Pitsunda

Pitsunda - The Pearl of Abkhazia! Once having been there, the soul will inevitably rush there again. The very name of Abkhazia, - Apsny (in Abkhazian) - Country of Soul. You will definitely feel it! A unique climate - subtropics, moist sea air, plants of amazing beauty: huge eucalyptus trees, palm trees, oleanders strewn with flowers, fragrant magnolias, pomegranates, tangerines, persimmons, nuts. And all this splendor is surrounded by majestic mountains, with enchanting gorges, waterfalls, clear mountain rivers and lakes, the air saturated with aromas of mountain herbs, honey, Pitsunda pine, moist and heady! It’s impossible not to fall in love with it and it’s worth seeing ...

Short video about Pitsunda

How to get there

No matter what you get to get to the territory of Abkhazia, you must go through customs and passport control at the border, which is located in the village of Psou. Passage of the Russian-Abkhaz border and customs control around the clock without interruptions. Travel time depends on the season and time of day. In the high season (July, August), customs often gather queues. Sometimes, cars, stretched out in a long locomotive, can stand for 3-12 hours.

Therefore, it is better to plan your border crossing early in the morning or closer to night and better in the middle of the week. It is not advisable to plan an exit from Abkhazia on August 30-31. If you arrived in June or September, passing customs is quite quick and not tiring and will take literally 10-15 minutes on foot, because several access booths work, and by car, too, crossing the border will take no more than an hour, or even less.

Further, after passing through passport and customs control, on the Abkhaz side, you will be warmly welcomed by local residents, vying to offer you taxi services and accommodation. I do not recommend using their services. Usually the cost is significantly overstated (1000-1500 rubles to Pitsunda). The cost of a taxi ordered through an operator will be much lower (about 500 rubles) there are a lot of taxi services here, you can also agree on a loyal price with local taxi drivers when they see that you are in the know and know the prices, often agree on your price. There are also minibuses and regular buses (100-150 rubles). The road to Gagra is 20 minutes, to Pitsunda 40-50 minutes, along the picturesque coast, there are no traffic jams, enjoy the views outside the window!
For information: there are duty free shops at the border.

Further on how to get to the border.

By plane

The easiest way to get to Pitsunda by plane is to Adler, then there are buses (No. 173, 117, 125, 100) and minibuses to Psou, where the Russian-Abkhaz border is located. The distance from the airport to the border is 17 km. The price of a bus ticket is 25 rubles for a minibus of 50-100, but you will have to wait until all seats are filled.

Travel time for direct flights Moscow-Adler (Sochi) 2 hours 15 min. the average ticket price in August is 10,900, in November - 7,000 rubles. The cheapest ticket is offered by Pobeda Airlines - 1,982 rubles in August 2015. You can see how much a flight will cost on your dates on search sites, or, for example, here.

By train

If funds do not allow, or you simply do not like planes, then getting by train is optimal for the price and comfort. We are going again to Adler and further from the railway station to the border by bus, taxi or minibus (it is not difficult to find a stop, it is near the exit from the station to the city). The road from Adler to the Abkhaz border takes about half an hour, maybe a little less, given the traffic jams that are common in Adler, despite the new traffic interchanges built before the Olympics.

Travel time on the route Moscow-Adler from 24 to 35 hours. ticket price from 2900 rub. - reserved seat, from 4500 rub. - coupe.

By bus

There are also Bus services from many large cities of Russia, mostly offered by private transport companies, but despite comfortable buses, this is a journey for those who are especially hardy. On weekends and holidays in the area of Krasnodar, Hot Key, Sochi, traffic jams. Many tour operators also offer weekend bus tours from Moscow, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don and other cities of Russia, the average price is about 10,000 rubles, the price usually includes a trip and accommodation for 2 nights, sometimes meals.

Travel time on the route Moscow-Adler is 22-24 hours. The price of an adult ticket is 2900-3500 rubles

By car

If you are determined to travel by car, you need to understand that the journey will be longer and tedious. Although the main federal highway M4, after recent repairs, is in excellent condition and it is a pleasure to drive along it, the road along the Black Sea coast winds along serpentines, for 210 km from Dzhubga to Adler and traffic jams are quite common here. But, if time permits, a bonus can be a trip along the coast with stops for a pleasant stay. Of course, it is better to plan parking places in advance, book a hotel, and plan a visit to the Olympic venues in Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana. But spontaneous stops will not create problems, there are a lot of campsites on the coast (the average cost of parking is 500 rubles per night), and it is also quite possible to spend the night in comfort in a coastal hotel without even booking a place in advance. So you can spend a nice day on the beach in Olginka or Lazarevsky or take a walk along the promenade in Sochi

Of course, it will take a little longer to pass customs control on a car than on foot. Upon entry, the driver pays for temporary registration with the traffic police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, 500 rubles (stay from 3 to 30 days)

Travel time on the route Moscow-Adler is 20-21 hours. 1648.3 km. a / d Don E115 / M4. The issue price at the price of A92 gasoline is 35 rubles and the average fuel consumption is 8 liters 4 620 rubles one way.

