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New Athos Cave: A Subterranean Wonderland

Explore the depths of Abkhazia's New Athos Cave: a stunning subterranean world of stalactites, lakes, and a unique cave railway.

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Descend into the depths of the Iverian Mountain to explore the New Athos Cave, a vast karst cave adorned with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. A unique subterranean railway transports visitors through this geological marvel, making it a must-see attraction in Abkhazia.

A brief summary to New Athos Cave ახალი ათონის მღვიმე

  • Monday 9 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Dress warmly, as the cave temperature remains a cool 12-14°C year-round.
  • Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the cave floor can be slippery.
  • Photography is permitted, but there may be a small fee.
  • Arrive early during peak season to avoid long queues for tours.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Sukhumi, take a marshrutka (minibus) towards New Athos. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Ask the driver to drop you off near Chanba Street, where the cave entrance is located. The marshrutka fare is around 50 rubles.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Sukhumi to New Athos Cave takes about 30-40 minutes. Agree on a fare before starting your trip; it typically costs between 30-50 GEL. From the taxi drop-off point, it's a short walk to the cave entrance.

  • Walking

    From the center of New Athos, the cave is easily accessible on foot. Follow the signs towards Chanba Street. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes, offering scenic views of the town and the Iverian Mountain.

Unlock the Best of New Athos Cave ახალი ათონის მღვიმე

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Discover more about New Athos Cave ახალი ათონის მღვიმე

The New Athos Cave, also known as Novoafonskaya Cave, is one of Abkhazia's most impressive natural wonders. Discovered in 1961 and opened to the public in 1975, this massive karst cave is located within the Iverian Mountain, near the town of New Athos. The cave stretches for nearly 2 kilometers and features a network of tunnels approximately 10 kilometers long. Visitors are transported into the cave via a unique electric train that travels along a 1.3-kilometer route, stopping at various halls. These halls, each with unique geological features, include the Nymphaeum, the Grand Canyon, and the Hall of Speleologists. The cave is adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers, and lakes. The largest hall, the Hall of Mukhajirs, measures 260 meters in length, 75 meters in width, and 50 meters in height. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 12-14°C and high humidity. Six of the nine halls are open to tourists, with guided tours available in multiple languages. The cave's enchanting acoustics sometimes host musical performances.

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