Gagra
People come to Gagra to combine two rhythms of vacation: on one side, a five-kilometer pebble bay where the water warms up to +27 °C in August; on the other, the colonnade, Primorsky Park, and the Gagripsh restaurant from 1902. It was this restaurant that Prince Oldenburgsky envisioned as a Russian Riviera. From the Psou checkpoint to Gagra is only 23 km — which is why half of all guests come here for a weekend from Adler.
Old Gagra: the Colonnade, Primorsky Park, and Gagripsh in an Hour-Long Walk
The resort’s historic core stretches along the slopes of Mount Mamdzyshkha. The walk begins at the Moorish-style colonnade, passes through Primorsky Park — laid out in 1902–1903 — and ends at the Abaata fortress. Inside the fortress there is an active Church of St. Hypatius.
Along the way you’ll see the wooden Gagripsh restaurant. It was assembled in 1902 from Norwegian parts without a single nail. Its terrace still overlooks the sea. From the slope you can also spot Prince Oldenburgsky’s castle. Visitors are not yet allowed inside — for now you can only view the building from the outside.
People settle in Old Gagra for the atmosphere and quiet. Old dachas remain here, cypresses grow, and in the evenings the streets empty out.
New Gagra is distinguished by its dense infrastructure: this is where you’ll find the central beach and the market, with churchkhela, suluguni cheese, and homemade Isabella wine on sale.
Among the 53 hotels in Gagra you can find options for every preference: for example, Aura City Hotel 3* for 4,320 ₽ or Amra Park‑Hotel & Spa for 16,000 ₽.
Ritsa, Pitsunda, and Mamdzyshkha: Day Trips Out of Town
The swimming season runs from June through September. In August the water warms up to +27 °C. That same month, accommodation costs 2–3 times more than in the off-season.
September is called the velvet season: daytime temperatures reach +25 °C, the sea stays warm, and the embankments grow noticeably quieter. This is the best time to visit if you dislike heat and big crowds.
The main day trip is a journey to Lake Ritsa. The drive along the mountain serpentine takes about two hours one way. Along the route you’ll see the Blue Lake and the Yupshara Canyon.
Pitsunda is half an hour away. There a relict pine grove and the cleanest stretch of sea on this part of the coast await you.
To take in the panorama, climb the serpentine road up Mount Mamdzyshkha (elevation 1,873 m). From the observation deck a view opens up across the bay — from Pitsunda all the way to Adler.
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Frequently asked questions about Gagra
July and August are the choice for a beach holiday: air temperatures of +27…+29 °C and water at +27 °C. September is the velvet season: around +25 °C during the day, the sea is still warm, and prices are lower than in summer. That option is best if you want to avoid the heat and the crowds.
The Lastochka train takes about 2.5 hours — border control is done right on board. A taxi or transfer is faster: the trip takes 45–60 minutes and you skip the queue at the checkpoint. The cheapest option is bus No. 558 to the border, and after passing through control you switch to a marshrutka.
Old Gagra suits those who value calm: the streets are quiet, there's a park and historic dachas, but the infrastructure is less developed. New Gagra is closer to the central beach, the market, and the cafés. This area is more convenient for families and for anyone who wants different services within walking distance.
Be sure to visit:
- the Abaata fortress with the Church of St. Hypatius;
- the Zhoekvara Gorge — it lies right behind the fortress;
- Prince Oldenburgsky's castle on the slope of Mamdzyshkha.
If you plan to spend a full day on excursions, head to Lake Ritsa through the Yupshara Canyon, or visit the relict pine grove in Pitsunda.