By ferry

There is a Sochi-Gagra sea voyage. From Sochi, the catamaran arrives in Gagra at 9.30, departs back at 19.00. One-way fare 500 rubles. For residents of Abkhazia and the Krasnodar Territory - 100 rubles cheaper.

but in 2015, due to a catamaran breakdown, the flight was closed until the summer of 2016.

hint: Pitsunda - time is now 17:00 October 13Difference in hours: Moscow - 1Kazan - 1Samara & plus; 0 Yekaterinburg & plus; 1 Novosibirsk & plus; 3Vladivostok & plus; 6

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

Abkhazia is beautiful at any time of the year. Decide on your goals and budget and come. Season June, July, August. The velvet season is September, October. You can navigate through the prices of tours to Pitsunda in this section Trevelask.

Pitsunda in the summer

June. In early summer, in Abkhazia, magnolia blooms, it has huge white flowers and a wonderful aroma.

The water in the sea is still cool 19-22 degrees, but the sun is already baking and a golden tan in a few days you are guaranteed. The average air temperature in summer is +27. Not all cafes have yet opened and are not working at full strength; the beaches are still not crowded. Even beach vendors are few.

In the evenings there is pleasant coolness; it is better to grab a light blouse. Humidity is 70%, and sudden precipitation in the form of heavy rains, which quickly end and are immediately replaced by beautiful sunny weather, is a frequent and quite common phenomenon.

Significant pluses: the border crossing time is 15 minutes, pleasant housing prices, no sweltering heat, it's time for a beach holiday, excursions and walks through the woods.

July and August peak season.

At this time, the warmest sea is 27-29, the most favorable period for a beach holiday, wonderful weather, lots of fruits, the locals are actively trying to sell everything that they can, all the cafes and sightseeing booths work. But at the same time, the border crossing time is significantly increased, the price of housing increases by 2–3 times, it is very crowded on the beaches, prices soar for everything, and for goods and services, And yet, compared to Sochi and Adler, everything is cheaper and less crowded and undeniably cleaner than the Sea.

Pitsunda in the fall

The most comfortable pleasant time in Abkhazia, the velvet season starting in September, the beaches are noticeably empty, mostly an adult audience remains, lovers of a relaxing holiday, because the school year begins and the kids mostly leave. Wonderful warm sea warmed up by the sun over the summer, Soft gentle sun, comfortable weather, a little cool in the evenings. Wonderful air rich in sea salts and oxygen. Autumn is the time for young wine and a new harvest. A huge number of fruits, some grow right wild, and the market prices are already adequate. The beach season lasts until the beginning of November. Average air temperature in the fall + 18- + 20

Pitsunda in the spring

Early spring is not a very comfortable time to relax in these places. The average temperature is +16, water + 17. The largest amount of rain falls precisely at this time of the year, in addition, storms often occur on the sea in spring. But nature is rapidly reviving. In March, grass and trees already turn green, and in May the first fruits of the new crop are already appearing.

Pitsunda in winter

Winter in the subtropics is a special charm. Winter in Pitsunda soft snow is very rare here, if it falls, it quickly melts. Winter begins in January, and at the end of February, mimosa blooms and spring begins.

Many Fruits - tangerines, persimmons, nuts.

Air temperature + 7- + 15, sea + 10 some lovers even swim

There are no problems with housing, there are almost no vacationers. Ideal for lovers of a quiet holiday away from the hustle and bustle. It’s better to go with the company, one can be quite bored.

Some come to celebrate New Year in Abkhazia to please themselves with warmth.

When choosing a dwelling, pay attention that the room is heated; at night it may not be comfortable without heating.

Of the features and unusualities, that in winter in Pitsunda is very green, because there is a lot of Pitsunda pine and very pleasant fresh air like in the middle lane in spring. Sudden changes in temperature from +18 to -5, even within an hour. Precipitation may suddenly fall from rain to snow.

Pitsunda - monthly weather

hint: Pitsunda - weather for the months of January January + 4.9 February ± 5.3 March ± 7.4 April ± 11.5 May ± 15.4 June ± 19.5 July ± 22.0 August ± 22.3 September ± 18.9 October ± 14.5 November ± plus 10.2 December & plus; 6.9

Areas. Where is better to live

If you like a noisy, lively city, spend evenings to the roar of discos merging into a common cacophony, attractions, crowds of unfamiliar people, I advise you to choose another place to stay.

