City of Sukhumi. Abkhazia and its main resort. Sukhum in philately. Sports and entertainment club "OLIMPIA CLUB"
Sukhum is the capital and the largest and densely populated city Abkhazia. It is located in the central part of the country, on the shores of the Sukhumi Bay, more than a hundred kilometers from. The infrastructure of the city is well developed. Most of the administrative and cultural facilities are located here. It is the main industrial and transport hub of the country. More than 60 thousand people live in Sukhum, which is more than a quarter of the entire population of the Republic of Abkhazia. Rest in Sukhum will be cheaper than in or, but at the same time, thanks to its transport accessibility, you can go from here wherever you want, and there is something to see in the city itself.
History of the city of Sukhum.
The city was founded in the 6th century BC by Greek merchants from the city of Miletus and named after the Dioscuri brothers - Dioskuriada. During the Roman Empire, the city was renamed Sebastopolis. The similarity of the name with modern Sevastopol is not accidental. Catherine II decided to name it so in honor of the ancient Black Sea city, whose location at the end of the 18th century was still unknown. Archaeologists localized its location only a century later.
During the Georgian-Abkhaz war of 1992-93, the city was badly damaged. Throughout almost the entire conflict, it was occupied by Georgian troops. The front ran along the Gumista River, which is the eastern border of Sukhum. Over the past 20 years, the city has been actively restored, but in some places the traces of past battles are still visible.
Weather and water temperature in Sukhum.
Sukhum is very sunny city, according to statistics, there are about 250 sunny days a year. The hottest months are July and August, which are the peak of the holiday season.
Average air temperature in Sukhum
Sukhumi average sea water temperature
Accordingly, the water at this time is also the warmest. The situation changes in September, when the air temperature drops more than the water temperature. It is at this time that the so-called "Velvet Season" begins in Sukhum. In our opinion, if you are not tied to school break this is the best time to relax in Sukhum.
How to get to Sukhum.
Direct minibuses go to Sukhum from the border. The ticket price is 200 rubles per person. They do not have a schedule, they leave when they are completely filled with people (like most minibuses in Abkhazia, in fact). It is also difficult to say when the first or last minibuses go. IN summer season you can leave the border from approximately 07:00 to 21:00 pm. The rest of the time, transport stops running at 19:00 - 20:00. The minibus goes to the Sukhum bus station, but usually drivers are ready to take people around the city for a small surcharge.
Where to stay in Sukhum?
There are many hotels and accommodation options in the private sector in Sukhum. Their prices are approximately comparable with prices in other cities of the republic.
We will describe what are the main areas in the city of Sukhum, where they are located and how to get to them if you plan to live there:
- New area- this is a typical sleeping area, here is the largest concentration of high-rise buildings. Apart from them and small shops there is nothing of interest. It is not close to the sea, and you will have to get to the city center and everything interesting by public transport. From Pyatochka, and from any other stop, you can easily leave by minibus (No. 1), trolleybus (No. 4) or bus. There is usually no shortage of public transport in the so-called "first circle". It is more difficult with him in the "second round". Minibuses come here only in the morning, there are no trolleybus lines at all, and in the evening, to save time, you may need to walk to the main road. However, it's not that far.
- Old settlement- a sleeping area with a large number of warehouses and wholesale points of sale. There is nothing remarkable here either, except for the soda water plant, if you might be interested. The city center can be reached by minibus, trolleybus (No. 3) and bus.
- Lighthouse- an area of private houses, many of which are located right by the sea. There are no large hotels here and no sights either. However, most people rent out accommodation to tourists. You will have to get to the city center by public transport. Trolleybuses No. 2, minibuses and buses go in this direction.
- Sinop- quiet area with the most interesting beaches. There are few hotels here, but there are many cafes and evening life. It is in Sinop that Mocha Beach, which has become famous recently, is located, where something interesting periodically takes place - concerts, open-air film screenings, there are beach volleyball courts, etc. And what's nice - all the beaches are free. You can get here at Minibus
- Hostel- The name of the area speaks for itself. A few years ago, sanatoriums of the Moscow Military District (Moscow Military District) and PVO (air defense forces) functioned here, but they were closed three years ago. This year, several buildings were opened in the Moscow Military District. In any case, the territory of the sanatoriums remains well-infrastructured, it is clean and there is something to do. The entrance is free.
