A riot of nature, colors and sun, sea and mountains - all this is Abkhazia. This republic is a great vacation spot for families with children. True, provided that the family is not picky and goes to the seas not for a five-star hotel service, but for clean air, sunbathing and sea winds.
Nature generously endowed Abkhazia, besides, it is the geographically closest country to Russia.
How to relax in it with a child, where to stay, where to go and what to take into account on vacation, we will tell in this article.
Climatic features of the region
The climate of Abkhazia is an improved version of the climate of the Krasnodar Territory. It is also subtropical, but softer, more humid, so the heat is tolerated much easier here. The territorial proximity to Sochi (about 100 kilometers) makes the climatic transition for tourists almost imperceptible, and therefore one should not be afraid of strong acclimatization.
The main advantages of Abkhazia - incredibly clean mountain air and breathtaking landscapes. Whichever of the seven regions of the country you go, the Black Sea and mountain ranges await you everywhere. Even in winter, the air temperature here is above 10 degrees Celsius, and it is from here that the very yellow and festive mimosa is brought to us on March 8.
Summer in Abkhazia is the peak of the tourist season.
- In June, the air temperature is about 27 degrees, the water warms up to 22 degrees. The sun's rays are not aggressive, so the beginning of summer is the best time to relax here with young children.
- July is hotter - about 30 degrees in the air, 23-24 degrees in the water. Sunny days are enjoyed by those who come to the sea, because in the middle of summer in the mountainous regions of the country, showers begin.
- It is even hotter in Abkhazia in August. The air heats up to 33-34 degrees, and the water up to 26-27 degrees.
- September in Abkhazia is called the velvet season, it is warm here - up to 27 degrees, the sea is warmed up to 23-24 degrees. This time is also very suitable for a trip with little ones who do not need the neighborhood of several hundred other tourists on the beach.
- In October, it is still warm in the republic - in the daytime up to 18-20 degrees, but swimming is no longer possible, the sea is cooling down rapidly. At this time, you can take health treatments at one of the resorts.
Many sanatoriums and health resorts work all year round and you can come here for treatment at any time of the year, and at the same time have a great rest, because in winter it is quiet, not crowded and very beautiful.
Main resort towns
The small country is divided into several regions, each of which is a resort:
Gagra
This is the main resort of Abkhazia, a city in which there is where to go and what to do. At the peak of the season, the bulk of tourists flock here. The beaches in Gagra are wide, pebbly, sometimes you can find small sandy strips, sometimes - areas with fairly large stones.
The maximum number of the country's attractions is concentrated in Gagra. In the city itself, the infrastructure is sufficiently developed, despite the fact that the echoes of the past war are almost everywhere visible - broken buildings that no one is rebuilding, shelled fences. In general, there are quite a few hotels here, including inexpensive guest houses.
Pitsunda
The recognized family resort town of the republic. Located in the heart of the Pitsunda nature reserve. The nature of Pitsunda amazes and delights. Pitsunda pines are known all over the world as a source of a healing aroma.
There are not so many tourists here as in Gagra, this resort is more suitable for a calm and measured holiday. The sea is very clean here.
New Athos
A very ancient settlement with a rich history. In the past, New Athos was the capital of the Abkhaz state, the kings lived here. At the end of the 19th century, Greek monks founded a monastery here, which received worldwide fame - New Athos.
The sea is clean and the huge orange orchards create an amazing atmosphere. The city itself has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, there is everything you need for a good rest.
Sukhum
This resort town is now the capital of the republic. It is located more than 100 kilometers from the Russian border. This is the center of health-improving recreation of Abkhazia, since the maximum number of boarding houses and sanatoriums with a year-round operation is concentrated here.
Considering that the city is more than 2.5 thousand years old, there are many sights of great historical and archaeological value. The beaches are wide and long.
Gudauta
This resort is famous for its healing springs - sulfur and mud. The streets are quiet and not crowded, this is a place for a relaxing holiday in seclusion. The resort is still in the stage of restoration - boarding houses left over from the Soviet era are being revived, and new hotels and recreation centers are being built.
The beaches are not very well developed, they often look like wild ones. But the prices for rest in Gudauta are much lower than in Gagra, Sukhum or Pitsunda.
Settlement Tsandripsh
The closest village to the Russian border. It is located just five kilometers from it. Tsandripsh (formerly called Gantiadi) has a long history; even the ruins of an ancient temple have been preserved here. The beaches are wide and pebbly. Accommodation is possible mainly in the private sector or small guest houses. The prices are relatively low.
Alahazde
A resort village located near Pitsunda. The beaches here, as in the whole republic, are mostly pebble, but it is here that there are places with sand and pebble strips. The village does not have a developed tourist infrastructure, but from here you can easily get to Gagra or Pitsunda if you want to have fun. In general, the village is very suitable for lovers of secluded relaxation. Accommodation is possible mainly only in the private sector.
