Sukhumi

Sukhum (Abkhaz: Аҟəа /Aqwa/, Georgian: სოხუმი, Russian: Сухум) is the capital and principal city of Abkhazia. It has for the better part of the last century been famous throughout the Former Soviet Union as a prominent subtropical beach resort, complete with palm trees, botanical gardens, and citrus plantations, backed by the high alpine peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

Seafront at Sukhum

Building of the City Council

You can easily see Sukhum's urban sights in one afternoon; spend the rest of your time on the beach or doing day trips to northern Abkhazia. The region is relatively small, so Sukhum is a great base to explore it all.

Understand

Sukhumi
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       0     8 2       0     9 2       0     12 5       0     16 8       0     19 12       0     23 17       0     25 19       0     26 19       0     23 15       0     19 11       0     15 7       0     11 3 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       0     46 36       0     48 36       0     54 41       0     61 46       0     66 54       0     73 63       0     77 66       0     79 66       0     73 59       0     66 52       0     59 45       0     52 37 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

First settlement was founded here in the second and early first millennia BC by local Colchian tribes. Later in the mid-6th century BC it was replaced by the Milesian Greek colony of Dioscurias. It remained one of the Roman (and later Byzantine) strongholds in Caucasus up until being sacked by the Arabs in 736. Afterwards restored and flourished during the reigns of Abkhazian and Georgian kingdoms in the 12th–13th centuries. However, it fell to the Turks about 1570, when they built new fort here. In the late 18th century it became a capital of independent Abkhaz kingdom. Short after that in 1810 Abkhaz kingdom signed a treaty with Russian Empire to become part of it. Sukhum was a centre of the 1992–1993 Georgian-Abkhaz conflict, and thereafter was severely damaged. It has lots signs of it till nowadays.

Get in

If you enter Abkhazia with a travel permit issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, you'll need to visit Sukhum, as this is the place where (if you require a visa) you will have to exchange your permit for a proper visa. The consular service is located at the ground floor of the Ministry of Repatriation on ul. Sacharova 33 (from 9AM, lunchbreak from noon). Visit the consular first to establish if payment is required (e.g. for UK nationals the entry permit may be sufficient). If required, then pay your visa fee ($10 for 10 days) at Sberbank, Lakoba Ave. (opposite no. 37, 09:00-17:00) before returning to the consulate as you will need the receipt in order to obtain the visa.

By plane

🌍 Sukhum Babushara Airport (SUI  ^IATA), village of Babushara (20 km from Sukhum). It now handles only local flights due to the disputed status of Abkhazia. (updated Feb 2017)

By train

The direct sleeper train from Moscow have finally returned, there are departures at least twice a week with more connections added during the holiday seasons. Departure time from Moskva Paveletsky station is 5:20PM, arriving in Suhkumi 1:07PM two nights later. A local train also connects with the Russian summer resort of Sochi across the border, journey time is 5 hours with fares starting at RUR 200. No train services from Georgia.

🌍 Train station. 

By bus and marshrutka

Regular services connect Sukhum with the Russian border (2 h 30 min, hourly), and much rarely with a few towns in Southern Russia. If you are coming from or going to Georgia, you should pick a service from/to the South Abkhazian town of Gali, where marshrutkas and taxis go to the Abkhazian military checkpoint at Inguri bridge, leading towards Zugdidi, Georgia.

Long-distance coaches and marshrutkas going in east bound direction depart from the square in front of the Railway station. Including the ones going to Southern Russian cities, Russian border (PSOU), Gagra (2 hr), Gudauta, New Athos (30 min, RUB50), Pitsunda.

Marshrutkas heading south and westward depart from the central market (Rynok), incl. Dranda, Gali, Ochamchira (1 hr, RUB80).

Get around

Most can easily be done on foot; book stores sell quite decent maps.

Frequent marshrutkas and lesser frequent trolleybuses ply the roads. To get to the bus/train station ("voksal") take any marshrutka/trolleybus going to the central market and then board trolleybus #1 or #3.

There are three trolleybus routes:

• №1 Central Market ("rynok") - Noviy rayon. Via train station.
• №2 Central Market ("rynok") - Kashtak. Via city center and then further southward along city coast line.
• №3 Central Market ("rynok") - Zheleznodorozhniy Posyolok. Via train station

See

Observation deck

Cathedral of the Annunciation

Although some of the major sights of the city were destroyed by the war, Sukhum's principal attraction remained intact: an almost tropical climate with beaches, mountains, lakes, palm trees and of course the warm welcoming of locals, always mixed with a curiosity towards westerners. Since 2008, when Russian trade embargo was lifted, Russian tourists returned to Abkhazia once again and during summer invade the seaside; the influx of new money permitted the reconstruction of the main sites, and progress, albeit slow, is visible everywhere.