- Center- The life of the city mainly takes place in its Center. There is a cluster of hotels and restaurants, public institutions and all that is worth seeing in Sukhum. On the coastal part there is a beautiful embankment, starting from the Red Bridge and reaching the Mayak area. It is divided into two parts - the Mahajirs embankment and the Dioscuri embankment. You can swim on the beach along the Dioscuri promenade, but the water here is not very clean, so many residents of the central region go to Sinop to bathe.
Transport in Sukhum.
There are 2 transport hubs in Sukhum, where the main public transport routes intersect. The first of them is the Sukhum railway, it is also an automobile station, all intercity and international buses and minibuses. The second is the Central Market, it is end point for almost all intracity transport, it is from here that it is easiest to go somewhere inside the city.
Beaches of Sukhum.
The beaches in Sukhum are located almost along the entire coast of the city. The only exception is along which the sea comes close to the pedestrian zone. Otherwise, you can swim everywhere. The most popular place is the beach along the Dioscuri Promenade, mainly because of the walking distance from the city center and Mocha beach in the Sinop area.
Where and what to buy in Sukhum.
In Sukhum, as elsewhere in Abkhazia, there are many convenience stores, so you can buy essential products everywhere. There are no chain hypermarkets in Sukhum, but there are several large self-service supermarkets. The most famous of them - which is located at the entrance to the city and a store in the center.
Next to the market is a shopping complex, as the name implies, located in the premises of a factory from the times of the USSR. Here, clothes are sold on 4 floors, mainly brought from Turkey, Russia and China.
Now known as Sukhum. After the armed conflict, this republic was recognized only by 4 states - Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Nauru. The UN recognizes Abkhazia as a territory of Georgia. According to the territorial division of the country, it is the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia.
In 1992, the capital of the republic was renamed Sukhum, but the former name is considered legal and continues to be used frequently.
*Remember that under Georgian law Abkhazia and South Ossetia are considered occupied territories. Accordingly, by visiting these territories from the Russian side, you are breaking the law.
Location and climate
Abkhazia is located in the northwest of the Main Caucasian Range. Sukhumi is the central part of the republic and is located 107 km from the Russian border. The city is located on the Black Sea coast in the Sukhumi Bay.
3 rivers flow on the territory of Sukhumi: Basla, Sukhumka and Kyalasur, the latter is the border of the city in the south.
The most high point cities - Sukhumi mountain 201 meters above sea level. This mountain has two peaks, on one of them there is a TV tower. There are also mountains of Trapeze and Bagrat.
The relief of Abkhazia is presented high mountains and lowlands on Black Sea coast.
The climate of this region is determined by its geographic location and relief. Located on a lowland, Sukhumi is characterized by a humid subtropical climate. Winters here are warm and mild, the temperature is up to +8 degrees Celsius. The average summer temperature ranges from +23 to +25 degrees. The water in the sea warms up to +30 degrees. In summer, the weather here is ideal for a beach holiday.
Remember that under Georgian law Abkhazia and South Ossetia are considered occupied territories. Accordingly, by visiting these territories from the Russian side, you are breaking the law.
Population and state language
The population during the military conflict was greatly reduced: approximately 50,000 people compared with 120,000 inhabitants before the war.
The official language is the Abkhaz language. The Russian language is recognized on a par with the Abkhaz official language government and other institutions.
The device of the city
Sukhumi has a very long history, it is over 2500 years old.
According to legend, the ancestor of Sukhumi was ancient greek city Dioscurius, who, after 500 years of existence, disappeared under the waters of the Black Sea.
This city is interesting for historical and health tourism. On the territory of Sukhumi are historical monuments architecture of different periods, also in Sukhumi there are very a large number of boarding houses and health centers, as the climate is suitable for the treatment of respiratory and heart diseases.
The infrastructure of the city is represented by numerous hotels, boarding houses, rest houses.
Sukhumi is Cultural Center Abkhazia. There are universities and institutes, museums, theaters and other institutions of science and culture.
The center of Sukhumi is considered to be a part of the city by the sea, and the main street is the embankment. On this street is the residence of the President of Abkhazia and the Abkhaz State Drama Theater.