Pitsunda is suitable for a quiet measured, relaxing vacation, for enjoying nature, climate, air, sea and silence.
Of course, here you will certainly come across a contrast of the beauty of nature with devastation and poverty. In local landscapes, abandoned houses without glass, half-ruined buildings of sanatoriums and a fish factory, or ruins of gas stations occupied by cows, and new buildings of modern hotels against the backdrop of majestic mountains and the sea easily coexist. Unfortunately, time takes its toll, the Soviet heritage is being destroyed, tiles on the facades are cracking, lianas are braiding around the ruins of buildings, and new ones are being built not so fast.

Yes, people live modestly and not richly, they earn mainly in the season on rental housing and trade, grown and prepared by their own hands. But they are all very kind and trying to help, often even disinterestedly. Abkhazians are hospitable and hospitable, ready to tell and show everything, treat them with wine and everything that grows in the garden. Often, vacationers, having settled with someone once, come to the same owners every year and they meet them as dear relatives.

Sanatoriums and pensions.

There are many sanatoriums left over after the collapse of the USSR. And because it was a health resort of all-Union significance, the entire elite and top officials of the state, artists and celebrities came to rest and improve their health, and sanatoriums corresponded to this level. Here is the largest health resort boarding house "Boxwood grove" with a landscaped area and modern comfortable 10-story building (prices from 1350 rubles per person), as well as a sanatorium with its own hydropathic center "Sana", boarding house "Litfond" and the most recognizable boarding house "Resort Pitsunda ", its seven 15-story buildings towering along the coastline have become the hallmark of Pitsunda: Apsny, Bzyb, Zolotoe Fleece, Colchis, Amra, Amzar, Mayak have been meeting and seeing off vacationers from all over our country for more than half a century. Living conditions have not improved much since then, although repairs were carried out in 2013, floor coverings and plumbing were replaced, yet the interior was covered with dust of the times, and in general, skyscrapers are an image of Soviet architecture combined with Spartan living conditions. But the complex has an undeniable plus, the famous buildings are located on the very shore, between the sea and the relic pine grove, on the beach with amazing views. The price of accommodation in the high season is from 1 850 rubles per person. Pension "Mussera" (Lakoba) is a former sanatorium of the KGB of the USSR, with an area of 16 hectares, in a very picturesque, sheltered from the winds valley, by the sea, in the protected area of the Piundo-Musser Biosphere Reserve, next to the former state dachas of Stalin and Gorbachev. If you are looking for a vacation completely isolated from the outside world, this is what you need. (average price per person is 1500 rubles)

Hotels and private hotels.

In recent years, quite a few new hotel complexes have been rebuilt in Pitsunda with modern rooms from standard to super suites, many of which have not only rooms with a high level of comfort, but also their own parking lot, gym, court, pool. As an example, the club-hotel "Dolphin", which also owns its own sand and pebble beach. Price at peak season per person 3500 per day.
And also more modest hotels are "Iren" located at the entrance to the city (prices from 1400), "Aspara", "Iceberg", "Palma" located in the village of Ldzaa with very decent living conditions and prices from 800 rubles

Recently rebuilt cottage complex "Pshada" with comfortable, modern houses and affordable prices. A significant advantage is the proximity to Ldzaa beach, and its own dining room. prices from 1300 rubles.

A friendly family located right behind the relic grove are private houses, designed mainly for less demanding tourists, which, of course, are rented out all season and are located in Ldzaa.
Prices range from 400 rubles for a double room (with amenities on the street), and from 1000 rubles a double room with amenities in the room, with split system, TV and refrigerator. There are, of course, instances for a more demanding taste and wallet.
And you can completely rent a turnkey house for 5-10 people from 400 rubles per person.

Suburb (Ldzaa and the fish factory)

I explain that in Pitsunda there are not so many places for vacationers to stay, mainly apartments in five-story buildings. The private sector and hotels are concentrated in the nearby picturesque villages. Literally a few kilometers from the center of Pitsunda is the village of Ldzaa (as the locals call it), visitors often call it Lizawa, a quiet and cozy corner, right behind a pine grove located on the seashore.

Travelers with tents are located in a pine grove.

Next to Ldzaa is the fish factory area,

Despite its completely non-lyrical name, there is a wide, long sandy beach, the private sector consists mainly of five-story panels and small private houses. On the shore there is a small car camping with tent vacationers.

What are the prices for vacation

Immediately upon arrival, try to purchase a sim card of local operators. In Abkhazia there are two A-Mobile (tariff "Resort") and Akvafon (tariff "sea"). They also provide mobile Internet service, connection is free.

The cost of living here is minimal. In the Ldzaa district, housing prices from 200 rubles per person for living in a room with amenities on the street, and from 500 rubles per person in a room with a bathroom, split system, and household appliances. You can also save if you rent a turnkey house for 5-10 people from 400 rubles per person.In the area of the fish factory there is a car camping price of 500 rubles per car and 4 passengers.

It is convenient to book hotels on booking, and you can compare prices from different sites here. If you prefer to live in the private sector - apartments, apartments and rooms can be viewed here.

