Ancient Colchic forests, bird sanctuaries and fortresses from different eras offer different ways to discover Adjara: you can explore nature on marked trails or find traces of past rule at historic sites. Mtirala National Park is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its distinctive ancient Colchic forests. Petra Fortress, in turn, preserves, among other things, the remains of a basilica dating from the 6th and 7th centuries.
Hiking between protected areas and the highlands
Mtirala National Park lies between the municipalities of Kobuleti, Khelvachauri and Keda. Its marked, easy Tsablnara hiking trail is seven kilometres long and designed for a day hike. As trail conditions may change, it is best to check them before your trip.
At Kobuleti Ispani Protected Area, three easy trails are available: “Ispani 2”, “White Moss” and “Drosera”. The area is an important refuge for migratory birds, as well as breeding and wintering birds. Visitors can rent special wooden skis there for walks across the marsh; check their availability before travelling.
Machakhela National Park is located in the territory of Khelvachauri Municipality in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Georgia. Two of its hiking trails connect to roads accessible to motor vehicles. The park is also home to the pre-feudal Gvara Fortress, considered of interest to fans of extreme hiking.
The Skhalta-Khikhani route takes in a different landscape: it passes through high mountains, forests, rivers and gorges. The Khulo–Skhalta hiking trail connects two gorges in Khulo District, can be hiked in either direction and is suitable for hiking from late spring to late autumn. The landscapes described and the seasonal guidance for these routes therefore both differ.
In winter, Goderdzi Ski Resort offers slopes for beginners, intermediate skiers and experienced skiers. The resort has an eight-person gondola lift and a six-person bubble lift. As schedules and equipment may change, check in advance whether the lifts will be operating during your trip.
Fortresses, bridges and other traces of culture
At Petra in Tsikhisdziri, alongside the remains of the basilica, you can find a palace, an ancient bathhouse, and former medical and military areas. Gonio Fortress bears witness to Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule in the region. Khikhani Fortress was built for military purposes and dates from the 11th to the 13th century. These sites reveal different historical connections without having to be grouped into a single era.
Buildings beyond the fortifications also tell of earlier history: the Dandalo Arch Bridge in the village of Dandalo, in Keda Municipality, dates from the 9th to the 11th century. Those interested in botanical collections will find a Colchic forest reserve alongside nine floristic areas featuring plants from different regions of the world at Batumi Botanical Garden.
Kintrishi National Park lies in the Kintrishi River gorge, in Kobuleti Municipality, between the village of Tskhemvani and the Khino Mountains. The protected area can also be located geographically: the gorge’s name identifies the landscape, while Tskhemvani and the Khino Mountains mark the stated reference points.
Activities and regional specialities
The waterfall in Gordzhomi Gorge consists of four cascades. The access road to the waterfalls is well maintained and marked. During a visit, tourists can also buy embroidered carpets and hand-knitted socks in various colours there. Nature experiences and local crafts come together in the same excursion area.
Activities visitors can enjoy in Adjara include rafting, hiking, birdwatching, ziplining, scuba diving, horseback riding, canyoning and camping. Offerings may vary by provider. Cliff diving is possible at Sarpi Beach; according to regional tourism information, this is the only place in Adjara where the activity is offered.
Regional cuisine and winemaking are also part of the destination. Adjarian khachapuri is a boat-shaped dish associated with Adjara’s fishing history. Tsolikouri wine is produced in Adjara. When planning a trip, nature and cultural experiences can thus be combined with a regional culinary tradition.
Discover more destinations: Kobuleti, Batumi, Gonio, Makhinjauri, Sarpi, Kwariati, Chakvi, Zichisdsiri, Tkhilnari.
For the broader travel overview: Georgia.