There are beaches along the entire coast of Sukhumi. Here, as on the entire Black Sea coast of Georgia, the beaches are made of small pebbles, sometimes mixed with sand. All beaches are free, regardless of whether they are urban, or belong to a hotel or holiday home.
There is a large Central Market in Sukhumi, where you can find all the necessary goods - from food to clothes, dishes, souvenirs, etc. The choice of spices is especially large here.
The national currency of Abkhazia is Apsar, but it is practically not used. In everyday circulation, the Russian ruble is used.
Attractions of Sukhumi with photo
The most famous and ancient monument of architecture in Sukhumi is Sukhumi fortress, you can see the photo below. It was built by the Romans and called "Sebastopolis", which means " holy city". Today, only ruins remain of the fortress, which symbolize the history of the city.
Among significant monuments architecture can also be distinguished Great Abkhaz wall. She was erected in Byzantine period stories. The wall stretched for 160 km in length and it consisted of small towers 8-12 m high. Now there are ruins from the wall, but some towers are well preserved.
Turning to the review of the sights of modern Sukhumi, first of all I would like to highlight Botanical Garden. It occupies a leading position among arboretums around the world. It contains plants from subtropical regions of the world. The garden contains over 5,000 species and varieties of plants. The main exhibit is the Caucasian linden, which is over 250 years old.
An amazing place that once had world fame is the Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Pathology and Therapy of the Academy of Sciences of Abkhazia, known as monkey nursery, which is located on Mount Trapeze. There are more than 300 individuals of various species of monkeys from Africa, Asia and South America.
On the territory of the institute, you can visit the primatological museum; a monument to the monkey has also been erected here.
The sights of the resort Sukhumi are embankment of Mahadzhirs And embankment of the Dioscuri. One embankment smoothly passes into another, in fact it is one embankment, they are even paved with the same masonry.
Embankments are the main place of recreation for city residents and vacationers. From here you have a great view of the sea, and on the other side of the embankment, old picturesque buildings flaunt. The atmosphere is complemented by exotic plants that grow on the waterfront.
In Sukhumi, as in all of Georgia, gambling is allowed, so the city has several casinos designed for both visiting tourists and the local population.
Transport
You can get to Sukhumi by bus, train and plane. Unfortunately, all of these methods are illegal. The only correct way to legally enter Abkhazia is to cross the bridge over the Inguri, arriving in the Georgian town of Zugdidi. It is necessary to go through the bridge on foot or on a paid wagon. In order to "legally" enter Abkhazia, you need to obtain a "visa" from the de facto authorities of Abkhazia. You can apply for and obtain a visa online. On the other side of the bridge, in the territory not controlled by Georgia, you can take a minibus or hire a taxi and get to any place in Abkhazia.
As for public urban transport, trolleybuses and minibuses operate in Sukhumi. There are only three trolleybus routes in Sukhumi.
Remember that under Georgian law Abkhazia and South Ossetia are considered occupied territories.
Accordingly, by visiting these territories from the Russian side, you are breaking the law. This leads to a fine of 400-800 lari and other troubles.
If you have a stamp in your passport about visiting these territories, it is better not to go to Georgia with this document.
If you want to visit Abkhazia or Ossetia legally, do it from the Georgian side. Get official permission and there will be no problems. Read more about this on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia: www.mfa.gov.ge
Hotels and boarding houses
After the war, the resort and tourist area Sukhumi suffered quite a lot. Many of the hotels and boarding houses have closed and do not function.
However, everything is gradually beginning to recover, in the center of the city on the embankment, the restored hotel "Ritsa" was opened, and several modern mini-hotels were also built.
There are also some health resorts based on the mineral springs of Sukhumi.
If needed budget holiday, it will not be difficult to rent a room in the private sector.
A little about the capital of Abkhazia, the city of Sukhum.
Sukhum is the capital of Abkhazia, a city with an ancient history, which is located on the Black Sea and the quiet Sukhumi Bay. Abundant and lush subtropical vegetation with imported exotics of the tropics, a favorable climate, an abundance of mineral water sources, beaches with clear sea water make Sukhum attractive resort center.