In the dining room, a complex lunch will cost 100-150 rubles

Taxi from Pitsunda to Ldzaa 100 rubles

If you go on excursions with local UAZ cars, it will be cheaper than a tour operator.

The main attractions. What to watch

Pitsunda is a small resort town with a rich history, unique natural monuments, and historical sights. Here is a list of places worth visiting.

1. Pitsunda Reserve

2. Pitsunda fortress

3. The private museum of George Khetsuriani "Old Mill"

4. Pitsunda Embankment

5. Lake Ritsa

6. Blue Lake

7. Gegsky and Dairy Falls

8. Yupshar Gorge

9. New Athos caves

Top 5

Here once was a city built back in the 2nd century BC. Now you can see the ruins of the ancient city of Pituit, which was part of the Pontic kingdom. This is a whole archaeological complex, on the site of an ancient settlement.

1.Pitsundsky reserve.

2. Pitsunda fortress
On the territory of the complex is the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called (Pitsunda Temple) and ancient buildings: fortress walls, ruins of the Byzantine basilica, Assumption Chapel. The Museum of Pitsunda History is also located here. To plunge into history you need to come to the address: Gybts St., 2. You can get there every day from 10 in the morning, the entrance is 50 rubles.

3. The private museum of George Khetsuriani "Old Mill"
Another interesting object is the private museum of Georgy Khetsuriani aka "The Old Mill". Ethnographic exhibits of the past are collected here. One of the most striking is the Phaeton from the "Mercedes" of the 30s of the twentieth century. The museum is located in Ldzaa on Adamia Street 3

4. Pitsunda embankment.
Here you will see a bamboo alley, many palm trees, boxwood bushes, manicured lawns, and, of course, majestic, with huge paws of pine. Near the Apsny building, the Pitsunda symbol is the sculpture "Divers" by Zurab Tseriteli.

If you walk along the coast along the buildings towards the lighthouse, you will see the creation of another sculptor Merab Berdzenishvili "Medea - the daughter of Tsar Colchis", as well as a lighthouse, a street mosaic.

5. Lake Ritsa
A miracle of local nature, a mountain lake of glacial-tectonic origin. Incredible in beauty and grandeur, shrouded in legends, never freezing Ritsa. It is pointless to describe - you must see. Of course, the human presence spoils the impression somewhat, but all this is a manifestation of our culture, there is no getting around it.

6. Blue Lake
Even in the most inclement weather, its color remains unrealistically bright blue, maybe because of the color of the eyes of a drowned old man (according to legend), or maybe because of lazurite deposits at the bottom (as scientists believe). The lake is very cold, in the hottest days it does not warm up above +10. and small in diameter, its area is only 180 sq.m., but very deep.

7. Waterfalls
Milky Falls, located on the other side of the Ritsa, on the way to Stalin's dacha. Height is approximately 100 meters. On the ledges you can climb higher and swim in the bowl. According to legend, the one who bathes in its clear waters, heals and rejuvenates for several years. Usually they take bottles with them, pour water.
Gegsky or Circassian waterfall, the most famous in Abkhazia. Height 60-70 meters. Very beautiful, spectacular. Water falls directly from a sheer cliff. It is unlikely to be able to drive a personal car, the road is a very dangerous narrow serpentine. The easiest way is to make a pleasant walk (about 6 km.). Although the locals carry there on cars with cross-country type UAZ.

On the way to Ritsa we drive through not large waterfalls of Male and Female tears, take ribbons with you, here traditionally make wishes.

8. Yupshar Gorge

The height of the rocks reaches 500 meters, and the width in some places is 50 meters. Here, the greatness of nature is fully manifested. Next to such a whopper you are especially keenly aware of the fragility of being.

9. New Athos caves
Very impressive sight! The caves are among the largest in the world. An underground electric train drives to the caves. The cave is pretty cool +11, keep this in mind when visiting. Entrance 400 rubles, children (up to 7 years) cheaper. At the box office is usually the turn.

Beaches. Which are better

One of the advantages of the coastline in Pitsunda is the lack of a motorway or railway lines nearby (unlike Sochi, Adler, Lazarevsky).

Pitsunda is famous for its clear sea and beaches.

1. Central beach

The most famous beach in the center of Pitsunda on the territory of the Pitsunda Sanatorium complex offers all the traditional types of beach activities: jet skis, parachutes, catamarans, boat trips, etc. There are changing cabins, toilets, sun loungers, standard prices. A shady pedestrian alley stretches along the beach. In the shade of pine trees, in the park there are not numerous cafes, refrigerators with ice cream and water, a sports ground, a volleyball court, a children's town, bike rental 70 rubles an hour, 400-500 rubles a day.

