Gagra pos tsandripsh at Sasha and Nana. Pos. Tsandripsh (Abkhazia) - reviews from tourists. Guest house "Breeze" Tsandripsh

The urban-type settlement Tsandrypsh (Tsandripsh) in the very west of the Gagra region of Abkhazia is better known under the old name Gantiadi.

It lies on the shores of the Black Sea in a small bay into which several mountain rivers flow - Lapsta (Laps), Mekhadyr, Khashupsa (Khashupse) and Bagrepsta (Cold River), just 5 kilometers east of the border with Russia.

Despite its modest modern size, this is a very ancient place - various Bronze Age products were found on the territory of the village, and until the 6th century Sauchi, as the settlement was then called, was the capital first of the principality of Sanigia, and then of the historical province of Sadzen (the so-called Minor Abkhazia) . In the 18th-19th centuries, the region was actively populated by Russians and Armenians; residents of the Baltic republics also moved here (the Estonian villages of Salme and Sulevo in the Psou Valley still have quite a significant population), which formed an amazing multicultural community here, which has retained many of its features to this day. days.

Sights of Tsandripsh

Tsandrypsh temple

The main historical monument of the region is Tsandrypsh temple, or Tsandrypsh Basilica- a unique complex of the Justinian era. It was presumably built in the 6th century on the site of an older complex and is richly decorated with marble, deposits of which are still being mined further up the Mehadir River valley. Built, like many temples of that era, from large hewn blocks of white limestone, it was carefully plastered on the inside - traces of decoration have survived in some places to this day - and decorated with carved elements of marble - they are still found in abundance around. By all indications, the complex had excellent acoustics, which was only enhanced by the “sound jars” characteristic of that period, embedded in the walls, as well as by expanding rooms in the pre-altar part. It is characteristic that the complex was initially built using a technology quite typical for an earlier period - wooden vaults and ceilings were supported by powerful stone walls. However, during the alterations of the 15th-16th centuries, the walls were strengthened with pilasters, and the stone ceiling and vaults began to rest on a number of additional pillars.

At the same time, a small fortress- powerful foundations of three towers and fragments of walls are still visible 150 meters to the east. In the eastern part of the southern nave there are several tombs VI-XI centuries, plus about a dozen more burials from different eras were found in the surrounding area. In 1576, the temple was partially destroyed by the Turks and was never restored, and in Soviet times it was preserved by restorers in the hope of more detailed study. Quite well preserved for its age, the Tsandrypshsky Temple is now one of the most significant architectural monuments of the early Middle Ages.

Around Tsandripsh

Khashup fortress

7 km upstream of the Khashupsa River (Khashupse), on its left bank rises Mount Deransort(407 m), topped with ruins Khashup fortress, more often referred to simply by the name of the river and the nearby village of the same name. By all indications, it was one of the most powerful fortifications of the early Middle Ages (the construction dates back approximately to the 10th century), which grew on the site of a fort that was clearly built in antiquity (presumably the 1st-2nd centuries AD).

Two rows of walls made of cut limestone, up to 8-10 meters high in places, with a base thickness of about two meters, are very skillfully integrated into the landscape and topped with powerful quadrangular towers. A powerful stone staircase with wide steps leads to the massive gate; the rest of the perimeter is impregnable due to cliffs and a carefully planned system of firing sectors. Several more foundations of buildings of unknown purpose were found in the dense forest near the fortress complex, and inside the double ring of walls a large three-apse basilica and an entire system for collecting rainwater with a cistern and peculiar filters made of sand and gravel were discovered.

As a result, it is easy to imagine what a formidable force this structure once represented, which today is abundantly overgrown with blackberries and wild grapes. And if you climb the ruins of the watchtower, you can see a majestic panorama from the azure coast in the south to the snowy peaks of the Bzyb ridge in the north. You can get to the fortress along the road from Tsandrypsh, leading north along the picturesque river valley to the village of Khashupsa, after which the road turns to Bagnari, and a path goes to the left, leading past the cliffs to the ruins.

White Rocks

It is interesting that the surroundings of Tsandrypsh have also been famous for their marble since antiquity. This is the only place along the entire Black Sea coast of Russia and Abkhazia where the precious stone has not only been mined since antiquity (it is believed that all early Christian temples in the region were decorated with local stone), but in many places it simply openly comes to the surface - and not only in the mountains , but also at sea. So called White rocks of Tsandrypsha represent the exit of a marble layer directly onto the beach in the south-eastern part of the town. And in the upper reaches of Khashupse and Mahadyr, marble of different colors is developed using an open-pit method.

