Abkhazia Attractions

Overview of Abkhazia's Attractions and What to Visit

Most of Abkhazia's attractions are natural wonders. These include famous spots like Lake Ritsa, Geg Waterfall, Blue Lake, Yupshar Gorge, Mount Mamzyshkha, New Athos Cave, and many more. The majority are concentrated in one area – the Ritsa National Park, which itself is a major attraction. A paved road runs through the park, passing by these beautiful sites, and there are hiking trails leading to stunningly beautiful places: the Valley of Seven Lakes, the high-mountain Lake Mzy, and Lake Malaya Ritsa.

As for historical and cultural sites, unfortunately, there aren't very many in Abkhazia. Moreover, those that remain are not in great condition, requiring restoration or at least careful maintenance. Some historical sites have even been handed over to private owners, like the Castle of Prince Oldenburgsky in Gagra. However, it's still worth visiting at least the main ruins and Christian churches in New Athos, the Great Pitiunt in Pitsunda, and the Church of St. Hypatius in Gagra.

There are few museums and galleries here. Only one museum in the country is well-maintained and truly worth visiting – the Abkhazian State Museum in Sukhum.

If you're traveling around Abkhazia in your own vehicle, you can visit almost all the interesting places independently. The only exceptions are some remote spots that can only be reached by jeeps or good crossovers. These include, for example, the Seven Lakes Valley, the abandoned town of Akarmara, Lake Amtkel, Shakuran Waterfalls, and Geg Waterfall. But be careful if you decide to leave your car unattended and go for a hike in places like Geg Waterfall and others where paid jeep tours are offered.

If you don't have your own transport, you can see some interesting places by using taxis and local transport, or by booking a group tour. Tours to almost every corner of Abkhazia are sold by street vendors at all resorts, but most options and the lowest prices are found in Gagra, Sukhum, Pitsunda, and Tsandripsh. You can also book tours online:

💥 Remember, it's much more interesting to explore attractions with guided tours, so we recommend checking out options with online booking on these trusted price comparison sites:

• 📷 Find tours in Abkhazia on Sputnik8.com
• 📷 Find tours in Abkhazia on Tripster.ru

Below is a list of the most popular Abkhazia attractions, including their opening hours, entrance fees, and ways to get there independently or with tours. Also check out other interesting places in Abkhazia by category:

• Top 10 Most Interesting Churches in Abkhazia
• Entertainment in Abkhazia
• Waterfalls of Abkhazia
• Caves of Abkhazia
• Hot Springs of Abkhazia
• Museums of Abkhazia
• Map of Abkhazia with Attractions

Top 10 Must-Visit Places

Abkhazia has a huge number of interesting places, but to help you navigate, here's a list of the most important ones to visit first:

• New Athos Cave

  

  This is the most famous tourist cave in Abkhazia. It's filled with bizarre stalactites and stalagmites, underground lakes, is very spacious, and equipped with bridges for easy movement and beautiful colored lighting. Six out of nine halls are open to tourists, one of which hosts a symbolic musical performance showcasing the cave's unique acoustics. Visits are only possible with guided groups, formed upon ticket purchase. Tours are organized and depart as tourists arrive, and during the high season (summer) this happens very quickly. The tour lasts an hour and a half. It's best to dress warmly, as it's always cool inside – no more than 14 degrees. Also, don't forget to use the restroom before starting (it's paid, 10 USD). More about New Athos Cave.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday; Monday, Friday - closed. The cave's schedule may change depending on the season; check the official website - https://afon-cave.ru/inner-section/info/grafik/index.php

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 700 rubles, children under 8 – free. Photography – 50 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: the cave is on the outskirts of New Athos, 16 Chanba St. (cave on map). It's easy to reach on foot from the city center. There's a paid parking lot for private vehicles nearby, 150 rubles.

• Ritsa Relict National Park and Lake Ritsa

  

  Ritsa Relict National Park is the most popular and visited nature reserve in Abkhazia. The tour route through the park, known to most tourists as the excursion to Lake Ritsa, is the most popular, and almost every vacationer in Abkhazia visits it. The park is located in the southern mountainous part of Abkhazia, not far from Gagra and close to the Russian border. Almost the entire national park is located in a mountainous area with complex terrain, altitudes ranging from 100 to 3256 meters, numerous mountain lakes, rivers, waterfalls, caves, glaciers, and gorges. Usually, during a tour of the national park, you'll visit:

  • Lake Ritsa
  • Lake Malaya Ritsa
  • Blue Lake
  • Men's Tears Waterfall
  • Maiden's Tears Waterfall
  • Geg Waterfall
  • Yupshar Gorge
  • Bird's Beak Waterfall
  • Milky Waterfall
  • Stalin's Dacha

  There are also several viewpoints along the route. More advanced and challenging routes with overnight stays may include the Valley of Seven Lakes, Lake Mzy, and the Auadkhara resort and mineral water spring. More about Ritsa National Park.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: access to Ritsa National Park is charged at the checkpoint: adults – 700 rubles; children 8-12 years – 200 rubles; children under 8 – free. A group tour costs from 750 rubles per person + park entrance fee.

  🚶 How to get there: The park entrance checkpoint is 30 km from Gagra (Ritsa Park on map). You can visit independently by car; with a group tour (from 750 USD) from Abkhazian resorts or Sochi; with a private guide (from 3500 per car). The road to the lake is good, suitable for any car. Public transport does not go here.

• New Athos Simon the Canaanite Monastery

  

  This is the largest and most famous temple complex in Abkhazia. It comprises six churches forming the courtyard and central buildings. At the center is the Panteleimon Cathedral – the largest in Abkhazia, very spacious and bright, notable for its frescoes on the walls and ceiling. Founded in 1875, construction was completed in 1900.

  For tourists, it's interesting as one of the most important architectural and religious landmarks in Abkhazia. Although not ancient, the complex looks very attractive and unusual, surrounded by palm trees. You can freely walk around the grounds and take photos, including inside the Panteleimon Cathedral, just being mindful not to disturb worshippers. More about New Athos Simon the Canaanite Monastery.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: during daylight hours.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the monastery is almost in the very center of New Athos; you can walk from anywhere in the city (monastery on map). From other Abkhazian resorts, you can get here with a tour or independently by minibuses running along the country's main highway E60 between all coastal cities. It's a 15-minute walk from the highway.

  If you're driving your own car, you can drive directly to the parking lot near the monastery via Kurortnaya St. Parking is free, under video surveillance, but there's a 1-hour time limit.

• Geg Waterfall

  

  Geg Waterfall is the most famous and beautiful waterfall in Abkhazia. It is located at an altitude of 530 meters above sea level, with a height of 70 meters. Its special feature is that it bursts directly from the rock face, rather than falling from a top. The waterfall is interesting because it has appeared in several films. It was featured as the Reichenbach Falls in the Sherlock Holmes film, and also appeared in the Soviet films "Sportloto-82" and "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi".

  The trip to the waterfall is quite an extreme route, as the last seven kilometers to it are along a mountain road that can only be traversed by jeep. Along the way, you'll see breathtaking views, and riding in a jeep on the edge of the abyss is simply thrilling. You should dress warmly for the trip, as it's cool here even in summer. More about Geg Waterfall.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, better to visit during the day. Access to the waterfall is only possible from May to November; the rest of the year it's simply unreachable.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free, but you need to pay for access to the national park (adults – 700 rubles; children 8-12 years – 200 rubles; children under 8 – free). Cost of a Ritsa+Geg Waterfall tour from Gagra – from 700 rubles + park entrance fee.