2. Ldzaa Beach

Further, Ldzaa beach is very picturesque. The beach, several kilometers long, is pebble, fenced off from the village by a green shady grove, in which it is so nice to hide from the heat of the day without leaving the sea. Therefore, in the afternoon, the grove is filled with vacationers. There is also a rental point for ATVs, bicycles and scooters. Nearby are cafes and dining rooms. The water here is the cleanest on the entire coast, even swimming a few meters from the coast, you still see the bottom underneath. Merchants traditionally walk along the shore offering local specialties in the form of mullet, mussels and shrimp. Among them there is one elderly woman, such a dry old woman, Isergil. She sells the most delicious khachapur with cottage cheese, which she herself makes, if you see it boldly try it!

3. Sandy beach of the Fish Factory

The beach in the Rybzavod area is sandy, wide, not crowded, because not every eagle will fly into this remote place. There is almost no intrusive service and benefits of civilization, but amazing warm sand, a wonderful entrance to the water and a flat sandy bottom. For children and the elderly, this is just a godsend.

And dolphins quite often come here.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Pitsunda Temple

Part of the Pitsunda Fortress archeological complex is the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called (Pitsunda Temple) A unique monument of Abkhaz medieval architecture. Its walls have unique acoustics to emphasize this feature, in 1975 it housed an organ made in Germany and the second largest in the former union. And today in the temple you can listen to organ music. The concert starts daily at 17.00, the price is 400 rubles.

New Athos Monastery.

You can get on the bus yourself or buy a tour. True from the parking lot still climb up the path. He is very handsome! With a rich history and interior, the walls inside are painted with frescoes.

Museums Which are worth a visit

There are few museums in Pitsunda: the Pitsunda History Museum in the Pitsunda Fortress complex in the center of Pitsunda and the Old Mill Private Museum of George Khetsuriani

Parks

All Pitsunda is a continuous park. But still behind the Temple towards the market, there is a cozy park in a classic representation with shady alleys, lawns, palm trees, oleanders and magnolia.

Tourist streets

A large tourist street stretches from Pitsunda temple to the sea. As in any resort town, it is full of stalls, cafes, wine shops with free tasting directly from barrels, souvenir shops, fruit and sheepskin merchants. They stretch to the intersection and end at the gates of the Checkpoint on the territory of the resort complex. Further along the alley to the beach you will enjoy the beauty of well-groomed plants, among which you will even find bamboo.

What to see in 1 day

Of course, Ritsa Lake!

If you go to Lake Ritsa, then along the way you can see several interesting places and natural attractions at once. You can buy a tour from local tour operators (the price is 1200 per person), or you can go on your own car. Departure is usually at 9 a.m.

At the entrance to the reserve payment of 350 rubles.

The road to Ritsa stretches along a picturesque gorge along the Bzyb River.

At the beginning of the road near the village of Bzyb you will see the ruins of an old fortress of the 9th century. After a few kilometers, not far from the road, a grove of Himalayan cedar. After 15 kilometers, be sure to stop at the Beautiful Blue Lake. The slopes covered with dense forests, mountain rivers, overhanging cliffs will accompany you throughout the trip, but such cliffs and gloomy beauty that open at the entrance to the Yupshar Gorge are simply mesmerizing. At this point the rivers Gega and Yupshara merge. If you walk several kilometers (about 6), you will see Gegsky waterfall. Such a riot of nature and such a roar of a stream of cool water on a hot day, makes you experience a real surge of strength and joy. At an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, a stunning view! Then there will be a stop at the waterfalls, female and male tears, of course, these streams correspond to their name and are still beautiful! We will visit a small observation deck "Farewell to the motherland." Here, at one glance down, the spirit captures and freezes the heart. And here she is, the main purpose of the trip! Surrounded by mountains, the beautiful Ritsa herself! Here you can relax for a snack in one of the many cafes on the beach, swim on a catamaran. And here, in a pile of firewood, a badger lives, the children just squeal with delight when he busily picks up food with small handles and defiantly bursts, in front of an enthusiastic audience. If you go around the lake on the right, you will get to Milky Falls,

rejuvenated in its cool waters, if there are forces left, we follow to the Malaya Ritsa lake. It is less known among tourists, and therefore less crowded. A path of 5 km leads to it. through the forest along the mountainside, it takes about 1.5 hours to get there, but the sight is worth it.

If you rise to an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level, then the gorgeous Alpine meadows will open your eyes

On the slope of such a day, in spite of fatigue, you feel truly happy!

What to see in the surroundings

In addition to excursions to Lake Ritsa, you can visit the nearby cities of Gagra, New Athos, Sukhum. In each there is something to see.

Gagra is simply beautiful and larger than Pitsunda.

