Tsandripsh rest. Abkhazia tsandripsh private sector photo
A small urban-type settlement Tsandripsh is located in the Gagra region of Abkhazia. The population is about 10 thousand people. I would call it an Armenian village, because I never saw the Abkhazians.
I asked our hostess:
And where are the Abkhazians?
She explained:
Abkhazians live high in the mountains, and there are only two of them left in the village.
The village of Tsandripsh is sandwiched between the federal highway leading from Adler to Sukhum and the old, neglected Sukhum railway, which runs along the seashore. So there is no way to avoid the railroad on the way to the beach. You can pass: either, breaking the embankment with a railway track, or from below - through a tunnel.
We noticed two tunnels in the village: one closer to the center, the other on the outskirts - in the area of White Rocks. We managed to see the train passing to Sukhum a couple of times - the train is very short, only a few cars.
And now I want to say about the warmest and good location in the village - about the White Rocks. This is perhaps the main attraction of Tsandripsh. There are White Rocks on the outskirts of the village towards the Cold River. You can reach them in about an hour in two ways: either by the seashore, or along the main street towards Gagra.
The rocks are really absolutely white and smooth, they lie right at the water's edge. They were created by nature itself - a sea waves for centuries painstakingly worked on polishing them.
The central street, Oktyabrskaya, pierces the entire village and unites outside it with federal highway... This street is a very miserable sight - most of the houses are in gaping ruins, so it is better not to look around.
At the foot of the destroyed buildings there are open stalls under bright umbrellas - these are outlets selling some souvenirs, beach accessories and trifles. Trading eases the feeling of ruin a little.
In the fragments of the first floors of houses that have survived in places, there are small shops selling groceries or pharmacies. The village has several cafes and even a canteen on the corner of Lenin Street - but the very sight of these establishments is repulsive. At the beginning main street, at the bus station there is a small and meager fruit and vegetable market.
Note that there has been no post office in the village since the war. We asked the hostess many times: how can this be? There was only one answer: there was no post office in the village. We also learned from her stories that in past years Tsandripsh was quite comfortable and prosperous.
Several prosperous enterprises worked - a wine, canning and crushed stone factories, a tobacco factory. Wine and tobacco were produced under the quality mark and were mainly exported. Now there is none of this - everything is destroyed and plundered.
If you walk a little deeper from the central street into residential buildings, then the eye immediately catches contrasts. Houses are clearly divided into three main types: squalid, dilapidated shacks, solid newly rebuilt houses and unfinished huge mansions, long abandoned by the owners - most likely during the war.
The only grocery market where, in fact, the population buys food, it works only three times a week: on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Active trading begins at 6 am, and after 11 am there is nothing to do there - you cannot buy food. The prices are very high, much higher than in Moscow. I will write about them a little later.
I want to note an important detail: there is no embankment in the village - there is only a long pebble beach. In the evening there is nowhere to walk - no park, no square - only vacant lots. Therefore, young people on vacation love to hang out on the beach at night: guitars, music and brought with them beer - everything is there ...
Abkhazia has a very short daylight hours - it gets dark early. Absolute darkness falls around eight o'clock in the evening. And in the evening in the village only one central street is illuminated - and then, in the place where the convenience store is located ...
Nowhere to go. Therefore, on long Abkhaz evenings, the resting people are doomed to either watch TV, or drink beer stupidly, or try to fall asleep after nine in the evening ... True, this is problematic - from the only village restaurant, pop music thunders until four in the morning. By the way, in the evening you can reach this place only with a flashlight in your hand, otherwise you will break your legs, in the village only the central street is asphalted.
Towards the morning, when the restaurant rhythms fall silent and you try to fall asleep, another story begins: packs of stray dogs fight on a huge garbage heap that rises right in the center of Lenin Street.
Since we are talking about the animal world, we should also mention other representatives of the fauna. Chickens roam the streets freely, finding food in the same street mountains of garbage.
Here, not only stray cats walk by themselves, but you can suddenly meet a cow as well. One morning I went to a grocery store and on the street I met a lonely horned cow walking with me on the way back and forth.
If we talk about small animals - I saw real scorpions for the first time. They constantly lived on the walls of our toilet, peacefully coexisting with huge fat snails. And at night angry mosquitoes attacked - but that's just trifles.
