then assembled without a single nail. It was here that the grand opening of the Gagra resort took place on January 9, 1903.

Observation platforms on Mount Mamzyshkha

The mountain is located 6 kilometers from the city of Gagra. Height - 1876 meters. There are two viewing platforms on the road up the mountain. They offer a wonderful view of Gagra and Pitsunda and you can see Cape Sukhumi. The first site is located near the beginning of the route. It is equipped with a concrete balcony with railings. There is also a cafe here. The second, distant equipped observation deck is located much further along the road and higher.

Near the first observation deck there is a photo with this bear (we were allowed for free))))

By the way, you can get to the first lookout without any problems in any car - excellent asphalt.

But from the second observation point, almost nothing is visible because of the clouds...

But the car has been lying in the ravine since time immemorial...

And on the way down we ate blackberries straight from the bush (our stomachs didn’t hurt)))

These are the spiders on Mamzyshkha

You can also admire the beauty on the ring road

Monument to the victory in the Abkhaz-Georgian war

One of the attractions of the city of Gagra is the Monument to the victory in the Abkhaz-Georgian war of 1992-1993, which, according to statistics, claimed the lives of 4 thousand Georgians and 5 thousand Abkhazians.

Some tourists disrespectfully call him Chupa Chups...

Gagrypsh railway station

the old passenger station in Gagra, today is one of four operating stations in the city and is better known by its old name Gagra-Pavilion. The station belongs to the Abkhazian railway and is located in the center of the city of Gagra, in the northeast of Abkhazia. The station building dates back to the Soviet period, and since then it has not been repaired. Today it is almost destroyed

And again - from the outside we see a beautiful architectural structure

And inside... it's just a jungle...

View from the station windows

Gagarin Square

in the Middle Ages it was called “Abaata-Ashta”; competitions in the art of war were held here.

Today, both Gagarin Square itself and the shopping center are in disrepair. The building where noisy parties once took place is in ruins. There was nothing left except the concrete box.

Fountain on the square

railway tunnel...

And what are the beaches in Gagra.....

and palm trees on the shore...

And just beautiful views from the car window..

And cows on the roads... though not in the city itself - in the suburbs)))

And what a sunset it is in Gagra... As they say, everyone has their own... Mine looked like this:

And the lush vegetation of the subtropics...

Lots of tropical fruits

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. Lovers of the warm sea and healing air, saturated with oxygen, iodine, the aroma of eucalyptus and sea salts, have been coming to this amazingly beautiful Black Sea city for many decades. 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 New 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, 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 amazingly beautiful 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.

Those who love vibrant nightlife should head 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 see 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 is the Black Sea, on the other is a high mountain range immersed in greenery. The Psou and Bzyb rivers with picturesque waterfalls flow nearby. A 50 km long mountain serpentine leads to the amazingly beautiful Lake Ritsa - small and very deep, with crystal clear water.

The highest peak in these places 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.

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Gagra (Abkhazia) 2019

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 number of 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 the winter the temperature drops to -2. As a rule, the swimming season is 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 Principality of Abkhazia 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 included a large number of unusual plants.

Years passed, Abkhazia became part of the USSR, the city of Gagra was actively developed in Soviet times, 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 a summer holiday in Gagra without beaches. 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 best beaches are the following:

· 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 to 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 the historical center of the 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 vicinity of the town you can visit observation platforms, 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, a local history museum, which hosts excursions on a regular basis, a hotel and a restaurant.

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 means that the journey is quite fast, about half an hour by minibus or 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

The first alternative option involves traveling by 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 no direct flight to the resort town. 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.