You can go all day for a walk along the eucalyptus alley, visit the seaside arboretum, and the mini-zoo located in it, the famous colonnade, the mosaic maze, the Gagripsh restaurant. In Gagra there is a water park, you can have fun and actively spend time with children. For a bite to eat at the Mojito Bar & Grill on the beach. Before departure, go to the Continent shopping center
New Athos is, of course, the famous Caves and Monastery, as well as a beach strewn with shells.
Sukhumi is worth a visit already because it is the capital of Abkhazia.
Olympic facilities are located not far from Abkhazia in Sochi.

hint: Routes to neighboring cities Pitsunda - Gagra 17 km Pitsunda - Sukhum 56 km Pitsunda - New Athos 40 km Pitsunda - Sochi 68 km Pitsunda - Adler 46 km

Food. What to try

What to try? Of course, traditional national cuisine, dishes prepared on the grill, local fish and seafood, fruits. Each kitchen has its own peculiarities; in the Abkhazian it is fragrant spices, spices and spicy sauces, which are prepared from dishes unusual for Russian cuisine, barberry, cherry plum, tomatoes and even grapes.

Fruits

In Abkhazia, food is growing everywhere! If you even scratch something, it will turn out to be a blackberry bush or hazelnut. Therefore, eat fruit! Pomegranates, persimmons, feijoa, grapes, blackberries, tangerines, nuts, etc. Moreover, the prices allow.

Cheeses

Try Abkhazian cheeses. There are several types of them here: Suluguni, Akhacha, soft curd cheese, Achayur, soft wineskin cheese and delicious smoked cheese (ashvadza). an average of 200 rubles per kg.

Hominy

You should try the traditional dish of mamalyga. At the heart of this dish is fresh cereal made from corn grits or flour. Hominy served hot on a wooden board or in a bowl. Slices of suluguni cheese are placed on top of the hot porridge. They eat mamalyga by hands, dipping in a hot sauce of beans, hot pepper and garlic (lobio), sometimes with the addition of meat. Quite an unusual and tasty dish. 100-300 rubles

Khachapur

Of course, the famous Abkhaz Khachapur! Tortilla made of thin tender dough stuffed inside with brackish cheese, served hot khachapur. When you order, it is worth considering that this is a rather large pie, which is enough for three. 150-300 rubles.

Fish

There are many species of fish in Abkhazia. In view of the abundance of water bodies, marine, river and lake fish are abundant here. Try river trout, baked in foil on charcoal or grill, a very tasty fish, you’ll just lick your fingers, and if you’ve caught it yourself! Be sure to try the barbule, a sea fish with the most tender meat, which is generally difficult to refuse. 300-500 rubles per serving

Black Sea mussels, oysters, shrimps also deserve attention.

Meat with sauces

Meat, Abkhazians prefer cooked on a spit. This is lamb and beef, less often pork. Meat dishes are served with hot local sauces, the recipes of which are a great variety of tomato, cherry plum and white sauce with spices and herbs, as well as traditional spicy adjika. from 200 rubles per 100 grams

Wine and Chacha

Wine, a traditional drink that is served for lunch and on holidays, usually a red, rich aromatic wine made from Isabella grapes. A lot of Abkhazians know the recipe and technology for making wines, usually the owners will gladly treat guests and tell the story of the birth of this wine. from 150-200 rubles per liter. Chacha grape vodka is also very popular.

In addition to domestic wines in Abkhazia there are many wines produced by a local factory. These are Apsny, Lykhny, Radeda, etc., which are widely known in Russia. the price is 170 rubles per bottle. The price in Russia is 370-450 rubles

Of course, there are also outright fakes in the form of grape cake diluted with water and alcohol flavored with flavorings, but this is usually in street stalls, just be careful.

Budgetary

There are a lot of places where you can eat cheaply and without harm to health, here are a couple of examples: Dining room at the Pshada Hotel, Dining Room Amza near the market in the center of Pitsunda, Dining Room a delicious cafe in pine trees right on Tropicanka Beach

Mid level

Cafe "Teremok", Cafe in pines on the banks of the "Tropicanka", Bar "Abaata" is located near the building of the police department of the village of Pitsunda

Expensive

You will not find too expensive elite establishments in Pitsunda, basically all are designed for tourists with an average income.

Holidays

Throughout the history of the people of Abkhazia, under the influence of various factors of religious beliefs and historical events. Holidays at the Abkhazians are spectacular with elements of a certain theatricality, with incendiary dances, contests.

Security. What to watch out for

Do not leave a car or windows open for a minute, or leave valuables unattended. As in any country, there are also petty thieves and scammers here. Be carefull!

Things to do

If you are tired of lying on the beach, or you are in principle sick of vegetable rest, rent a bike and go for a walk. For example, the route to Auadhara and Lake Mzu has many cycling routes. If you want a short one is not tiring, then ride to Lake Inquit, it is not big, but very picturesque. Its length is 1,200 m, width is 500 m, the depth of the lake is about 5 m. In ancient times, Pitsunda was an island, and Lake Inkit was its inner harbor. Today, carps live in the lake, and waterfowl live on its shores.

