Abkhazia — the Country of the Soul: Nature, Tours and Hospitality

Abkhazia is a small but incredibly hospitable republic with ancient history, rich culture and breathtaking nature. Every guest is treated with special attention, and the variety of activities on the coast is so wide that everyone finds something to love — from beach relaxation to mountain adventures.

Climate and Nature: Striking Contrasts

Abkhazia lies in a unique climate zone: subtropical with tropical vegetation near the sea, shifting to arctic in the mountains. It is a land of contrasts — not only in nature but also in prices, which are noticeably lower than other Black Sea resorts.

The republic has about 180 lakes, the most famous being Lake Riza. It sits at 1,000 meters above sea level, is deep, cold, and changes color several times a year. Coniferous parks and gardens fill the air with beneficial substances in the warm season, and mountain rivers are home to trout and salmon — fishing is popular year-round.

Top Resorts of Abkhazia

The most famous resorts are Gagra, Pitsunda, Gudauta, New Athos and Sukhum — the capital of the republic. In each, you can taste national dishes, swim in the crystal-clear sea and enjoy views that take your breath away.

Tours: From Riza to a Ghost Town

From Tsandripsh, where our guest house Valentina is located, it is convenient to set off on tours across the entire republic. Here are just some of the routes we offer:

• Lake Riza — daily, 09:00–17:00. Waterfalls 'Maiden's Tears' and 'Men's Tears', Blue Lake, Yupshar Canyon, 'Farewell, Motherland!' viewpoint, tasting of honey, tea and wine. Adult — 2,300 rub, child — 1,800 rub.
• New Athos — daily, 09:00–18:00. Primorsky Park, monastery, New Athos Cave. Adult — 1,500 rub, cave optional +1,000 rub.
• City of Sukhum — Tue/Fri/Sun. Monkey nursery, botanical garden, embankment, tasting. Adult — 1,500 rub.
• Ghost Town Tkuarchal — daily. Irina/Giant/Holy waterfalls, Akarmara. Adult — 3,600 rub.
• Evening Gagra — daily, 18:00–21:00. Colonnade, St. Hypatius Temple, Abaata Fortress, Prince of Oldenburg's Palace. Adult — 1,100 rub.

Children under 8 travel free on most tours. All tickets and fees are included.

Jeeping and Active Recreation

For adrenaline lovers — dozens of UAZ jeep tours: Lake Mzy at 2,055 m, Gegsky Waterfall, Aukhada springs, Mount Mamzyshkha, karst gorges. Plus rafting on the Bzyb River, horseback riding, paragliding, diving and ATV tours.

National Cuisine and Feasts

Abkhazian cuisine is a separate reason to visit. Traditional feasts 'Hypsta', 'Duripsh' and 'Bzyb' with a toastmaster, national dances, live music, shashlik, trout, mamalyga, homemade wine and chacha — this is not just dinner, but a true cultural experience.

And at our guest house, the cafe offers set meals — 7 menu options to choose from. Breakfast 08:00–10:00, lunch 13:30–15:00, dinner 18:30–20:00. Each set includes three courses: salad, hot dish and pastry.

Where to Stay: Guest House Valentina in Tsandripsh

Our guest house is located in Tsandripsh — a quiet village by the sea, minutes from the beach. We offer:

• Comfortable rooms in several categories — from standard to family
• Children's pool on the premises
• Transfer from Adler airport and train station (4,000 rub for 4 passengers) and from the border (500 rub)
• Cafe with 7 set meal options
• Own excursion program — sign up at the reception or by phone +7 960 485 20 70
• Option to rent the entire house for a large group

If you are planning a family vacation, we have everything you need: children's pool, free tours for children under 8, special menu and a safe territory.

Abkhazia is a country of the soul, where there is something for every taste and budget. Come visit — we will make sure your vacation is unforgettable.