The city of Sukhum owes its formation to the ancient Greeks, who colonized the Black Sea coast. The first name given by the Greeks to the city in the 6th century BC was Dioscuria. The city arose on the site of ancient settlements that existed on the northeastern outskirts of Sukhum, in the region of Mount Yashtukha. For two and a half millennia of its existence, the city changed names and was called Sebastopolis, Sukhum-Kale. While being part of Georgia, Sukhum was called in the Georgian manner - Sukhumi.
The history of the city has more than two and a half millennia. Sukhum one of ancient cities in the world. Greek merchants from Miletus founded the city in those distant times. On the site of the settlement of Akua, the Greek village of Dioscuria was formed. Dioscuria ensured trade with the entire Caucasus. In the first century AD, the Mithridatic wars reduce the importance of Dioscuria. Our era was marked by the arrival of the Romans and thanks to them, the fortress of Sebastopolis (Holy City) appeared. In the VI century, the Byzantines came and captured the already dilapidated fortress. The heyday was replaced by a recession, which was caused in the VIII century by the Arabs who came here. They could not gain a foothold, but the city was destroyed. The Abkhazian kingdom arises and the village with the name Tskhum has been known since 736. Then the period of being part of the Georgian kingdom and the name Tskhumi. Then there was small town named Sabediano. In the 15th century, the Genoese come and colonize the Black Sea coast. XVI century - the arrival of Turkey. In 1578, the Turks captured the city and call it Sukhum-Kale. Only at the end of the 18th century, the Abkhazians recaptured the city from the Turks and the prince of Abkhazia moved his capital there. And, on February 17, 1810, after five years of work on the entry of Abkhazia into Russia, Sukhum-Kale was part of the Russian Empire. Turkey unsuccessfully tried to regain its control over Sukhum-Kale. Since 1866 the city began to be called Sukhum. The events of 1917 brought with them many changes. German invaders, then English ones appear and disappear. Joining the Menshevik Georgia. On March 4, 1921, Soviet power was established in Abkhazia and Sukhum became the capital of the union republic, and then Sukhumi became the capital of autonomy within Georgia. Then there was perestroika and the collapse of the USSR. On August 14, 1992, the troops of the State Council of Georgia entered Abkhazia. After the entry of Georgian troops, an armed confrontation began, which escalated into the Georgian-Abkhaz war, which lasted 413 days and ended with the defeat of the Georgian troops on September 30, 1993. Since then, Sukhum has been the capital independent republic Abkhazia.
Before the collapse of the USSR, Sukhumi was considered a multinational city. The fates of different peoples are connected with this city. Being at the intersection trade routes the city attracted representatives different countries. The lives of people of different nationalities intertwined in Sukhumi. Residents used nine languages in everyday life.
Apsils, Abazgs, Greeks, Romans, Genoese, Venetians, Byzantines, Turks, Germans, Armenians, Russians, Georgians (mostly Mingrelians) lived in Abkhazia and Sukhumi. Since 1992, the population of Abkhazia has declined sharply. Ethnic Greeks were taken out by the Greek authorities. The Georgians fled to the territory of Georgia. The Russians tried to get into Russia.
Now the city of Sukhum occupies an area of over 23 square meters. km. The city quarters of Sukhum are located between the Gumista and Kyalasur rivers on the banks of the Sukhumi Bay. The central part of Sukhum is located near the Black Sea. The embankment of the city stretches along the central part of the city from the Red Bridge (in the eastern part of Sukhum) to the Mayak (Red Lighthouse) district.
Sukhum is located in the center of Abkhazia. Sukhum is 107 km from the border with Russia. Most of the city stands on the coastal plain. Over the years, rivers have carried away many rocks from the mountains and created a small plain. Mountains block access to cold northern winds.Climatic feature of Sukhum - uniformity temperature regime and the absence of harsh winds and moderate air humidity. Average monthly temperature in the hottest period - July and August does not exceed an average of 22.1 - 22.2 ° C.
The ancient history of Sukhum has left many monuments. The remains of the ancient Dioskurias, the historical embankment of the Mahadjirs, the botanical garden and the Sukhumi arboretum, the Bagrat castle, the bridge of Queen Tamara, the mineral spring Markheul. The architecture of the city is replete with representatives of the colonial style, which was created in the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th. Small mansions represent Sukhum as country town Russian Empire. The heritage of the times of the USSR has also been preserved in the form of block apartment buildings in new areas and Stalinist classicism. The city was formed from the Mikhailovskaya embankment, now the embankment of the Mahadzhirs. It can be said about the architecture of Sukhum that it is a specific southern and seaside city, adjusted to the East.
