How do you like such an option as a trip to Abkhazia by car? Consider a route from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and other cities in Russia. What do you need to know and what do experienced people say in reviews? Consider the price of gasoline, the quality of the road, what advice should be listened to first of all from tourists, where to eat tasty and inexpensively, what excursions are a must. We will solve the issue with housing and parking.
Today Abkhazia still has an uncertain status. The state is located on the southeast coast of the Black Sea, and this affects the popularity of the destination. The region attracts tourists with its natural beauty and mild climate. There are clear sea waters, turbulent rivers, fascinating mountains, clean beaches, mysterious caves. In addition, those who like to walk through the ancient castles and fortresses will have something to do and where to visit.
Traveling to Abkhazia by car in 2021 is an easy task if you have some knowledge. If tourists have made an important decision to visit the specified region on their own, the information and advice offered will be useful to them.
How long does it take to get from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russian cities?
Traveling to Abkhazia by car from Moscow, St. Petersburg is an interesting experience that allows you to get acquainted with the unique culture of the republic. It is also necessary to take into account the historical component of the region, which deserves no less attention. The bathing season continues from mid-summer to early autumn and is called velvet. Ideal for family holidays September.
- Distance from Moscow to Abkhazia by car is 1,772.2 kilometers, which takes about 24 hours, provided that you drive continuously at an average pace without breaking the rules, but experienced tourists recommend making a stop every 300 km.
- From St. Petersburg You can get to the region in 2 days, because the distance is 2430 kilometers.
- The longest journey to the republic is from Yekaterinburg - 3000 kilometers or 3 days, and the closest of Sochi - 154 kilometers or 3.5 hours.
It is worth coming here once for the sake of the amazing ancient architecture, mountain-sea air and healing mineral springs. That is, Abkhazia surprisingly combines the qualities of resort towns. Here you can get a dose of individual relaxation at any time of the year.
It is also interesting that the local people have their own authentic culture and ancient history. They are especially well traced in small settlements, where there is a place for rituals, traditions and ancient life. That is, foreigners who are interested in history and cultural factors will be pleased with the trip. This is an opportunity for versatile recreation and makes Abkhazia such an enviable place to visit.
To Abkhazia on your own by car
On the advice of experienced tourists, you can safely go to Abkhazia by car in any season, because the distance to the republic is modest on the scale of the Russian Federation. The location between the rivers and the Black Sea in Transcaucasia contributes to the popularity of the direction. The picturesque nature is manifested in subtropical vegetation, cozy sea landscapes and mountain tops.
Traveling in winter (New Years) can be really fun, especially with children. Mobile communication works fine in the republic, but Internet distribution points can be found only in large regions.
How much money should I take with me?
To begin with, you need to immediately understand that it will not work to change money everywhere. In addition, the dollar exchange rate is not very favorable, so we recommend taking rubles with you. Prices in Abkhazia are considered low, so they can be calculated individually. You will also have to pay for entering the territory of the republic.
You need to take into account accommodation, which varies between 1500-3000 rubles. There are also several options for tours and excursions, but the average cost of a room is about 1,500 rubles. This, for example, visiting waterfalls, mountains, lakes. Additional environmental charges are possible.
The main thing to remember is that the main currency here is the Russian ruble, and the payment method is cash. It is extremely rare to meet cashless payments here, and ATMs gather huge queues around them.
Gas prices, where is it better to refuel on the road?
We do not advise you to carry gasoline in cans with you, unlike a trip to Karelia, since gas stations are located along the entire route.
Approximate prices per liter:
- diesel fuel about 35 rubles;
- gasoline AI 92 about 35 rubles;
- AI 95 about 38 rubles.
That is, the cost of fuel is not very different, so you can refuel in any region of the republic.
Which road?
The road to Abkhazia mainly goes along the M4 “Don” highway. In summer, traffic jams are not uncommon for this site. There are a sufficient number of gas stations along the entire route. The roadbed is of decent quality, unlike Rostov, you should be careful here. We advise you not to avoid toll sections, the savings will turn out to be imaginary (there are almost no cameras on the autobahns, unlike free roads).