In addition to these resorts, such seaside Abkhaz villages as Kholodnaya Rechka, Grebeshok, Ldzaa, Primorskoe are also worthy of attention.
Where is the best place to stay?
Hotels
Fans of comfortable rest should immediately understand that there are no luxury hotels in Abkhazia. Even hotels with 4-5 stars in their names are unlikely to be able to compete with similar "star" hotels in Turkey or Egypt.
Five stars in Abkhazia is something completely different. They differ from other hotels, but mainly only in that the linen in the rooms is changed more often, there is air conditioning, at best, there is a swimming pool on site.
The “all inclusive” system looks different here too - at best - three meals a day “buffet”.
Here are just a few of the hotels in this category:
- "Apsara" (Pitsunda). In this hotel, three meals a day are included in the price of accommodation only in the "high" season, in November and December you will have to pay for food separately. The only entertainment offered to vacationers is billiards and a sauna. The beach is 50 meters away, it is pebble, sun loungers and umbrellas are provided for vacationers free of charge. Diving and spearfishing lessons are available for an additional fee.
- "Dolphin" (Ldzaa). This hotel is considered one of the most respectable in Abkhazia. On its territory there is a restaurant, cafe and bar. Meals - three times a day, buffet style. There is an indoor pool, Finnish sauna and Russian bath, gym, massage room, playground and tennis court. The beach is 20 meters away, its cover is sandy and pebble.
- "Alex Beach" (Gagra)... The hotel is located on the very beach. Three meals a day are included here only from June 1 to September 30, then until April - only a complex breakfast, and in April-May - a two-day buffet. The hotel itself has a SPA, Turkish bath, massage. For children - a separate playroom and animation. The beach is owned by the hotel, it is sand and pebble and is equipped with everything you need.
- Wellness Park Hotel Gagra (Gagra). This is a four-star hotel, but one of a kind as it offers "all-inclusive" exactly in the sense that tourists are used to such a system. However, even here Abkhaz ingenuity was not without, and this system applies only to those who live in the "Lux" rooms, the guests of "Standards" are offered to be content with a three-time buffet. Nevertheless, this place is considered one of the best for families with children. The hotel has its own beach with trampolines and all the necessary equipment. The hotel has children's rooms, animation, swimming pool.
- "Amran" (Gagra). This hotel, located 85 meters from the sea, has only two types of rooms - "Standard" and "Junior Suite". In the high season, meals are three times a day from a customized menu, and in the low season, only a continental breakfast is available to vacationers. The hotel has a playground for children. There is a swimming pool, but there is no separate section for children. The beach is not your own, you will have to swim on a public beach.
- "Villa Victoria" (Gudauta). The hotel is 50 meters from the Black Sea. Parasols and sun loungers are provided free of charge on the private beach. A child under 5 years old can live in a room with their parents without paying for an extra bed. On the territory there is an outdoor pool and a playground. Accommodation includes breakfast.
Accommodation option - boarding houses and sanatoriums
If the hotel rest in Abkhazia is still not in the best way, then boarding houses and sanatoriums, including children's sanatoriums with treatment, will pleasantly surprise and delight you.
The fact is that the owners of these places of rest diligently keep the old Soviet traditions of sanatorium rest - with treatment, procedures, daily routine and tasty and inexpensive food.
The cost of vouchers includes meals, basic procedures, some treatment options will have to be paid separately.
The prices for vouchers are very different from each other. The cost of rest is influenced by the geographical location of the sanatorium or boarding house, the range of services that are offered there to vacationers, the proximity of the sea. In 2017, accommodation with treatment in most of the republic's health resorts cost from 1,500 rubles per day per person to 5,000 rubles and more. Here is a list of inexpensive sanatoriums and boarding houses:
- Pension "Aibga" (2400 rubles per day);
- Pension "Bagripsh" (2500 rubles per day);
- Pension "Gagra" (1800 rubles per day);
- Pension "Gech" (1500 rubles per day);
- Pension "Caucasus" (1650 rubles per day);
- Pension "Cote d'Azur" (4000 rubles per day);
- Pension "Kolkhida" (1700 rubles per day);
- Boarding house "Boxwood Grove" (3500 rubles per day);
- Boarding house "Riviera" (2900 rubles per day);
- Sanatorium "Amra" (1900 rubles per day);
- Sanatorium "Moscow" (980 rubles per day);
- Sanatorium "Sana" (2000 rubles per day).
Tent camps, camping
If you are not traveling to the sea with a baby, then this accommodation option will help you both enjoy nature and save your family budget. There are several campgrounds in the republic with the possibility of living in tent camps, and almost everywhere there is an opportunity to come with your own tent:
- Ochamchira village Kindki;
- Camping Achandar (Gudauta);
- Camping Pearl (Tsandripsh);
- Camping Golden Sands (Pitsunda);
- Camping Prime (New Athos).
Private sector
The most common way of living in Abkhazia is renting rooms or houses in the private sector. Many Abkhazians literally live off the profits they receive from tourists in the summer.
