Tsandripsh where is located. Housing for vacationers in the village of Tsandripsh (Abkhazia). General information, history
👁 5.8k (15 per week) ⏱️ 4 min.
Tsandripsh (the old name of the village is Gantiadi) is a quiet and comfortable resort on the Black Sea, located just 5 km from the Russian-Abkhaz border. The small and unpretentious Abkhazian town is especially in demand among those who prefer to make their own car tours. Thanks to convenient transport interchanges and the nearby Sukhumi highway, even for an inexperienced traveler, it will not be difficult to quickly reach any settlement in the republic.
Zandripps used to be a fairly popular resort. Vacationers from all over the USSR came here in search of a calm and measured recreation among palm trees, cypresses, magnolias and oleanders. Today, after a long recession, the tourism business is gradually gaining momentum, every year more and more campsites, boarding houses and sanatoriums are opened in the village. Living in the private sector with hospitable and friendly owners who rent their housing for a nominal fee has not lost its relevance.
History of Tsandripsha
The history of Tsandripsh dates back more than 10 thousand years. The village was famous throughout the Caucasus as one of the largest and richest ports, in which ships called daily carrying goods from the Crimea, Constantinople and other Black Sea cities. Merchants arrived here to participate in fairs and purchase from the locals honey, wax, utensils, quality fabrics and clothes. Historical upheavals contributed to the extinction, then the revival of the village, which, over time, became part of the Russian village of Pilenkovo, and took on its territory one of the most bloody battles during the struggle for the establishment of Soviet power.
The current heyday of Tsadripsha fell on the 50s of the 20th century. The village grew, tobacco and wine production began to develop, large houses appeared, shops, cafes and movie theaters opened. The first campsite began its work in 1955 and since then, crowds of tourists come here every year in order to improve their health, swim in the clear sea and enjoy landscapes of extraordinary beauty.
Climate and natural conditions Tsandripsha
Tsandripsh received special recognition in Abkhazia and beyond as an ideal place for children, teenagers and families, for which all conditions are created here. The climate of the village is mild, the prevalence of sunny days and comfortable temperatures is clearly visible. The weather in Tsandripsha is steadily warm in the summer, thanks to the gentle relief and clear sea. The swimming season is quite long - lasts from May to October, traditionally the hottest are July and August. The peculiarity of sea water off the coast of Abkhazia is its low salt content (18 g / liter), which makes swimming here extremely enjoyable and enjoyable. 
There are no sandy beaches in Abkhazia - the entire coastal zone is covered with pebbles with small interspersed seashells. The beach in Tsandripsha is straight and long, 5 km long and in some places up to 200 m wide, the entrance to the sea is perfectly flat, convenient even for the youngest children. The surface of the water is emerald-azure in color, the white tops of the waves are visible on the horizon, and in the daytime a pleasant and refreshing breeze filled with iodine particles blows into the face.
The gentle sun quickly heats the coastal pebbles, so swimming in the sea and air baths can start from the very early morning. Peace and quiet give the sound of the surf, and in the water area you can watch fishing boats or frolic dolphins.
Tourists are offered to rent jet skis, parachutes and catamarans, beach accessories: deck chairs and umbrellas, mattresses, vests. Divers and scuba diving enthusiasts have chosen a wild beach of extraordinary beauty called “White Rocks” with crystal clear water and an underwater world that amazes even the most experienced diver. Formed due to the exit to the surface of the layers of marble, the rocks perfectly reflect sunlight, and therefore the tan here lies especially evenly.
Sights of Tsandripsha
Stay in the village will appeal to lovers of excursions. Tsandripsh, its shrines and sights are known far beyond the borders of Abkhazia: historical monuments, temples, monasteries, ruins of ancient fortresses and basilicas, natural parks, delightful canyons, picturesque estuaries.
In the center of Tsandripsha is the main historical monument of the region - the temple of VI-VIII centuries. Built of voluminous limestone blocks and decorated with carved marble elements, the sanctuary is well preserved to this day. Nearby are the remains of the fortress walls and the foundation of the ancient city of Tsandripsh, as well as a cemetery with tombs of the VI-XI centuries.
Near the sea you can admire the Gantiad Basilica, built in the VI century. AD Vaults, partly walls and a font for the Christian rite of baptism, have survived to our time. The temple is decorated with a large amount of Turkish marble and was considered one of the largest religious monasteries with which Abkhazia is rich. Tsandripsh was actively upset during the Middle Ages, in the vicinity of the village there is a unique Khashup fortress, perfectly preserved to this day. Powerful walls with quadrangular towers served as a good defense for the local population, sheltering there from enemy raids.