  🚶 How to get there: the waterfall is 45 km from the center of Gagra in Ritsa National Park (waterfall on map). You can only reach the waterfall directly by jeep or on foot, as the last seven kilometers are along a terrible mountain road passable only by serious vehicles. Jeep (UAZ) drivers constantly wait at the turnoff to the waterfall on the main road, so you can use their services (from 1500 rubles per vehicle). The walking route from the turnoff is not technically difficult, but very rough due to stones and mud, and depending on your fitness, will take 2 to 5 hours.

• Stalin's Dacha on Lake Ritsa

  

  Stalin's Dacha on Lake Ritsa is one of about twenty of the Generalissimo's dachas that existed throughout the former USSR, and is believed to have been one of his favorites. This is not surprising, as it is located on the shore of Lake Ritsa, surrounded by beautiful green mountains. Today, any tourist can visit this place as a historical landmark.

  It's not exactly a must-see, as there isn't much to see inside and the architecture is quite unremarkable. However, with a good guide, a tour of the dacha becomes surprisingly captivating. More about Stalin's Dacha.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 150 rubles, including guided tour. Since the dacha is located within the Ritsa National Reserve, you also need to pay the reserve's environmental fee.

  🚶 How to get there: the dacha is on the shore of Lake Ritsa (Stalin's dacha on map). You can get there with a tour to Lake Ritsa; many include it in their itinerary, but entrance and the tour need to be paid separately. You can also drive independently to Lake Ritsa and the dacha; the distance from Gagra is 60 km.

• Blue Lake

  

  Blue Lake (Lake Tskhyna) is a small lake in the Gagra district of Abkhazia, known for its turquoise water. It is one of the beautiful and memorable attractions of Abkhazia, but it's rarely visited alone; most make a brief stop here on the way to Lake Ritsa. Swimming is forbidden here as it's too cold, so people come simply to admire the beauty of the lake and its picturesque surroundings, and to take photos, including for a fee with a peacock or in traditional clothing. More about Blue Lake.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: the lake is within Ritsa National Park, access to which requires paying an environmental fee: adults – 700 rubles; children 8-12 years – 200 rubles; children under 8 – free.

  🚶 How to get there: the lake is 30 km from the center of Gagra on the road to Lake Ritsa, within Ritsa National Park (Blue Lake on map). Public transport does not go here; you can get there by private car, taxi, tour, hitchhiking, or bicycle.

• Chernigovka Gorge

  

  This is a natural attraction: a small, beautiful gorge with a mountain river flowing along its bottom. It's equipped with paths, stairs, viewing platforms, gazebos, and lighting – everything needed for an easy and safe walk to enjoy the scenery. No special physical fitness or equipment is required; any tourist can manage the route.

  Also, at the entrance to the gorge is the famous Assir apatskha (restaurant/cafe), where they make shashlik and local dishes, and have its own wine cellar with homemade wine. Visiting the restaurant is often an integral part of the excursion, making the visit more pleasant, though you can certainly do without it. If you come here independently (without a tour), you can first order at the restaurant, walk through the gorge (which takes 30-60 minutes), and then return for lunch. More about Chernigovka Gorge.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: during daylight hours.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance to the gorge is paid - 250 rubles, children - free. To get to the restaurant, you also have to pay the gorge entrance fee.

  🚶 How to get there: Chernigovka Gorge and the Assir restaurant are located 20 km from Sukhum along the road (gorge entrance on map). You can only get here by private car or with a tour. Tours here can be bought at all resorts in Abkhazia, costing from 300 to 500 rubles. By private car, you can drive directly to the entrance of the Assir restaurant. Part of the road is unpaved, but any car can manage.

• The Abandoned Ghost Town of Akarmara

  

  This is one of the most mysterious and intriguing attractions in Abkhazia, the famous abandoned ghost town, also known as the "stalker's city". Actually, Akarmara is not a city but a settlement, but it's commonly called a ghost town, as "ghost settlement" doesn't sound quite right. Unlike the other widely advertised ghost town of Tkuarchal, this settlement was truly abandoned after the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict or the Patriotic War of 1992-1993. It was under a 413-day blockade, constantly shelled by artillery. Civilians fled, and as a result, the town of five thousand became completely empty. More about Akarmara.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: The ghost town of Akarmara is located far in the southeast of Abkhazia (Akarmara on map). For reference, it's almost 90 km from Sukhum and 180 km from Gagra. You cannot get there by public transport; a taxi would be very expensive, so you need to go with a tour or independently. Read more details via the link with the full description.

Waterfalls

Abkhazia is famous for its picturesque waterfalls — from powerful cascades to thin streams gushing directly from the rocks. Many are located along the roads and are accessible year-round.

• Maiden's Tears Waterfall

  

  Maiden's Tears Waterfall is quite unusual, formed by many streams and even droplets of water falling from a low height down a vertical cliff face. It stretches for several tens of meters right along the road leading to Lake Ritsa. This is the first attraction on the route towards the lake and Ritsa National Park, and all tours and independent travelers make a brief stop here.

  The waterfall isn't very spectacular; you'll mainly see a wet cliff face and colorful ribbons tied along it. However, the legends about its origin are very beautiful, and of course, about love. More about Maiden's Tears Waterfall.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the waterfall is right along the road to Lake Ritsa (Maiden's Tears waterfall on map) about 20 km from the center of Gagra, before the paid entrance to the national park, so it's accessible for free. No transport goes here, so you can only get there by private car, taxi, tour, hitchhiking, or bicycle. Almost every tour to Lake Ritsa stops here.

• Men's Tears Waterfall

  

  Men's Tears Waterfall, like "Maiden's Tears," is located on the road to Lake Ritsa, but a bit further, about 30 km along the route, and already within the Ritsa National Reserve. Here, water trickles down in a thin stream, as if reminding that men's tears are sparse. But besides the waterfall itself, which isn't very spectacular, the surrounding area features a very beautiful forest that is definitely worth a walk. More about Men's Tears Waterfall.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: the waterfall is within Ritsa National Park, access to which is paid (environmental fee): adults – 700 rubles; children 8-12 years – 200 rubles; children under 8 – free.

  🚶 How to get there: Men's Tears Waterfall is 45 km from the center of Gagra on the road to Lake Ritsa, within Ritsa National Park (Men's Tears waterfall on map). You can get there by private car, taxi, tour, hitchhiking, or bicycle.

• Milky Waterfall

  

  Milky Waterfall is located in Ritsa National Park near the eastern shore of Lake Ritsa, where the Vodopadnaya River flows into the lake. Nearby is another attraction – Stalin's Dacha, and it is usually visited together. It is notable because the water here is white and resembles milk. This happens because the waterfall consists of several cascades and flows around many rock ledges, causing the water to churn vigorously and become aerated, turning white. It's believed that swimming in the waterfall can help preserve youth, which is not surprising given that the water is very cold. More about Milky Waterfall.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: the waterfall is within Ritsa National Park, entry to which requires paying an environmental fee: adults – 700 rubles; children 8-12 years – 200 rubles; children under 8 – free. The fee is paid at the park checkpoint upon entry. Cost of a tour to Lake Ritsa from Gagra – from 1300 rubles + park entrance fee.

