Plizio Visual Lab

New Athos

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

New Athos, tucked away beautifully at the foot of the Iverian Mountain, is one of the most culturally and historically significant towns in Abkhazia. The crowning jewel of the town is the New Athos Monastery, a monumental golden-domed complex founded in the late 19th century by monks from Mount Athos in Greece. Pilgrims and tourists alike are mesmerized by the impressive Byzantine architecture, colorful frescoes, and the spiritual tranquility that permeates the sprawling grounds. Beyond the monastery, New Athos is world-renowned for its incredible subterranean wonders, particularly the New Athos Cave. This massive karst cave system is so large it has its own underground railway to transport visitors through its colossal halls filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. Other sights include the ruined Anakopia Fortress on top of the mountain, offering panoramic views of the Black Sea coast, and a beautifully constructed artificial waterfall. The town can be visited year-round, but spring and autumn provide the best weather for exploring both the extensive outdoor ruins and the deep caves. Readily accessible from major nearby cities, New Athos is excellent for an immersive day trip or a longer stay. The local cafes serve delightful Caucasian cuisine, providing a great end to a day of historical and geological exploration.

Location: Georgia
Nearby: Qulanyrkhwa (16 km)
Population: ~1.518 (2026)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	2	5	9	14	19	22	22	18	14	8	3
Rain mm	108	96	112	79	77	77	73	66	104	124	114	108

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Yes, both the monastery and the cave complex are open to visitors. The interior of the monastery church is accessible, and the caves are explored on guided tours.

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Typical hours

Typically open daily from around 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Exact hours vary by season; check locally for current times.

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Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the monastery, but without flash in interior rooms. In the caves, photography may be restricted or require a fee.

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Time needed

Allow at least half a day for the monastery and caves. If you also want to explore the coast and surroundings, a full day is better.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with a trip to the Abkhazian coast or the nearby city of Sukhumi for a taste of Caucasian hospitality.

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Getting there

New Athos is accessible by train from Sukhumi or by car along the coastal road. The monastery and caves are within walking distance from the town center.

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Insider tip

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds at the cave entrance. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs inside the caves.