East Gudauts. Gudauta (Abkhazia): private sector
The city of Gudauta is a small Abkhazian city located in that part of the country that is closer to the border with Russia. Despite its small size, Gudauta is one of the most popular resorts in Abkhazia. Much of this popularity is due to low prices.
HOW TO ORIENTATE
The hero-city of Gudauta is located 41 km from and 43 km from on an elevated plateau, which is 11 km. rests against a solid wall of the gorge. Gudauta Bay is too open, and only pleasure boats can moor here. The city is planned in regular quarters, the streets run from south to north and from east to west. From the south, the city is limited by the coastline, from the north - by the Gagra highway (section of the M27 highway). Gudauta is divided into several historical districts. "Center" - a part of the city, bounded from the east and west by the rivers Gudou and Kistrik. The main objects of urban infrastructure, a stadium, a market and architectural monuments are located here. “Zamostyansky Krai” is the northeastern upland part, so named because of the bridges on the river. Goodow. “Kistrik” is the western part of the city, grouped around the famous Neolithic settlement of Kistrik. The famous Bambor temple and resort infrastructure facilities are located here. Several bus routes operate in the city. Bus parking and parking of minibuses are located on the forecourt. Taxi rank - at the fork of the Gagra highway and the road towards the village. Lykhny.
WHAT TO WATCH
The main attractions of the city can be safely attributed to its architectural monuments. This is a magnificent Art Nouveau of the beginning of the 20th century and some examples of later Soviet Empire buildings, in particular, the railway station. Some buildings are neglected or damaged by fire, but many are being restored. On the western border of the city there is a functioning Bambor temple of the middle of the 19th century. There are several monuments in Gudauta dedicated to events and public figures who influenced the Abkhazian statehood. The Museum of Memory and War of the People of Abkhazia in 1992-93 is constantly operating in the city. The sights of the city include two beautiful parks with operating attractions.
SURROUNDINGS OF GUDAUTA
Around Gudauta there are a number of objects of tourist interest. First of all, this is the family estate of the ruling family - the village of Lykhny. 4 km from Gudauta, on a historical glade, there is a medieval temple and palace complex. Of all the castles of the feudal lords in Abkhazia, the Lykhny Palace has a special place. Built at the end of the IX century. under Tsar Constantine, the palace consisted of two floors. On the upper floor there were living quarters, and on the first floor there was a huge hall for receptions, which occupied an area of over 260 m2. From the south, a temple adjoins the complex, which was the home church of the owners. The Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God of the 10th century is one of the most beautiful monuments of medieval architecture. The stone wall has been preserved in good condition. interior decoration. The temple is decorated with wonderful frescoes dating back to the 14th century.
On the territory of Lykhnasht there are two chapels in memory of those who died during Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia - Lykhny and Cossacks, as well as a memorial to the Lykhny people who died during the Great Patriotic War.
At the entrance to Lykhnashta there is a wine tasting complex " Ayutsara " . Here you can try and buy not only factory, but also real homemade wine.
Another wine tasting complex is located on the Gagra highway, opposite the railway station.
Mussera or Mysra is located 17 kilometers west of Gudauta for 2 kilometers along the coast on gradually rising spurs, a place that the famous local historian Machavariani called Abkhazian Switzerland. You can get to Mussera by turning to the coast near the village of Hipsta or along a very picturesque road that starts in the village of Caldahuara and descends in a serpentine to the sea. There are several hotels and campsites in Musser. Boarding house Myusser them. Lakoba, the recreation center "Terlo", the boarding house "Gold Coast" and the so-called Gorbachev's dacha. From the pier on a motor boat you can get to the picturesque, well-maintained gorges, each with a campsite, a national restaurant and its own beach.
In Myusser, there is also a medieval Ambar temple. [Map of Abkhazia; 5 B2]. It is believed that it was built in the XI-XII centuries. It is built of stone blocks and lined with hewn stones. According to the type of building, it belongs to the basilica. A dilapidated stone staircase leads to the upper part of the temple.
The places that must be visited in the Gudauta region include the Mtishnitsky trout farm, located 20 km from Gudauta in the village. Otkhara. This is the oldest trout farm in former USSR. There is a fish restaurant at the farm, where the fish you have chosen will be cooked according to an old Abkhazian recipe.