  🚶 How to get there: the waterfall is on the shore of Lake Ritsa, 60 km from Gagra (waterfall on map). You can get here with a tour to Lake Ritsa and Stalin's Dacha, or independently in your own car.

• Bird's Beak Waterfall

  

  Bird's Beak Waterfall is quite picturesque and beautiful, located near Lake Ritsa right by the road, but slightly beyond the lake, so most tour groups don't go this far. However, all tourists and travelers heading towards the Valley of Seven Lakes, Lake Mzy, and Auadkhara pass by this waterfall. The water is drinkable, so you can replenish your supplies if you're heading on a long hike into the mountains. Nearby is a viewpoint overlooking Lake Ritsa. More about Bird's Beak Waterfall.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: the waterfall is within Ritsa National Park, entry to which requires paying an environmental fee: adults – 700 rubles; children 8-12 years – 200 rubles; children under 8 – free. The fee is paid at the park checkpoint upon entry.

  🚶 How to get there: the waterfall is located near Lake Ritsa, 60 km from Gagra (waterfall on map). You can get there with a tour to Lake Ritsa, the Seven Lakes, or Lake Mzy, or in your own car.

• Olga Waterfalls

  

  This is a series of several small developed waterfalls, ending with a large waterfall about 10 meters high. Sometimes online, you might even read this place called a tourist route, but in our opinion, that's an exaggeration. The scale here doesn't qualify as a real route, as the developed trail is only about 200 meters long. It's pleasant to come here to sit at the foot of the waterfall or eat at the cafe at the start of the trail. You can even swim, though the water is very cold. There's also a cage with two bears at the entrance, which is rather sad as there's very little space for them. However, we wouldn't definitely recommend visiting Olga Waterfalls due to the high entrance fee and paid parking. More about Olga Waterfalls.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: during daylight hours.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance – 200 rubles, children under 12 – free, parking – 100 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: Olga Waterfalls are located on the Sukhum Military Road, 35 km from Sukhum (waterfalls on map). You can only get here with tours or in your own vehicle; public transport does not go here. The road is asphalted, with some potholes, but generally accessible by any car without problems. Near the waterfalls, there's a turnoff from the road to the parking lot and cafe, where the walk along the developed path begins. They charge 100 rubles for this conditional parking, but you can leave your car for free at the turnoff and walk about 50 meters to the entrance.

• Shakuran Waterfall

  

  This is one of the more difficult-to-reach but also one of the most impressive waterfalls in Abkhazia. In our opinion, it's the coolest waterfall in the country, and we recommend visiting it. It may not be the biggest or the most beautiful (though that's a matter of taste), but it is certainly the most interesting. The thing is, it's not just a waterfall, but a whole cluster of natural attractions in one place, located in a beautiful canyon formed by the Shakuran River. Besides the Shakuran Waterfall itself, here you'll also see the Bridal Veil waterfall and several smaller unnamed waterfalls and cascades; two caves, the Lower and Upper Shakuran Caves; and you can walk through a mystical boxwood forest. However, to do this, you need to tackle a moderately difficult short tourist route with steep paths, rocks, and stairs. More about Shakuran Waterfall.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, visit during the day.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: Free. Tours from Sukhum from 2500 rubles, guide on site - 500 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: located 40 km from Sukhum along the Sukhum Military Road (waterfall on map). For more details on how to get there independently, see the link with the full description.

• Big Baryal (Machara) Waterfall

  

  The Big Baryal Waterfall, also known as Macharsky, is formed on the Machara River. It is located in a picturesque gorge and is very impressive in itself, but it's still little-known among tourists and rarely visited. We really liked it and definitely recommend visiting it. However, to see it in all its glory, you'll have to put in some effort, as it's not so simple. Some tourists come here, look at the waterfall from above, and leave disappointed without seeing much. But to fully appreciate the gorge and the waterfall, you need to find the right path down to the canyon floor. More about Big Baryal or Machara Waterfall.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, visit during the day. It is full-flowing in spring and early summer, and may dry up in late summer and autumn.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: located 27 km from Sukhum along the Sukhum Military Road, on the way to Shakuran Waterfall (waterfall on map). You can only get there by private car or with a private guide; we haven't heard of group tours going here. For more details on how to get there, see the link with the full description.

• Small Baryal Waterfall

  

  The Small Baryal Waterfall is formed by the Malaya Machara River and is located near the Sukhum Military Road. You can visit it during a trip to Olga Waterfalls, Shakuran Waterfall, or when visiting Chernigovka Gorge. Making a special trip just for the Small Baryal Waterfall is not worth it, as it's quite small and not very spectacular. On the plus side, it's free, you can see it directly from the road, there are rarely tourists here, and above the waterfall there's a spacious green meadow where you can have a picnic or even set up a tent. More about Small Baryal Waterfall.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, visit during the day.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: located on the Sukhum Military Road, 25 km from Sukhum and about a kilometer further from the Olga Waterfalls (waterfall on map). You can only get here by your own transport or with tours heading to Shakuran Waterfall; public transport does not go here.

• Zolotonosets Waterfall

  

  This is one of the most beautiful, highest, and most powerful waterfalls in Abkhazia, and simultaneously one of the most difficult to reach. However, the difficulty isn't because you need to walk far over mountain trails or drive off-road; getting there is actually quite straightforward, and you can drive almost all the way to the waterfall. The difficulty lies in its location – it's very far in the southeast of Abkhazia, just a few kilometers from the border with Georgia, along the road past the abandoned towns of Tkuarchal and Akarmara. More about Zolotonosets Waterfall.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, visit during the day.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: a fee (eco-tax) of 400 rubles/person is charged, children under 10 – free.

  🚶 How to get there: located far in the southeast of Abkhazia, in the mountains beyond the famous abandoned ghost towns of Tkuarchal and Akarmara (waterfall on map). For reference, it's 90 km from Sukhum and almost 180 km from Gagra. You cannot get there by public transport; a taxi would be very expensive, so you need to go with a tour or independently. Read more details via the link with the full description.

• Svyatoy (Saint) Waterfall

  

  This is another of the most distant waterfalls in Abkhazia, located beyond the abandoned towns of Tkuarchal and Akarmara. Despite its remoteness, getting there isn't very difficult; the road is first asphalted, then unpaved for the last few kilometers, which in good weather can be driven by any car. It has been known for a long time, but it became a discovery for mass tourists relatively recently, just a few years ago, when affordable group tours started being offered to these parts, to the abandoned ghost towns. It is the smallest of the trio of waterfalls – Svyatoy, Irina, and Velikan – located in this mountainous corner of Abkhazia. But even so, its height and power are impressive, as it is almost 40 meters high, which is like a 15-story building. More about Svyatoy Waterfall.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, visit during the day.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: a fee (eco-tax) of 400 rubles/person is charged, children under 10 – free.

  🚶 How to get there: located far in the southeast of Abkhazia, in the mountains beyond the famous abandoned ghost towns of Tkuarchal and Akarmara (waterfall on map). For reference, it's 90 km from Sukhum and almost 180 km from Gagra. You cannot get there by public transport; a taxi would be very expensive, so you need to go with a tour or independently. Read more details via the link with the full description.