Throughout Abkhazia, the sights of Tsandripsh are represented by an impressive variety of objects, including those of natural origin. Nature lovers will appreciate the Grand Canyon of the Khashups River. You can get here on an SUV, overcoming a difficult terrain, but the landscapes that open up to your eyes conquer from the first minute, leaving an unforgettable mark in your soul.
The attractions and activities of Tsandripsha are not limited to historical or natural monuments. Due to the presence of three mountain rivers in the district, one of the areas of active recreation here is rafting along the water line in inflatable boats. This sport can be organized or extreme, when rafters independently overcome rapids and turbulent currents.
Tsandripsha Infrastructure
The tourist infrastructure of the village is quite formed. Every tourist here can find something for everyone. Accommodation facilities are represented by a large number of options for every taste and budget: comfortable hotels, mini-hotels, estates, pensions, private sector. In high season, discotheques, nightclubs, bars and cafes are open on the shore. Popular restaurants offer Russian, Caucasian and European cuisine, and in the evenings you can enjoy lively national or modern music.
Try fresh and mouth-watering local products at affordable prices. Several times a week there are markets that offer fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, herbs, homemade wine and chacha, stockfish, soft drinks. Abkhazian nectarines, peaches, figs, grapes, watermelons and nuts are especially tasty. In autumn, pomegranate and kiwi are harvested here, and in winter, sweet and aromatic tangerines.
Street vendors offer souvenirs, pottery, souvenirs, national fabrics or hand-made products using old technologies.
The urban village of Tsandrypsh (Tsandripsh) in the very west of the Gagra region of Abkhazia is better known under the old name of Gantiadi.
It lies on the Black Sea coast in a small bay into which several mountain rivers flow at once - Lapsta (Lapsa), Mehadyr, Khashupsa (Khashupse) and Bagrepsta (Cold River), only 5 kilometers east of the border with Russia.
Despite its modest modern size, this is a very ancient place - in the village there were found various products of the Bronze Age, and until the VI century Sauchi, as the settlement was then called, was the capital of the Principality of Sanigiya and then the historical province of Sadzen (the so-called Little Abkhazia) . In the XVIII-XIX centuries, the region was actively inhabited by Russians and Armenians, residents of the Baltic republics also moved here (the Estonian villages of Salme and Sulevo in the Psou valley still have a fairly significant population), which has formed an amazing multicultural community that has preserved many of its features in our days.
Sights of Tsandripsha
Zandrypsh Temple
The main historical monument of the region is Zandrypsh Temple, or Tsandrypsh Basilica - A unique complex of the Justinian era. It was supposedly built in the VI century on the site of an older complex and is richly decorated with marble, deposits of which are still being developed up the Mehadir River valley. Folded, like many temples of that era, from large hewn blocks of white limestone, it was carefully plastered from the inside - traces of decoration have been preserved in some places to this day - and decorated with carved elements from marble - they are still found in abundance around. By all indications, the complex possessed excellent acoustics, which were only enhanced by the "sound jugs" characteristic of that period, built into the walls, as well as expanding rooms in the precinctar part. It is characteristic that initially the complex was built according to a technology quite characteristic for an earlier period - wooden arches and ceilings were held on powerful stone walls. However, during the remaking of the XV-XVI centuries, the walls were reinforced with pilasters, and already the stone ceiling and arches began to rely on a number of additional pillars.
At the same time, a small fortress - The powerful foundations of the three towers and fragments of walls are still visible 150 meters east. In the eastern part of the southern nave there are several tombs VI-XI centuries, plus about a dozen burials of different eras found in the adjacent territory. In 1576 the church was partially destroyed by the Turks and was no longer restored, and in Soviet times it was mothballed by restorers in the hope of a more detailed study. Quite well preserved for its age, the Tsandrypsh temple is now one of the most significant architectural monuments of the early Middle Ages.
Around Tsandripsha
Khashup fortress
7 km upstream of the Khashupsa River (Khashupse), on its left bank rises mount deransorta (407 m) crowned with ruins Khashup fortress, often referred to simply by the name of the river and the nearby village of the same name. By all indications, it was one of the most powerful fortifications of the early Middle Ages (the building dates back approximately to the X century), which grew up on the site of a fort that was clearly antique as a bookmark (presumably from the 1st-2nd centuries AD).
Two rows of walls made of ashlar limestone in places up to 8-10 meters high with a base thickness of about two meters are very skillfully inscribed in the landscape and crowned with powerful quadrangular towers. A massive stone staircase with wide steps leads to the massive gates, the rest of the perimeter is inaccessible due to cliffs and a carefully planned system of sectors of fire. A few more foundations of buildings of unknown purpose were found in a dense forest near the fortress complex, and inside the double wall ring a large three-apse basilica and a whole system for collecting rainwater with a cistern and peculiar sand and gravel filters were found.
