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- 1 General information
- 2 Location of Gudauta
- 3 History of the city
- 4 Climate and nature
- 5 Beaches and coast
- 6 Attractions in the surrounding area
- 7 Active recreation
- 8 What is the best time to visit Gudauta?
- 9 How to get there
- 10 Where to live
- 11 Kitchen and food
- 12 Reviews from tourists
Abkhazia is a beautiful country located between the Caucasus Mountains near the Black Sea. The landscapes of the republic are mesmerizing, the fresh sea air cleanses the body, and the climate amazes with its softness and lightness. Spending a vacation at such a resort is a great opportunity to learn a lot of new things, improve your health and stock up on impressions for the year ahead. One of the most famous resort towns in the country is Gudauta. Abkhazia offers many places where you can have a good holiday, however, today we will pay attention to Gudauta.
General information
Gudauta is a small cosmopolitan town located on the Black Sea coast. About eight thousand people live in the city, among them Abkhazians, Georgians, and Russians. In summer, the number of people in the city increases slightly due to the many tourists who love this resort. However, the beaches will still delight you with the absence of crowds and noise, and the town itself with an atmosphere of silence and solitude.
Train Station
A holiday in the city of Gudauta is suitable for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle and want a relaxing holiday surrounded by the sea, sun and nature.
Location of Gudauta
The resort town is located on the shore of a small bay. On other sides, Gudauta is surrounded by forest and low mountains, which refreshes the air and shows all the beauty of Abkhaz nature. Not far from the city is the capital of Abkhazia – Sukhum, where you can diversify your relaxing holiday with excursions and entertainment.
Gudauta is famous for its cleanliness, low cozy houses, peaceful atmosphere and clear sea. Here you can really relax, forgetting about the hustle and bustle of work and other problems.
History of the city
The first settlements on the territory of modern Gudauta appeared in the Neolithic era. The inhabitants were engaged in agriculture, which greatly helped to develop due to the excellent climate and water sources. The city is named after the Gudou River, which flows through the entire resort.
In the Middle Ages, the city was a huge trading port and developed rapidly. From the end of the 19th century to the mid-20th century, the city had its heyday. In 1926, Gudauta was given the status of a resort city.
City architecture
There were also negative moments in the history of the resort town. For example, frequent raids by Turkish troops in the early 19th century and many other wars. However, Gudauta withstands all problems and never ceases to develop, preserve and enhance its natural advantages and attract tourists with its beauty and tranquility.
Climate and nature
The weather in the city is always wonderful. It is a little cooler and fresher here than in the capital or in Gagra, however, this does not spoil the rest, but only makes it more comfortable. The thermometer in summer does not rise above +30°, and in winter the average temperature in the city is about +5° – +9°.
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The climate is very mild and comfortable, both for summer sunbathing and for a cozy holiday in January. Thanks to the subtropical climate, many citrus and other fruit trees can be found growing in the city. Strong sea winds will not disturb vacationers with their intrusiveness. These factors contribute to the fact that tourists come to Gudauta not only in summer, but also at other times of the year.
Nature of the city
The Caucasus Mountains surrounding the resort are covered with snow for more than half the year, which diversifies the landscape. While walking through the mountains you can find small lakes, mountain rivers and excellent views of the sea. Natural mineral springs will help improve your health.
Notable natives
- Vanacha Emali Platonovich (born January 24, 1944) is the first Abkhazian to become a master of sports of the USSR in football. Defended the colors of the Dynamo (Sukhum) and Dynamo (Tkibuli) clubs.
- Akhrik Tsveiba (born 1966) is a Soviet and Russian football player.
- Vladimir Kolesnikov (born 1948) is the First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Russia, Deputy Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation, currently a deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
- Tsargush, Denis Igorevich (born September 1, 1987, in Gudauta, Abkhazia) is a Russian wrestler. Three-time champion (2006, 2009, 2010) and bronze medalist (2008) of the Russian Championship; two-time European champion (2010, 2011); two-time world champion (2009, 2010).