• Irina and Velikan Waterfalls

  

  Irina and Velikan are among the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Abkhazia. By rough estimates, Velikan's height is over 100 meters (almost 40 stories), and Irina is about 40 meters (about 16 stories). But they stand out not only for their height but also for their power. They are formed by the Khudzga River, fed by melting glaciers, so they are full-flowing all year round. More about Irina and Velikan.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, visit during the day.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: a fee (eco-tax) of 400 rubles/person is charged, children under 10 – free.

  🚶 How to get there: located far in the southeast of Abkhazia, in the mountains beyond the famous abandoned ghost towns of Tkuarchal and Akarmara (Irina on map, Velikan on map). For reference, it's 90 km from Sukhum and almost 180 km from Gagra. You cannot get there by public transport; a taxi would be very expensive, so you need to go with a tour or independently. Read more details via the link with the full description.

Lakes, Mountains, and Gorges

Abkhazia's mountain lakes amaze with their purity and water color — from emerald to deep blue. And climbing to the summits reveals breathtaking panoramas of the Caucasus ranges.

• Lake Ritsa

  

  Lake Ritsa is perhaps the most famous and visited attraction in Abkhazia. This beautiful turquoise lake is surrounded by mountains and stunning nature at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, within the Ritsa National Park. Tourists come here to breathe the mountain air, admire the beauty of the lake, take a boat ride, and even fish for an additional fee. During the excursion to the lake, other attractions within the national park are also visited along the way, making this the most popular tour route in Abkhazia.

  The lake is quite large – 2500 by 600 meters. Around it, a semblance of tourist entertainment infrastructure formed back in Soviet times, with cafes and small restaurants, shashlik stalls, souvenir shops, and even a pier for pleasure boats on the shore. Unfortunately, the infrastructure level remains somewhere around the Soviet era. In the vicinity, there are also two waterfalls, and on the opposite shore is the Stalin Museum-Dacha. Slightly higher up, about 2500 meters away, is another lake, Malaya Ritsa, which is equally picturesque and much less frequented by tourists. During a group tour, tourists are given a few hours at the lake, which can be used for walks around the lake, boat rides, souvenir shopping, or lunch at a local cafe.

  If you ask whether you should visit Lake Ritsa during a trip to Abkhazia, we will unequivocally answer that it's a must-visit place, whether on a tour or independently. In fact, almost all the most interesting and scenic attractions are located along this route, so you simply can't miss it. More about Lake Ritsa.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, best visited during the day.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: the lake is within the Ritsa National Reserve, access to which is charged at the checkpoint: adults – 700 rubles; children 8-12 years – 200 rubles; children under 8 – free. A group tour costs from 750 rubles per person, plus the park entrance fee. Boat trip on the lake - 500 rubles per person for half an hour.

  🚶 How to get there: the lake is 60 km from Gagra (Lake Ritsa on map). You can get there with a group tour (from 750 USD), including from Sochi, with a private guide (from 3500 per car), or in your own vehicle. The road to the lake is good, suitable for any car.

• Lake Malaya Ritsa

  

  The mountain lake Malaya Ritsa – the younger brother of the big Lake Ritsa – is located five kilometers from it at an altitude of 1235 meters above sea level, about 360 meters higher. Its dimensions are only 243 by 125 meters, with a depth of 76 meters. No river flows into it; water comes from the melting glaciers of the surrounding mountains and precipitation. The Small Lake is considered even more beautiful than the big one, but you can only reach it on foot. The trail passes through a beautiful relict forest and is accessible to any tourist without special training, though you need good physical fitness, comfortable shoes, and drinking water. Allow about 4 hours for the entire route. More about Lake Malaya Ritsa.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, visit during the day.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: access to the lake is free, but entry to the Ritsa National Reserve requires paying an environmental fee at the checkpoint: adults – 700 rubles; children 8-12 years – 200 rubles; children under 8 – free.

  🚶 How to get there: Lake Malaya Ritsa is five kilometers from the big Lake Ritsa (Lake Malaya Ritsa on map). To get there, you first need to reach the big lake, leave your transport at the parking lot, and then continue on foot. A trail leads to the lake without forks and is marked with arrows in places, so it's hard to get lost, but a compass or navigator won't hurt. The start of the trail is indicated on our map (trail entrance on map).

• High-Mountain Lake Mzy

  

  High-mountain Lake Mzy (Mzym) is one of the wonderful natural attractions of Abkhazia, located far in the mountains at an altitude of 2000 meters, yet accessible not only to experienced hikers with gear but also to ordinary tourists as a day hike. It is small, only 100 by 45 meters, but its depth is a full 40 meters (according to other sources, 16 meters). It is formed by the waters of melting glaciers, so the water here is rarely above 4 degrees Celsius. Also, depending on the season, snowy patches remain around the lake; you can even see them in June. For the hike, you should bring warm clothes and raincoats. More about Lake Mzy.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: the lake is within Ritsa National Park, access to which is paid (environmental fee): adults – 700 rubles; children 8-12 years – 200 rubles; children under 8 – free.

  🚶 How to get there: the lake is one of the most accessible mountain lakes, located at an altitude of 2000 meters, 80 km from Gagra (Lake Mzy on map). You can get there by private car or with a tour (from 2000 rubles from Gagra). You cannot drive directly to the lake, but you only need to walk about 7 km (usually no more than 2 hours one way) along an easy route that doesn't require special training. To do this, drive towards Lake Ritsa and continue further to the village of Auadkhara. The road after Lake Ritsa becomes worse, but any car can manage.

• Valley of Seven Lakes

  

  The Valley of Seven Lakes in Abkhazia is a beautiful plateau at an altitude of over 2000 meters, on which several beautiful mountain lakes are located, formed by meltwater from mountain snowcaps and rain. Reaching the valley along a mountain trail through alpine meadows and still pristine nature, you will be greeted by a breathtaking view of the lakes, mountains, and the Caucasus Range. The views are wonderful and definitely worth the effort to get there. Any tourist without special training or equipment can reach it, requiring only good physical fitness as the final approach is uphill. More about the Valley of Seven Lakes.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, but it's best to start the route during daylight, ideally in the first half of the day or early morning, in the season from May to October.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: the roads and trail pass through Ritsa National Park, entry to which requires paying an environmental fee: adults – 700 rubles; children 8-12 years – 200 rubles; children under 8 – free. Day tours are also offered here, costing from 2000 rubles/person.

  🚶 How to get there: the valley is located 75 km from Gagra, 68 km of which is along a satisfactory asphalt road, and the remaining seven must be covered on foot (Valley of Seven Lakes on map). You can get here by private car or with a tour. On tour UAZ vehicles, they take you almost to the Pyv pass, from where it's about four kilometers on foot to the valley.