As a result, it is easy to imagine how formidable power this building once stood, nowadays abundantly overgrown with blackberries and wild grapes. And if you climb the ruins of a watchtower, you can see a magnificent panorama from the azure coast in the south to the snowy peaks of the Bzybsky ridge in the north. You can get to the fortress on the road from Tsandrypsh, leading north along the picturesque river valley to the village of Khashups, after which the road turns to Bagnari, and to the left goes the path leading past the cliffs to the ruins.
White cliffs
Interestingly, the surroundings of Tsandrypsh since ancient times were also famous for their marble. This is the only place along the entire Black Sea coast of Russia and Abkhazia where the gemstone has not only been mined since antiquity (it is believed that all the early Christian temples of the region were trimmed with local stone), but in many places it simply opens to the surface - and not only in the mountains but also at sea. So called White cliffs of Tsandrypsh represent the exit of the marble layer directly to the beach in the southeastern part of the town. And in the upper reaches of Khashups and Mahadyr, marble of different colors is developed in an open way.
Cold River
About 7 km southeast of the center of Tsandrypsh on the seashore lies the resort village of Cold River.
Where is Tsandripsh
Tsandrypsh is located on the shore of a small bay about 5 kilometers east of the Russian border.
How to get to Tsandripsha
The easiest way is to get to Tsandrypsh by flight to Adler, followed by crossing the border (about 20 minutes by bus or minibus to the checkpoint from the airport) on foot and transfer to Abkhaz taxis, buses or fixed-route taxis traveling through the whole territory of the republic. By bus, the highway to Tsandrypsh can be reached in approximately 15 minutes. There are direct bus and minibus flights from Adler Airport, you can also hire a taxi right to the place, however, due to the fact that huge queues often accumulate at a car checkpoint, it is sometimes inconvenient to use them. However, due to the proximity of Tsandrypsh to the border, in some cases this path is even faster.
You can take a direct train No. 075С Moscow - Sukhum by train - in Adler several wagons detach and then continue to Sukhum via Tsandrypsh and Gagra. Customs and passport control is carried out directly in the wagons at Veseloye station (on the Russian side) and at Tsandrypsh station (on the Abkhazian), however, due to its duration (often up to one and a half hours at the border, which should be added two days on the way to and before 2 hours after) this method of moving is far from convenient for everyone.
A comfortable electric train follows from the Russian station Adler to Sukhum via Tsandrysh and Gagra, the schedule of which changes every year. Given the border parking at Veseloy and numerous stops at intermediate stations, the entire route to Tsandrypsh takes about an hour.
Tsandripsh is a very small town. Even if we take into account the neighboring village of Gyachrysh, which, in fact, is one with the village, the total housing stock will be much less than in other resorts on the coast. Therefore, it is better to determine the place of residence in advance, having booked it before arrival. There are no large hotels, resorts or recreation centers in the village. All areas are provided by private individuals. These are specially built guest houses or rental of typical residential premises of local residents. But the level of service here, if not strange, is higher than in the same Gagra. Most likely, the influence of nearby Russian resorts, forcing “to keep the brand”, affects. Prices in 2020 allow us to attribute Tsandripsh to inexpensive resorts. All rented housing is located along the coastline, so this can also be called an 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 Hauspe River, which flows here into the Black Sea. Another river flows between the village and the neighboring village of Gyachrysh - the Laps, and the Psou River on the border with Russia. Thus, the water off the coast of the village is very much updated due to mountain rivers and therefore quite clean.
Sukhumskoye Shosse passes through the village - the main transport corridor to get to Tsandripsh. It is most convenient to get here 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, it is best to go to the village through Adler. Both from the railway station and from Sochi airport, you can get to the village by minibus or taxi. Only 5km from the border. Moreover, 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 also be written as "Tsandrypsh", in fact - it is one and the same. In Soviet times, the village was called Gantiadi, and many still use this name. Currently, about 5,000 people are constantly living in the village.
The territory of the village was inhabited in ancient times. It is considered the historical center of Little Abkhazia. Confirmation of this is 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 family Tsanba.
Today, holidays in Tsandripsha are considered family. Life here is more measured and calm. From the point of view of the entertainment industry, it is difficult for a village to compete with Adler or Sochi, and this is not necessary. Local nature and the sea will therefore attract their vacationers. Abkhaz flavor and low prices can be added to this.