About the global mountain of garbage on the street named after the proletarian leader, which was shared at night by dogs, and by chickens during the day - I have already said. And imagine another picture. In front of the tunnel leading to the beach, we had to watch how Russian resort old ladies in hats and multi-colored pareos defiled in the direction of the beach.
And the daily old woman's defile took place against the background of three unchanging scenery: a huge garbage dump, an old abandoned cafe and a local peasant sitting by the road. This little man was selling some kind of red wine poured into plastic bottles, as well as a local delicacy - killed sea rays, sprawled at the bottom of an old zinc trough ...
There is a pebble beach just behind the tunnel. However, getting closer to blue sea not so easy. To begin with, I had to bypass the beach trash heaps, consisting of the results of the activity of vacationers during the holiday season. A ridge of garbage mountains stretched along the entire beach - right up to the White Rocks.
For swimming, not a single place was equipped on the entire coast - small pebbles for entering the sea could not be found. So there was only one opportunity to swim - to swim in special shoes or directly in slippers.
There weren’t a lot of people on the beach, but it wasn’t possible to swim calmly in the sea anyway. Hot horsemen on their jet skis and motorboats rushed right over the heads of the bathing public - trying to attract the attention of vacationers and make the most of money at the end of the dying season ...
I forgot to mention the theft of money by local telecom operators. In Moscow, we prudently put decent sums on our phones - for every fireman. We had no information that when crossing the border it was necessary to select an operator manually.
Three days after our arrival, four thousand rubles disappeared from us. We talked with Moscow only a few times, and very briefly.
And when we went to find out the reasons for the disconnection at the local communications office, we, old boobies, were popularly explained that there was nothing unusual here. As soon as visitors get into the coverage area of the local network - how their money bye-bye ...
Continued in the fifth part
Tsandripsh is a very small settlement. Even if we take into account the neighboring village of Gyachrypsh, which, in fact, is one whole with the village, then the total housing stock will be much less than in other resorts on the coast. Therefore, it is better to decide on the place of residence in advance by booking it before arrival. There are no large hotels, sanatoriums or recreation centers in the village. All areas are provided by individuals. These are purpose-built guest houses or renting out typical residential premises local residents... But the level of service here, oddly enough, is higher than in the same Gagra. Most likely, the influence of the nearby Russian resorts, forcing to "keep the brand", affects. Prices in 2020 allow Tsandripsh to be attributed to inexpensive resorts... All rented accommodation is located along coastline, so this can also be called the advantage of the village.
How to get there
The village is located in the westernmost part of Abkhazia on the border with The Russian Federation... It was built in a valley formed around the bed of the Haushpse River, which flows into the Black Sea here. Another river, Lapsy, flows between the village and the neighboring village of Gyachrypsh, and on the border with Russia, the Psou river. Thus, the water near the coast of the village is very much renewed due to mountain rivers and therefore is quite clean.
Sukhumskoe highway passes through the village - the main transport corridor to get to Tsandripsh. The most convenient way to get here is by road. There is also a railway connection in the village, but there are not many trains, and they do not run. all year round, from May to October. From the Russian side, the best way to get to the village is via Adler. Both from the railway station and from the Sochi airport to the village can be reached by minibus or taxi. Just 5 km from the border. Moreover, when choosing a taxi, it is better to take it with Abkhazian numbers, it will be cheaper.
General information, history
Officially, Tsandripsh is today an urban-type settlement. In various sources, the name can be written as "Tsandrypsh", in fact - this is the same thing. In Soviet times, the village was called Gantiadi, and many still use this name. Currently, about 5,000 people permanently live in the village.
The territory of the village has been inhabited since ancient times. She is considered historic center Small Abkhazia. This is confirmed by the many ruins of ancient buildings, which can still be seen in the village today. The first official settlement appeared here in 1867. It was laid by the Russians. The name of the village comes from the Abkhazian clan Tsanba.
Today, rest in Tsandripsha is considered to be a family one. Life here is more measured and calm. From the point of view of the entertainment industry, the village is difficult to compete with Adler or Sochi, and it is not necessary. The local nature and the sea will therefore attract their holidaymakers. To this can be added the Abkhaz flavor and low prices.