The city has an abundance of rare trees. Relics of the preglacial period and exotic tropical plants. Magnolias are a representative of the American continent. Roses, date and Chinese fan palms, eucalyptus, larch and Pitsunda pines. antique and medieval history The cities are the ruins of the Roman fortress Sebastopolis (the city received this name in the 1st century BC, during the period of Roman rule), the fortress-castle of the king of Abkhazia Bagrat (X-XI centuries).
There is something to see in Sukhum. left a lot centuries-old history. Besletsky arch bridge, dating back to the 12th century, is unique in its prayer inscription. There is in Abkhazia, not far from Sukhum, its own Great Abkhaz Wall. Fortification towers of the Great Abkhaz Wall, the largest defensive structure Caucasus, are striking in their size (the total length of the structures is 58 km.). Defended Sukhum watchtowers Genoese merchants of the 15th century, fortresses of Turkish Janissaries dating back to the 18th century.
The city is multinational and therefore multi-confessional. Prayer buildings in the city different religions. Cathedral of the Annunciation, Lutheran church, Polish church and synagogue. At 12 kilometers from Sukhum there is an object of pilgrimage - the Kaman temple of the 10th-12th centuries, erected on the site of tranquility in the 4th century AD. St. John Chrysostom. His stone tomb is located in the temple. In the center of the city, in the Park of Glory, a monumental complex was built in memory of the heroes who died for the freedom of Abkhazia in Patriotic War 1992-93 years.
In addition to architectural monuments, the sights of the city are the Sukhumi embankment and the coastal park, the Botanical Garden (founded in 1840), the arboretum, which collected thousands of outlandish flowers and plants from all over the world. The Sukhumi Monkey Nursery has been famous since Soviet times.
The embankment of the Dioscuri and the embankment of the Mahadzhirs form coastline cities.
Theater Square, named after the Abkhazian State Drama Theatre, goes straight to the sea. On the square there is the Central Exhibition Hall of the Union of Artists, the Drama Theater named after S. Ya. Chanba. In addition to these theaters, the Russian Drama Theater operates in Sukhumi.
In the north of the city, near the Gumista River, there is a 37-meter Sukhumi lighthouse. It was made in France and brought to Abkhazia in 1864.
Sukhum has a large selection of various cafes and restaurants. There are entertainment centers where you can play billiards, bowling. As a rule, large establishments are open all year round. There are many sanatoriums and hotels in the city that specialize in Russian tourists.
There is a large market in Sukhum, where people from all over Abkhazia come to shop. At the Sukhumi market you will find a large selection of homemade products (cheese, cottage cheese, milk, fruits, vegetables and herbs, preparations, spices, honey, wine and chacha), clothes, household chemicals and other general use goods.
The city is served by a seaport, railway station, buses and trolleybuses. So far, one train from Moscow is arriving at the Sukhum railway station. Communication by sea is not carried out. Buses most developed species transport that connects all the cities of Abkhazia. The rolling stock of trolleybuses was damaged during the war. During Soviet times, the trolleybus fleet was formed by Czechoslovak Skodas, but during the war and after they all fell into disrepair. Trolleybus traffic was restored due to decommissioned trolleybuses from Russia (in particular from Moscow). Later, purchases of new cars began.
From Russian operators cellular communication MTS, Beeline, Megafon work in roaming. For a long stay in Sukhum, it is recommended to use the services of local mobile network operators. This is Aquaphone or A-Mobile. Using local mobile operators can save you a lot of money on long distance calls. Points of reception and automatic machines for replenishment of payments are everywhere.
The best time to relax in the city of Sukhum is from July to September, but this does not negate the rest at other times. The water temperature in October is above +20 degrees. The water is a little below +20 degrees in May, but hotter days make swimming very refreshing.