• Mount Mamzyshkha

  

  The summit of Mount Mamzyshkha is only five kilometers from Gagra at an altitude of 1876 meters, but the serpentine road leading to it is 30 kilometers long. This is the distance covered by jeep along one of the most interesting mountain routes in Abkhazia. Along the way, there are two observation platforms offering breathtaking views of beautiful Alpine meadows, mountains, and the sea. In good weather, you can even see Sochi from the summit. At the top, there are several old shepherd's huts and a tiny lake. From above, you can paraglide down (descent from 3000 rubles, accessible to anyone without training), landing directly on the beach in Gagra. More about Mount Mamzyshkha.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, recommended to visit during the day. The viewing platforms can be visited in the evening at sunset, offering a beautiful view of the sea and sunset.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free, jeep tours from 1500 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: the summit is in the Gagra district, 5 km from the center of Gagra as the crow flies, and 30 km along the serpentine road (Mamzyshkha summit on map). There used to be a good asphalt road leading up (turnoff to Mamzyshkha on map), but now it's partially destroyed, and you can only get to the very top by off-road vehicle, horse, bicycle, or on foot. In an ordinary car, you can reach the first and second observation platforms (20 km from the start of the road), which also offer wonderful views. You can drive part of the way (to the "Shashlychny Dvor" cafe), leave your car there, and then continue on foot. Walking all the way up takes 2-4 hours, depending on your fitness.

• Yupshar Gorge (Stone Sack)

  

  Yupshar Gorge is one of the natural attractions of Ritsa National Park. The gorge formed along the Yupshara River, and almost 8 km of the road to Lake Ritsa runs through it. The gorge walls tower over the road and river, reaching almost half a kilometer in height at the highest point, while the width varies from 100 meters to just 20 meters at the narrowest point. Usually, tourists make a short stop for up to 5 minutes to admire this unusual natural formation, descend to the mountain river, and take photos against the backdrop of intricate steep cliffs and amazing hollows in the wall that look like narrow rectangular windows. More about Yupshar Gorge.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, best visited during the day.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: the gorge is within Ritsa National Park, access to which requires paying an environmental fee: adults – 700 rubles; children 8-12 years – 200 rubles; children under 8 – free.

  🚶 How to get there: the gorge is 45 km from Gagra on the road to Lake Ritsa, within Ritsa National Park (gorge on map); the road passes directly through the gorge, and there are several places along the way to stop and descend to the river. You can only get here by your own vehicle, taxi, or with a tour. Typically, tours to Lake Ritsa make a five-minute stop in the gorge.

• Three Cauldrons

  

  These are shallow potholes carved into the solid rock by water over millions of years in a riverbed. The water created three adjacent basin-like pools, each about 5 meters in diameter and no more than a meter deep. The river is gone, it dried up, but the pools are filled with cool water from streams flowing down the mountains, and you can swim in them. In the absence of rain, the streams dry up, and swimming is impossible, so check if there's water in the cauldrons before buying tickets. More about the Three Cauldrons.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: during daylight hours.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 200 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: the Three Cauldrons are located outside the city, about three kilometers from the center (Three Cauldrons on map). You can walk there in about an hour. You can also drive; there is paid parking for 100 rubles. After paying the entrance fee, you need to descend to the cauldrons and river along a rather extreme cliff, holding onto a rope for a few meters down.

Caves and Grottoes

The underground kingdom of Abkhazia consists of caves with multi-kilometer halls, underground lakes, and mysterious grottoes, many associated with ancient legends.

• Abrskil Cave

  

  Abrskil Cave (Otap Cave) is one of two caves in the village of Otap, sometimes simply called Otap Cave. It's a beautiful gallery-type cave with many stalactites and stalagmites, colorful lighting, and is adapted for tourist visits. The route is short, about 800 meters, and goes right through the mountain river, sometimes knee-deep in water. Visitors are given rubber boots at the entrance.

  Abrskil Cave is less developed for tourists and much less visited due to its location compared to New Athos Cave, which in contrast seems completely tamed and touristy. More about Abrskil Cave.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, tours start only when a group of several people gathers, so you might have to wait for other tourists to arrive.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance fee and tour 500 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: the cave is quite far from Abkhazian resorts, 70 km from Sukhum near the village of Otap (Abrskil Cave on map). You can only get there by private car or with a tour.

• Golova Otapa (Otap's Head) Cave

  

  Golova Otapa Cave is another cave near the village of Otap, alongside Abrskil Cave. Unlike Abrskil, it is much younger, so there are far fewer stalactites and stalagmites, and they look simpler. The cave was only opened to tourists in 2014, and work on its development is still ongoing. The developed part is still small; the visit takes no more than 20 minutes. A river also flows along its bottom, with even waterfalls, but you can walk here along equipped bridges, though in some places you have to squeeze through almost on all fours, and part of the route is even by boat. Boots are provided at the entrance, but it's better to bring extra warm socks. There are many bats in the cave. More about Golova Otapa Cave.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance fee and tour 300 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: the cave is quite far from Abkhazian resorts, 70 km from Sukhum near the village of Otap (Golova Otapa cave on map). You can only get there by private car or with a tour. To reach the cave entrance from the edge of the village, you need to walk a bit across a field following signs.

• Grotto of the Holy Apostle Simon the Canaanite

  

  This is a place of religious pilgrimage and veneration, believed to be where one of the twelve closest disciples of Jesus Christ had his cell for two years. A whole tourist trail has been developed here through the gorge of the Psyrtskha River (within the Psyrtskha Reserve), leading to the grotto past a holy spring and a stone with the footprint of the saint. To visit, tourists need to pay an entrance fee to access the trail and then follow the scheme. At the entrance, there is a map with signs pointing to individual attractions along the route. The path is easy, the trail well-equipped, but the entrance to the cell is on a steep cliff, reached by climbing steps carved into the rock. More about the Grotto of Simon the Canaanite.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: during daylight hours.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 200 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: The Grotto of the Holy Apostle Simon the Canaanite is located on the outskirts of New Athos, near the Church of Simon the Canaanite (Grotto on map). Ideally, visiting the grotto should follow the visit to the church. At the entrance, you need to buy tickets, and then either wait for a guided group to form (departs when 20 people gather) or go on the route independently, but without a guide's commentary.

• Cave of St. Hypatius

  

  It is believed that a monk and hermit named Hypatius (also Evpaty) lived in this cave. According to one historical version, this same monk became the bishop in whose honor the Church of St. Hypatius was built in the Abaata Fortress. However, some believe these were different monks who lived at different times, but both are highly venerated by the local population.

  Regardless, the cave is an interesting place and worth visiting. Inside, you'll see two man-made rooms, but it seems there was at least one more. You can leave donations at the entrance. More about the cave.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7, best visited during daylight hours.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the cave is within the city limits, roughly midway between New and Old Gagra (cave on map). The entrance is on Cherkesskaya Street. To find the entrance, it's best to use a navigator with coordinates, or simply look for the entrance from the road. You then need to climb the height of about two or three stories up a steep cliff, holding onto a safety rope and wire. Right before the cave entrance, you must climb two very steep short wooden ladders.

Ancient Temples and Fortresses

The territory of Abkhazia preserves unique architectural monuments — from early Christian churches to powerful fortress walls, holding the history of several eras.

• Ruins of the Bzyb Temple

  

  The Bzyb Temple (basilica) and fortress were built around the 9th-10th centuries AD (the era of the Abkhazian Kingdom); the exact dates are unknown. This is a protected cultural monument, one of the few preserved in Abkhazia. The fortress was built to protect the road to the Northwestern Caucasus and belonged to a powerful feudal clan. Unfortunately, in 1914-1916, during the construction of the railway, part of the monument was destroyed and has not been restored since. The fortress walls were dismantled to use the stone for building supports of a railway bridge. You will see these supports on the platform in front of the ruins and one unfinished on the other side of the river. By the way, the bridge itself was ultimately never built. More about the Bzyb Temple.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: during daylight hours.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: previously there was a fee of 50 rubles, but in 2023 it's all free.