There are several travel options: via Krasnodarand also through Armavir and Maykop... The second way is 100 kilometers longer. Initially, you will need to get there via Adler, since it is he who is the borderline.
- We recommend driving during the day, especially through the Dzhubga-Adler pass, here you will need full control over the road.
Where is the best place to eat?
The average bill for two in Abkhazian establishments is approximately 1200 rubles, but in many cafes, even in popular regions of the republic, you can eat for 350 rubles. Attention should be paid to the type of institution. For example, tourist cafes will offer vacationers a more expensive price than canteens.
By the way, alcohol is a popular souvenir that you can take with you from the republic: wine, chacha, cognac. The most positive reviews were received by "Apsny", "Bouquet of Abkhazia", "Lykhny". Cheese, tea, honey, adjika, tkemali are no less popular.
- There are practically no shops in the republic, supermarkets are located in Sukhum and Gagra. Tourists will not find boutiques and shopping centers at all.
How to prepare the car and which rubber to choose?
First of all, vacationers should understand that all the roads in the region are left from the Soviet Union. Not the worst condition of the road surface, but far from ideal. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare the car in such a way that the trips are as non-traumatic as possible. In principle, the roads are in many ways similar to the Russian ones.
The choice of rubber for travel directly depends on the season in which it is planned. The rubber should have good tread rest. Be sure to check the oil level and pay attention to the coolant. And of course, if you decide to go by car to mountain attractions, then be sure to take a couple of spare wheels with you.
Documents for passing control at the border
Russians do not need a visa to enter the territory of the state. All formalities are resolved through the main document of a citizen of the Russian Federation.
To travel you will need to have:
- the passport;
- for a child - a passport or birth certificate;
- driver's license;
- vehicle registration certificate, OSAGO, driver's license.
There is no Russian insurance in the republic, and it is impossible to get an Abkhaz one, so we recommend that you be very careful. It should also be borne in mind that a border crossing stamp is put in the passport upon presentation. In the future, he may become an obstacle to travel to Georgia.
We advise you to choose early morning or late evening to pass the border post during the holiday season, so you will have less queuing. For inspection, you will need to present documents and fulfill all the requirements of the staff of the point.
What to see and where to visit?
There is useful information for tourists wondering “what to visit and what unusual places to visit?”. The best region for families with children is traditionally considered Gagra (resort accommodation) thanks to the warm climate, good for beach relaxation. And in general, the nature here is breathtaking. And what are the various cave fortifications and fortifications, temples, castles, watchtowers and much more.
What to see in Abkhazia by car on your own:
- Ritsa relict national park;
- Blue Lake Lake Ritsa;
- Anakopia Fortress;
- New Athos Cave and Monastery;
- Castle of the Prince of Oldenburg;
- Waterfall "Men's Tears";
- New Athos Cave;
- Mountain village Auadhara;
- Restaurant "Gagripsh";
- Waterfall "Maiden's Tears";
- Sukhumi monkey nursery;
- Patriarchal Cathedral in Pitsunda;
- Pskhu-Gumista and Pitsundo-Myusser nature reserves;
- Sukhumi Botanical Garden;
- Mount Mamdzishkha;
- Gega waterfall.
These are the most interesting places of the republic, which are worth seeing if possible during your stay in the region. Thus, you can combine several leisure options at once, for example, beach and ecotourism. Taking into account all of the above, tourists should not have any questions about where to go in Abkhazia by car for an excursion?
Where to stay in Abkhazia for relaxation?
During the high season, it is necessary to pre-book accommodation, as there may not be any vacant rooms upon arrival.
- The cost of staying at the hotel varies between 1500-3000 rubles per day.
- It is possible to stay in the private sector or apartments. Guest rooms cost approximately 1000-1500 rubles, apartments - 2000 rubles per day.
- Soviet boarding houses also offer their services - from 1200 rubles for a minimum of comfort.
Naturally, there are also small hotels that offer all the amenities. We recommend that you consider all housing options in advance and choose the most optimal one. You can find out more about renting a place to stay on specialized sites such as RoomGuru or Booking, the second option is ideal for finding housing in the private sector.