But even more this place is known among pilgrims and speleologists. A few hundred steps from the trout farm there is a sheer wall, in the natural karst recesses and passages of which a medieval rock monastery has been carved. The cells are located at a height of 50 meters and it is impossible to get there without special equipment. At the base of the rock there is an inner cave, from which the river Mchishta flows to the surface. Actually, the entire Bzypsky limestone massif is permeated with vertical and horizontal passages with underground streams and rivers, forming many kilometers labyrinths of cave galleries that come to the surface with whole waterfalls, like on the river. Gega, or such powerful vaucluse-springs.
WHERE TO STAY
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In 1926 the city of Gudauta was formed. 2019 is the year when this small resort will celebrate its 90th anniversary with the scale inherent in the Abkhaz people. Up to 8,000 people live here, but in summer season the number of people is increasing significantly.
The centuries-old history of the town is unusually rich. At all times, it was Gudauta that was known as the "heart" of Abkhazia. Abkhazia has experienced many ups and downs, oblivion and prosperity.
During Soviet times and to this day, the city of Gudauta is a paradise for tourists, where you can get many unforgettable experiences. This is the most popular tourist resort, rich in sanatoriums, boarding houses, hotels. Many come here to escape from everyday problems and enjoy plenty of pleasure and favorable climate these places. The luxurious place is fanned by the warmth and good nature of the locals.
Where is the city?
Gudauta is the most popular resort town located on the shore of a small bay of the Black Sea in the Republic of Abkhazia. Gor. Gudauta today has the status of the administrative center of the Gudauta region.
The sea bay, on the shore of which Gudauta is located, is bordered on all sides by gravel, turning into sand on the eastern side. The resort town has a railway station located 37 km northwest of Sukhumi and 43 km from Gagra.
City blocks in this picturesque place began to form in the late 19th - early 20th century.
Centuries-old history
The beginning of the history of the city of Gudauta falls on the Neolithic era. In former times, there were settlements of landowners who peacefully lived here, using all the benefits and gifts of nature.
Prosperity and a plentiful harvest in the peasant's house was ensured due to the delightful climate and the presence of water sources.
The period of the highest prosperity of Gudauta is the time from the end of the 19th to the middle of the 20th century. It was already a charming town with ennobled squares, long streets, beautiful embankments, where vacationers gathered to the tune of an orchestra for long evenings.
The city does not stand still, it develops, moving forward all the time. Wars and attacks were not terrible for this town, it had seen enough, but it withstood everything, showing willpower and inflexibility of spirit.
There is an opinion that the most inspiring times in the history of Gudauta fell on the Middle Ages. During this period, active trade was carried out here, and “a million opportunities” opened up before people. An intensive round of infrastructure development in Gudauta came in the 19th century.
The history of the origin of the name of the city of Gudauta
Many are wondering, but how did the name of this paradise come about? There are two versions in total:
1) According to scientists, its name comes from the river Gudou, which flows through the city.
2) There is another theory - a local legend with an exciting plot. A romantic story tells us about a young boy named Guda and his beloved girl, who was called Uta. The young people were passionately in love with each other, but due to the enmity that arose between their families, the marriage of Uta and Guda was impossible. The guy could not imagine his life without the beautiful Uta. Without her, life seemed to him not life, but existence. In the end, the young man committed suicide - he threw himself into the river, and Uta, in love, followed him. Their love is eternal in the hearts of many people, and therefore, the legend excites and excites the minds of tourists every time.
Climatic conditions
The holiday season in the town lasts throughout the year. AT winter time the average temperature here is about +5 degrees. Frosts are rare here.
Humid subtropics dominate in Gudauta, it is hot in summer and mild in winter. Thanks to such favorable conditions, a huge amount of juicy citrus and other plantations are grown here. This oasis is located on an elevated plateau.
Gudauta is a charming hospitable town, a real haven for vacationers. So, imagine you have arrived in Gudauta. Where should you go first? That's right, on hot beach! Basically, the beach area is covered with pebbles, but on the east side it becomes sandy. The swimming season here lasts from May to November, and the holiday season is all year round.
We visit the beach
On the beach you can frolic, have fun, remember your childhood, feeling like a small child. How beautiful is Gudauta! Rest on the beach here is available to everyone who wants to sunbathe and lie down under the rays of the gentle sun.