  🚶 How to get there: The temple ruins are 15 km from the center of Gagra on the road to Lake Ritsa (Bzyb Temple ruins on map). You can get there by private car, taxi, tour, hitchhiking, or bicycle. If you don't have your own transport, you can take any bus towards Sukhum, get off at the "Bzyb" stop near the river, and then walk 1 km.

• Khasan-Abaa Fortress

  Khasan-Abaa Fortress is one of the few historical attractions that tourists encounter on the way to Lake Ritsa. The fortress was built in the 9th-10th century AD to control approaches to the gorge. Indeed, the fortress is very strategically located on a high hill, and it's clearly visible from the road.

  Today, only ruins remain, about 10 meters high with very thick walls, and a stone fence around. It's impossible to get inside without climbing equipment or a ladder. It's not a must-see, but if you love ancient sites, and especially if they're free, you can get a closer look.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the fortress is located on the way to Lake Ritsa, on the other side of the river from the road (fortress on map). You can see it from afar from the road. To reach the ruins directly, you need to drive about a kilometer further along the road to a suspension bridge, cross it, and walk back towards the fortress. It is 25 km from Gagra to the fortress.

• San Tommaso Fortress

  

  The ancient San Tommaso Fortress is located in the area of Kyndyg village in the southern part of Abkhazia. This is a little-known tourist spot, visited only by true history enthusiasts and lovers of attractions; group tours don't come here. Yet, it's actually a very interesting site. It was built during the period when the Genoese arrived in these lands, between the 13th and 15th centuries. They built this support fortress for their settlement, which fell under the onslaught of the Turks in the second half of the 15th century. It has not been restored since. More about San Tommaso Fortress.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the fortress is on the outskirts of Kyndyg village on the Black Sea coast, 36 km from Sukhum (fortress on map). You can drive there by private car, or get to the village by minibuses heading towards Ochamchira from the main market in Sukhum.

• Abaata Fortress and Church of St. Hypatius

  

  The Gagra fortress Abaata is the most interesting historical landmark in Gagra. Originally built in the 5th-6th centuries AD, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times. In the early 20th century, Prince Oldenburgsky (founder of the Gagra resort) ordered part of the fortress wall to be demolished to build a hotel on the site. Only isolated remnants of the fortress walls and towers remain; there is no fortress as such anymore, and the hotel still operates today. However, on the territory stands the oldest Church of St. Hypatius (6th-7th century AD), and the Abaata Fortress Museum is also open. More about the fortress.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: viewing the fortress and church is free, museum entry 100 rubles adults, children under 7 - free.

  🚶 How to get there: the fortress is on the edge of Primorsky Park in Old Gagra (fortress on map). You can get here on any minibus heading towards Psou.

• Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called

  

  The Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called in Pitsunda, or simply the Pitsunda Patriarchal Cathedral, dates back to the 10th century, and its construction is attributed to the Georgian king Bagrat III. From the 11th to the 15th centuries, the cathedral was repeatedly renovated, and in the 17th century, it was completely abandoned due to the threat of Turkish attack. It was only restored in the second half of the 19th century.

  The cathedral has excellent acoustics, so in 1975, German masters installed an organ here, which still works today. On certain days, organ music concerts are held here, which anyone can attend. More about the cathedral.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: the cathedral and the "Great Pitiunt" architectural reserve, on whose territory it stands, are open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Organ concerts take place at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: entry to the cathedral itself is not paid separately and is included in the cost of visiting the Great Pitiunt – 100 rubles for adults, 50 for children (6-12 years). Concert ticket – 600 rubles; child ticket – 200 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: the cathedral is located on the territory of the "Great Pitiunt" historical and architectural reserve (cathedral on map).

• Mokva Cathedral

  

  The Mokva Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a very ancient functioning church and architectural landmark. It was built in the 10th century AD by the Abkhazian king Leon III in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God. In the 17th century, it was abandoned and plundered by the Turks, with all valuables taken out of Abkhazia. The reconstruction of the cathedral began only in the mid-19th century, resulting in the preservation of the overall form, but all ancient elements, paintings, and mosaics were removed. During the Soviet era, the cathedral was again closed and looted. It was only returned to the church in 2002, and today it is a functioning church. More about Mokva Cathedral.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: during daylight hours.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the cathedral is in the Ochamchira district in the village of Mokva (Mokvi), far from the popular resorts of Abkhazia, 60 km from Sukhum (Mokva cathedral on map). You can only get there by private car or with a tour. It's convenient to visit the cathedral on the way to the Abrskil and Golova Otapa caves.

• Ilori Church of St. George

  

  This is an ancient Christian church in the village of Ilori near Ochamchira, one of the most significant examples of Western Georgian architecture of the 11th century. It is a functioning church, particularly important for Christian believers in Abkhazia, and a pilgrimage site. The Ilori church complex consists of the church building and ancillary structures; there is a holy spring here. Tour groups and vacationers are brought here from all corners of Abkhazia, and you can also come here independently. But we try to be objective, and honestly, we believe its tourist appeal is greatly exaggerated by travel sites and tour sellers. With all due respect to its significance and rich history, there isn't really much to see here. It stands out neither for its architecture (perhaps only specialists and true lovers of church architecture would notice distinctions), nor for its picturesque views, nor for its beautiful well-kept grounds, nor for any artifacts or ruins. More about Ilori Church.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Ilori Church is located in the village of Ilori, 5 km from the center of Ochamchira (church on map). You can get there by taxi from 200 rubles or even walk, though you'll have to cover several kilometers. Public transport to Ilori, unfortunately, does not run.

• Dranda Dormition Cathedral and Monastery

  

  This is one of the oldest Christian churches in Abkhazia that has not only survived to this day but is also functioning and in relatively good condition. In our opinion, among the many ancient churches in the republic, Dranda Church is one of the most interesting, and we definitely recommend visiting it if you are staying in Sukhum or Ochamchira. You can also come here from more distant resorts, especially since it can be done with inexpensive group tours. More about Dranda Cathedral.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: located in the town of Dranda, 20 km from Sukhum (cathedral on map). You can get here with tours, by private car, or by suburban buses. If you don't have your own transport and want to visit the church without a tour group, it's not difficult. A taxi from the center of Sukhum will cost about 600 rubles one way, with waiting and return trip around 1500 rubles. But you can do it much cheaper. Take a bus to Ochamchira from the "Rynok" stop on Ardzinba Street to Dranda, and then walk about a kilometer from the stop to the church.

• Church of Simon the Canaanite

  

  The Church of Simon the Canaanite (the Zealot) is one of the most important religious landmarks of New Athos and Abkhazia as a whole. It is believed to have been built on the site where one of the 12 closest disciples of Jesus Christ, Simon the Canaanite, is buried. Sometimes you hear that the saint's ashes rest within the church itself, but this is incorrect, as the church was built almost ten centuries after his death, specifically during the heyday of the Abkhazian Kingdom in the 9th-10th centuries. Today it is a functioning church, undergoing a lengthy restoration, which means you cannot enter, but you can view the exterior at any time. After viewing, it's worth continuing along the tourist route to the cave/grotto of Simon the Canaanite. More about the Church of Simon the Canaanite.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: during daylight hours.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the church is located not far from the center of New Athos on Eshba Street (church on map).