Or take a walk to Mamdzykhshu Mountain. The height of the mountain is 1878 m. Mamdzyshha.At the top of the mountain there is an observation deck from which panoramas of amazing beauty are opened: from the south Pitsunda is visible, from the north - the Bzybsky ridge is perfectly visible, in the east Gudauta is visible.

In Abkhazia there are many hiking routes, horseback riding in the highlands.

It is very nice to make such a trip on a hot day in the cool of a shady forest, admire the generous beauties of local nature

Shopping and shops

Shopping in Abkhazia is certainly a colorful Abkhazian market, which offers a variety of local fruits, homemade wines, cheeses, cheese, spices, and much more. The main feature is that here you can bargain and significantly reduce the initial price of the goods.

The rest of the shopping is the street trade in various souvenirs and beach items. There are no large supermarkets or MALLs here.

If you need some everyday things and products, then you can buy them in small shops in Pitsunda or when visiting Gagra, go to the large Continent supermarket located not far from the market.

Bars Where to go

Cafe on the 15th floor of the Bzyb building

There is a cafe on the roof of one of the high-rise buildings of the Pitsunda Resort-and-Defense Enterprise, I can’t praise either the service, the kitchen, or the design solution. More like a Soviet canteen, but look !!! It is worth wandering here to enjoy this splendor.

Cafe "Pitsunda"

On the shore there is a rather large open restaurant "Pitsunda", a very Soviet type from the 70s. He begins his work in the morning, and in the evening beckons with pleasant sounds of music and garlands of lights.

"Aspara"

Near the checkpoint to the beach is the restaurant complex "Aspara" it is difficult not to notice it. A large two-story log cabin with tables in the park area and a fountain in the middle. It serves traditional Abkhaz cuisine.

cafe "Teremok"

Near the cafe "Teremok" is located at the end of the shopping center, opposite the building of the House of Culture. The facility is cozy, bright and really looks like a fabulous tower. Prices are above average, but they also cook deliciously and serve well. The territory of the cafe is very extensive and is located among the pines. Fresh air and coolness guaranteed. There are tables both under the open sky and under the roof. Another plus, here you can drink a cup of good Turkish coffee.

cafe "Tropicanka".

Very popular cafe "Tropicana". Great location in relict Pitsunda pines right on the beach. Outdoor summer cafe with wooden tables and benches, prepare delicious boats and khachapuri

cafe bob marley

Right next to the destroyed building of the fish factory (by the way, it ended its existence back in the days of Gorbachev) Cafe with a huge portrait of Bob Marley on the wall and pleasant relaxing music in the reggae style, an artificial pond and all sorts of cute little things. Refreshing drinks and traditional cuisine.

bar "Captain Black"

In the farthest corner, luring visitors with the sounds of light music and shady arbors from palm leaves and reeds, the very atmospheric Captain Black bar is located.

In the dense shade of the arbors, bamboo hammocks are pulled up, where you can spend several hours in the shade for a moderate fee. Play beach volleyball or swim on a mattress. In the evenings, torches are placed on the shore, in the middle there is a stage for various shows, so evenings are fun and incendiary. Inside the exotic bar, which is a building made of natural materials with a canopy and heavy oak furniture, plasma hangs on the walls and lovers gather here in the evening here for a glass of local beer and watch the next sports match.

As for the cuisine, in almost all cafes they will offer you delicious khachapur, trout, salmon, barbecue, mamalygu, and of course home-made wine, the prices in all establishments are quite affordable.

Clubs and nightlife

There are, of course, no clubs in the metropolitan format in Pitsunda, but you can sit in the cool of the evening in a cafe, have a tasty meal, drink wine and even dance to pop music hits. In the evening, all establishments work, pleasant music is heard everywhere, but since the cafes are located at some distance from each other and do not try to compete with each other in the volume of musical accompaniment, we get a pretty pleasant walk from one institution to another. It is lit by garlands of lights of the Pitsunda cafe on the beach of the resort complex, it smells nice of barbecue from the Aspara restaurant complex. In Ldzaa, the cafes also comfortably located invite guests. Be sure to set aside an evening to visit the Captain Black bar.

a very interesting establishment, right on the sandy beach by the sea. Here you can see a fire show, a bartender show, fireworks, contests, bonfires, prize drawings, OPEN AIR, a disco on the sand, night bathing in the sea, club music of various styles sometimes come DJ 'from Sochi and other cities. Entrance on such days may be paid, but usually it is a symbolic amount.

Extreme sports

Rafting Rafting.

In Abkhazia, you can make rafting on the mountain river Bzyb. This is a relatively safe entertainment. Eleven meter alloy. ends on Blue Lake. A detailed briefing will be carried out previously, and you will be given life jackets and helmets. For 1300 rubles, you will definitely enjoy incomparably greater pleasure.

Kayaking

For desperate extreme sports, kayaking. But this is for specially trained people, athletes

Paragliding

Another popular attraction is paragliding from Mamzyzka Mountain. Price from 60S

Diving

The secrets of the sunken cities of Pitiunda and Inakopia hide the sea off these shores, so diving is developed here for those who want to admire the ruins and marine life. Diving is also possible on the lakes, with the aim of exploring underwater caves.