From beach activities here you can find:
Banana ride
Various attractions;
Sea trips.
Despite the fact that it lagged far behind other famous resorts, holidays in Gudauta 2019 remain popular to this day.
Local residents here are focused mainly on the construction of citrus fruits, tobacco and other crops.
Where can you eat?
Rest in Gudauta is simply impossible without visiting coastal cafes. To come to Abkhazia and not visit a gourmet restaurant? Yes, it's just a crime! In the restaurant with an elegant interior, you can taste the amazing taste of food. You will be amazed by the splendor of the real Caucasian cuisine. Be sure to try manti, juicy shish kebab and, of course, what kind of rest can there be without noble Abkhaz ruby wine! In such establishments there is always an atmosphere of cordiality and fun. Eating excellent dishes, you will be able to listen to toasts in your honor from the owners of the institution along the way.
More and more people are now going to rest in Gudauta. The town is visited mainly by those people who love calmness, silence, solitude, rest from everyday worries.
During the holiday season, you can go to inexpensive cafes and restaurants. An excellent place for walks and romantic acquaintances is the Central City Park with its picturesque vegetation.
People who have ever rested in Gudauta are drawn here more and more. And no wonder!
Amazing nature
In Gudauta, you can see the majestic Bzybsky Range, on the snowy peaks of which you can admire for hours. Here you can enjoy the charm of mountain streams, lakes, mighty mountains.
However, everything is here the necessary conditions to go on vacation in Gudauta with the whole family and improve their health. Not only beach holidays and entertainment make Gudauta so popular among tourists. Here, comfortable and effective treatment is possible in such institutions as sanatoriums, boarding houses, etc. The specialists of these institutions are fighting against diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous systems, as well as disorders in the digestive tract.
The many-sided infrastructure will make the rest of each tourist as useful and comfortable as possible. Here is everything for vacationers:
Movie theaters
· Hotels
· Attractions
· Entertainment on the water.
A deliberate and incredibly useful decision would be to go in the direction of mineral springs. A small clinic has been built on these waters, which includes hydrogen sulfide pools, cafes, mud, and massage rooms. Here you can, in addition to a wonderful holiday, improve your own health. Sources of healing mud and water are an indispensable tool for rejuvenation and healing of the body as a whole.
Attractions and entertainment in Gudauta
Abkhazia is unusually rich in various attractions, most of which are located in Gudauta and its environs. For example, in the village of Lykhny, which is located near Gadauta, there is a unique architectural complex: a bell tower, the ancient ruins of a palace built during the Middle Ages. The interior painting and decor of the temple, which were made in the 14th century, is especially elegant.
The main sights of Gudauta
Let's try to consider the village of Lykhny - the main attraction, in more detail. This small village is the capital of the Abkhaz principality. In the "heart" of the village is the beautiful Lykhny Assumption Cathedral. The cathedral is still in operation today.
The majestic building is surrounded on all sides by a low stone fence. Right behind it you can see a two-tiered bell tower built of stone. Myself appearance the cathedral is an amazing sight. In the middle it is decorated with a drum with a tent-like dome.
The exterior of the cathedral is unremarkable. However, when you go inside, you will notice a dazzling picture. The walls are richly decorated with frescoes.
So, what other attractions can you visit when you arrive in Gudauta?
Chachba Palace - Shervashidze
The ruins of the palace of the princes of Abkhazia are visible near the Lykhny Cathedral. For quite a long time, the structure had the status of impregnable. Among the ruins of an old building, there are two layers on the walls: outdated and earlier, completed in the 19th century. Wall surfaces are uneven. Curious people can easily find the entrance arch here. In each of the rooms of the majestic palace there are fireplaces.
Duripsh village
On a large territory 10 kilometers from Gudauta, an Abkhazian settlement called Duripsh is widely spread. Near the village there are world-famous karst caves, there are even the deepest in the world, such as Vulkan and Snezhnaya. Exploring the ruins of the Duripsh fortress, which is equipped with a high tower and a giant jug built into the floor to store water, will be no less exciting.
· Hasanta Abaa
No less popular historical heritage of Gudauta is the fortress of Hasant Abaa. According to some reports, it was built in the 9th-10th century in order to intercept enemy units. The basis of the fortress is a powerful strong wall one and a half meters thick. Dense deciduous forests dominate around the fortress. Hasanta Abaa was built on a hill, approximately 200 meters above the river level.