Things to do
Rest in Tsandripsh can be compared with sightseeing tour on the history of Abkhazia. The key attraction that must be visited is the Khashup Fortress. This is a fortification of the 8th century, which has been well preserved to this day. It is located in the channel of the Khashupse River, a couple of kilometers from the village. And right on the territory settlement located Tsandripshsky temple or basilica of the IV century. This is an ancient baptismal room with tombs of the relics of the martyrs.
Those for whom active rest is more important can be recommended to try their hand at rafting - rafting on mountain rivers, of which there are three in the village. And of course the very nature of the Caucasian coast, with its riot of colors of outlandish flora. Just wandering around the outskirts of the village will be not only exciting, but also very useful.
Climate in Tsandripsh
Average monthly air temperature by months
Average monthly water temperature by months
Beaches
Local beaches can be called the widest on the entire Caucasian coast. They can reach depths of up to 200m. This is due to the fact that the mountain range is somewhat removed from the coastline. The beaches are mostly covered with large and small pebbles, so slippers will be highly desirable. The total length along the sea is about 6 km, i.e. the entire built-up residential area of the village overlooks one or another section of the beach. All beaches are equipped with a well developed service industry. The bottom is rather flat, although there is no particular shallow water. Near the village there is wild beach, which locals call "White stones" because of the white rock formations that formed this place.
Latest reviews about holidays in Tsandripsh
We rested here for more than one year. I liked everything very much, we plan to come again. Home atmosphere, cozy like home. The owners are very good-natured, our requests and wishes were not ignored. In the summer of 2019 it was cool, so they brought us blankets)))
Thank you for the warm welcome, we will definitely come to you again
With a big delay, but still, finally, I fulfill my duty to this wonderful family and their new guests - I am writing a review about an unforgettable stay in this house! I could not get myself together, as I completely lost my head in children and work, immediately upon returning home. Such was the period in my life. Now, on vacation, I sincerely want to make up for my shortcoming on this issue)
A year and a half has passed, and a three-week vacation with Aunt Vali and Uncle Garik still warms my heart with memories!
I rested in Tsandripsha with my one-year-old daughter, the eldest daughter was 9 years old nearby in a sports camp. I was looking for housing specifically near the camp in order to sometimes meet with my eldest daughter. In the middle of our vacation, my husband joined us and the three of us already lived with Valentina and Garik. All previous reviews are absolutely true - the family welcomes guests like family! Vali has perfect cleanliness, order and comfort everywhere.
The hosts warmly welcome guests, and every day think about how people are nourished with warmth and care during their holidays. I want to return to this house again and again.
For a modest fee, the hosts provide guests with cozy, clean, bright rooms. All the comforts of home, shower, washing machine. A comfortable outdoor kitchen with all the necessary utensils. With a one-year-old child, I never needed anything. When my home blender went out of order, Valya immediately brought me her own! For example. There are a lot of such little things. The owners, if necessary, took us to the market and to the children's store! In everything they tried to help, suggest and make our vacation carefree!
When we first arrived, it was low season and there weren't many guests. Closer to July, the house was 100% full, but everyone felt comfortable together, thanks to the hospitable hosts, the guests were friends and communicated with each other in a mode comfortable for each family.
The hosts put on amazing dancing and talking nights at dinner. They have wonderful grandchildren who sometimes dance national dances for guests. And also make a great company for little guests. My baby was constantly surrounded by the attention and care of Milana and Emil, the grandchildren of Vali and Garik.
Thanks to the whole family for our wonderful holiday and your hospitality! If back to Abkhazia, then only to you !!!
Thank you for the rest, Comrade Anya, village Serezha and Gayane. All liked it. The first time we were in Abkhazia, it took a long time to choose a place and did not regret it. Everything you need is there, water is hot all the time, air conditioners in the rooms, the photos correspond, it is close to the sea, and most importantly QUIET. Nearby there is a minibus to the center. Many families have been coming here for decades. This speaks volumes. We will definitely come again. I recommend you come.