Beaches and coast
City beaches are pleasing to the eye with their cleanliness and lack of crowds. Most of the beaches in the city are pebbly, however, soft sandy shores appear in the east.
Each beach offers entertainment such as jet skis, boat rides, banana rides and others. In addition, you can simply frolic in the clearest water and try to examine the underwater world of the Black Sea.
Pebble beach
Summary
In principle, you can have a normal and inexpensive holiday in Gudauta if you are careful. The cost of accommodation, food, and souvenirs cannot be compared with the costs that you will incur for the same time in Sochi. Here are a few rules that I would recommend taking note:
1. Do not leave things unattended on the beach.
2. Young women who come on vacation without companions should not dress provocatively. There are many cases described on the Internet when hot Abkhaz guys pestered attractive girls. In fact, this is not such a common occurrence, but we had to observe it too.
3. Do not leave the car on the street, but drive it into the yard of the rented property. There were cases in the city when, in order to make money, hooligans broke the windows of cars that were not parked in a safe place and stole the contents of glove compartments
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Attractions in the surrounding area
The resort town of Gudauta is famous for its many interesting and educational places to visit. The main ones:
- Lake Ritsa. It is one of the most famous places in Abkhazia. Even Stalin, who built a dacha there in his time, appreciated its beauty. The lake fascinates with its mysterious atmosphere and beautiful views. On the way to the lake you can see the ruins of ancient settlements, a small Blue Lake and ancient settlements of the Abkhazians.
- Gegsky waterfall. It can also be seen on the way to Lake Ritsa, however, it is worth special attention. The height of the waterfall is approximately 70 meters, and each of us has seen it, even those who have never been to Abkhazia. The waterfall was often filmed in Soviet films, the most famous being the film about Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. This place is definitely worth visiting for all cinema lovers.
Geg waterfall - Village of Lykhny. Located near the city of Gudauta and famous for its architecture. The village is the historical center of Abkhazia; on its territory there is an ancient temple of the Virgin Mary. In addition, in the village there is the Abazgia nature reserve, where you can get acquainted with the history of the country.
- In the capital of Abkhazia, Sukhum, which is located near Gudauta, there is the Dioskurov embankment, which turns into the Makhadzhirov embankment. Along the entire length of the embankments there are beautiful columns and architectural structures. On one side of the embankment there is a beautiful view of the Black Sea, on the other there are ancient houses that delight you with their color. Also on the embankment there is a beautiful park with exotic plants.
- In the east of Sukhumi there is the famous Sukhumi Mountain. From the Observation Deck on the top of the mountain there is an incredible view of the capital's landscapes. Also at the top of the mountain there is an excellent restaurant and another attraction - the Sukhumi Television Tower. On the slopes of Sukhumi Mountain there are burial places of the greatest people in the history of Abkhazia.
- Another lake that delights the eye with the beauty of nature is Lake Inkit. The lake was formed more than two thousand years ago. At the moment, it is home to more than 10 species of fish, which not only delight tourists, but also help in exterminating malaria mosquitoes.
Lake Inkit - Not far from Gudauta there is another resort town - Gagra. It has an interesting history and many beautiful and significant places. It is worth a visit to see the Prince of Oldenburg Castle, the Abaat Fortress, the Seaside Park, the Krubera-Voronya Cave and many other beautiful places.
The list of attractions in Gudauta can be continued for a very long time, and it is extremely difficult to convey in words all the beauty of the surrounding places. You need to visit this city on your own and explore all its mysterious assets.
Gudauta memorials and monuments
On the streets of Gudauta there are often memorials dedicated to the difficult times that the Abkhaz people had to endure. These compositions serve as a tribute to the memory and respect of the innocent victims of military conflicts and the heroes who defended their homeland.
Memorial to the victims of the Lat tragedy
- Address: Chachba street.
On a December day in 1992, an Mi-8 helicopter with refugees on board took off from the occupied city of Tkvarcheli.