______________________________________________The capital of Abkhazia bears the name Sukhum (the name Sukhumi is often found). The city originated in the VI century BC, which makes it one of the most ancient in the world. At that time, on the site of the local settlement Akua Greek merchants founded a colony Dioscurius, which later became a major commercial and economic center. Then the Romans came and, destroying Dioscuria, founded their fortress Sebastopolis. After many centuries, the Arabs swept through the lands of the future Sukhum, giving the settlement a name Tskhum. After the Turks renamed it Sukhum-Kale which means " fortress of water and sand».
Sukhum is the Russified name of the city, which he received with the annexation of the Caucasus to the Russian Empire. It is interesting that the Abkhaz themselves call the capital of their country Akua.
Mineral springs and healing air of Sukhum will improve your health, while yellow sand and turquoise sea will relax your body and soul. The city is immersed in greenery, and it is impossible to look away from the snow-white monuments of architecture.
Climate and weather
Sukhum is located in convenient location: it is open to the warm sea and protected from the wind, which creates a special climate. The hot weather lasts until the end of October, the winter is warm and mild. Summer in Sukhum lasts 7-8 months, 220 days a year the sun shines here.
In July and August, in the capital of Abkhazia, the air warms up to +26…+30 °C, sometimes up to +35°C. The sea from such heat becomes warm as fresh milk - +24…+30 °C. In autumn, the weather becomes more pleasant: the air temperature drops to +20…+25 °C while the sea stays warm +23…+26 °C.
In winter, the air temperature does not fall below 0 °C and averages +8…+14 °C. The sea freezes only on very cold nights.
The rainiest months are November, December and January. At this time, it falls twice more precipitation than all summer.
Sukhum is good at any time of the year, but it is best to come here from late summer to mid-autumn - at this time it is soft and comfortable, fruits and vegetables are in abundance, housing and service prices are low, and there are very few tourists.
Nature
The nature of Sukhum is so beautiful and pure that, after resting here, all tourists note a surge of strength. Here you can feel the vital energy in everything: in the transparent sea, rich greenery, bright sun.
The capital is located on the coast Sukhumi bay, from the north it is protected mountain peaks. Sukhum is surrounded the Kelasur and Gumista rivers; two flow through the city Basla and Sukhumka rivers. By the way, since 1955 in the valley Basla river receive therapeutic thermal mineral water saturated with nitrogen.
Above the capital at an altitude of 201 meters rises Mount Sukhumi (Samata) with excellent views of Sukhumi bay, city and mountain ranges. The road uphill is not easy and constantly winds, but all this fades against the backdrop of interesting historical sites near which it passes.
Located not far from the city Mount Trapeze (Hathua). It is famous for the fact that the great Russian scientist Alexei Ostroumov acquired a plot of land on its slope and planted a garden here, and Chekhov, while visiting the scientist, admired this "unique and poetic place." Since 1902, the city hospital has been operating on this mountain.
Forests on the slopes of the mountains are a favorite place for tourists and locals to relax.
The whole capital and its environs are buried in greenery and flowers. Cypresses, palm trees, Himalayan cedars, arborvitae, feijoa, tangerines grow in the city.
Wild cats, raccoons, squirrels, deer, fallow deer live in the forests of Sukhum. The local rivers were chosen by trout and pike perch, muskrats and nutria. Dolphins and stingrays, perches and red mullets, seahorses and crabs splash in the sea.
Residents of Sukhum carefully monitor the state of the environment and try to preserve the natural heritage.
Attractions
Sukhum has its own exquisite picturesque embankment - embankment of Mahadzhirs. It was built in the late XIX - early XX century. Another embankment that frames the Black Sea coast is embankment of the Dioscuri. Both of them are surrounded by old houses and cultural monuments.
Located in the center of the capital ancient monument countries - Sukhumi fortress founded in the 2nd century AD.
Sukhum is a city of several confessions, there are many temples, ancient and modern, of various religions. We recommend that you definitely visit the Orthodox Kaman temple X-XII centuries and Cathedral Annunciation,Lutheran church, Polish church, synagogue.
Near the sea there is a beautiful Theater Square with the Abkhazian State Drama Theater and an exhibition hall.
One of the most beautiful streets of Sukhum - avenue Leon- connects the sea and Mount Trapeze. This street is a real open-air museum. On it are located philharmonic, botanical garden, famous monkey nursery.