Things to do
Holidays in Tsandripsh can also be compared with a guided tour of the history of Abkhazia. The key attraction that must be visited is the Khashup fortress. This is a fortification of the VIII century, which has been well preserved to this day. It is located in the Khashups riverbed a couple of kilometers from the village. And right on the territory of the village is located Tsandripshsky temple or basilica of the IV century. This is an ancient baptismal with tombs of the relics of the martyrs.
Those for whom outdoor recreation 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 the outlandish flora. Just wandering around the village will be not only exciting, but also very useful.
Climate Zandripsha
Monthly average air temperature
Monthly average water temperature
Beaches
Local beaches can be called the widest on the entire Caucasian coast. They can reach a depth of up to 200m. This is due to the fact that the mountain range is somewhat remote from the coastline. The beaches are covered mainly with coarse and fine 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 \u200b\u200bthe village goes to 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 a wild beach, which locals call "White stones" because of the white rock formations that formed this place.
Latest Zandripsh Holiday Reviews
Had a rest here not one year. I liked everything very much, we plan to come again. Homely atmosphere, comfortable at home. The hosts are very good-natured, our requests and wishes were not disregarded. In the summer of 2019 it was cool, so they brought us rugs)))
Thanks for the warm welcome, we will definitely come to you
With a great delay, but still, finally, I am doing my duty to this wonderful family and their new guests - I am writing a review about an unforgettable vacation in this house! I could not get together in any way, since I had completely gone headlong into children and work, right after returning home. Such was the period in life. Now, during the holidays, 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!
Rested in Tsandripsha with a one-year-old daughter, the eldest daughter of 9 years old was nearby in a sports camp. I was looking for housing specially near the camp, 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 fair - the family receives guests as relatives! Vali has perfect cleanliness, order and comfort everywhere.
The hosts cordially welcome guests, daily think that people will be filled with warmth and care during the 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 amenities in the house, shower, washing machine. Convenient kitchen in the fresh air, with all necessary utensils. With a one-year-old child, I never needed anything. When my home blender went out of order, Valya immediately brought her her to me! For instance. A lot of these little things. The owners, of necessity, drove us to the market and to the children's store! They tried to help in everything, suggest and make our holiday carefree!
When we arrived there was a low season and there were few guests. Closer to July, the house was 100% full, but everyone was comfortable together, thanks to the hospitable hosts, the guests were friends and talked to each other in a comfortable mode for each family.
The hosts have stunning evenings with dancing and talking at dinner. They have wonderful grandchildren, who sometimes dance national dances for guests. And also make up an excellent company for small guests. My baby was constantly surrounded by the attention and care of Milan and Emil, grandchildren Vali and Garik.
We thank the whole family for our wonderful stay and your hospitality! If again to Abkhazia, then only to you !!!
Thank you for the rest of Comrade Ane, d. Serezha and Gayane. All liked it. The first time we were in Abkhazia, I chose a place for a long time and did not regret it. Everything you need is there, the water is hot all the time, air conditioning in the rooms, the photos correspond, it’s close to the sea, and most importantly QUIET. Nearby minibus to the center. Many families come here for decades. That says a lot. Will definitely come again. I recommend, come.
Hello everybody!!! The whole family of 7 people stayed with these beautiful and friendly people. Two children and five adults. The situation is as if you grew up and born there, so everything is very homely and comfortable. The rooms are very clean, there is air conditioning, a shower and a toilet are directly in the room, T / W, WF, a tangerine garden amazed with its beauty, a huge summer kitchen with gas stoves, refrigerators, a 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 hosts are very, very hospitable, just great. Such an impression that you know them all your life. As for the sea, clean, no poisoning, the children drank seawater and nothing happened, nor did anyone get poisoned or get sick. To the sea exactly 5 minutes walk. Just a lot of shops, there is a wonderful dining room, you can order a barbecue and smoked trout directly home through the hosts, very convenient. We ordered an excursion in a Mitsubishi jeep, generally a class. Children are thrilled. By the way, the tour was ordered from the owners, as they say, all in one place. They have a family contract. Well done. The most impressive trip is Gegsky waterfall, I just advise it very cool, it is so huge when you look at the top of the waterfall your head goes around. Yes, at the expense of the sea in September it is warm, pebble beach. 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 by car and also taken back, very convenient. There is even a dog named Zeus as a native. We with impatience with our family do not wait until we go there again. We will definitely come in 2020. I advise everyone to this guest house. Thanks for all!!!
We have been relaxing with Jeanne and Igor for several years, but not having had time to leave I want to go back (before reaching the border, by the way). Such a cozy and homely atmosphere that my niece constantly says during the winter that I have to go to live with Aunt Jeanne with Uncle Igor. Thank you for our unforgettable vacation, we are waiting for the summer and again to you!