The helicopter was supposed to land in Gudauta, but this never happened. Twelve minutes after takeoff, it was shot down by a live missile fired by Georgian troops. The helicopter crashed near the village of Lata. All 87 people, including 8 pregnant women and 35 children, died.
The remains of the victims were buried in a mass grave on the territory of the Gudauta park named after O. Gunba. The monument above the burial is a high granite stele. At its foot you can see the bronze figure of a woman bending over in agony. There are also slabs with the names of the victims of the Lat tragedy.
Every year, on December 14, Gudauta residents gather in the park to honor the memory of the innocent victims and lay flowers. Among them are men and women who did not wait for their loved ones to return.
Monument to the defenders of the city during the Great Patriotic War
- Address: Lakrba street.
The monument was erected on Heroes Avenue in 1981. Sculptor M.E. Eshba and architect T.K. Lakerbaya created an impressive memorial composition, in the center of which is a bronze figure of a woman raising a lit torch.
Behind it are two bronze plates with bas-reliefs depicting military operations at the front and the rear life of soldiers' families. The memorial is installed on a high platform. In its center the Eternal Flame burns.
Monument to the defenders of the Motherland in the Patriotic War of 1992-1993.
- Address: Heroev Avenue.
The majestic memorial is located on the Avenue of Heroes near the Abazgia Museum.
This is a granite statue of an ordinary Abkhaz warrior who gave his life during the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict. He is dressed in a national costume, a long cloak falls from his shoulders. Behind the sculpture rises a rock mass, shaped like a hurricane. The Patriotic War of 1992-1993 was like a destructive tornado that claimed thousands of lives.
The background of the memorial is a white stone wall with memorial inscriptions in the Abkhaz language.
Monument to Soviet pilots
- Address: Guda and Uta Park.
The monument is dedicated to two Soviet pilots: V.I. Klyuchnikov and S.I. Sitnikov. In January 1968, their plane performed maneuvers near Gudauta.
As a result of a drop in oil pressure during the flight, the plane caught fire and, flying over the roofs of residential buildings, crashed onto the roadway. A few seconds later an explosion occurred. The pilots did not have time to eject and died in the fire.
A monument to the victims was erected in Hood and Uta Park. It is a stone arrow, on the pedestal of which there are memorial plaques with the names of the pilots and the dates of their lives.
Monument to the victims of the Georgian-Abkhaz war in the village of Lykhny
- Address: Solidarity passage.
The village of Lykhny is the place from which the Abkhaz liberation movement began. It was here that a people's meeting was organized in 1989, where the Abkhazians decided to secede their country from Georgia.
The desire to gain independence became the impetus for the beginning of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict. During the war of 1992-1993. thousands of people died. In memory of them, a large-scale memorial complex was opened in the village of Lykhny.
The monuments are made of stone. Here you can see free-standing sculptures depicting Abkhaz warriors, as well as stone massifs with bas-reliefs. In the center of the complex there is a chapel-gazebo.
The small building looks like an arch topped with an octagon with a cross. Adjacent to the arch is a semicircular niche in which you can light a candle in memory of the heroes of the Patriotic War.
Leisure
If you are tired of lying on the beach and sunbathing, you should turn to other resort options. Here they offer an introduction to the underwater world of the Black Sea. There are also special places for professional fishing on the shore; in addition, there are barbecues nearby where you can prepare a delicious dinner from your own catch.
Leisure
In the village of Bzyb, not far from Gudauta, there is a hippodrome where you can see well-groomed horses and learn how to ride them.
All beaches have special grounds for tennis, volleyball, basketball and other active sports.
Coastline
The central beach of Gudauta, like other vacation spots in this resort, is pebbly. Large, small and medium pebbles are interspersed here, in some places turning into coarse so-called pebble sand. To relax on the shore in comfort, it is recommended to use sun loungers or fairly dense bedding.