Botanical Garden of Sukhum known far beyond the city limits. It was founded in 1840, since then it has been visited by thousands of tourists every year. Here you can see a collection of plants that is stunning in its size and beauty. The main attraction of the garden is a 250-year-old Caucasian linden.
Apery- home to 300 monkeys from Africa, South America, Asia. The nursery has a museum of primates and the only monkey monument in the world has been erected.
IN scenic surroundings there are a large number of capitals interesting monuments cultures: Beslet bridge across the Basla river, Bagrat castle, Sukhumi lighthouse made in France.
Nutrition
The food service in Sukhum began to develop actively recently, so there is no abundance of cafes and restaurants here. The most famous cafe of the Abkhazian capital - " Nartaa". The most delicious dishes of the national Abkhazian cuisine are served here: khachapuri-boats, hominy, abysta with cheese and mint, baked meat, trout with a side dish of beans, as well as real tarragon. Wine - Abkhazian, aged. In summer, you can eat here in a real Patskhe- wicker kitchen from a rod. Prices are low: a hearty lunch will cost $ 5-10.
On the mountain overlooking the Black Sea there is a cafe " Amra", which means " Sun". Here you can skip a cup of freshly brewed coffee, taste incredibly delicious cakes and Abkhazian sweets for quite low prices. You can have a bite and enjoy delicious coffee for $2-7.
There are also places with dishes of other cuisines in Sukhum: European restaurants " Atrium Victoria», « San Remo» « honey cake", Chinese restaurant " Yin Yang».
Accommodation
You can stay in Sukhum in sanatoriums, rest houses, boarding houses, mini-hotels and hotels. Also, the city has developed the rental of rooms, apartments and houses for any period. Many places to stay are located close to major attractions − botanical garden, monkey nursery, streets of Leon, embankments.
Quite recently, mini-hotels began to appear, which, in terms of quality of service, are not worse than rest houses, sanatoriums and boarding houses. As a rule, each room has a TV, as well as a toilet and shower. Almost all hotels are equipped with playgrounds for children and adults.
Holiday houses offer four categories of rooms: economy double one-room; economy triple one-room; standard double one-room with a balcony, TV, refrigerator and fan; standard family two-room with a balcony, TV, refrigerator, fan. Economy rooms have a toilet and sink; shower room and refrigerator are shared on the floor. The "standard" option also provides a shower in the room.
Many sanatoriums and boarding houses in Sukhum have been preserved since Soviet Union. Many have been modernly renovated, and medical and rejuvenating procedures are provided. True to spa hotels foreign resorts they are far away.
Accommodation for one person costs from 10 to 25 $ per night.
As a rule, meals in hotels, boarding houses, rest houses are not included in the cost of living. But it can be ordered separate fee($ 3-10 depending on the frequency of meals) or cook on your own in the kitchen for guests. Almost all holiday homes have a cafe.
A one-room apartment near the sea can be found for $30-45, a two-room apartment for $40-55, a three-room apartment for $60-80 per day. A turnkey private house by the sea will cost $15-120 per day.
Entertainment and recreation
Sukhum is a city that is surrounded by the sea, rivers and mountains. Therefore, the rest here is the most diverse.
For 10 kilometers, pebbly and sandy beaches. In the city center, they are well ennobled: embankments, deck chairs, cafes, attractions; also here you can rent catamarans, jet skis, air mattresses. Far from the center wild beaches They are spacious and not crowded.
The sea is clean and warm in almost any weather. Tourists are offered to admire the underwater world and look at ancient city of Dioscuria, which was swallowed up by the sea over 2,000 years ago. You can take a boat ride, swim in clear water far from the coast and taste national dishes right on board, enjoying clean air and a beautiful sunset.
See great views and visit Amazing places you can climb the mountains - on your own or on a horse.
Ecotourism is becoming popular in Sukhum with exciting journeys and adventures that will allow you to get to know the city, get acquainted with its history, culture, sights, enjoy its nature. The most popular form of such recreation is cycling. Biking is possible all year round.
Fans of night parties and clubs will be disappointed: there are almost none in Sukhum. There are a couple of clubs that operate at night, but they are small and not very popular.
In the city, you can go to the theatre, 3D cinema, billiard clubs or improve your health in sports and fitness centers.
