In this article, we consider our review on a trip to Abkhazia and rest in Gagra in the summer, prices for hotels, air tickets, meals and food in stores. How much does it cost to relax in Abkhazia in 2021, how to get there, and what tourist reviews should you take into account?
A small but popular resort town among tourists is shrouded in a chain of the Caucasus Mountains, which protect it from cold winds; on the other hand, it is washed by the clear waters of the Black Sea. Exotic nature, beautiful landscapes, warm sea and comfortable sunny weather attract vacationers.
Many tourists complain about the Abkhazian service, which is far from ideal and is famous for its low level. At the same time, prices are significantly lower than at the well-known resorts of the Black Sea on the Russian coast. And there are not many tourists, you won't have to fight for a place on the beach.
Reviews about the rest in Abkhazia are quite contradictory. Some admire nature, architecture, beaches and forests with subtropical plants. Others criticize the local population, which strives to cash in on vacationers using various divorces. Traffic police officers, living conditions and food also cause concern.
- You can find out about entertainment in Abkhazia in a separate article.
What to see in Gagra?
With these disadvantages, Gagra is beautiful and there is something to see, in addition to nature, the resort has many interesting sights.
There is something to do for fans of extreme sports: paragliding, Gagra water park, diving. For active recreation, a one or two day hike in the mountains is suitable. There is an opportunity to rent a bike and ride along the streets of the city.
Abaata fortress Lovers of history will like it, while parents listen to an exciting excursion, children will be able to play in the fortress, pretending to be fearless knights.
In 1902 was built castle of the prince of oldenburg, it is currently impossible to enter it due to the emergency condition, but it is quite possible to look outside, many photographers like to hold photo sessions here.
In the area of old Gagra there is a symbol of Abkhazia - Colonnade, its length is 60 meters. It will be difficult to miss the building, since it is located at the entrance to the city beach.
Rest in Gagra 2021 is possible not only in summer, it is pleasant to spend time here all year round. In March, the daytime air temperature is about +9 degrees, in April it rises to +12, in May +20, in July +25, in the period from July to September about +30 degrees. Autumn in the region is quite pleasant, in September the mercury column is between +23 - +25. By the end of autumn, about +13 degrees Celsius. Frost in winter is extremely rare, most often the temperature does not drop below +5.
Most of the precipitation occurs in January and March, at which time cold winds can blow, especially near the sea. Therefore, in winter, it is better not to settle in the embankment area.
Most tourists come to Abkhazia for the New Year. What can you do in winter and how to spend your holidays? You are reading a separate material about all the nuances - Abkhazia for the New Year.
In summer, housing prices in Gagra are the highest. In boarding houses and sanatoriums, you can rent a room for a low fee, but keep in mind that lovers of comfort will not like it here. Such establishments lack modern amenities, the furniture is outdated, and the buildings in general look unkempt.
For a little extra, you can stay in a private mini-hotel. They have all the conveniences, if you wish, you can order food or cook yourself. The private sector in Gagra is also popular, but conditions here are different, you need to look at the place or be guided by reviews.
How to get to Gagra?
Upon arrival in Adler, you can get to Gagra by minibus, flights depart regularly, though they only go to the border of Russia with Abkhazia.
From the bus station in Adler by minibus or bus with numbers 125, 125C you can get to the village. Merry. Further, the distance of 1 km to the Psou checkpoint must be walked, with small luggage it will not be difficult, but with large suitcases it will not be easy.
Minibuses with numbers No.125 and No.173 stop almost at the checkpoint.
If you arrived in Adler at the railway station, you will need a route taxi with numbers 100, 125, 57, 117.
After passing the border, a bus or minibus will take you to the resort, which are waiting for passengers on the Abkhaz side of the checkpoint.
The fare to the Psou checkpoint costs about 50 rubles, from the border to Gagra - 70-80 rubles.
The most complete answer on how to get to Gagra from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of Russia can be found on a separate page.
Flights to Adler
Summer vacation in Gagra, prices
Consider the most popular items on vacation in Gagra, the prices of which interest you first of all. Let's start with the best hotels in the resort according to tourist reviews, which are booked every year even before the main holiday season.
Best hotels and cost
You can find hotels in Gagra cheaply by the sea or in the center through RoomGuru, the search engine is looking for the best prices among all hotel bases on the Internet.
Summer holidays in Gagra will cost more than in spring or autumn. The most expensive hotels with 4 stars and the most popular according to reviews of tourists:
- Alex Beach Hotel,
- Abaata,
- Amran,
- Hotel Medoviy.
A day's stay here is from 3500 to 4500 rubles, depending on the season. For summer holidays in Abkhazia, it is worth booking these options 2-3 months in advance.
In simpler hotels with 3 or less stars, the room will cost 2500 rubles. Hotels Sabine, Griffon have - good service at an affordable price.
Accommodation in mini-hotels will cost 1500-2000 rubles per room per day.
Pensions do not differ in particular chic and gloss, they can be called a kind of time machine, once you get here, you are transported to the era of Soviet times. Some have refined, equipped and given a well-groomed, modern look. Prices for a room in a modern sanatorium do not differ from prices for good hotels.