How to get to Gudauta?
Every vacationer has their own preferences. As a rule, Abkhazia is visited by those people who are tired of the routine of everyday life, who are tired of the bustle of the city, noise. The gentle sea, an abundance of entertainment and attractions will make your vacation truly unforgettable. Many people come here to improve their own health and rejuvenate.
So, let's move on to the most important thing, what is the most convenient way to get to Gadauta: by plane, by car, or maybe by rail?
Experienced tourists came to the conclusion that it is better to take care of ordering a taxi from Adler or Sochi straight to Gudauta in advance.
So, let's look at all possible ways to get to Gudauta.
We fly by plane from Russia
Most easy way is to fly to Gudauta on a flight to Adler and then cross the border. After that, you need to transfer to Abkhazian taxis, minibuses or buses. They walk all over the place. The journey along the highway to Gudauta by bus will take about an hour and a half.
We go by train to Gudauta
It is possible to get by direct train Moscow - Sukhum. The train also departs from the Kursk railway station in Moscow. Customs control here is carried out directly in the cars at the Veseleye station. Since moving takes a lot of time, this method is not convenient for everyone.
Let's go to Gudauta by train
From the Adler station directly to Sukhum through Gudauta, there is a quite comfortable train, but its schedule should be clarified, since it changes every year. Due to numerous stops and border parking at the Veseleye station, the journey to Gudauta will take about 2.5 hours.
In fact, every tourist can choose the most suitable mode of transport for himself. If you want to save time, it is preferable to choose an air flight. Rail transport is also in great demand.
Gudauta is a small town for a wonderful holiday. This place has been known since Soviet times, after all, people traveled to Abkhazia on vacation with pleasure for a long time, when abroad was a closed zone for most people. Recently, the resorts of Abkhazia are gaining popularity among the middle class and youth companies, families with children. This affordable resort in a great location is a great place to stay in 2019.
Gudauta is a small town for a wonderful holiday.
Not everyone has heard of such a place, but it has ancient history, and is now a promising coastal resort city.
Brief historical background
Gudauta has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Fishermen and farmers settled on the Kistrik River. The city itself got its name from the name of another river - Gudou. There is a beautiful legend associated with Gudauta: as if the young man Guda and the girl Uta loved each other, and were local “Romeo and Juliet”. As a result, they died in the waters of a stormy river, and their souls still dwell there, already united.
From the 11th century, Gudauta was heavily populated: fortifications, temples, palaces were built. Subsequently, the territory became Russian, then Soviet.
In the 90s, a conflict broke out on the territory between Georgians and Abkhazians. the Russian Federation recognizes the independence of Abkhazia and protects the local territory, tourism is also developing.
Gudauta on the map
Climate Gudauta
The subtropical, humid climate of Gudauta contributes to comfortable rest- it's a resort Black Sea. Winters are mild and summers are not as hot, but temperatures can reach up to 25 degrees Celsius. There are almost no strong winds in Gudauta. You can visit the city all year round. The holiday season here lasts from mid-May to the velvet season of autumn.
The city is located on a plateau, next to the picturesque Black Sea bay. Citrus and fruit trees surround Gudauta, adding freshness, and from afar you can see the most beautiful snowy peaks of the Caucasus Range, allowing you to take beautiful pictures.
Security in Gudauta
Despite the fact that the city has not been completely restored, Gudauta is now safe for tourists. It is worth adhering to certain rules of conduct:
- avoid conflicts on a national, political basis;
- be friendly to the local population;
- visit only equipped beaches and do not swim far into the sea;
- it is better to drink bottled water;
- beware in a particular season of coastal jellyfish.
Visa to Gudauta for Russians
At the moment, relations between the countries are so friendly that even a foreign passport is not required, an internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation is enough. However, you need to take care of insurance and resort fee- it is better to provide travel companies. You still need to have everything with you. Required documents and their copies, and know where to go in an emergency.
How to get to Gudauta and travel around the area
The nearest airport to the city, convenient for Russians, is the airport. Many well-known airlines fly here from Central and not only Russia. From the airport you can transfer to a bus or minibus to the border with Abkhazia. There you will have to overcome the checkpoint on foot and on the other side take the regular bus or minibus again. The cost of transport is from 30 to 100 rubles. You can read about how easier it is to get from Adler to Abkhazia.
