The Milky Waterfall in Abkhazia is a natural landmark renowned as the legendary "Lovers’ Waterfall."

Address: Gudauta District, Ritsa Relic National Park, Milky Waterfall

The Abkhazian mountains are famed for their rugged beauty and abundance of water streams. Among the countless rivers and brooks cascading down the slopes, the Milky Waterfall stands out as one of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks. Its water has a striking milky-blue hue, lending the cascade an almost fairy-tale appearance that leaves every visitor in awe.

Reaching the waterfall requires little effort: a well-trodden trail leads to it from the village of Aukhara, making the route accessible even for independent travelers. Moreover, the Milky Waterfall is regularly included in guided tours across Abkhazia, offering tourists a comfortable and informative way to experience this natural wonder.

In this article, we’ll explore the origin of the waterfall’s name, share local legends and historical insights, explain how to get there, suggest what to bring for your hike, and reveal fascinating facts that will make your visit even more enriching and memorable.

The Milky Waterfall originates from the mountain river Vodopadnaya, which flows down from the glaciers of the Asetuk massif. On its way to the cliff edge, the water passes through numerous underground springs, enriching itself with minerals. It is this mineral saturation—combined with the intense aeration caused by the waterfall’s dramatic drop—that gives the stream its distinctive milky-blue hue. This unusual color not only inspired the waterfall’s name but also draws visitors from around the world.

Over the centuries that the Milky Waterfall has welcomed travelers, many legends have grown around it. The most famous of these has earned it the poetic nickname “the waterfall of all lovers.”

According to one tale, a humble young woman once lived in an Abkhazian village—poor and, in the eyes of her neighbors, plain. As the years passed, no suitor came forward. One day, someone advised her to wash her face with milk to gain beauty. But she could not afford such luxury. Instead, she began using water from a nearby waterfall whose white, milk-like cascade seemed magical to her.

She started visiting the waterfall regularly. Soon, villagers began whispering: someone had seen a stranger watching her from the bushes. The girl paid no heed—until one day she spotted the young man herself. Startled, she ran away, but he caught up with her, confessed his love, and proposed marriage.

Since then, the Milky Waterfall has been regarded as a place of power for lovers. It is believed that any wish made here will surely come true, and couples who visit together are granted a long, harmonious, and happy life.

Another legend attributes not only beauty but also miraculous healing properties to the waterfall’s waters. It is said that once, an elderly hunter returning from the mountains stumbled upon an unfamiliar cascade. Exhausted and thirsty, he drank from it and washed his face. As he walked home, he felt his strength return and his steps grow lighter.

When he reached his house and called out to his wife, she stepped onto the porch—and screamed in fright, failing to recognize her suddenly youthful husband. Only after hearing his voice and familiar manner of speech did she realize it was truly him, as if reborn from youth.

Deeply moved, she immediately asked what had happened. Upon learning of the waterfall’s restorative power, she hurried there herself. The old man waited anxiously for her return—but she never came back. Worried, he went searching and found, not his wife, but a tiny infant lying on the grass near the waterfall. After long contemplation and a close look at the child’s features, he understood the terrible truth: his wife, carried away by the cleansing ritual, had failed to stop in time—and the water had returned her all the way to the beginning of life.

There is also a more practical explanation for the water’s unusual color. According to another version, in earlier times local residents kept large herds of cattle and produced cheese. They would pour the excess whey—the liquid left over after cheese-making—into the river that feeds the waterfall. It was this whey that gave the stream its characteristic milky-white tint.

The Milky Waterfall is situated in the picturesque Ritsa Relic National Park, on the left bank of the river, slightly upstream from the famous Lake Ritsa. This location is considered one of Abkhazia’s natural gems and attracts both independent travelers and participants of organized tours.

There are several ways to reach the waterfall. The most convenient option is by private or rental car: the road from major resorts to Lake Ritsa is fully paved and suitable for all types of vehicles. The distance from Gagra or Pitsunda to the lake is approximately 60 kilometers.

There is no regular public bus service to Lake Ritsa, so travelers without their own transportation should consider alternative options. One reliable choice is joining a guided excursion—such tours are regularly organized from Sukhumi, Gagra, and various resort towns in Krasnodar Krai. Another option is booking a taxi, which offers dependable and timely transport directly to the destination. Some adventurous travelers also use hitchhiking, though this method is less predictable and best suited for those with flexible schedules.

A visit to the Milky Waterfall can easily become a rich and memorable experience if you take into account a few key details and nearby attractions:

• Lake Ritsa, one of the clearest and most picturesque lakes in the Caucasus, lies just 100 meters from the waterfall. The road to the lake winds through the Yupshara Canyon, where visitors are greeted by lush greenery, ancient trees, and crisp mountain air.
• Two other remarkable waterfalls are located nearby. “Maiden’s Tears” is a delicate and tranquil cascade—less crowded but equally beautiful. “Ptichy” (Bird) Waterfall earned its name from the panoramic view at its summit, offering breathtaking vistas of mountain ridges and valleys.
• A few kilometers away stands the historic Stalin Dacha. Joseph Stalin greatly admired Abkhazia’s natural beauty and often retreated here during his rule. Today, the estate operates as a hotel, and the main building houses a small museum with personal belongings of the Soviet leader. Access to the exhibition is available for a modest fee.
• The water of the Milky Waterfall is exceptionally pure and safe to drink. Rich in minerals, it is also used for cosmetic purposes—many believe that washing one’s face with this water has a rejuvenating effect on the skin. Despite its icy temperature, numerous visitors dare to fully immerse themselves in the cascade to experience its invigorating power.
• Refreshing coolness fills not only the water but also the surrounding air. As the stream plunges from great height, it shatters against rocky ledges, creating a fine mist that envelops the area. Even on the hottest summer days, the atmosphere near the waterfall remains pleasantly cool, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and respite.

To ensure your trip is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable, consider the following practical recommendations:

• Clothing and Footwear: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement, and choose sturdy shoes with non-slip soles. Mountain trails can be rocky, uneven, and damp—especially near waterfalls.
• Protect Your Electronics: Place all electronic devices—phones, cameras, and video recorders—in waterproof cases or sealed plastic bags well in advance. Mist from the waterfall can be surprisingly intense, even at a distance.
• Weather Conditions: Plan your visit during dry weather whenever possible. Rain quickly turns unpaved trails into slippery, muddy paths, significantly reducing safety and accessibility.
• Environmental Fee: An entrance fee is charged for access to Ritsa Relic National Park. Children under 8 years old enter free of charge. It’s advisable to carry cash, though card payment may be available—confirm this on-site.

The ideal time to visit is April, May, and June. During these months, the Milky Waterfall reaches its peak fullness: melting snow and glaciers from Mount Asetuk actively feed the Vodopadnaya River, making the cascade especially powerful and dramatic. The combination of frothy white spray, roaring waters, and fresh spring greenery creates a truly unforgettable atmosphere.

Thanks to consistent underground sources and a steady inflow from high-altitude glaciers, the waterfall never dries up, even during the hottest summer months. This means it can be visited comfortably from spring through late autumn, retaining its striking beauty and distinctive milky hue year-round.

For travelers seeking to avoid crowds, September or early October is an excellent choice. Nature is still adorned in warm autumn colors, and tourist numbers drop significantly—offering a more peaceful and intimate experience with this natural wonder.