Hello everybody!!! The whole family of 7 people stayed with these wonderful and friendly people. Two children and five adults. The atmosphere is as if you were raised and born there, everything is so homely and cozy. The rooms are very clean, there is air conditioning, shower and toilet right in the room, T / V, WF, the tangerine garden amazed with its beauty, a huge summer kitchen with gas stoves, refrigerators, TV. There is a lot of space for evening gatherings, barbecue, skewers, coal, everything is there, everything is so cozy and beautiful, just super. The owners are very, very hospitable, just great. It seems that you have known them all your life. As for the sea, it is clean, no poisoning, the children took a gulp of sea water and nothing happened, no one got poisoned or got sick. To the sea exactly 5 minutes on foot. There are just a lot of shops, there is a wonderful dining room, you can order barbecue and smoked trout straight home through the hosts, very convenient. We ordered an excursion, in a Mitsubishi jeep, in general a class. The children are delighted. By the way, the excursion was ordered from the owners, as they say, everything is in one place. They have a family contract. Well done. The most impressive trip is the Gegsky waterfall, I just advise it very cool, it is so huge when you look up at the waterfall your head is spinning. Yes, at the expense of the sea in September it is warm, the beach is pebble. We will definitely go there and to this guest house "Svetlana". I really want to thank these wonderful and kind people for their hospitality, thank you. By the way, we were met at the border in a car and were also taken back, very convenient. There is even a dog named "Zeus" as a native. My family and I are looking forward to getting there again. We will definitely come in 2020. I recommend this guest house to everyone. Thanks for all!!!
We have been resting with Zhanna and Igor for several years, but not having time to leave, we want to go back (before reaching the border, by the way). So cozy and homely atmosphere that during the winter my niece constantly says that I have to go to live with Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Igor. Thank you for our unforgettable vacation, we look forward to summer and again to you!
Small, only 5,000 inhabitants, the village of Tsandripsh in the Gagra region of Abkhazia is older than half of the world's capitals. Already in the first millennium BC. NS. the future resort was chosen by the ancient tribes, which were replaced by the Romans, and then the descendants of the future Abkhazians. In memory of themselves, they all left a few buildings scattered throughout the village and the surrounding area.
Over time, Tsandripsh, alas, did not grow; even its popularity among the Soviet elites (one of Stalin's favorite dachas stands nearby) did not turn the village into a resort on a national scale. Today it is still modest in size, not too rich in tourist infrastructure, but green, comfortable and healthy.
Tsandripsh is perfect for a leisurely budget vacation... Yes, and the Russian border is only 5 km away, a passport is not needed. The only negative (however, as anyone) is an exclusively pebble entrance to the sea. But if you have special footwear, you quickly forget about it.
How to get to Tsandripsh
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Tsandripsh is by air through the main air gate Caucasus - Adler airport, located just 21 km from the village. The rest of the way will have to go by public transport, train or taxi. On a trip to railroad from the European part of Russia it will take significantly more time, but there are options that do not require transplants. In addition, directly to Tsandripsh you can get on intercity buses going to Sukhum from Moscow and a number of cities in Yuzhny federal district... You should also not lose sight of the option of driving your own car.
Read more about how to get to Tsandripsh.
Search for flights to the city of Adler (the nearest airport to Tsandripsh)
A bit of history
In the middle of the first millennium A.D. NS. Tsandripsh (then called Sauchi) was the capital of the Sanigiya principality. It is believed that it was here that Little Abkhazia was born. In the 19th century, a Russian village was founded nearby, which then merged with the Abkhaz one. During the Russian rule (until the end of the Great Patriotic War) the city was called Ermolovsky, and then, before perestroika - Gantiadi. It is under this name that many Soviet-trained tourists know Tsandripsh today.
Transport
On a regular public transport working from early morning until late at night is not worth counting in Tsandripsh. Yes, there are several minibuses, but when and where, perhaps, only their drivers know. There are signs "Bus stop" along the roads, but you can brake public transport with a wave of your hand there - most likely, the attempt will be crowned with success.
If you need to return from somewhere in the evening, there is one option - a taxi. The cost of a short trip will cost on average 100 RUB when called by phone. "Bombila", "caught" on the road, can ask for three times more. Prices on the page are for September 2018.
There is no place to rent bicycles, and there is nowhere to ride them. For a car, you can go to Sukhum or take it directly to the Psou checkpoint: there is a chance to get a Nissan-X-Trail or a Mercedes-Benz S-class for 2000 RUB / day when renting from 7 days.
It is forbidden to drive a rental car into the territory of Russia!