Rock climbing

You can try your hand at climbing, not far from Ritsa simple routes have been developed for beginners, but there are more difficult routes.

Mountain climbing

If you decide not to limit yourself to walking along the hills with well-trodden hiking trails, then you can organize a difficult trip high into the mountains.

Of course, this requires appropriate equipment and good physical fitness. Before embarking on such a trip, it is necessary to notify the Abkhaz Emergency Management Department:

Sukhum, st. Confederates, 12
Dispatch service phone: + 7-840-229-75-57, + 7-840-226-30-49, 01.
From a mobile phone - 001.

Jeeping and horseback riding

And of course, traditionally jeeping and horseback riding is not very extreme, but it can also be interesting.
So active and courageous will not be bored! Adrenaline and an unforgettable experience guaranteed!

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

A wonderful gift will be homemade wine in a beautiful ceramic bottle or chacha (grape vodka), as well as smoked homemade cheese, and of course, that grows on this rich fertile land: hazelnuts (better than fresh crops) are several times cheaper here, tangerines, persimmons , bunches of bay leaf branches, eucalyptus bath brooms, dried fruits, alpine healing honey, carpets, sheepskin products. An interesting souvenir can be a jar with beautifully spiced spices. And you can find a sea pebble on the shore with a through hole is a sure sign of happiness and fulfillment of desires :-)

How to get around the city

The easiest way is to take a taxi, and the cheapest way is on foot, because the town is small, the distance from Pitsunda to Ldzaa is 4 km.

rates:

Minibus taxi:

Psou Gagra- 50r

Psou Pitsunda-70r

Psou-Athos-100r

Psou-Sukhum-150r

Private taxi:

Psou Gagra-500r

Psou Gudauta-1000r

Psou-Sukhum-1500-2000r

A trip to cities on average costs 100-150 rubles.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxi drivers ply around the clock. 100 rubles are needed to get from Ldzaa to the center of Pitsunda (4 km.), Depending on the time of day. Taxi - this is any local, who is for money, who is ready to give you a lift, there are official operators, you can order a car by phone.

Trams

There are no trams.

Underground

There is no subway.

Buses

There are also minibuses and buses to Pitsunda-Ldzaa-Rybzavod directions. They do not have a specific schedule. Departure time as the seats are filled, so sometimes it takes a long time to wait. Price from 20 rubles. There are intercity buses Pitsunda-Gagra-Psou also with an approximate timetable, these are not large comfortable buses, but buses like PAZ or GAZelle minibuses, sometimes foreign cars, as well as passing buses Sukhum-Novy Afon-Pitsunda-Gagra-Psou

bus station: +7 (840) -229-22-00

Vehicle rental

No car rental.

Often, locals for a fee are willing to take their guests on excursions and various interesting places themselves, as well as organize a transfer to the border or to the station. That is, you can only rent a car with a driver. It is not recommended to rent a car, even if offered.

Tips for motorists

Traffic regulations in Abkhazia are observed only by visitors; locals usually travel on their own, so be careful!

In addition, local cows are absolutely sure that the best place to relax is on the road, so cows lying on the road can be seen very often

Pitsunda - Holidays with children

Rest with children is quite possible, a wonderful warm sea, a unique climate, a lot of children's entertainment and interesting excursions. Of the features in the first five days, adaptation to the climate is possible, but this is very individual. I recommend taking a first-aid kit with antipyretic drugs, and remedies for poisoning, diarrhea and dysbiosis. Pharmacies in Pitsunda, of course, are, but it happens that you don’t have the funds that you are used to using. And let your rest not be overshadowed. The rest, I think, the child will have a lot of positive emotions, vivid impressions, plus increased immunity and a charge of vitality and health for the whole year.

Ski vacation

In Abkhazia there are no ski slopes and ski lifts. But for freeriding, you can find interesting routes, book heli-skiing in Arabica or go with the locals towards Ritsa Island.

For lovers of comfort and civilization, 100 km from Pitsunda, is Krasnaya Polyana, with its beautiful new ski resort "Rosa Khutor". This is a modern, comfortable resort, operates all year round and meets the highest international standards of service and security. 77 km. ski trail of any difficulty level, with a height difference of 1535 m. There is a ski school and equipment rental.

Ski passes

In the season 2015-2016, several types of ski passes will operate at the Rosa Khutor resort: Individual, Children's, Family, as well as Seasonal for adults, children or students. New: Year-round ski pass entitling you to visit the resort year-round

Trails

The total length of slopes of various difficulty levels in the season is 77 km, 18 lifts. Modern snowmaking system for 404 stationary and 25 mobile snow cannons. The ski season lasts up to 140 days a year, depending on the height of the tracks.