Cold River

About 7 km southeast of the center of Tsandrypsh on the seashore lies the resort village of Kholodnaya Rechka.

Where is Tsandripsh

Tsandrypsh is located on the shore of a small bay approximately 5 kilometers east of the Russian border.

How to get to Tsandripsh

The easiest way to get to Tsandrypsh is by flight to Adler, followed by crossing the border (to the checkpoint from the airport about 20 minutes by bus or minibus) on foot and transferring to Abkhaz taxis, buses or minibuses traveling through the entire territory of the republic. By bus along the highway you can get to Tsandrypsh in about 15 minutes. There are also direct buses and minibuses from Adler airport, you can also hire a taxi directly to the place, however, due to the fact that there are often huge queues at the car checkpoint, using them can sometimes be inconvenient. However, due to Tsandrypsh’s proximity to the border, in some cases this route turns out to be even faster.

By train you can take direct flight No. 075C Moscow - Sukhum - in Adler several cars are uncoupled and travel further to Sukhum via Tsandrypsh and Gagry. Customs and passport control is carried out directly in the cars at the Veseloye station (on the Russian side) and at the Tsandrypsh station (on the Abkhazian side), however, due to its duration (often up to an hour and a half at the border, to which it is worth adding two days in transit to and from 2 hours after) this method of moving is not convenient for everyone.

From the Russian station Adler to Sukhum via Tsandrypsh and Gagra there is a comfortable train, the schedule of which changes every year. Taking into account the border parking lot in Vesely and numerous stops at intermediate stations, the entire journey to Tsandrypsh will take about an hour.

👁 5.8k (15 per week) ⏱️ 4 min.

Tsandripsh (the old name of the village is Gantiadi) is a quiet and cozy resort on the Black Sea, located just 5 km from the Russian-Abkhaz border. The small and unassuming Abkhazian place is especially in demand among those who prefer to tour on their own by car. Thanks to convenient transport interchanges and the nearby Sukhumi highway, even for an inexperienced traveler it will not be difficult to quickly get to any populated area of ​​the republic.
Previously, Tsandripsh was a fairly popular resort. Vacationers from all over the USSR came here in search of calm and measured recreation among palm trees, cypresses, magnolias and oleanders. Today, after a long decline, the tourism business is gradually gaining momentum; every year more and more campsites, boarding houses and sanatoriums are opening in the village. Living in the private sector with hospitable and friendly hosts who rent out their homes for a nominal fee has not lost its relevance.

History of the development of Tsandripsh

The history of Tsandripsh goes back more than 10 thousand years. The settlement was famous throughout the Caucasus as one of the largest and richest ports, which was visited daily by ships carrying goods from Crimea, Constantinople and other Black Sea cities. Merchants came here to participate in fairs and buy honey, wax, utensils, high-quality fabric and clothing from local residents. Historical vicissitudes contributed to either the extinction or the revival of the village, which eventually became part of the Russian village of Pilenkovo, and hosted on its territory one of the bloodiest battles during the struggle to establish Soviet power.
The modern period of Tsadripsha's heyday occurred in the 50s of the 20th century. The village grew, tobacco and wine production began to develop, large houses appeared, shops, cafes and cinemas opened. The first camping site began operating in 1955, and since then, crowds of tourists come here every year to improve their health, swim in the clear sea and enjoy landscapes of extraordinary beauty.

Climate and natural conditions of Tsandripsh

Tsandripsh received special recognition in Abkhazia and beyond as an ideal place for children, teenagers and families, for which all conditions are created here. The climate of the village is mild, the predominance of sunny days and comfortable temperatures is clearly visible. The weather in Tsandripsha in the summer is consistently warm, thanks to the gentle terrain and clear sea. The swimming season is quite long - it lasts from May to October, traditionally the hottest months are July and August. A special feature of the sea water off the coast of Abkhazia is its low salt content (18 g/liter), making swimming here extremely pleasant and a pleasure.