Tsandripsh Hotels
Home-like, cozy Tsandripsh meets vacationers almost exclusively with guest houses and mini-hotels without any "stars". However, they have everything you need: free Wi-Fi and parking, breakfast-only meals (you can also agree on a full board), TV, barbecue facilities, a distance to the beach within a kilometer, and somewhere - even billiards , sauna or bathhouse. As for the air conditioner, you need to clarify additionally, as a last resort, you can ask for a fan.
Average room rate in guest house or a mini-hotel - 1000 RUB (there are also 550 RUB), many of them work only on a prepaid basis, but it is better not to pay more than 30% of the amount before arrival.
If you want something luxurious and more expensive, you can rent a room at the 4 * Eucalyptus Coast hotel, the pleasure will cost 4500 RUB (the price includes a free transfer, the hotel has a swimming pool), or rent a villa on the beach with two bedrooms and a living room for 9000 RUB / night.
Beaches
There is no need to specifically look for beaches or go several kilometers to them in Tsandripsha. I went ashore - and here it is, the beach. Incredibly long and wide, closer to the forest and the road it is coarse-grained, and near the water it is coarse and small-pebble. The purest blue Black Sea is attached (after a storm it can be cloudy).
The beach is free, closer to the center there are rental offices for umbrellas and sun loungers (from RUB 100 / day), as well as air mattresses and jet skis (from RUB 300-1000 / day).
The local coast is perfect for families with children: the entrance to the water is gentle, the bravest are invited to ride a "banana". But most of all, the kids are delighted with dolphins, which often show up and sometimes swim quite close.
You need to watch the children carefully: literally a couple of meters from the entrance to the water, there is a great depth right away.
The most beautiful section of the beach is located a little away from the village, between it and Gagra. It is called White Rocks, since along the coast from under crumbling pebbles here and there are huge boulders of the color of snow, the same rocks surround a small beach. This is the largest marble site in Abkhazia. Dozens of tourists come to admire the "rocks" every day.
Tsandrypsh
What to bring
There are no interesting shops in the tiny village, and even more so - shopping centers... All the fun is the local market. Edible souvenirs, without which you shouldn't leave, are natural honey, jam, incredible cheese, multicolored placers of aromatic spices and herbs. If you come across, you can grab a eucalyptus broom and Abkhazian black or green tea.
Local products made from sheep and goat wool are very popular among visitors: mittens, socks, cloaks, as well as clay and wooden handicrafts. From the first, the original reminder of the trip will be wine jugs, from the second - coasters for hot dishes and all kinds of kitchen utensils. Another iconic Abkhaz souvenir is a "dzhezva" for making coffee. True lovers of this invigorating drink will appreciate it.
Tsandripsh cuisine and restaurants
The word “restaurants” is not particularly suitable for the establishments of Tsandripsh: they do not have luxurious interiors, exquisite drinks and outlandish dishes on the menu. But the food is very tasty.
The basis of Abkhazian dishes is meat, fish, eggs, dairy and dairy products. Among vegetables, cabbage, eggplant and tomatoes are held in high esteem. They know how and love to cook beans and all kinds of cereals here.
Those who want to taste the local “delicacies” should order thick hominy corn porridge, juicy shish kebab, eggplant stuffed with nuts and herbs and, of course, hot adjika. Drinks include homemade wine and incredibly delicious lemonades.
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are offered by numerous canteens - most of them are in the center. A set lunch for two will cost 800 RUB, a small khachapuri snack with a glass of lemonade - 100 RUB per person. From institutions high level Tsandripsh guests recommend "Caucasus" on the street. Lenin. A dinner for two with alcohol in it will cost about 2000 RUB.
Entertainment and attractions
In general, they do not go to Tsandripsh in search of unique architectural structures or museums with a selection of wonderful artifacts. The sea, delightful air, natural beauty - these are the main things. But also for those who miss sightseeing vacation, will have something to do.
In the very center of the resort stands its main curiosity - a perfectly preserved 5th century basilica. They say that earlier they baptized babies in it, saw off the dead on their last journey, held services. Today excursions are not conducted here, but it is definitely worth seeing this unusual structure.