The bottom of the beach is perfect for children to swim. It is flat without sharp stones or cliffs. Because of the large pebbles, many tourists note that it is more comfortable to move in the water in special shoes, but you can do without them. The water in shallow water warms up quickly, so you rarely have to “pull” a small swimmer out of it to bask in the sun.
Those who like to swim in the depths need to walk dozens of meters to get to it. Strong waves are rare on Central during the swimming season.
© Katerina Yarkaya
What is the best time to visit Gudauta?
The holiday season lasts all year round in Gudauta, and everyone can choose a convenient time of year to visit this beautiful city. The sea will delight you with warm water from May to October, however, it will be the warmest and most gentle in July and August. The sea breeze will cool the air a little even in the hottest months.
The least interesting month to visit Gudauta is November. In October there are long rains and gray days. However, already in November the autumn charm of the resort town appears - the temperature does not drop below +10°, the winds do not bother, which creates all the conditions for comfortable walks and excursions. The wind will become a hindrance to a cozy holiday in March and April.
In general, you can visit Gudauta in any month and get unique emotions that will charge you with warmth and energy for a long time.
Gudauta: what to see and where to go
Gudauta is a small resort town in Abkhazia, located near the Black Sea. Created on the site of a former village of fishermen and farmers on the Kistrik River.
The origin of the name goes back to the Gudou River, which flows through the city. According to other assumptions, the city is named after the young man Good and the young beauty Uta. According to a beautiful legend of the local people, two lovers could not be together due to enmity between relatives. Guda, unable to withstand the test and life away from his beloved, threw himself into the waters of the river. Uta followed suit. The name of the city came from the combination of their names.
Gudauta is rich in attractions, pebble and sandy beaches. Unlike other resort towns in Abkhazia, it has a large number of warm and sunny days, fairly low prices and a small flow of vacationers. The holiday season here lasts all year.
Village of Lykhny
One of the large Abkhaz villages is located 5 km from the town of Gudauta. The historical age of Lykhna is about 1500 years. In the 19th century, the village was the capital of Abkhazia.
A famous landmark of Lykhna are the ruins of a palace that belonged to the influential dynasty of princes Chachba-Shervashidze for many centuries. The ruins are located on the Lykhny glade, where folk festivals, equestrian competitions and public gatherings are held. A memorial to those killed during the wars was also built here and 2 chapels were installed.
An equally famous and interesting attraction is the cross-domed Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Surprisingly, the temple has survived to this day in its original form. Inside you can see fragments of 14th-century painting and the tomb of one of the princes.
Musser temple
One of the most valuable historical monuments in Abkhazia dates back to the 10th-11th centuries. The ruins of the temple are located in the very middle of the Myusser Biosphere Reserve in the Gudauta region. The ruins of the ancient architectural complex are currently surrounded by bushes and plants, but the impressiveness of the silhouette is still impressive.
Most notable for visitors is the southern part of the temple ruins with arches, columns and six impressive windows. Here you can also see the almost destroyed staircase that previously led to the upper parts of the temple.
The remains of a massive structure are stunning in their grandeur and are included in the route of any visitor to Abkhazia.
Stalin's dacha in Myusser
How to get there: Located in the village of Myussera, 18 km from Gudauta and 8 km from Pitsunda. You can get there with a tour group through a checkpoint.
Address: Monasheskoye Gorge street, Gudauta district, Amzhikukhua, Golden Bay
GPS coordinates: 43.154651,40.457298
In the village of Myussera, 18 km from Gudauta, one of Stalin’s dachas is located. The building has never been restored, thanks to which the interior has retained its original appearance. Finishing from the most valuable types of wood, Stalin's sofa made to special order and original chandeliers preserve the spirit of that time. In addition, in the building of the dacha there is a cinema hall and a billiard room.
Thanks to the proximity of the Myussersky Nature Reserve, the territory of the dacha is surrounded by foliage and greenery of trees. The square of the attraction is considered one of the most wonderful places on the shores of the Black Sea and is very interesting for anyone to visit.