You can get to Psou (border) and by taxi. Taxi drivers will ask for 1000, but you can bargain. It is also convenient to order a transfer, although it will be more expensive, but you will comfortably overcome all points and points of the route.
Trains also run to Gudauta - from and. The fare is around 5,000 rubles in a reserved seat car, but the ride is long, stuffy, and hot. However, many people love this journey through railway.
Not in Gudauta itself public transport. But there are buses and fixed-route taxis to other cities - next to the station. So those who wish can travel around the surroundings: Lykhny, Gagra , New Athos, Ritsa. Adequate amount for travel in a fixed-route taxi will be within 100 rubles.
Taxis are much more expensive: in the city - 100 rubles, to other cities - from 500 rubles.
Hotel infrastructure of Gudauta
After the destruction of the city, it was slowly restored, and now there is a tourist infrastructure there: both boarding houses and mini-hotels. There is practically no luxury housing here, but the settlement is aimed at middle-class travelers. price category. It’s not bad to rent a house in the private sector: a kind owner will tell you, help, and you will come closer to understanding the local mentality and color.
Small hotels, even with food, can cost from about 1500 to 3000 per day per person. These hotels deserve three stars. Guest houses - within 1000 rubles, and there will be a bathroom, air conditioning, and communication. Luxury apartments will cost 7,000 rubles, the resort has an all-inclusive camp site called the Gold Coast.
If desired, an economical tourist can find accommodation for himself even within 500 rubles - Gudauta is a very economical city!
What is Gudauta now?
All we are looking for perfect place to relax near the sea. The city of Gudauta is quite large administrative center with all necessary communications. On the one hand, there is a clean and warm sea, on the other, mountains that protect from cold winds and drafts.
Embankment of the city from a height:
The tourist infrastructure is actively developing, new hotels are being built and destroyed ones are being rebuilt, so you will not have any problems with living. Among the housing offers, the private sector still prevails, and prices are much lower than in neighboring, more popular resorts. The town is relatively small, from almost any part of it you can walk to the sea. The hospitality and friendliness of the Abkhazians are pleasantly perceived, they are very warm and friendly people. Be polite to the locals and you will be appreciated as a cultural tourist.
The beach line is quite large and wide - 4 kilometers long and about 200 meters wide. All beaches are covered with pebbles and resemble wild ones. The most well-groomed is the central city beach. The beaches are gently sloping, the entry into the sea is good and convenient for small travelers. The water here is very clear. The good thing is that the beaches are rarely filled so that someone is lying on each other's heads, while it is clean here, there are cabanas and cafes. Trees grow near the beach, which will help you to sit in the shade during the hot part of the day.
In the vicinity of the resort there is another great place: pine Myussera. This place belongs to a boarding house, and if a tourist stays there, he will receive the entire level of comfort: sun loungers, umbrellas, cafes, water equipment.
Sights of Gudauta and surroundings
Near the city there are quite a lot of attractions that will allow you to relax not only physically, but also in your soul, visiting new places and getting to know their interesting history.
So, just 4 kilometers from Gudauta, in Lykhny, there is a medieval architectural complex, visiting which you will see the ruins of a palace, a bell tower and a temple built in the Middle Ages. The painting of the local temple is unique. And when leaving the city, you can enjoy the unique karst caves.
The museum-reserve "Abkhazia" is located in Gudauta. Both lovers of archeology and ethnography will like it there, you can learn a lot about the history of the region, including its sad pages.
In the village of Myusser there is a temple of Ambar. It was built in the 10th century AD and is one of the most popular sights of Abkhazia. Today it is overgrown and darkened, but this even gives it some kind of mysterious atmosphere. In the same village there is Stalin's dacha, which will be interesting to visit for lovers of the Soviet period of history.
In the village of Otkhara there is a beautiful natural and human monument. This is a monastery carved into the rocks. At first, however, the building did not belong to holy people, but to pirates. But after the place became a monastery.
Many tourists visit the village of Khabyu. It is located in the mountains and there are beautiful waterfalls. The very road to them gives beautiful views, smells of meadows and honey around. The waterfalls are very cold, you should not swim in them, but you can relax side by side, cooling off a little with spray.
