This calm Black Sea resort town has a sandy beach, active nightlife, and Russian influences. Located in northern Georgia, it's near mountain trails and scenic viewpoints.
Gagra extends for 5 kilometers along Georgia's Black Sea coast, where the Caucasus Mountains create a dramatic backdrop against the water. Walk through the stone archways of the 4th-century Abaata Fortress, swim in the warm waters of the Black Sea, or hike to the 70-meter Gega waterfall. The town's subtropical climate keeps temperatures mild year-round, making it a popular coastal destination since the 1900s.
The Black Sea Coast
The 5-kilometer coastline combines pebble and sand beaches, with water temperatures reaching 25°C (77°F) in summer months. You'll find the calmest swimming conditions between June and September. Palm trees and cypress groves line the promenade, which runs the length of the beach. Several beach clubs rent sun loungers and umbrellas during the summer season.
Mountain Adventures
The Caucasus Mountains begin right at the edge of town, with peaks rising to 3,256 meters. Take a day trip to Gega waterfall, about 15 kilometers from town center, where water drops 70 meters into a limestone gorge. The surrounding Gagra and Arabika mountain ranges have marked hiking trails ranging from 2-hour walks to full-day treks.
Getting Around
The main coastal road connects all major points of interest. Local buses run every 30 minutes along this route from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. For trips to Gega waterfall or mountain trails, you'll need to hire a taxi or join a tour group - most hotels can arrange this transportation.
Ancient Structures
The Abaata Fortress walls date to the 4th century AD, with later additions from Roman and Gothic periods. Inside the fortress grounds, you'll find the 6th-century Church of Gagra, with original stone carvings still visible on its facade. The 1841 Marlinsky tower served as a defensive outpost against mountain raiders.
Soviet-Era Resort
The 1950s and 1960s transformed Gagra into a major Soviet vacation spot. Many buildings from this period still stand, including the modernist sanatoriums along the coast. The 1985 film "Winter Evening in Gagra" captured the town during its peak as a Soviet resort. The Prince of Oldenburg's 19th-century palace, now partially restored, shows the town's pre-Soviet Russian connections.