Rock monastery in the village of Othara
One of the most popular sites for tourists is carved into a steep rock at an altitude of 50 m above the ground. The monastery was built in the 12th century as a refuge for pirates. This is confirmed by the loopholes aimed at the road. Later the monastery was inhabited by monks.
For many years, after the discovery of the building, the local population did not dare to approach the object. Only in the 19th century did the Abkhaz prince build a bridge, climb the rock and penetrate into the lower premises.
Thorough studies of the rock monastery began only in the middle of the 20th century. At the same time, utensils from those times were found and confirmation was received that the monastery was the work of human hands.
Gudauta Wine and Vodka Factory
How to get there: Address: Republic of Abkhazia, Gudauta, Sukhumi highway. The tasting room is located opposite Gudauta station.
GPS coordinates: Latitude 43.10908 / Longitude 40.610447
The opening of the plant took place in 1953 in the town of Gudauta. Thanks to the unique recipes for the production of wine products and the friendly work of the plant’s employees, already in 1958 it gained enormous popularity. Production at that time was about 1,500 tons of wine every month. In 1980, productivity increased to 8,000 tons per month.
The plant was closed from 1980 to 2010, but today it operates again as a private winery.
Frequent excursions are held on the territory of the plant, and in the tasting room visitors are invited to try wine straight from the barrels. In addition, there is the opportunity to purchase the drink you like.
Hydrogen sulfide sources
How to get there: Address: Gudauta district, Primorskoye village (between Gudauta and New Athos)
By car – We are coming from the Russian side, Primorskoe village, turn left behind the traffic police post, and then follow the signs (≈1.5 km); on foot - from the traffic police post along the road (20-25 minutes).
The most famous healing springs in Abkhazia were brought to the surface in 1940. On the site of one of the springs, a hospital with three hydrogen sulfide pools was built.
The range of activities includes hydrogen sulfide baths, therapeutic mud, massage services and a cafe. There is a river and a waterfall nearby. All procedures take place in completely natural conditions.
How to get there
Citizens of the Russian Federation will not need a foreign passport to enter the territory of Abkhazia. It is enough to take a regular internal one with you. You also don’t have to worry about exchanging currencies – the Russian ruble is accepted in Abkhazia. In addition, almost every resident of Abkhazia knows Russian.
There are several ways to get to the resort town of Gudauta:
- Flight from any city in Russia to Adler. Then you need to cross the border and call an Abkhaz taxi, which will take you to your destination. There is a convenient option to call a taxi directly to Adler.
- Train Moscow – Sukhum. The advantage of this method of travel is that you go through customs directly in the train carriage, but the disadvantage is that the trip takes a long time.
- A comfortable train runs from Adler to Gudauta. When choosing this method of travel, you need to pay attention to the schedule - it changes often.
A trip to Gudauta will not cause any special problems for vacationers. In addition, during the trip you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the country.
Where to stay
Gudauta provides a wide choice of places to stay. If the purpose of the trip is also health improvement, the best choice would be a boarding house or sanatorium. Such establishments also offer three free meals a day, comfortable rooms and interesting events.
There are also standard hotels and hotels in Gudauta. In addition, in the resort town there is a cottage-type hotel "Bambora". It is a whole complex consisting of several separate cottages, which are located close to both the city and the beach. An ideal place for a family or a young company.
Another accommodation option is to rent a room or the whole house. The locals are quite hospitable and are always ready to provide tourists with not only a place to stay, but also valuable advice or a delicious dinner from local cuisine.
In Gudauta you can find an ideal vacation spot for everyone - a group of students, a family with children, or an elderly couple. Even the most demanding tourist will find a place that will meet all his needs.
Kitchen and food
By choosing a boarding house or sanatorium with meals as your place of residence, you don’t have to worry about finding a cafe for lunch or dinner. However, some people live in rented houses, others just want to try the masterpieces of Abkhaz cuisine.
Thanks to the many coastal cafes and expensive restaurants, everyone can taste the most exotic dishes of local cuisine or dine on traditional European dishes. The quality of service and food in such establishments will not leave bad memories, and the sociable owners of the cafe will forever be remembered for their solemn toasts and pleasant communication.