Other popular excursions in the area are:
- visiting the palace of the princes Chachba-Shervashidze, which now lies in ruins and is shrouded in dark legends;
- inspection of the Khasanata-Abaa fortress: a powerful wall, a tower and frescoes attract travelers.
One day you can ride in more big cities. For example, visiting Gagra, you look at Lake Ritsa, the castle of the Prince of Oldenburg, a beautiful colonnade.
Having visited Sukhum, you can see the Abkhaz wall, Botanical Garden, monkey nursery.
The city also operates a winery. You can enjoy fine wines in the large tasting room and buy your favorite. There is also honey tasting.
Entertainment, shopping, cuisine in Gudauta
Nearby are important medical facilities - hydrogen sulfide sources. Fans of treatment on the waters will be happy to find there a great place to improve their health. Prices for visiting springs or sanatoriums are humane, they really help many, as well as the healing air of this resort in general.
The kids will love going to Turtle Lake. The population of this species has been extremely reduced, but you can still meet these animals on its shores, and next to the lake there is a wonderful well-maintained beach.
Those who prefer leisure, can go in for water sports: snorkeling, boating, fishing. It is possible to organize a jeep safari on steep mountain roads. There is a cinema, standard cafes and bars, nightclubs, but nightlife is not a feature of this resort. For nightlife, it is better to go to the larger cities of Abkhazia.
Shopping in Gudauta itself is no different from similar activities in other small towns. While in Abkhazia, it is best to go to the market or to a colorful shop. In the markets you can buy fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, cheeses for your table (suluguni is the star of Abkhazian cheeses). What can you bring with you as a gift to loved ones, relatives, and for yourself:
- tkemali sauces, adjika;
- feijoa jam;
- herbal preparations;
- pillows under the head for sleep, stuffed with herbs;
- spices;
- wickerwork: caskets, baskets, furniture;
- souvenir weapons - knives, daggers (with a certificate).
In general, grocery souvenirs will cost around 500 rubles, and then it all depends on how much and what you want to take with you as a keepsake from this mountainous good country.
The cuisine in Gudauta will not amaze with the variety of restaurants. Most establishments are Russian or Abkhazian cuisine. Abkhazian food is mostly spicy and not suitable for small children with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract, it is easier to order something familiar to a child. But adults can try traditional dishes: "sharks" from beans, barbecue, khachapuri, hominy.
You can have a bite to eat with a traditional cake for only 50 rubles, or boiled corn at a similar price. Food prices in stores, on average, do not differ from Russian ones, but wines are inexpensive and they deserve to be added to your dinner, or maybe even bring a couple of bottles home.
Sweet, developing Gudauta is not suitable for those who want to relax with great chic, participate in constant parties. She will appeal to those who appreciate nature, tranquility, who are ready to get acquainted with foreign cultures, especially since she is so friendly. Families with children, intelligent couples and budget travelers Students will love it here. Come to this emerging resort destination in 2019!
Basic moments
Gudauta lies on a gentle hill near a convenient bay. People began to settle in these places since the Neolithic. Archaeologists conducting excavations here managed to find traces of a large settlement in which fishermen and farmers lived. Since Soviet times, to the west of Gudauta, there has been a military base of the Russian troops "Bambuora", which gave the name to a large military airfield.
Today, about 8.5 thousand people live in the city. They work in a tobacco industry and a tea factory, are engaged in winemaking, growing and packaging citrus fruits, and making building materials. A significant proportion of local residents are employed in the tourism and hotel business.
As a resort, Gudauta is distinguished by relatively low prices, good pebble beaches, a small influx of tourists, an abundance sunny days and a wonderful warm climate. There is no public transport in the city. However, Gudauta is small, and from anywhere in the city it is not difficult to walk to the beach.
Historically, Gudauta has always been in the shadow of the more famous Abkhazian resorts - Gagra, Sukhum and Pitsunda. But most travelers who have visited Gudauta are very satisfied with their vacation and the impressions they get. In addition to the beaches and the sea, in the city itself and its environs there are many interesting natural and historical monuments - hydrogen sulfide springs, karst caves, the picturesque Bzybsky ridge and the Abahvatsa fortress built in the 13th century.