• 🌍 Promenade. Seaside promenade stretches some 4 km long westwards from the government buildings. Summertime it is always full of life: locals as well as Russian tourists stroll along, chat, eat ice cream, drink beer and enjoy the sun. Several restaurants are located to the West from hotel Ritsa, this is the area where bathing in the sea is permitted, and if you need accommodation, here you'll find many babushkas sitting on plastic chairs with "komnata" ('room') sign, they are more than happy to assist you. 

Beslet bridge

• 🌍 Beslet arcaded bridge (Queen Tamar Bridge). Medieval bridge over the Besletka river. It was built during the reign of queen Tamar of Georgia in the 12th century. 
• 🌍 Sukhum fortress (in the very center of the waterfront). The very first fortress here was built by the Romans in the early 2nd century AD. Then rebuilt by Ottomans in 1724. It was later used as a prison, destroyed in the Soviet years. What remains now is only southwestern tower of Turkish period and the northern wall with the remains of the gate. 
• 🌍 Castle of Bagrat III (on a hill, 500 meters away from the sea, in the north-eastern part of the city). It was built at the times of prosperity of the Abkhazian kingdom on behalf of the king of Abkhazia Bagrat III (980-1014). Its main purpose was to protect the southern approaches to the city, as well as controlling the port. Castle offers magnificent views of Sukhumi and its surroundings. 
• 🌍 Great Abkhazian Wall (Kelasuri Wall). The wall featured about 300 towers, most of them now entirely or largely ruined. Most likely was constructed by the early modern Mingrelian and Abkhazian princes amid their territorial disputes in the 6th century AD. 
• 🌍 Sukhumi lighthouse. 37 m height lighthouse. It was made in France in 1861 and then brought and installed in Sukhumi. Lighthouse overlooks New Athos and Sukhumi. 
• 🌍 Cathedral of the Annunciation. Constructed in 1909-1915 years at the funding of the Greek Orthodox community of the city. Built in neo-Byzantine style. 
• Old Soviet buildings and remnants of war: for those who seek for this, Sukhum is a paradise. Among all the abandoned, destroyed and sadly dilapidated buildings that you still find literally everywhere, the most famous one is indisputably the gigantic old government building of the Abkhaz Autonomous Republic (two corners westwards from the Botanical gardens), sacked and burnt out two decades ago. The railway station at the western edge of the town is also worth a look; the huge building -- nowadays a burnt-out shell -- seems to have had enough space for all the travellers of an entire metropolis like Moscow. (These days travellers are served by a much smaller, reconstructed building to the west of it.)

Museums

• 🌍 Abkhazian State Museum. 
• 🌍 House-museum of Gulia. 
• Art Gallery, 31, Lakoba st., ☎ [phone]. Displays over 3000 paintings of local and foreign artists. 

Further afield

Dranda cathedral

• 🌍 Kaman Monastery, Kaman village (12 km from Sukhumi on Sukhumi-Atsra road). The 11th century church is erected, according to tradition, over the tomb of Saint John Chrysostom. Since 2001 works as an acting monastery. 
• 🌍 Dranda Cathedral, Dranda village (take any marshrutka heading to Gali, Ochamchira or Dranda, get off at Dranda village and then walk for 800 m from the main road). 7:00 - 19:00. Possibly was built in 551 by emperor Justinian I. It underwent significant restoration but small original brick portions may still be seen in what was intentionally left untouched. Currently it operates as a monastery, they sell some basic souvenirs, books and maintain a smallish monastery hotel. 

Do

The Botanical Gardens

• Swim at the moderately well maintained pebble beach.
• 🌍 Abkhazian Drama Theater. Gives quite frequent performances. In Russian, no subtitles. RUB300-500. 
• 🌍 Abkhazian State Philarmonic. 

Parks

• 🌍 Botanical garden (three corners away northwards from hotel Ritsa). This nicely refurbished park is incredibly popular with tourists who are keen to take pictures with the odd-shaped trees. Botanical plant names given for many species. Garden was established in 1840, which makes it one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Caucasus. Adult RUB200, child RUB50. (updated Jan 2015)
• 🌍 Monkey park (just behind the Botanical gardens, across the railway line; it's impossible to get lost if you follow the line of old ladies and gentlemen who sell cucumbers, peaches and other delicacies intended for the animals). Once a research centre and alleged training place for the monkeys sent to the space by the USSR, now it's a pretty sad zoo around a huge monkey sculpture. The cages appear relatively small and outdated by western European standards. RUB150. 
• 🌍 Arboretum. It's now being used as an Abkhazian president residence and thus is closed for public admittance. However, it's surrounded by a big forest and there is a small nice park nearby which are both open for access. 