In ordinary sanatoriums or boarding houses, prices per day start at 800 rubles.
Private sector in Gagra, rental housing
The cheapest private sector is far from the coast, prices may vary depending on conditions. Farther from the sea, you can find housing for 600-700 rubles per day, the conditions will be the simplest.
To settle in a private sector by the sea will cost more, from 1000 rubles.
Guest house by the sea “Pine"Offers its guests rooms for 1600 rubles per day,"Athena”- 1700 rubles / day.
Guest houses located further from the sea: “Erika"- 1200 rubles / day,"Kabardinskaya 107”- 1000 rubles / day.
Independent tourists most often book the private sector in Gagra, hotels and boarding houses are chosen less often.
Cheap accommodation by the sea can be found on Booking.com. When searching for offers from hosts on the site, you should apply a filter and choose: guest houses, apartments, other housing options.
Food and meal prices
The visiting card of Abkhazia is the national cuisine; guests of the region should definitely try it. Local dishes will tell the story of this freedom-loving people, immerse them in the local flavor and, as a whole, will characterize the whole nation.
Rest in Gagra in summer is considered the most expensive in Abkhazia, this also applies to food. It will be cheaper to dine in Sukhumi and other resorts.
Despite the fact that the conditions in cafes and restaurants are better at the resort, be careful - poisoning is quite possible here. Many vacationers take antimicrobial medicines from the first day of their stay. In this case, the possibility of gastrointestinal disorders is excluded. It is recommended to drink only bottled water.
Restaurants and cafes
There are many restaurants and cafes here, all of them are open in summer, and most of them are closed during the cold season. In winter, only those that are at the boarding houses function.
A hearty lunch at a mid-level restaurant or cafe will cost 350-500 rubles. We recommend trying: mamalygu, Abkhazian cheese suluguni, big khachapuri, barbecue.
You can also have a snack at street eateries. It is better to buy from trusted sellers, near which there is a queue. Prices for one portion start at 50 rubles. Local beer will cost 30 rubles per bottle.
For those who do not like experimenting, there is European cuisine.
If the question arises: where to eat original and high-quality dishes in Gagra, go to the restaurant “Gagripsh”. This is the most famous and expensive restaurant in the city, built in 1903. On average, the price for a dinner will cost 1600 rubles.
Shops and markets in Gagra, prices
Resting in the private sector and cooking on your own will save a significant amount. There is a supermarket in the city, it is located in Novaya Gagra, the prices are the same as in Russia, even a little cheaper.
All tourists love to go to local markets, here you can feel the real Caucasian flavor and do a great job. Prices are lower than in Russia, the choice is rich: homemade wine, fresh seafood, nuts, dried fruits and berries, the abundance of fruits scatters your eyes.
- Figs - 50 rubles / kg.
- Sweet cherry - 140 rubles / kg.
- Avocado - 90-100 rubles / kg.
- Hazelnuts - 70 rubles / kg.
- Chestnuts - 60 rubles / kg.
- Beef - 220-260 rubles / kg.
- Adjika - 140-160 rubles / kg.
- Fish - about 200 rubles / kg.
Where to go with children in Gagra?
Entertainment number 1 for children of course aquapark, it will appeal to children of all ages. There is an extreme zone for adults, slides for teenagers, the smallest has a children's pool with small slides.
The cost of a ticket for an adult is 900 rubles, for a child from 4 to 12 - 600 rubles, under 4 years old admission is free.
Opens in New Gagra in summer amusement park... Small merry-go-rounds and swings will suit kids, and thrill-seekers will love the extreme attractions.
There are inflatable slides on the city beach, children can frolic while their parents are resting. Perhaps you will be interested in learning about the best beaches in Abkhazia for families with children and the whole family.
- What to see in Abkhazia ⇒
Reviews about the rest in Gagra
Those who have visited Gagra speak about the rest in different ways. Some are absolutely satisfied and promise to come again, others say that their vacation was hopelessly ruined.
Therefore, before going there to Abkhazia, study all the pros and cons, go to the specialized forums and ask your questions.
There are traces of hard times in the region, devastation in some places is still present, but every year the city is being refined and rebuilt, residents want to return the glory of the famous resort.
Fear is caused by food in some establishments, unsanitary conditions can cause poisoning.
The locals are quite friendly and hospitable, but often there are those who like to cash in on tourists. When taking pictures with animals, negotiate the price right away, they may ask for an amount that does not correspond to reality. Bargain with taxi drivers.
On the positive side, this is of course amazing nature and wonderful climate. Housing and food prices are fairly democratic. Has Gagra, the private sector, hotels, boarding houses, mini-hotels and sanatoriums. The beaches are not overloaded with tourists, the city is spacious, cozy and comfortable. A great opportunity to improve your health and recharge your batteries for a whole year.
Active tourists will be especially happy with excursions for several days in the mountains, events are organized by local travel agencies. Be sure to explore the vacation spots in Abkhazia in our section with tips and other information for tourists.