Climatic features of Gudauta
Gudauta lies in the subtropical zone. In this seaside resort town, winters are very mild, and the average air temperature is around +9°C. Summer is hot and long - from late May to early October. In July, the average temperature exceeds +28°С.
high Caucasus mountains, standing like a wall at a distance of 15-20 km, reliably protect the coast from strong winds, and therefore the holiday season in Gudauta does not stop all year round. They start swimming in the sea in mid-May and usually end at the end of October.
About 1500 mm of precipitation falls annually in Gudauta. Abundance of moisture and warm climate promote growth fruit plants within the resort. Citrus fruits especially flourish - lemons and tangerines.
Beaches in Gudauta and its immediate surroundings
Most of the beaches in and around the resort are pebbly, although there are a few places where you can find sand. They are mostly unequipped. Vacationers in Gudauta can get minimal beach amenities only in coastal areas near large boarding houses and sanatoriums.
The central city beach stretches for 1 km and has a width of up to 100 m. It consists of a mixture of small rounded pebbles and sand. lovers beach holiday here you will find sun loungers for rent, comfortable sun umbrellas, changing rooms, toilets, showers and many small cafes. This beach is not crowded, and the sea water is always clean and clear.
To the east of Gudauta, towards the village New Athos, the strip is located wild beaches separated from each other by breakwaters. Halfway between Gudauta and New Athos, near the village of Tskuara, there is a spacious wild pebble beach.
10 km west of the resort town is the popular sand and pebble beach "Golden Coast", which stretches along the seashore for 4 km. It also does not have a resort infrastructure, with the exception of several cafes built near the Zolotoy Bereg boarding house.
Historical and architectural monuments
On the western outskirts of Gudauta, in the village of Bambuora, you can see the ruins of the Ailaga-abyku temple, which was built in the 6th-7th centuries. The walls of this ancient church are almost completely preserved. The apse has five sides. On the western side, ceramic jugs-voicers built into the walls are visible, with the help of which they improved the acoustics inside the church building. The plaster is poorly preserved, and traces of ancient painting are visible on it. Near the doorway, which is located on the south side, an image of a cross is carved in stone. Here, an elongated hall adjoins the temple, and a small vestibule from the west. To the northwest of the church are the ruins of the foundation of another rectangular building, near which archaeologists found pieces of pottery made in the 8th-10th centuries.
Orthodox Church of the Intercession Holy Mother of God stands in the center of Gudauta, on Kharazia Street, 26. It was erected relatively recently - in the middle of the last century. Near the church there is a source of holy water.
Several monuments have been erected in Gudauta. In the green square near Heroes Avenue, you can see a memorial created in memory of the participants in the Great Patriotic War; a monument to the pilots who died in 1943 and 1968; as well as a monument to the heroes of the Abkhazian legend - Gud and Uta. A memorial to the victims of the Latskaya tragedy, which occurred in 1992, has been erected in Central Park.
Museums and exhibitions
In the center of the resort, on Ardzimba Street, 167, there is the Barn Museum. Its exhibits consist of archaeological finds made on the territory of the Gudauta region, as well as a rich ethnographic collection. Household items, tools and musical instruments that were traditionally used by the Abkhaz are exhibited here.
Another place where you can get acquainted with the history and traditions of the Abkhaz people is the Abazgia Museum-Reserve. Museum of Local Lore is in one-story house on Mahadjirov Street, west of Central Park. Two of its halls are dedicated to archeology and ethnography, and two more - to the events of the Abkhazian-Georgian war, which took place in 1992-1993.
Excursions around the resort town
5 km northwest of Gudauta lies the village of Lykhny, whose history goes back about 1500 years. Local attractions are the ruins of the summer residence of the princes Shervashidze-Chachba of the 10th century and the cross-domed church of the Assumption of the Virgin, built in the 10th-11th centuries. Inside the ancient church, you can see unique frescoes from the 14th century. On the outskirts of the village are the ruins of an even more ancient temple, which appeared here in the VI-VII centuries. In Lykhny there is also one of the seven sanctuaries revered by all Abkhazians - Lykh-nykha.
The inhabitants of the village have long been engaged in the cultivation of selected Abkhaz tea. Tea plantations located in the foothills cover 140 hectares. In Lykhny there is the Gudauta tea factory, which conducts interesting excursions for tourists with tasting of grown tea.
