Beach Party

An adventurous trip to Abkhazia includes some good sunbathing.

Today, Novy Aphon is the “must see” of the Abkhaz Orthodox Church, as well as a major tourist spot alongside the Anacopia gorge nearby. The numerous Russian tourists come on a day trip from neighbouring Gagra, and both sites get particularly busy in those grey days when sunbathing is not an option. Small wonder, as Gagra doesn’t offer much apart from its long beach, which is, on the other hand, what the average tourist from central Russia has been longing for throughout the year. Still, the curious traveller heading for the hilly streets up the Caucasus slopes is likely to hear a dozen languages: from Armenian or Pontic Greek to the north Caucasian family; Adygean, Circassian, Chechen, Kabardin…and Abkhaz, of course; “a language spoken in guttural voices, somewhat reminiscent of an eagle’s cry” according to Paustovsky’s perception.

Related Products: Visit our store

Read more from this blogger: Abkhazia - Minefields And Golden Beaches