Gagra

Gagra (a city for 1933 years, with a population of 80,000, covering 772.41 km) is situated in the autonomous republic of Abkhazia, in the western part of the Republic of Georgia.
Location
High mountains protect the city of Gagra from north winds. On some peaks, snow melts only in July, so the distant “white caps” of mountains contrast strikingly with closer verdant forest and blue sea. Beautiful ancient Kolhida is situated between two cold rivers – the Bziphi and the Psou. There are also other mountain rivers, which originate in the caves. These rivers are thought to be the coldest in the Black Sea Region.
Another natural feature of the region that many would dare call a wonder is the Blue Lake, or, as in Abkhazian, Lake Adziasicva. It’s a karstic lake that covers only 180 sq. km and is 76 meters in depth. It is exactly the color of saffron, very bright and even in bad weather does not become turbid. Disparate legends purport to explain the lake’s ineffable color, but scientists have pointed more prosaically to the presence of mineral laurite.

Flora and Agricultural Production

Gagra, ensconced in the middle of the Black Sea coast, boasts a subtropical climate in which palms and other exotic flora thrive. For example, extending to the cape of Pitsunda are found specimens of the rarest kinds of pine trees.
In the fertile valley between the Joekvara and Bziphi rivers, citrus plantations and gardens flourish. Outside the valley are found more green dells and sand dunes. The location is very agriculturally productive. Many exotic flowers and fruits were brought here from different places of the world, then adopted for local cultivation. This region supplied various health centers in Georgia with fruits and vegetables year round.

Tourism

Winding through the mountains and valleys are many tourist routes, where one can see old castles, churches, monuments and stone ruins. While these tours can only offer a brief introduction to the beauties of Gagra, the sea, forests, rock formations, and perpetual mountain snow will certainly remain in the visitor’s memory.