Buy

Since tourism returned to Sukhum, it's not difficult to find some local flavour you can bring home for your beloved ones. Most souvenir stalls are located at the Sokhumi seaside and sell the usual kitsch — the same shells that you may buy at any Mediterranean resort, but some of the notable are Abkhazia flags, T-shirts, fridge magnets, photo books, home made honey. Abkhazian brandy, vodka and chacha (a local spirit) are also available everywhere and make a good gift.

Shops open from 9:00 to 18:00 weekdays, till 14:00 Saturday. The produce market operates on weekends. Small grocery shops are open till late night.

• 🌍 Central market. 

The city has several banks where you can exchange currencies. There are several ATMs in the city centre accepting Visa and Mastercard cards. It is also possible to withdraw cash from these cards at all bank's counters for a 2% commission fee. Many tourist-oriented places, such as restaurants, accept credit and debit cards.

Eat

There is a fair share of restaurants in Sukhum, which cater mostly Russian or Caucasian style dining. Many of them are at the coast next to Hotel Ritsa; they are designed to cater Russian tourists, and while they are not exactly cheap on local standards (a diner with two courses and wine can cost up to EUR 15-20), most of them are decent and reliable. Walk along the seaside and choose what you like most (and where you find a free table, which can be tricky during the summer). Some new openings are visible around the town, especially around the tourist-invaded botanical garden.

• 🌍 Sushi Restaurant and Bar "Kibo". Serve Japanese cuisine. 
• 🌍 Restaurant Amra. The restaurant/bar at the pier is the poshest and even has sushi. It's also a good place for a drink. No English menus. 
• Bely Parus, Naberezhnaya Machadzhinov 48. A nice downtown garden restaurant, not very different from its neighbours, but serves good fish and meat dishes, decent service. Midrange. 
• Café Lika, Lakoba 57. If you want to taste really hearty local food far from the tourist crowds, this is the place to go. Auntie Lika only cooks two or three dishes a day, but all are culinary masterpieces. She loves to show the hidden gems of Caucasian cuisine to foreigners in her simple café, and we would dare to say that she's among the best cooks in Abkhazia. You'll never forget her Caucasian borscht and hartsho soups. Even the ketchup she gives with your breakfast sausages is home-made tomato jam prepared with plums and local green spices. She closes when the last guest goes home. Cheap. 
• There is also a truly authentic cafe on the parallel street to pr. Mira, next to a bookstore. Authentic (Mokka type) coffee, great for breakfast.
• 🌍 Cafe Ashkhyts (Кафе Ашьхыц), near the intersection of Kogoniya and Sakharova streets. The only place in the city to get Syrian/Syrian-Abkhazian food. The owner serves homemade Arab yogurt, falafel, kibbeh, harissa, and other typically Levantine Arab dishes. On request. she can also serve Abkhazian dishes such as Abista (white bean stew) and Akud (mamaliga/polenta) with a Syrian twist. RUB200 for a huge meal. 
• Ekmek Bakery (фирма Экмэк), 25 Abazinskaya st.. One of the best bakeries in the city. Try the bublik (a type of Russian bagel covered with sesame seeds) for RUB14. 

Drink

Roman Catholic Church of St. Simon the Zealot

Plenty of places along the coast. Walk along the coastline and take your pick. The places on the pier are great for a sundowner.

• 🌍 Beer-bar "Apsalas", ave. Aiaaira 179. Serve draught beer 'Pitsunda'. 
• 🌍 Bar "Agara" (Aҧра), Victory ave.. Very average bar. 
• 🌍 Nightclub "Aytar". Summer only. Restaurant which is located on the beach and has a beautiful view, nice atmosphere and a great food. It turns into club in the evening (plays mostly club music). 

Sleep

Home stays

Prices and quality vary, but in summer it's not always easy to find a decent home stay in Sukhum. Head for one of the several old ladies who work as housing agents behind their plastic tables at the Promenade, some 500 m westwards from Hotel Ritsa; they'll find you something. Another alternative is checking on Akirtaa street where a number of houses have signes advertising homestays. The longer your stay, the higher your chances are to find a good deal; looking for accommodation for one night can be a kind of nightmare. Expect to pay at least RUB700 for a double room.