There are no sandy beaches in Abkhazia - the entire coastal zone is covered with pebbles with small inclusions of shells. The beach in Tsandripsh is straight and long, 5 km long and up to 200 m wide in some places, the entrance to the sea is perfectly flat, convenient even for the smallest children. The surface of the water is emerald-azure, the snow-white tops of the waves are visible on the horizon, and during the daytime a pleasant and refreshing breeze filled with iodine particles blows into your face.
The gentle sun quickly heats up the coastal pebbles, so swimming in the sea and air baths can begin from the very early morning. The sound of the sea surf gives peace and tranquility, and in the water area you can watch fishing boats or frolicking dolphins.
Tourists can rent jet skis, parachutes and catamarans, beach accessories: sun loungers and umbrellas, mattresses, vests. Scuba divers and scuba diving enthusiasts have chosen a wild beach of extraordinary beauty called “White Rocks” with crystal clear water and an underwater world that amazes even the most experienced diver. Formed due to the exposure of layers of marble to the surface, the rocks perfectly reflect sunlight, and therefore the tan here lies especially evenly.

Sights of Tsandripsh

A stay in the village will appeal to lovers of excursions. Tsandripsh, its shrines and attractions are known far beyond the borders of Abkhazia: historical monuments, temples, monasteries, ruins of ancient fortresses and basilicas, natural parks, delightful canyons, picturesque river mouths.
In the center of Tsandripsh there is the main historical monument of the region - a temple of the 6th-8th centuries. Built from voluminous limestone blocks and decorated with carved marble elements, the sanctuary has been well preserved to this day. Nearby are the remains of the fortress walls and foundations of the ancient city of Tsandripsh, as well as a cemetery with tombs of the 6th-11th centuries.
Near the sea, you can admire the Gantiad Basilica, built in the 6th century. AD The vaults, partly the walls and the font for the Christian baptismal rite have survived to this day. The temple is decorated with a large amount of Turkish marble and was considered one of the largest religious monasteries in which Abkhazia is rich. Tsandripsh was actively upset during the Middle Ages; in the vicinity of the village there is a unique Khashup fortress, perfectly preserved to this day. Powerful walls with quadrangular towers served as good protection for the local population, who took refuge there from enemy raids.
Throughout Abkhazia, the sights of Tsandripsh are represented by an impressive variety of objects, including those of natural origin. Lovers of natural beauty will appreciate the Grand Canyon of the Khashupse River. You can get here by SUV, overcoming the difficult terrain, but the landscapes that open up captivate you from the first minute, leaving an unforgettable mark on your soul.
Attractions and entertainment in Tsandripsh are not limited to historical or natural monuments. Due to the presence of three mountain rivers in the area, one of the areas of active recreation here is rafting along the waterway on inflatable boats. This sport can be organized or extreme, when rafters independently overcome rapids and turbulent streams.

Infrastructure of Tsandripsh

The tourist infrastructure of the village is sufficiently developed. Every tourist here can find something to their liking. Accommodation facilities are presented by a large number of options for every taste and budget: comfortable hotels, mini-hotels, estates, boarding houses, and the private sector. During the high season, discos, nightclubs, bars and cafes are open on the shore. Popular restaurants offer Russian, Caucasian and European cuisine, and in the evenings you can enjoy live national or modern music.
You can try fresh and delicious locally produced products at reasonable prices. Several times a week there are markets that offer fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, herbs, homemade wine and chacha, dried fish, and soft drinks. Abkhazian nectarines, peaches, figs, grapes, watermelons and nuts are especially tasty. In autumn, pomegranate and kiwi are harvested here, and in winter - sweet and fragrant tangerines.
Street vendors offer souvenirs, pottery, memorable gifts, national fabrics or items made by hand using ancient technologies.

The small urban village of Tsandripsh is located in the Gagra region of Abkhazia. The population is about 10 thousand people. I would call it an Armenian village, because I didn’t have a chance to see Abkhazians.

I asked our hostess:

Where are the Abkhazians?

She explained:

Abkhazians live high in the mountains, and there are only two of them left in the village.

The village of Tsandripsh is sandwiched between the federal highway leading from Adler to Sukhumi and the old neglected Sukhumi railway running along the seashore. So there is no way to avoid the railway on the way to the beach. You can get through: either by overcoming the embankment with the railway track, or from below - through a tunnel.

We noticed two tunnels in the village: one closer to the center, the other on the outskirts - in the White Rocks area. We were able to see the train going to Sukhum a couple of times - the train was very short, only a few cars.

And now I would like to talk about the warmest and nicest place in the village - the White Rocks. This is perhaps the main attraction of Tsandripsh. The White Rocks are located at the exit from the village towards the Kholodnaya River. You can reach them in about an hour in two ways: either by the seashore or along the main street towards Gagra.

The rocks are really absolutely white and smooth, lying right at the water's edge. They were created by nature itself - and the sea waves have painstakingly worked for centuries to polish them.

