Abkhazia is a lost tourist paradise

When we hear the phrase tourist paradise, most often imagine the sandy beaches of Cyprus, the mysterious shores of Indonesia, the islands of Thailand, and maybe the popular resorts of the Red and Mediterranean Seas. But not many people can think of Abkhazia so close to us.

Just a couple of kilometers from the favorite Russian holidaymakers Sochi in the north-western part of Transcaucasia is this unusual country with an interesting history, a unique climate and stunning Caucasian cuisine.

Unique climate

Abkhazia is a very small country, but despite the fact that it is only 163rd in the world in size, its territory contains three reserves, the deepest karst cave in the world, 170 glaciers in the mountains and a subtropical climate on the coast. The uniqueness of nature lies in the fact that the whole country is located on the Black Sea coast, and more than 50% of its territory is covered with forests.

There are many unique natural sites: the young lake Ritsa, formed only a couple of centuries ago, is located at an altitude of almost 1000 meters above sea level; the famous waterfalls and of course Gagra with its beaches.

Traces of primitive history

Such a pleasant climate has created favorable conditions for human life. As modern science knows, the first settlements appeared here in the Paleolithic era. To this day, the so-called dolmens (the oldest burial structures) have been preserved. And even on the territory of the Christian temple you can see the untouched traces of the pagan temple.

Remains of the Abkhaz Kingdom

In the medieval Abkhaz kingdom under the leadership of Byzantium erected majestic temples and fortresses. The most attractive place for tourists is the Anakopian fortress, built to protect against enemy raids in the 4-5 centuries AD. Since the fortress is located on the mountainside, you can not only see an example of Byzantine medieval architecture, but also admire the beautiful views from the height of the mountains.

Later, under the influence of Georgia, many temples were built, some of which are now destroyed. But you can visit the oldest Drand Cathedral, built in the 6th century, which once served as the residence of bishops and despite the Turkish yoke has survived to this day.

Unique tourist sites

Particular attention should be paid to the New Athos. It is not so easy to find a place that will attract religious tourists and leave satisfied lovers of educational tourism. On the territory of the city there is a monastery complex founded under the care of Alexander III.

Such a unique phenomenon as the New Athos cave will surprise even the most fastidious tourist. A huge dungeon of several million years will open for you the underground world of stalagmites, stalactites of emerald lakes and underground halls.

Ruins of former wealth

Unfortunately, a country that has such extensive potential for the development of various types of tourism (ecological, religious, cultural, educational and sports) is in a poor state for a long time. The Soviet government actively developed the rest industry of Abkhazia. Beaches were equipped, luxury hotels were built, infrastructure was carried out, even in remote areas.

Now all this is more like a post-apocalyptic picture with abandoned houses and hotels overgrown with dense forest, despite this, getting from Adler to anywhere in Abkhazia is still not difficult, and locals will always be happy to ask you for accommodation.

Looking to the future

Especially worth a trip to Abkhazia for those who are not indifferent to Caucasian cuisine. Fresh greens, vegetables, juicy meat on fire dozens of species of khachapuri, juicy fruits.

Do not forget that even the ancient Greek historian and geographer called Abkhazia (Dioscuria) the center of winemaking - from there semi-sweet wines were supplied to Rome.

Of course, recently international hotels are beginning to appear in Sukhumi and other cities, but this process is still very slow. Perhaps it is worth visiting this country right now, because it is possible that in 5-10 years it will become an ordinary tourist “Mecca” with an endless number of modern comfortable hotels, shopping centers and nightclubs?

Text by Oksana Kuzmitskaya