At 14 km northeast of Gudauta, above the mountain river Aapsta, the fortress of Abakhvats rises. It is located on the territory of the village of the same name, 6 km north of the seaside highway. The name "Abahvatsa" in translation means "fire on the mountain." From watchtowers built in the 13th century, local residents monitored the approach of the enemy. The surviving fortress walls have a perimeter of 140 m and a thickness of up to 1 m. Excursions are organized from Gudauta to the ancient fort. But, if you wish, it is not difficult to get to the fortress on your own, using a regular bus or taxi.
14 km east of Gudauta, in the village of Tskuara (Primorskoye), in 1940, as a result of drilling, sulfur-hydrogen mineral springs were discovered. A small hospital was built on the site of one of them. Local waters have a healing effect on diseases of the stomach and intestines. There are also therapeutic muds in the village, which are used to help patients with diseases of the joints and skin.
Resting in Gudauta, many try to visit the Orthodox shrines of New Athos and the picturesque New Athos cave, which are located just 20 km from the resort town. Trips to Sukhum, Pitsunda and excursions to Lake Ritsa are also popular among tourists.
Active recreation in Gudauta and its environs
Tours to the picturesque karst caves, which are located at the head of the Chernaya (Mchishta) River, are popular among fans of speleology. And horse lovers are attracted by horse rides in the outskirts of Gudauta.
Travel companies operating in the resort organize for vacationers interesting tours on SUVs in the mountains. They have different routes and lengths, but invariably pass through picturesque foothills and alpine meadows. Participants of such trips can enjoy breathtaking views of the coast, drive through fast-moving mountain rivers and streams, and also see what the famous Colchis forests look like.
Fans of water tourism can try their hand at rafting on the Bzyb River. It originates in the spurs of the Caucasus Range and has a length of more than 100 km. The Bzyb is a swift river, and there are routes on it for both experienced watermen and beginners.
Gudauta, like a marine resort town, offers its guests a lot of water activities. Here you can ride a banana, rent jet skis, go scuba diving or go for a ride on a speedboat. In addition, local travel agencies and private traders are always happy to take those who wish to exciting sea fishing.
Where to stay in Gudauta
In Gudauta there are the most different variants to accommodate vacationers. All year round guests are received by several popular sanatoriums. They treat patients with climatotherapy - sunbathing, bathing in sea water and walks on fresh air. The attention of qualified doctors and the healing powers of nature help patients with metabolic disorders and those who suffer from respiratory diseases.
Hotels, which are few in Gudauta, are two- and three-story capital buildings. They offer rooms with a standard set of services, costing 800-1500 rubles per day. For a fee, the hotels can arrange meals and transfers, use the laundry and choose your favorite excursions.
Most vacationers prefer to stay in small guest houses, as well as rent apartments, rooms and turnkey houses in the private sector. All guest houses about the same distance from the sea, therefore, regardless of the choice, a walk to the beach will not take more than 10 minutes.
Souvenirs
In memory of a pleasant stay, it is customary to bring souvenirs. If a good tan, photos and beautiful stones and shells found on the seashore are not enough, then it is worth visiting the Gudauta market. They sell a lot of inexpensive crafts made from lacquered shells, Abkhazian Turks for coffee, and skillfully made daggers.
Most tourists prefer to take away “delicious souvenirs” from Gudauta – churchkhela, fragrant Abkhazian tea, mountain honey, green walnut jam, spices, cheap fruits, tangerine juice, adjika and homemade cheese. Wonderful souvenirs - chacha, Abkhazian wines and collections from medicinal herbs collected in the foothills and on the sea coast.
How to get there
Gudauta lies on the seaside highway E60, so it is easy to get to the resort town by car.
By rail, Gudauta is connected with Sukhum and Adler. Every day, a fast train "Moscow - Sukhum" passes through the resort town, which makes a stop at the railway station "Gudauta". Customs control when crossing the border of Abkhazia is carried out directly in the cars when the train stops at the station "Veseloe".
Intercity buses running between Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Nalchik and Sukhum go through Gudauta.
The nearest airport is located in Adler. From here to Gudauta there are regular buses and trains going to Sukhum. From the border of Abkhazia to Gudauta can also be reached by minibuses and taxis.