The central street, Oktyabrskaya, pierces the entire village and merges beyond its borders with the federal highway. This street is a very pitiful sight - most of the houses are in gaping ruins, so it is better not to look around.

At the foot of the destroyed buildings there are open kiosks under bright umbrellas - these are retail outlets selling some souvenirs, beach accessories and small items. Trade brightens up the feeling of devastation a little.

In the fragments of the first floors of houses that have been preserved in some places, there are small shops selling groceries or pharmacies. There are several cafes in the village and even a canteen on the corner of Lenin Street - but the very appearance of these establishments is repulsive. At the beginning of the main street, near the bus station, there is a small and scarce fruit and vegetable market.

I note that there has been no post office in the village since the war. We asked the hostess many times: how could this be? There was only one answer: there is no post office in the village. We also learned from her stories that in past years Tsandripsh was quite comfortable and prosperous.

Several successful enterprises operated - a winery, canning and crushed stone factories, and a tobacco factory. Wine and tobacco were produced under the mark of quality and were mainly exported. Now none of this is there - everything is destroyed and looted.

If you walk a little deeper from the main street into the residential area, the eye immediately catches the contrasts. Houses are clearly divided into three main types: miserable, dilapidated shacks, solid, newly rebuilt houses, and unfinished huge mansions, long abandoned by their owners - most likely during the war.

The only food market, where the population actually buys food, is open only three times a week: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Active trading begins at 6 am, and after 11 there is nothing to do there - you can’t buy food. Prices are very high, much higher than in Moscow. I'll write about them a little later.

I would like to note an important detail: there is no embankment in the village - there is only a long pebble beach. There is nowhere to walk in the evening - no park, no square - just vacant lots. That’s why vacationing young people like to hang out on the beach at night: guitars, music and beer brought with them - everything is there...

Abkhazia has very short daylight hours - it gets dark early. Absolute darkness sets in around eight o'clock in the evening. And in the evening, only one central street in the village is illuminated - and that’s in the place where the 24-hour store is located...

There is nowhere to go. Therefore, during the long Abkhaz evenings, vacationing people are doomed to either watch TV, or stupidly drink beer, or try to sleep after nine in the evening... True, this is problematic - pop music thunders from the only restaurant in the village until four in the morning. By the way, in the evening you can only get to this establishment with a flashlight in your hand, otherwise you will break your legs; only the main street in the village is paved.

Closer to the morning, when the restaurant rhythms fall silent and you try to fall asleep, another story begins: packs of stray dogs start battles on a huge garbage heap rising right in the center of Lenin Street.

Since we are talking about the animal world, we should also mention other representatives of the fauna. Chickens roam freely on the streets, finding their food in the same street mountains of garbage.

Here, not only stray cats walk on their own, but you can also suddenly meet a cow. One morning I headed to the grocery store and on the street I met a lonely horned cow, who accompanied me on the way there and back.

If we talk about small animals, I saw real scorpions for the first time. They constantly lived on the walls of our toilet, coexisting peacefully with huge fat snails. And at night, evil mosquitoes attacked - but these are trifles.

I have already said about the global mountain of garbage on the street named after the proletarian leader, which was shared by dogs at night and chickens during the day. Imagine another picture like this. In front of the tunnel leading to the beach, I had to watch Russian resort ladies in hats and multi-colored pareos parading in the direction of the beach.

And the old woman’s daily fashion show took place against the backdrop of three unchanged scenery: a huge garbage dump, an old abandoned cafe and a local peasant sitting by the road. This little guy was selling some kind of red wine bottled in plastic bottles, as well as a local delicacy - dead stingrays, spread out at the bottom of an old zinc trough...

Just beyond the tunnel there is a pebble beach. However, getting closer to the blue sea is not so easy. To begin with, we had to go around the beach garbage heaps, consisting of the results of the vital activity of vacationers during the holiday season. A ridge of garbage mountains stretched along the entire beach - all the way to the White Rocks.

There was not a single place for swimming on the entire shore - there were no small pebbles to enter the sea. So there was only one opportunity to swim - to swim in special shoes or directly in flip-flops.

There weren’t many people on the beach, but it was still not possible to swim calmly in the sea. Hot horsemen on their jet skis and motorboats rushed right over the heads of the bathing public - trying to attract the attention of vacationers and earn as much money as possible at the end of the fading season...

I forgot to mention the theft of money by local telecom operators. In Moscow, we prudently put a decent amount of money on our phones - just in case there is a fireman. We did not have information that when crossing the border it is necessary to manually select an operator.