5 km from the village, in the beautiful gorge of the Khashupse River, there is another ancient building - the Khashup Fortress (43.429725, 40.12305). It is believed that the ancient Romans built it at the very beginning of the first millennium AD. NS. Time has worked hard over the once formidable citadel, but the outlines of the fortress in the grass-covered ruins are still guessed. By the way, the Khashupse river itself is also a miracle how good - its canyons are especially picturesque.
Of the modern attractions, it is worth noting Stalin's dacha in Cold river 4 km from Tsandripsh (43.364761, 40.118183). Not only excursion groups are allowed there, but also "savages" travelers. Caretakers willingly tell stories similar to fiction about one of the leader's favorite summer cottages, as well as about himself.
Entertainment in Tsandripsh is not very noisy discos, boat trips and rafting. In the village and its surroundings, three mountain rivers flow at once, flowing into the Black Sea, but the problem is that in some areas it naturally dries up in the heat, so there is no time for rafting.
Acquaintance with rich history hospitable Abkhazia can be continued on excursions to Gagra, New Athos, Pitsunda or to Lake Ritsa. You can visit there both on your own, going on a journey in a rented car or minibus, or as part of a tour group that gathers in all the villages on the coast.
Weather
Tsandripsh - a typical resort village Black Sea coast: the air temperature here rarely drops below zero even in the height of winter, and in summer there is a heat, which is only slightly compensated by the breeze. Tourist season lasts from May to October, but August may not be the most successful for rest: weather forecasters frighten with an abundance of precipitation. Plus, the last month of summer is considered the hottest.
The difference between day and night temperatures is sometimes significant: even in June-August it is worth taking a warm jacket to the resort, and in the spring and autumn - and even taking a jacket.
The Black Sea begins to accumulate heat in May and gives it off for a very long time: even in early October, the water temperature remains comfortable for swimming.
Basic moments
Tsandripsh attracts tourists with its spacious pebble beaches, warm climate, an abundance of sun, the possibility of sea bathing, clean air and luxurious Abkhaz vegetation. The village is very green, with eucalyptus, Pitsunda pines and cypresses growing on the streets. This place is popular with parents with children and those who like to spend their holidays in the bosom of nature, away from the noisy entertainment of large resort cities.
Accommodation and meals in Tsandripsh have always been inexpensive, and the road to resort village from railway station in Adler or Sochi airport is not a big deal. During the summer season, shops, canteens and Abkhazian national cafes - apatskhi work in the village, and discos open in the evenings.
For lovers active rest from the resort village they organize rafting on mountain rivers, jeep trips and paragliding flights. In addition, from Tsandripsh are carried out bus excursions across Abkhazia to Sukhumi Botanical Garden and a monkey nursery, to New Athos, to Lake Ritsa, to the Anakopia fortress and the Gega waterfall.
The history of the village
The territory on which Tsandripsh now stands has been inhabited since ancient times. In ancient times, Tsandripsh had the status of the capital of several principalities. An important trading port was located here, which flourished until the rule of the Ottoman Turks. The settlement was of great importance for Abkhazia. This is evidenced by the ruins of ancient fortresses and temples, which archaeologists discovered in Tsandripsha and its immediate vicinity.
In 1867, the Russians founded a village on the coast, which received its name from the surname of the famous Abkhazian clan Tsanba. V Soviet years he was called Gantiadi. Many residents continue to use this name to this day.
Tsandripsha beaches
The pebbly beaches of Tsandripsha are considered one of the best in Abkhazia. They stretch for almost 6 km, so from any part of the residential area you can go to one or another section of the beach. The coastal strip is wide, up to 200 m, and covered with medium and small pebbles. The sea water is very clean. The descent into the sea is gentle, but there is no vast area of shallow water.
V summer time the beaches of the resort village have everything you need to comfortable rest... Tourists can rent sun loungers and parasols, use toilets and changing rooms. Vacationers ride boat trips, ride on jet skis, "bananas" and parachute behind the boat.
Basilica
The temple revered by the Abkhaz stands in the center of Tsandripsh, not far from sea coast(Oktyabrskaya st., 155). The Christian basilica was erected in the 6th century. The building is constructed of roughly hewn stone blocks, has three naves and three protruding altar apses. Today the ruins of the basilica have the status of a cultural monument and are under state protection.
