New Athos

ახალი ათონი

A picturesque coastal town home to the grand New Athos Monastery and an extensive show cave system. It combines Byzantine-style religious architecture, seaside scenery, and one of the region's most impressive underground caverns.

Things to do

• New Athos Monastery — Explore the grand 19th-century Orthodox monastery founded by monks from Mount Athos, with its golden domes and vivid frescoes.
• New Athos Cave — Ride the small underground train into one of the world's largest show caves, touring vast illuminated halls and underground lakes.
• Anakopia Fortress — Hike up Iverian Mountain to the ancient hilltop fortress ruins for panoramic views over the coast and monastery.
• Grotto of St. Simon the Canaanite — Walk the pilgrim path along the Psyrtskha River to the cave where the apostle is said to have lived and prayed.
• Psyrtskha Waterfall and Lake — See the artificial waterfall and dam built by the monks, beside the old hydroelectric station and railway station.
• Church of Simon the Canaanite — Visit the small medieval stone church near the river, one of the oldest Christian sites in the area.
• Seaside promenade and beach — Stroll the pebble beach and waterfront lined with eucalyptus and cypress trees for a relaxed coastal afternoon.

Food to try

• Hachapuri (acharuli) — Boat-shaped cheese bread topped with a runny egg and butter, a staple of any local meal.
• Mamalyga (abysta) — A thick cornmeal porridge served as the traditional Abkhaz bread substitute, often with cheese and spicy adjika.
• Adjika — A fiery paste of hot peppers, garlic, and herbs that accompanies nearly every dish here.
• Grilled meats and mtsvadi — Skewered pork or lamb barbecued over coals, popular at local cafes near the monastery.
• Local wine and chacha — Homemade Abkhaz wine and the strong grape brandy chacha, frequently offered by hosts and vendors.
• Honey from monastery hives — Locally produced honey and honeycomb sold near the monastery, a regional specialty.

Local customs & good to know

• Political situation — Abkhazia is a breakaway region; Georgia considers entry via Russia illegal, so understand the legal and travel risks before visiting.
• Dress modestly at the monastery — Cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a headscarf when entering the churches.
• Bring cash in rubles — The Russian ruble is used and card payment is unreliable, so carry cash for tickets and cafes.
• Respect hospitality customs — Locals may offer wine or food generously, and toasting is an important social ritual to honor.

Nearby

• New Athos Monastery — 1 km
• Anacopia Fortress — 1 km
• Sukhumi — 19 km
• Pitsunda — 39 km