Three days after our arrival, four thousand rubles disappeared. We spoke with Moscow only a few times, and very briefly.

And when we went to find out the reasons for the outage at the local communications office, they popularly explained to us old fools that there was nothing unusual here. As soon as visitors get within the coverage area of ​​the local network, their money is like that...

Continued in part five

At the mouth of the Haupshe River. Previously, this place was not very popular with tourists, but now this village has become a favorite place for travelers.

Here you can enjoy the magnificent nature and natural silence, which will fill the soul and fill the body with vital energy. We will tell you further about the features of a holiday in the wonderful Abkhazian town of Tsandripsha, attractions, entertainment and prices in 2020.

Very often Tsandripshe is compared to a piece of paradise and they are absolutely right, it is so! The resort village itself is located a couple of kilometers from the Russian border. By visiting Tsandripshe, you can see the whole race of Abkhazia, its color, cuisine, nature.

This is the best place for a quiet and relaxing holiday. Cheerful young people will be bored here, since there are no usual entertainment venues such as nightclubs and discos.

Most tourists come here to completely relax and unwind in harmony with nature and healing air.

Story

This area has been inhabited since ancient times. Once the village was even the capital of the principality. The convenient location made it possible to create a trading port that prospered for a long time.

At the end of the 18th century, the first Russian settlement was organized here. It owes its name to the Abkhaz princes Tsanba. Many people know this place under the name Gantiadi.

Nature

The richness of green colors here is simply amazing. The town is literally surrounded by greenery. Lush subtropical vegetation saturates the air with oxygen and a special aroma that makes your head spin.

Evergreen eucalyptus trees grow here, and hundreds of cypresses and Pitsunda pines are planted for vacationers.

Climate

All of Abkhazia is influenced by a subtropical climate. Therefore, there are no low temperatures in the village. It is almost always sunny in Tsandripsha. The hills and the Black Sea create a special comfort zone.

Winters here are warm and short, summers are hot and long.

The village is an ideal holiday destination for families with children. The swimming season opens in early May and ends in mid-October.

Visa

Russian tourists are very captivated by the absence of the requirement to obtain any permits to enter Abkhazia. They don’t even need a foreign passport. Crossing the border will not take much time. Check your passport, sign up for medical insurance, and your way is clear.

Russian tourists can stay in the country for 90 days.

The visa-free regime is valid only when entering the country through the checkpoint on the Psou River.

Currency

The Russian ruble is in circulation throughout the country. You shouldn’t take bank cards on vacation; it’s better to cash them out in advance. Banking services are not very well developed in the republic, so it can take a whole day to find a full ATM.

In this case, the tourist will not be able to withdraw the entire desired amount. Almost everywhere there is a limit of 3,000 rubles.

Holidays in Tsandripsh will be pleasant if you think through everything in advance.

• In addition to booking a vacation spot, be sure to arm yourself with all the necessary beach accessories - an umbrella, a sun lounger and a mattress. Otherwise you will have to buy or rent them.
• Do not use local water for drinking. It is better to buy bottled in the village stores.
• No matter how appetizing the food offered by merchants moving quickly along the beach may look, it is better not to try it. The quality and freshness of the products do not meet any sanitary standards.

How to get there?

Tsandripsh is located only 5 kilometers from the Russian border. Before you go to the resort yourself, you need to think about the best route. In many ways, it depends on the initial location of the position.

Residents can take advantage of the railway connection. The Moscow-Sukhumi train departs once a day and makes a stop in Tsandripsha. If a tourist is ready to spend 36 hours on the road and pay about 3,500 thousand rubles for a reserved seat, then the train is what he needs.

There is an international airport and a railway station. From both of these points public transport is constantly sent to the resort town. For those who like comfortable travel, a taxi is more suitable. But it’s better to order a car in advance. Under no circumstances agree to offers from local car enthusiasts. Such movement will not be safe and comfortable, especially for young passengers.

A comfortable transfer for 4 passengers will cost about 3,500 rubles, a minivan for seven seats – 4,000 rubles.

Where to stay?

If you want to experience the fullness of Abkhaz hospitality, then you should give preference. The owners treat all vacationers as dear guests. Such kind-hearted attitude towards strangers is probably in the blood of local residents. Therefore, if a tourist stays in one of the rooms in the private sector, he will feel better than at home.

Accommodation prices largely depend on the range of services. For example, does the room have air conditioning or a TV. On average it is 300 rubles per person per day. You will have to organize your own meals. Usually, summer kitchens with all the necessary utensils are provided for this purpose.