Museums and Archaeological Complexes

Museums and archaeological reserves, where artifacts from antiquity to the present day are collected, will help you immerse yourself in the history and culture of Abkhazia.

• "Great Pitiunt" Complex

  

  The Pitsunda State Historical and Architectural Reserve "Great Pitiunt" is the main attraction of the Pitsunda resort. Pitiunt was the name of the ancient city on the site of modern Pitsunda, and it is believed to have appeared before our era. The first settlements here date back to the 4th century BC, and in the 1st century BC, the city was part of the Pontic Kingdom. The complex includes several objects, the main one being the 10th-century Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called. In addition, there are ruins of a basilica, an aqueduct, remnants of a bell tower, a chapel, and a dolmen brought from the village of Eshera. Also, in one of the monastery buildings, there is the Pitsunda History Museum, displaying artifacts found during archaeological excavations. More about the Great Pitiunt.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 100 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: The Great Pitiunt is located in the center of Pitsunda (complex on map).

• Pitsunda History Museum

  

  The Local History Museum of Pitsunda is part of the "Great Pitiunt" complex. It is housed in a 19th-century monastery building. The museum's modest exhibition, consisting of architectural finds, frescoes, icons, and paintings, tells the history of the region and the city. Objectively, the museum is very old and neglected, everything is literally falling apart, but since the cost of visiting it is included in the ticket to the Great Pitiunt, it's certainly worth a visit. More about the museum.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: entry to the museum is not paid separately and is included in the cost of visiting the Great Pitiunt – 100 rubles for adults, 50 for children (6-12 years).

  🚶 How to get there: the museum is on the territory of the "Great Pitiunt" historical and architectural reserve (museum on map).

• Ruins of Pitiunt

  

  This place is also remnants of the ancient city of Pitiunt on the site of present-day Pitsunda, but not to be confused with the "Great Pitiunt" complex described above. These ruins are nearby and are essentially an excavation site that, apparently, is no longer active. It is a large green area overgrown with grass, bushes, and trees, bounded by ancient city walls, or rather what remains of them. The place is neglected, and besides the wall remnants, you won't see anything special. There are no paths for walking around the area, only trails through the grass. But if you are a true antiquity lover, a walk here might be enjoyable. More about the ruins of Pitiunt.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the ruins are located not far from the center of Pitsunda; you can walk from the center (ruins on map). There are several entrances from different sides to the area bounded by the ancient walls; you can enter freely, although there is an old, half-collapsed fence in places.

• Botanical Garden in Sukhum

  

  This is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Caucasus, founded in 1838. It's a generally nice place for a walk in the shade of tropical trees and among exotic shrubs and flowers, but in our opinion, the price is inflated. There are dirt paths, several ponds with fish and turtles, and benches for resting. The variety of plant species isn't very large, but perhaps the highlights are the oldest tree – the Caucasian Linden, over 350 years old, and a bamboo grove. The park is not very big. More about the botanical garden.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, no days off.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: Adults – 400 rubles, children 7-12 years – 150 rubles, children under 7 – free. Paid parking – 100 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: the botanical garden is located in the northern part of Sukhum on 22 Gulia St. (botanical garden on map). The entrance is at the corner of Gulia Street and Leon Avenue. From the center and the embankment, you can walk here (15-20 minutes), or take bus No. 1. For private vehicles, a few hundred meters from the entrance near the old railway station, there is a conditional paid parking for 100 rubles per car, but you can drive a little further away from the entrance down any street and park for free near an office or shop.

• Abkhazian State Museum

  

  This is the only large state museum in Abkhazia, and virtually the only one that can introduce tourists to the history and life of Abkhazia as a whole. The displays and exhibits are clean, everything is neat and well-kept. Therefore, we recommend definitely visiting it if you have even a slight interest in the history and culture of the country.

  The museum's exhibition is small, and even if you stop and study each exhibit in detail, a couple of hours will suffice. The first floor covers the history of the region from ancient times, also showcasing the country's natural riches. The second floor is entirely occupied by an exhibition on World War II, as well as the Abkhazian-Georgian armed conflict of 1992-1993. More about the museum.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday and Monday – closed.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 200 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: the museum is in the center of Sukhum on 22 Leon Avenue (Abkhazian State Museum on map). From the center and the embankment, you can walk here (15-20 minutes), or take bus No. 1.

• Abaata Historical Museum

  

  The official name is the Gagra State Historical and Local Lore Museum "Abaata". This is a small museum consisting of a single hall, containing several exhibitions dedicated to different historical periods in the city's life. The periods covered range from the first settlements on the site of modern Gagra in the 1st century BC to the present day. Much attention is paid to the figure of Prince Oldenburgsky, who is considered the founder of the resort. There aren't many exhibits, but thanks to the guided tour included in the ticket price, the visit will be informative, especially since this is the only museum in Gagra. More about the museum.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: adults – 100 rubles, children under 7 – free.

  🚶 How to get there: the museum is located on the territory of the Abaata Fortress, next to the Church of St. Hypatius (museum on map). You can walk here from hotels in Old Gagra while strolling through Primorsky Park; from New Gagra you can get there for 25 rubles on minibuses that run between the districts.

• Museum of the Abkhazian Kingdom

  

  This is a small museum dedicated to the history of states on the territory of modern Abkhazia, from the Stone Age to the present day, as well as the peculiarities of life, economic structure, and characteristic features of the Abkhaz people. The exhibition is modest but generally informative: archaeological finds, household items, photographs, documents, maps, etc., are presented. The history of the New Athos Monastery is covered separately and in detail. This marked the beginning of the Russian Empire's acquaintance with the culture of Abkhazia. More about the Museum of the Abkhazian Kingdom.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, lunch break from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Monday – closed.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 100 rubles, children under 10 free. A free tour is provided when a group of 20 or more people gathers.

  🚶 How to get there: located in the center of New Athos, 8 Eshba St., next to the artificial waterfall and the Church of Simon the Canaanite (museum on map).

Other Attractions

Abkhazia also has unique places that are hard to categorize: ancient dolmens, healing springs, and man-made structures that have become popular with tourists.

• Anacopia Fortress

  

  The ruins of the fortress of the ancient city of Anacopia rise above New Athos on Iverian Mountain at an altitude of 344 m. It was originally erected in the 7th century with the participation of the Byzantines, although some sources suggest the first fortress appeared here back in the 3rd century. The ruins are remarkably well-preserved; the main tower has been completely restored. You can freely walk around the area, enter the tower, and climb to the viewing platform at its top, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the coast. Also on the territory are a functioning chapel and an artificial source of drinking water. More about Anacopia Fortress.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: during high season from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, no days off.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: adults - 300 rubles, children from 7 years - 150 rubles. Car parking - 200 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: the fortress is on a hill 3 km from the city center; the ascent begins on Chanba Street, and the ticket office is there (fortress on map). You can drive part of the way up and leave the car in the paid parking lot for 200 rubles. The walk up takes 40 minutes along a rocky dirt road.

