Abkhazia: Cave, Monastery and Alpine Meadows

Abkhazia can be discovered through very different themes: the underground chambers of the New Athos Cave, the architectural history of the New Athos Monastery, historic churches in Pitsunda and a route into the alpine meadow zone. There are also more than 195 kilometers of coastline and a warm, humid subtropical climate. When you tailor your hotel search to your travel plans, it helps to make an initial thematic choice: should the cave, the architecture, the landscape or the festive tradition be the deciding factor?

New Athos Cave: Route, Crystal Formations and Cave Railway

The New Athos Cave has a 1.4-kilometer walking route with viewpoints. All the halls feature artistic lighting and sound. Inside are hundreds of thousands of crystal formations of more than 100 different types, with a wide variety of shapes and colors. Another milestone came in 1975, when a train on the “Cave Railway” first carried tourists through the artificial tunnel leading to the cave.

The New Athos Monastery

The New Athos Monastery was built in several phases from 1877 to 1911 and consists of two parts. Further architectural details are known about the upper complex: it has a rectangular ground plan, was built from 1884 to 1896, and comprises five churches. These periods fit within one another: the construction phase of the upper complex falls within the monastery’s longer construction period. This makes it possible to distinguish the entire complex from its more precisely dated upper section.

Churches and Lighthouse in Pitsunda

Churches from different periods and architectural styles have been preserved in the Pitsunda area. The cathedral was built in the late 10th or early 11th century on the ruins of an older cathedral. Its history therefore connects a specific later construction phase with an older place of worship that preceded it. The old Pitsunda lighthouse offers a different point of interest: it is no longer in operation and is considered a local attraction in Abkhazia.

Coastline, Climate and Pass Route

Abkhazia has more than 195 kilometers of coastline. The climate is warm, humid and subtropical. A route leads from Auadhara to Piu Pass, which lies at an altitude of over 2,000 meters in the alpine meadow zone. The Abkhazian name for the pass is Tchcha or Antchcho. This distinction is useful for getting your bearings: the coastline describes a regional feature, while Piu Pass is a specific destination on the route from Auadhara.

Traditional Food in Likhni

At the traditional Likhnashta festival in Likhni, visitors can sample traditional Abkhazian food. Here, culinary interest is tied to a named festival and its location.

Discover More Destinations

Pʼsirtsʼkha, Miusera, Otradnoe, Machara, Leselidze, Lidzava, Likhni, Gulrip'shi, Kheivani, Dranda, Baglani, Dacha, Ashitsra, Babushara, Abgara, Alakhadzi, Aatsi, Merkheuli, Gagra, Gantiadi, Pizunda, Sukhumi, Akhali Atoni, Gudauta, Ochamchira.

For the broader travel overview: Georgia.