Vacationers have access to entire guest houses, which can very comfortably accommodate large groups of 7 people or more. Such a room will cost from 6,000 rubles per day.

Tsandripshe has several boarding houses that offer accommodation, three meals a day and medical procedures. In the summer season, prices are significantly higher than in early spring or winter. They largely depend on the room class and the selected procedures.

The most famous are 2 boarding houses:

• Boarding house "Bagripsh" This is a 9-story building with a capacity of 450 beds. The price of a standard room for two starts from 2,500 rubles per day in low season.
• Boarding house "Cold River". Consists of several buildings. Designed for 150 seats. Accommodation in a standard double room in July costs about 3,700 rubles.

The boarding house area is equipped with swimming pools and parking is available. There are excursion programs and various entertainment for children and adults.

Check-in must be planned in advance. Upon arrival, it will not be possible to find comfortable accommodation at a good price. Therefore, a room in a boarding house or a room in the private sector must be booked in advance.

Beaches

It is not possible to find a single sandy beach on the coast of Abkhazia. The Tsandripsh resort is no exception. There is almost a 5-kilometer pebble beach with a very wide coastal strip, in some places reaching up to 200 meters.

Walking along the shore you can find shells. The entrance to the sea is very convenient. There are no sudden changes in depth, which is especially comfortable when relaxing with children.

The central beaches are equipped with showers, toilets and changing rooms. All beach equipment can be rented. Tourists can rent umbrellas, sun loungers, mattresses and vests for a day or several hours.

The sea water is slightly salted, which adds another plus to the total number of advantages of the resort.

The beach is very spacious, so vacationers can easily accommodate themselves here without disturbing each other at all.

Under the bright rays of the sun, the pebbles heat up well and do not have time to cool down overnight, so water treatments can begin at sunrise.

The sea is so smooth that sitting on the shore you can watch schools of dolphins jumping.

The only drawback is the garbage left by vacationers. Local utilities do not do their job very responsibly, so the coast can hardly be called clean.

Beach activities

The range of entertainment is varied. You can rent an ATV or have a fun ride on a banana or tablet. Water slides, boat rides and much more will help you have fun.

Tourists especially enjoy paragliding or parachuting. There are practically no age restrictions. Even five-year-olds are allowed on the attraction. The only exception is people whose weight is close to 135 kilograms or more.

Attractions

The town is interesting in itself. Beautiful landscapes, a delightful cypress grove, and a wonderful embankment always remain the center of attention among tourists.

The place has several special attractions that you should definitely find time to explore.

Tsandripsha Basilica

The temple was built back in the 7th century, and it has survived to this day almost in its original form. The building is classified as a historical heritage and is under state protection.

The temple was once very revered. Pilgrims came to it, the first Christians were baptized and buried here. This is evidenced by numerous objects found during excavations.

Khashup fortress

Climbing to the top of the cliff, you can observe a fascinating picture - indescribable nature and a view of the Gagra ridge, which is very rich in fir forests, alpine meadows and white snow peaks.

White Rocks

This is a local landmark that can be approached while walking along the shore. Some special composition of the stones prevents them from warming up in the sun. Even on the hottest day they will keep you cool. There are practically no vacationers here, so you can enjoy your time in complete solitude. The cleanliness of the coast is especially captivating. On the central beaches the shore is overflowing with garbage.

Stalin's dacha

Stalin's dacha is located a half-hour walk from the White Rocks. This is a very picturesque place. A majestic building, erected on a steep slope of 350 meters, surrounded by a pine forest. Tours take place on the premises. From the windows facing the sea there is a panorama of incredible beauty.

The entire decoration of the room was carried out with special chic by decorating the walls with valuable wood species. And the windows in the building are made of crystal.

Shopping

There is a local market in the center of the village. There is only one paved road leading to it. Trading begins at sunrise. Usually by 10-11 am it is already winding down.

Therefore, if you want fresh homemade milk or fruit, you need to come earlier. Product prices are not high. Only meat is more expensive.

It is better to agree on the purchase of fruit in advance. Local residents have a lot of such goods, so resellers from nearby areas come to the market. The price of Tsandripsh fruits and vegetables is purely symbolic.

You should definitely try honey. You can find many items on the market. Local tea, sweets and homemade wines are very tasty.

The village has several shops stocked with all the necessary goods. Unlike the market, they are open until late in the evening.

What to try?

There are many decent establishments in the village that serve delicious national dishes. Restaurants and cafes at boarding houses usually serve European dishes.

