"Gagra - once the russian "Monte Carlo"" Gagra by civilian

Gagra Travel Guide: 5 reviews and 19 photos

Mandarines and more...

Gagra, located on ther black sea coast, between Socci and Sukhumi, used to be one of the favourite holiday destinations for the russian "nomenclatura" in the days of the soviet-union. In 1993 heavy fighting took place, between the Abkhas that where asking for intependence, and the georgians on the other side. After the fighting stopped, the country declared itself as independent, but it was recocniced only by very few states.
A embargo from the russian and georgian side where spoiling the industrie, depending heavily on tourist.
there are no digital pictures taken from me jet ( no scanner) on the page, but I tried to get some representing pics from the web.
There was only the posibility to post Gagra as a Georgian destination, and I know lot of the locals would not agree - sorry

road to Gagra

road from Adler to Gagra

Most people will enter Akasia via Psou border, close to Adler/ russia.
Then a nice coast road will get you to Gagra

Entrance to the beach

gagra

Only a few meters after entering Gagra, you will see the former antrace to the beach on your right side.
In 1999, tourism was starting slowly, but only russians where alowed to pass the border, so all the beach was yours

Pros and Cons

Pros:spectacular landscape, nice people
Cons:tough live for the locals and a uncertain future
In a nutshell:hope for a better future for this lovely place

Last visit to Gagra: Dec 2000
Intro Updated Feb 10, 2005
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Reviews (2)

own car Transportation (1)

2001 there was not much about taxis in Gagra, but some busses where running like a private buissness. I was blessed with... more travel advice

Landmines Warnings Or Dangers (1)

It was my first mission, and I was heading a small orthopeadic workshop. Most of the amputations treated, where benn due... more travel advice

Comments (4)

Von_RIX Nov 27, 2007 at 10:05 AM Report Abuse

There is nothing like Gagra anywhere in Europe - Georgia can be truly pround of having such a beautiful city. High mountains, lush slopes, meet warm waters of the black sea. True dream.
fabrice Mar 11, 2007 at 1:44 AM Report Abuse

it seems to be a very beautiful place , wars always destroy the hopes of everyone
Travmad May 31, 2006 at 9:44 AM Report Abuse

Nice pics! I didn't know the area looked like this.
hunterV Feb 21, 2005 at 9:45 AM Report Abuse

I heard of that splendid place and am sorry it is in decay. Hoping for the best still!