• Gup Waterfall

  

  Gup Waterfall is also called Akvarash or Ashtadu, but its exact name is unknown. Locals simply call it Gup Waterfall. It is located in a narrow gorge on the Gup River and has an unusual appearance: the water doesn't fall from a height but flows down the rock face in a powerful stream, only breaking into freefall at the very bottom. A fairly large pool has formed at the base of the waterfall, where you can swim. These places are also known for deposits of blue clay found right on the riverbanks, used for cosmetic purposes. The only downside is that the waterfall is far from the popular tourist resorts, and it's quite a distance to travel just to see it. More about Gup Waterfall.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the waterfall is in the Ochamchira district near the village of Gup on the Gup River (waterfall on map). You can only get there by private car, and to find it, it's best to use a navigator and ask locals for help. You can drive almost to the waterfall itself (landmark – the old broken bridge over the Gup River), then walk along the river for about 500 meters. Not far from it, before reaching it, there is a good spot for a tent camp.

• Monkey Nursery in Sukhum

  

  The Monkey Nursery in Sukhum is one of the few places in all of Abkhazia where you can go with the whole family. Most tourists perceive it simply as a zoo, but it is actually part of a Research Institute. During the war with Georgia, it was heavily damaged, and the number of animals was reduced to 27. Today, the institute and nursery are being restored, though they are still far from normal condition.

  On a relatively small area, 5-6 species of monkeys are kept in cages. All species are separated, and the cages are labeled. Although it seems there are many cages and animals, they are actually repetitive; essentially, the majority consist of only 3 species. You can feed the animals (food is sold at the entrance, but you can also bring your own fruits, vegetables, bread, or seeds). More about the monkey nursery.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, no days off.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: adults – 400 rubles, children 7-12 years – 300 rubles, children under 7 – free. Parking in front of the entrance is paid – 100 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: the nursery is located on Mount Trapezia in the north of the city (nursery on map). Theoretically, you can walk from the center and the embankment, but after a 1.5-2 km walk, you then have to climb the hill to the entrance. You can also take city bus No. 1 and then walk up the hill. If driving, from Gumskaya Street, turn following the sign to the nursery, then tackle a small climb up a narrow, bumpy road suitable for one car; you'll need to pull over at local widenings to let oncoming cars pass. Paid parking (100 rubles for visitors, locals free) is at the entrance; there's no free parking nearby.

• Castle of Prince Oldenburgsky

  

  The Castle of Prince Oldenburgsky, or rather its ruins, is an architectural landmark of Gagra. It was built in 1902 in the Art Nouveau style by Prince A.P. Oldenburgsky, the founder of the resort. The Primorsky Park was laid out nearby, which remains one of the most beautiful and green spots on the resort. In Soviet times, the castle was converted for the recreation of the Soviet elite and later renamed the "Chayka" sanatorium. Unfortunately, during the war in 1991-1992, the castle was heavily damaged by fighting and is now closed to visitors; you can only view it from the outside. More about the castle.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: The Castle of Prince Oldenburgsky is in Old Gagra (castle on map) near Primorsky Park. From New Gagra, you can get there by minibus.

• New Athos Artificial Waterfall

  

  The New Athos Artificial Waterfall appeared in 1882 thanks to the efforts of the monks of the Simon the Canaanite Monastery. To protect against floods, they built a dam, and a side effect was the formation of the waterfall. Later, the water's power was used to operate a mill, and at the beginning of the 20th century, a hydroelectric power station was installed here. A road leads from the waterfall to the old Psyrtskha railway station, and a bit further to the tourist route to the Grotto of Simon the Canaanite. More about New Athos Artificial Waterfall.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: during daylight hours.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: located not far from the center of New Athos (waterfall on map).

• Dolmens of Otkhara

  

  The Otkhara Dolmens are a dolmen complex with a circular structure in the village of Otkhara in Abkhazia. The place is not very well-known, hence less visited by tourists. However, it is interesting and mysterious, and combined with the natural surrounding views, recommended for all lovers of power places and ruins. Time and nature are gradually destroying this ancient monument, so if you have the time and desire, be sure to include it in your itinerary. More about the Otkhara Dolmens.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the dolmens are on the outskirts of Otkhara village (dolmens on map). Public transport does not go here, and tours are not offered, at least we haven't seen any. So you can only get here by your own car or taxi; follow the navigator, as there are no signs. The road to the village center is asphalted and quite decent. Only the last 200 meters remain on a dirt road directly to the dolmens, but they can easily be walked.

• Rock Monastery in Otkhara Village

  

  The Rock Monastery in the village of Otkhara is an unusual and little-known attraction in Abkhazia. This structure resembles an impregnable fortress walled into the rocks. Presumably, it was originally a fortress that served as a refuge for Abkhazian nobility during pirate raids from the sea. Later, in the 10th-12th centuries, the fortress was turned into a monastery. You cannot visit the church without special climbing equipment, as it is located 50 meters above ground level, so you'll have to be content with viewing it from afar. The Mchishta River, known for its healing properties, flows near the monastery. Therefore, many consider the waters of this mountain stream to be curative and come to visit the monastery seeking healing from various ailments. More about the Otkhara Dolmens.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: access to the monastery via a cafe – 250 rubles per person, parking – 100 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: located in Otkhara village (rock monastery on map). Drive using the navigator to the cafe and trout farm in Otkhara village; you can use the endpoint on our map. From the cafe parking lot, you need to walk 500 meters along a path and bridges by the river to the viewpoint of the rock monastery.

• Free Hot Spring and Geyser near Ochamchira

  

  Right next to the main highway on the approach to Ochamchira, there is an open-air geyser, at the base of which there is a basin of "folk" springs where you can take health baths completely free of charge. A stream of hot natural water with a faint smell of hydrogen sulfide gushes from the earth through an old rusty pipe, which, according to locals, has been here since Soviet times when a sanatorium was planned. The pipe was not capped, and a powerful stream constantly bursts from it, spraying water to the height of about 5 stories. The bathing spot is near the pipe, and although it is not equipped, it's quite comfortable for a swim. The swimming basin is small and comfortably fits about 20 people. By the way, crowds rarely gather here, and from our experience visiting this spring on weekdays, you might even find yourself alone. More about the free hot spring and geyser near Ochamchira.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: The free hot spring is located near the main highway from Sukhum to Ochamchira, almost on the approach to Ochamchira (spring and geyser on map). You can get there by bus; read more details via the link with the full description.

• Abandoned Ghost Town of Tkuarchal

  

  This is a city and popular attraction known as an abandoned ghost town. At least, it's advertised to tourists under this title in guidebooks and excursion brochures. But in reality, the designation "hero city" is more suitable for Tkuarchal, as it was officially awarded this title in Abkhazia following the Georgian-Abkhaz or Patriotic War of 1992-1993. Calling it a ghost town is a bit of a stretch. Nevertheless, tours are organized to Tkuarchal, and independent travelers gladly visit, mostly in transit. After all, the only road to the real (well, almost real) ghost town of Akarmara, to the abandoned settlements of Gornyatsky and Polyana, and to the very cool waterfalls Zolotonosets, Irina, Velikan, and Svyatoy passes through this city. More about Tkuarchal.

  Practical Info

  🕐 Opening hours: 24/7.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the abandoned ghost town of Tkuarchal is located far in the southeast of Abkhazia, 80 km from Sukhum, 90 km from here, and 170 from Gagra (Tkuarchal on map). You can visit it with tours, in your own car, and there is even public transport here. Read more details via the link with the full description.