There are many advertisements for renting housing on the Internet, but you should be especially careful. To prevent your holiday from being hopelessly ruined, carefully read the reviews about the chosen place. Not all Abkhazians are hospitable, not all are clean and honest with tourists.
In general, rental prices are low - from 200 rubles per person per day to 500 rubles. This price does not include meals, excursions, only room and bed linen.
Sometimes homeowners offer to arrange excursions inexpensively, it is better to refuse such an opportunity right away. Steep mountain roads lead to many attractions, and the person who takes you on a private transport is not responsible for your life and health. Better to use the services of a tour desk.
The most interesting places and excursions
While in Abkhazia, try to find time to see the most interesting places in the republic, fortunately, it is small and long journeys from one attraction to another will not be required. Attractions that will not leave you indifferent:
- Lake Ritsa;
- New Athos Cave;
- New Athos Monastery;
- Anakopia Fortress;
- Dacha of Joseph Stalin;
- Gega waterfall;
- Sukhumi Botanical Garden;
- The grotto of the Holy Apostle Simon the Canaanite;
- Gudauta mud, hot sulfur springs;
- New Athos waterfall;
- Sukhumi fountain "Griffins";
- Swan Park in New Athos;
- Sukhumi monkey nursery;
- Waterfalls "Maiden's Tears" and "Men's Tears";
- Apiary "Honey yard" in Gagra;
- Residence of the President of Abkhazia in Sukhum;
- Water park in Gagra.
Rules and necessary documents for crossing the border
Crossing the state border with Abkhazia is not difficult. True, in the high season at the checkpoint, you can spend quite a long time in line. The regime with the republic is a visa-free regime. To travel you need the following documents:
Russian passport or foreign one.
Children under 14 years old - a birth certificate, older children - their own Russian passport.
Medical travel policy (issued by any insurance company).
A power of attorney from the parents for the child to leave Russia if the minor travels with his grandmother or other relatives.
A power of attorney from one parent in the name of the other, if the child travels with one parent, is usually not required, unless there are official protests from the other parent and the court has not established a ban on the export of the child abroad.
Tips and tricks for organizing your vacation
If a decision is made to go with a small child to Abkhazia, then you should remember some important nuances that will help the whole family have a good vacation:
Buy special beach shoes for your child and yourself to protect your feet from sharp rocks on the beach. There is no soft sand in Abkhazia.
If you are staying in a mini-hotel, in the private sector, then find a cafe or restaurant where you will eat in advance and read the reviews. There are cafes and canteens in the republic even in small villages, and there are enough places where you will be fed a delicious dinner inexpensively.
However, there are such institutions in which sanitary and hygienic requirements are not observed at all (this is generally a big problem in Abkhazia).
Do not give or drink local water from the mains or springs to your child. All engineering communications of the republic were laid back in the Soviet Union, many pipes have never been changed. Drinking water quality is not the best.
Do not buy sweets, wine and fruits on the beach, no matter how the merchants persuade you.
Do not buy sweets, wine and fruits on the beach, no matter how the merchants persuade you.
In some boarding houses and sanatoriums, you may be asked to pay a tourist tax - 10% of the cost of the tour. This is a legal requirement. Recently, the same 10% began to ask guests and private sector owners. This requirement is not legal, since 99% of Abkhazians do not pay taxes from you. Only 1% of private hoteliers conscientiously deduct the tourist tax from each person who visits them to their treasury.
There is no language barrier, so in any incomprehensible situation you can feel free to contact local police officers, hospitals, pharmacies, and rescuers. They will understand and help you, because the attitude towards tourists in Abkhazia is rather reverent.
Reviews
Those who are going to visit Abkhazia may be perplexed when they see that, according to statistics, only 65% of tourists recommend this vacation as a family vacation. This figure was formed mainly from the inflated demands of the Russians. As already mentioned, not everything that is called “five stars” in Abkhazia is in fact such.
Most tourists note that the nature and climate of the republic is really beyond praise, but the attitude of the Abkhaz to their country is shocking: apart from good roads, along which you can drive expensive cars, they don’t touch anything - the city streets are dirty, there are no garbage containers , beaches are poorly cleaned or not cleaned at all, buildings are not restored and not even cosmetically updated.
Most tourists do not recommend shopping in Abkhazia, since everything that you buy in local markets and shopping centers will be of poor quality, but for a lot of money.
Most tourists definitely recommend excursions.
In the markets, for example, in Tsandripsh, there is a separate "pie" row, and tasting there is a real pleasure, and a piece of pie bought later will certainly cause regret that it was too small.
Many tourists complain about theft, which is rampant not only in large cities but also in the private sector. Therefore, it is better to store money in a hard-to-reach place, leaving only small change for expenses, and hide valuable things away. It is better not to store funds on the card, since there is nowhere to withdraw them from the card, and most stores do not accept non-cash payment.
Most tourists definitely recommend excursions.
You will learn more about rest with children in Abkhazia from the following video.