Purchases
There are no boutiques in the capital and shopping centers, large grocery stores and hypermarkets. It is dominated by private business and sale from a personal farmstead. There is a very large market in Sukhum, where people come from all cities of Abkhazia for shopping. The market has a chic selection of homemade products (cottage cheese, cheese, vegetables, herbs, fruits, spices, wine and chacha, honey), clothes and other goods.
There are many souvenir shops in the city where you can buy boxwood jewelry, souvenir knives, carpets, clothes, textiles, sea salt, medicinal herbs, tea, coffee.
Transport
Sukhum is served by the railway station, seaport, buses and trolleybuses.
By railway the capital is connected with other cities of the country (up to the border with Russia), as well as with Moscow and Adler. Vessels from Russian Black Sea cities arrive at the port of Sukhum.
Not far from the city is the only one in the republic Babushara airport. It is actively used for flights of the first persons of Abkhazia and Russia and scheduled flights V Pskhu village(Checkpoint on the border of Russia and Abkhazia).
Regular trolleybuses and buses roam the city, as well as fixed-route taxis. Trolleybus routes there are only three, they connect the city market and the railway station, the lighthouse and Thubun. The cost of one trip on a trolleybus is $0.1. There are two bus routes: Rynok - Lighthouse and New District - Rynok. The bus ride will cost $0.16. Enough in the city fixed-route taxis. The fare in them is $ 0.3.
There is a taxi service in Sukhum. Specify the cost of the trip in advance.
You cannot rent a car in the city: there are no rental offices. If you yourself came by car, then moving around the city will not be difficult: it is all divided into "honeycombs" and it is difficult to get lost in it.
Connection
The city is completely covered by a mobile communication network of two operators - " A-Mobile" And " aquaphone". They offer their customers 2G (GSM) and 3G network. A SIM card can be purchased from official representatives for $1.5 and an additional prepayment of $5. Choose special tourist tariff plans, they are without monthly fees. Mobile communication you can pay with special cards (they are sold everywhere), through payment terminals, at payment points.
There are more and more Internet cafes in the capital. 1 hour of using Internet services costs $1.5. Sukhum is the first city in Abkhazia to have Wi-Fi. They can be used with or without registration.
There are call centers in the city. The price of one minute depends on where you are calling and is $0.06-0.5.
Safety
Tourists note that they feel quite safe in Sukhum. Nevertheless, it is worth keeping money and valuables in a safe here and avoiding dark alleys. Do not leave your car unattended. At night it is best to put it on paid parking or to the parking lot of the hotel, boarding house. Be careful when crossing the road: rules traffic almost not observed.
Business climate
Business in Sukhum is represented by small private enterprises and companies that are engaged in service and tourist services (mini-hotels, cafes, souvenir shops; entertainment for tourists at sea and in the mountains). In the capital, there are enough offers for the sale of a business. So, for example, a mini-hotel in the city can be purchased for $450,000-800,000.
Business centers in Sukhum meet all modern standards, are guarded, equipped with conference rooms, and have Internet access.
Exhibitions are held in the capital of Abkhazia. The Abkhaz resort forum "Hospitality Industry" presents a full range of goods and services for hotels, restaurants, cafes, holiday homes. Another significant exhibition in Sukhum is the international construction and interior exhibition "Construction and Design". The events are organized at the fairground in the city center on Avenue Leona.
Real estate
The price of the property depends on its distance from the sea and from the center.
A small house overlooking the sea and with a small plot can be purchased for $30,000-50,000. You will have to pay $100,000-250,000 for the villa. Individual plots are also for sale. Sometimes they are valued more than a plot with a house: the cost sometimes reaches $ 60,000.
A one-room apartment can be found for $35,000-40,000, a two-room apartment for $45,000-55,000.
Negotiate all prices in advance, whether it's a taxi ride, excursion or accommodation in the private sector. Don't be afraid to bargain in the market.
In Sukhum, it is not customary to appear in bathing suits on the street. Local men prefer not to walk "in public" even in shorts, but only swim in them in the sea. The open knees of a Sukhum woman are still considered the height of indecency.
On the street, in public places, it is not customary to openly express one's feelings and emotions (kissing, hugging).