In Tsandripsha, the cuisine is more similar to Georgian, so don’t deny yourself barbecue. Local cafes prepare chebureki and mamalyga especially deliciously. The first course is, of course, kharcho soup, and the second course is khachapuri.

The small village of Tsandripsh, with only 5,000 inhabitants, in the Gagra region of Abkhazia, is older than half of the world's capitals. Already in the first millennium BC. e. the future resort was chosen by ancient tribes, which were replaced by the Romans, and then by the descendants of the future Abkhazians. As a reminder of themselves, they all left a few buildings scattered throughout the village and surrounding area.

Over time, Tsandripsh, alas, did not grow; Even its popularity among the Soviet elite (one of Stalin’s favorite dachas stands nearby) did not turn the village into a resort on a national scale. Today it is still modest in size, not very rich in tourist infrastructure, but green, cozy and healthy.

Tsandripsh is perfect for a leisurely budget holiday. And the Russian border is only 5 km away; you don’t need a foreign passport. The only drawback (depending on who knows) is the exclusively pebble entrance to the sea. But if you have special shoes, you quickly forget about this.

How to get to Tsandripsh

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Tsandripsh is by air through the main air gate of the Caucasus - Adler Airport, located just 21 km from the village. You will have to travel the rest of the way by public transport, train or taxi. Traveling by rail from the European part of Russia will take significantly more time, but there are options that do not require transfers. In addition, you can get to Tsandripsh without transfers by intercity buses going to Sukhum from Moscow and a number of cities in the Southern Federal District. You should also not lose sight of the option of traveling in your own car.

Read more about how to get to Tsandripsh.

Search for air tickets to Adler (the nearest airport to Tsandripsh)

A little history

In the middle of the first millennium AD. e. Tsandripsh (then called Sauchi) was the capital of the principality of Sanigia. It is believed that this is where Little Abkhazia was born. In the 19th century, a Russian village was founded nearby, which then merged with the Abkhazian one. During the time of Russian rule (until the end of the Great Patriotic War), the city was called Yermolovsk, and then, before perestroika, it was called Gantiadi. It is under this name that many Soviet tourists know Tsandripsh today.

Transport

You shouldn’t count on regular public transport, operating from early morning until late evening, in Tsandripsha. Yes, there are several minibuses running here, but when and where, perhaps, only their drivers know. Along the roads there are “Bus Stop” signs, but you can slow down public transport with a wave of your hand there - most likely, the attempt will be crowned with success.

If you need to return from somewhere in the evening, there is only one option - a taxi. The cost of a short trip on average will cost 100 RUB when called by phone. A bomber caught on the road can charge three times as much. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

There is no place to rent bicycles or even ride them here. To pick up a car, you can go to Sukhum or pick it up directly at the Psou checkpoint: there is a chance to get a Nissan X-Trail or Mercedes-Benz C-Class for 2000 RUB/day when renting for 7 days or more.

It is prohibited to drive a rental car into Russia!

Tsandripsha Hotels

Homelike Tsandripsh welcomes vacationers almost exclusively with guest houses and mini-hotels without any “stars”. However, they have everything you need: free Wi-Fi and parking, “breakfast only” meals (you can also arrange for full board), TV, barbecue facilities, the distance to the beach is within a kilometer, and somewhere - even billiards , sauna or bathhouse. You need to clarify further about the air conditioner; in extreme cases, you can ask for a fan.

The average cost of a room in a guest house or mini-hotel is 1000 RUB (there are also 550 RUB), many of them work only on prepayment, but it is better not to pay more than 30% of the amount before arrival.

If you want something more luxurious and more expensive, you can rent a room in the 4* hotel “Eucalyptus Coast”, the pleasure will cost 4500 RUB (the price includes a free transfer, the hotel has a swimming pool), or rent a villa on the seashore with two bedrooms and a living room for 9000 RUB/night.

Beaches

There is no need to specifically look for beaches or drive several kilometers to them in Tsandripsha. I went ashore - and there it was, the beach. Incredibly long and wide, coarse sand closer to the forest and road, and large and small pebbles near the water. The purest blue Black Sea is included (after a storm it can be cloudy).

The beach is free, closer to the center there are rental points for umbrellas and sun loungers (from 100 RUB/day), as well as air mattresses and jet skis (from 300-1000 RUB/day).

The local coastline is perfect for families with children: the entrance to the water is gentle, and the bravest ones are invited to ride a banana boat. But what delights the kids the most are the dolphins, which often show up and sometimes swim quite close.