Reviews from tourists
Nowadays, there are many sites where you can find reviews about anything. Tourists who have visited Gudauta note the presence of clean beaches with clear water, fresh mountain air, beautiful views that allow you to forget about the bustle of big cities, and an atmosphere of peace and quiet. Gudauta also amazes people with its sights - you can find what interests you - historical monuments, temples and cathedrals, nature reserves and cultural places.
Not without negative reviews. Tourists are dissatisfied with the lack of facilities on some public beaches and the lack of public transport.
Gudauta is an excellent place for a vacation filled with relaxation, educational excursions and vivid emotions. At the same time, you will not get bored in Gudauta - you can have fun with diving, horseback riding, mountain hiking and other exciting activities. A holiday in Gudauta will leave only the best memories for every tourist.
Sukhum
Sukhum is 20 km of coastline between the Gumista and Kyalasur rivers. There was once an ancient Greek colony here, then a Roman fortress, then a Byzantine province. Since ancient times, people willingly settled in these places, attracted by the warm climate, abundance of vegetation and fresh water. Nowadays, everyone knows about the Sukhum resort. The city owes its beaches to this. Let's get to know them better.
Gumista
From the city center we move east, to where the Gumista River flows into the sea. A wild beach with free access will welcome everyone. It can be called the embodiment of most Abkhaz beaches - pebbles, breakwaters, lack of infrastructure.
Gumista
Mayak Beach
A unique feature of this place is that it is favored by dolphins. They are seen here more often than on any other beach in Sukhum. You won’t find any benefits of civilization here, but you’ll get plenty of sea views and, if you’re lucky, see dolphins.
Lighthouse
Beach "Central"
If you don’t want to walk far, go to the Sukhum embankment. This beach is located right behind it. Here you will find a cafe, sun loungers, awnings. Children will have fun on the rides, and you can take a boat trip on a catamaran.
Central beach of Sukhum
Beaches are beaches, but where to go in Abkhazia besides them? A short selection of places from the authors of Where to More.ru.
"Dog" beach
Don't be alarmed, there are no dogs there. This is how local residents dubbed the small beach at the confluence of the small river Basly into the sea. It is quiet and deserted here, despite the fact that the city center is very close.
"Dog" beach
Beach of the sanatorium "Sukhum"
This beach boasts maximum convenience for vacationers. There is everything here - attractions, cafes, changing rooms, sun loungers, even a volleyball court. The only small drawback is that you will have to pay about 30 rubles for access to this luxury.
Beach "Lokomotiv"
If you don't want to pay or don't like the noise, go a little further. There are no amenities on this beach, but there is an interesting attraction - a sunken barge.
Aitar
It's not difficult to find. Along the Kodori highway you need to get to the boarding house and cafe of the same name. There is a beach next to them. It is spacious and always uncrowded. Minimum amenities, no frills. But very clean water and pleasant small pebbles that caress and massage your feet. Even at the height of the season, peace and tranquility reigns here.
Aitar
Medical beach
The main landmark when searching is the Gorky Palace of Culture. The beach is next to it. It is suitable for holidays with small children. The entrance to the water is gentle and there are attractions. There is a cafe nearby.
Medical beach
Sinop
Tired of pebbles and the kids want to build sand castles? The real pearl of Sukhum awaits you - Sinop Beach. Half an hour on foot from the center or a few minutes by car, and you are there. The beach is well-maintained and has everything you need for a memorable family vacation. If you come during the high season, there are a variety of water attractions at your disposal.
Sinop
Kyalasur
This is the last beach located within the city. Traditionally clear sea, absence of people, already familiar small pebbles. A big plus is that it is convenient to get here both by private car and by public transport.
Kyalasur
A holiday on the beaches of Abkhazia will give you a beautiful tan, amazing impressions, and the opportunity to take colorful photographs that are pleasant to review in the cold winter.