• Hostel "Old Hut", ☎ [phone], [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Quite decent rooms for the lowest price in the city. Although its location is not in the city center. Double RUB400. (updated Jan 2015)

Hotel Ritza, built in 1914

Hotels

The big international hostelling sites are now allow to book Sukhum hotels, so no more problems with this. During summer having a reservation can be essential, as hotels can be fully booked weeks in advance. Prices vary, a central room in a nicely refurbished hotel can easily cost €100 (while you can grab a bed at a no-frills home stay for as low as €4 per bed per night).

• 🌍 Hotel "Beliy Parus" (at the seashore), ☎ [phone], [phone], fax: [phone]. A small apart hotel at the seashore opened in 2012. Nice air-conditioned double rooms and family apartments. €100/apartment (accommodates 4). 
• 🌍 Hotel "Aytar" (on the seafront near Sukhumi Dendropark), ☎ [phone]. Until mid-2009 the hotel as a base allocation of the UN mission. The territory of the hotel is more than 5 acres of subtropical park with artificial lakes, which are well blended into the landscape between shady pine alleys. It is cool even in summer heat and all the features for a pleasant relaxing stay. Single RUB1440, double from RUB2000. (updated Jan 2015)
• 🌍 Hotel "Atrium Victoria", 4, Аiaaira st. (near the center of Sukhumi, 100 m from the famous Sukhumi quay), ☎ [phone]. The nearby major attractions and best restaurants in town. The hotel is designed in elegant, respectable style, its rooms and the interior features high comfort and cozy atmosphere. On the fourth floor of the hotel is a large outdoor terrace, which overlooks the sea and surroundings. In the cozy patio - an oasis for relaxing and socializing guests. Single RUB2600, double from RUB3600. (updated Jan 2015)
• 🌍 Hotel "Inter-Sukhum", 109 Lakoba Ave (near the coast), ☎ [phone]. Conveniently located in the central city waterfront, the hotel has a developed infrastructure and OK rooms and apartments. Single RUB1700, double RUB2200. (updated Jan 2015)
• Pension "Kyalasur". It is located next to the arboretum, in its own park area with tropical plants, pines and oleanders. Nearby flows the purest mountain stream - Kyalasur from which to start the Great Wall of Abkhaz, the remains of which can still be seen today. 
• 🌍 Hotel "Ritsa", 2 Leona ave., ☎ [phone]. One of the most romantic and beautiful hotels in Abkhazia. It is located on the central promenade of Sukhumi, a few meters from the Black Sea. Luxury three-storey building of the hotel operates all year round. Most rooms with sea views. Double from RUB1880. (updated Jan 2015)
• 🌍 Hotel "Sinop". Located on the territory of the former government residence in a unique arboretum, practically on the shore of the Black Sea. Cozy and comfortable hotel offers maintenance and service of high quality. Hotel - four-story. On each floor there are lounges with sofas and TV. Comfortable rooms equipped with modern furniture and appliances. The cafe is organized meals. 
• 🌍 Mini-hotel "Sukhum" (Sukhum promenade). Modern 3-storey hotel building stands on the right bank of the river near the Basley Red Bridge. With an open terrace offers stunning views of the sea. Near the hotel is the famous restaurant "Ertsahu" and a ten minute walk - the Botanical Garden. The hotel has a cozy atmosphere and unusual interior design. (updated Feb 2017)
• 🌍 Hotel "Yasemin". Modern city hotel, built in 2004. It is conveniently located in the center of Sukhumi on the street Lakoba - a 15 minute walk to central market and 300 meters from the beach and promenade. The road to the beach passes through the park. 

Out of city

• Pension "Eucalyptus Grove", village Kyndyg 20 km from the city of Sukhumi. It is in protected territory on the coast in a relic eucalyptus grove. It has cafe, restaurant with national cuisine, disco and lots of sports fields. 

Connect

Internet can be found in restaurants with Wi-Fi and in a few Internet cafes.

There are 2 local mobile operators A-Mobile and Aquafon, both offer 4G networks. Foreign SIM cards usually do not work, with the exception of Russian branded operators MTS, Beeline, Megafon.

Go next

• Auadhare - Abkhazian resort, 18 km from Lake Riza, located at an altitude of 1,600 m, famous for its mineral springs and sulfide waterfall with sparkling water.
• Gagra
• New Athos (22 km) - coastal town featuring orthodox monastery and ruins of the medieval city of Anacopia
• Ochamchira (50 km)
• Sochi, Russia — big Russian resort located in a picturesque area
• Zugdidi, Georgia — not very popular city with tourists for itself, however many of them pass through it on their way up to Mestia in Svaneti