When they spent next to the ancient temple archaeological excavations, experts found a piece of white marble slab with inscriptions. It was a text about an unknown historical person with an indication of his title - "Abag". In addition, archaeologists have discovered other marble fragments around the basilica. All this suggests that in ancient times the temple was very revered among the locals. In it, converts were baptized, the dead were buried, and the relics of Christian saints were worshiped.
It is known that in the 10th century the people who lived here overhauled the basilica. They replaced the dilapidated wooden floors with new stone beams, which is why ancient temple managed to survive for many centuries, and it has been perfectly preserved to this day.
White rocks
A unique natural monument - White Rocks is located 3.2 km southeast of the basilica. A section of the coast of cliffs and stones of white and light gray color stretches at the exit from Tsandripsh towards the village of Kholodnaya Rechka. You can get here on foot along the seashore or by road.
White rocks are the only outlet of marble layers to the sea on the territory of the republic. This is a very picturesque place, where all vacationers in Tsanripsha and those who spend their holidays in others try to get there. resort locations Abkhazia. It is good to swim on the beach near the White Rocks. It is not crowded here, and you can only meet fishermen and a few vacationers. Photographers love to visit the picturesque cliffs. The snow-white cliffs cut by the sea surf are perfectly combined with azure sea and serve as a great backdrop for portrait photos.
Stalin's dacha
It is less than a kilometer from White Rocks to Stalin's dacha. The historical building is located in the neighboring village - Bagripsha or Cold River. The house stands on a high steep, rising 350 meters above sea level, and from it opens great view to the Black Sea and the coast. They go up to the dacha along the serpentine roads. A picturesque pine forest surrounds the green two-story building.
Nowadays, you can go inside the house with a guided tour and inspect the premises, the total area of which is 850 m². This is a bedroom, living room (meeting room), bathroom, spacious dining room and basement. On the second floor there is a billiard room with a fireplace and a cinema.
All rooms inside the historic building are finished with wood, and in some rooms valuable Karelian birch was used for wall decoration. It is noteworthy that the length of the bed in the bedroom is only 180 cm, and all the furniture has been preserved from the Stalinist times. The window panes in the country house are made of thick crystal.
Khashup fortress
The ruins of the Khashup fortress, which got its name from the Khashupse river, are located 5 km from Tsandripsh. The ancient citadel rises on a rocky, densely forested cliff. They get to it from the village of Khashupsa, which is 3 km from Tsandripsha. A torn path leads to the cliff along the river valley. Now the ruins are overgrown with yews and thickets of thorny blackberries, and they offer an excellent view of the picturesque coast.
According to historians, fortifications in the valley of the mountain river appeared in the 1st-2nd centuries, and they were built by the Romans. The fortress protected the gorge from enemy raids from the sea. The citadel was surrounded by a powerful stone wall up to 2 m thick.
Separate fragments of this wall have survived to this day, the height of which reaches 8 m. In addition, in the fortress you can see the ruins of towers, loopholes and outbuildings, containers carved in stone in which water was stored, and worn steps of an ancient stone staircase. On the territory of the settlement there are ancient burial grounds and dolmens.
Where to stay
Most tourists choose an economical vacation private sector Tsandripsha. Several guest houses have been built in the village, the owners rent rooms and turnkey houses to the resort guests. In addition, there is an opportunity to stay in a more comfortable park-hotel "Abkhazia". Tsandripsh is small in size, and all housing in the resort village is stretched along the coastline and is located close to the beaches.
Some tourists prefer to stay 3 km from Tsandripsh, in the village of Khashupsa. Here, in scenic location the large trout pond has a camping site where travelers can camp in tents or small cabins.
How to get there
Tsandripsh is located in the western part of Abkhazia, 5 km from the border with Russia. He is bound by road with Gagra and Sukhum. By car, you can reach the resort village along the M4, M27 highways. The border crossing procedure is simple and takes 10 minutes.
The Sochi airport closest to the village is located in Adler. If you plan your trip by train, tickets must also be taken to Adler. Although a railway line passes through Tsandripsh, trains run here rarely, not all year round, but only during the period holiday season- from May to October.
It is only 13 km from Adler to Tsandripsh, and by buses or route taxis it takes 20 minutes to get to the resort village. Those who want to come to Tsandripsh by taxi should opt for cars with Abkhaz numbers. This way the trip will be cheaper.