You need to watch the kids carefully: literally a couple of meters from the entrance to the water there is a great depth immediately.

The most beautiful section of the beach is located a little away from the village, between it and Gagra. It is called the White Rocks, because along the shore, from under the crumbling pebbles, huge boulders the color of snow stick out here and there; the same rocks surround a small beach. This is the largest area of ​​marble coming to the surface in Abkhazia. Dozens of vacationers come to admire the “rocks” every day.

Tsandrypsh

What to bring

In the tiny village there are no interesting shops, much less shopping centers. All the joy is the local market. Among the edible souvenirs you should not leave there without are natural honey, jam, incredible cheese, colorful scatterings of aromatic spices and herbs. If you find them, you can grab a eucalyptus broom and Abkhazian black or green tea.

Local products made from sheep and goat wool are very popular among visitors: mittens, socks, burkas, as well as clay and wooden crafts. Of the first, wine jugs will be an original reminder of the trip, and of the second, hot mats and all kinds of kitchen utensils. Another iconic Abkhaz souvenir is the “dzhezva” for brewing coffee. True lovers of an invigorating drink will appreciate it.

Cuisine and restaurants of Tsandripsha

The word “restaurants” is not particularly suitable for Tsandripsh establishments: they do not have luxurious interiors, exquisite drinks or outlandish dishes on the menu. But the food is very tasty.

The basis of Abkhaz dishes is meat, fish, eggs, dairy and fermented milk products. Among vegetables, cabbage, eggplants and tomatoes are held in high esteem. They know how and love to cook beans and all kinds of cereals here.

Those who want to taste local “delicacies” should order thick mamalyga porridge made from corn, juicy kebab, eggplants stuffed with nuts and herbs and, of course, hot adjika. Drinks include homemade wine and incredibly tasty lemonades.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered in numerous canteens - most of them are in the center. A set lunch for two will cost 800 RUB, a snack of small khachapuri with a glass of lemonade will cost 100 RUB per person. Among high-level establishments, guests of Tsandripsh recommend “Caucasus” on the street. Lenin. Dinner for two with alcohol will cost about 2000 RUB.

Entertainment and attractions

In general, people don’t go to Tsandripsh in search of unique architectural structures or museums with a selection of wonderful artifacts. The sea, intoxicating air, natural beauty - that’s the main thing. But those who miss excursion holidays will also have something to do.

In the very center of the resort stands its main wonder - a perfectly preserved basilica built in the 5th century. They say that babies used to be baptized there, the dead were seen off on their last journey, and services were held. Today there are no excursions here, but this unusual structure is definitely worth visiting.

5 km from the village, in the beautiful gorge of the Khashupse River, there is another ancient building - the Khashupse Fortress (43.429725, 40.12305). It is believed that it was built by the ancient Romans at the very beginning of the first millennium AD. e. Time has taken its toll on the once formidable citadel, but the outlines of the fortress in the grass-covered ruins can still be discerned. By the way, the Khashupse River itself is also miraculously beautiful - its canyons are especially picturesque.

Among the modern attractions, it is worth noting Stalin’s dacha in Kholodnaya Rechka, 4 km from Tsandripsh (43.364761, 40.118183). Not only excursion groups, but also “savage” travelers are allowed there. The caretakers willingly tell fiction-like stories about one of the leader’s favorite dachas, as well as about himself.

Entertainment in Tsandripsha includes not very noisy discos, boat trips and rafting. In the village and its surroundings, three mountain rivers flow at once, flowing into the Black Sea, but the problem is that in some areas in the heat it naturally dries up, so there is no time for rafting.

You can continue your acquaintance with the rich history of hospitable Abkhazia on excursions to Gagry, New Athos, Pitsunda or Lake Ritsa. You can visit there either independently, setting off in a rented car or minibus, or as part of a tour group that gathers in all the villages located on the coast.

Weather

Tsandripsh is a typical resort village on the Black Sea coast: the air temperature here rarely drops below zero even in the middle of winter, and in the summer it is hot, which is only slightly compensated by the breeze. The tourist season lasts from May to October, but August may not be the most successful for holidays: weather forecasters warn about the abundance of precipitation. Plus, the last month of summer is considered the hottest.

The difference between day and night temperatures is sometimes significant: even in June-August it is worth taking a warm jacket to the resort, and in spring and autumn - even take a jacket.

The Black Sea begins to accumulate heat in May and releases it for a very long time: even in early October, the water temperature remains comfortable for swimming.