The sub-tropical climate, the unique combination of the sea and the mountains, leisure and knowledge, rich and diverse nature as well as abundance of historical and cultural monuments – all this awaits you in Adjara.
Batumi, with its old and new architecture, an ancient port, a seaside boulevard, European squares and streets, world-class hotels and picturesque cafes, is the best expression of modern Georgia. At the Batumi Botanical Garden, you will find plants from nine climatic zones and a visit to the city′s Dolphinarium will guarantee you a time of your life.
In Adjara, you can taste Chkhaveri wine from Keda and the delicious Adjarian Khachapuri – all while checking out Roman ruins at the Gonio Fortress.
This is Adjara in all its glory, with all the amazing history and culture this entails!
Adjara, a historical and geographical region of Georgia, is located in the southwestern corner of the country, on the black Sea coast.
Historically, as an indivisible part of the Chorokhi river basin, it was an area that was considered part of another region, Meskheti. Various historical sourses refer to it as Country of Adjara, Adjara Ravine or Adjara Gorge. It was divided into two parts: Higher Adjara (centuries ago, its center was Didi-Adjara, later Khikhani and finally Khulo) and Lower Adjara, with the center being Keda. The central part was called Shuakhevi (lit.middle of the Gorge).
Today, Adjara enjoys the status of an autonomous republic within Georgia, which is based on several geopolitical and historical reasons. In the 1570s, Adjara was invaded by the Ottoman Empire and its liberation became possible only in the 19th century, after the 1877-1878 Russo-Turkish War, in 1878, following the decision of Berlin Congress, Adjara and other historical lands were handed to the Russian Empire and included into what was a historical territory of Georgia, the Kutaisi Governorate. In 1921, on the basis of the Treaty of Kars, certain parts of Adjara (Zeda Machakheli, Zeda Maradidi), were handed back to the Ottoman Empire and in the same year, the rest of the region was given the status of an autonomous republic within the Soviet Union.
The name of the region is first mentioned in the 7th century inscriptions. It is speculated that the word Adjara comes from a geographical name Achi. It is very probable that both Adjara and Achi are linked to the word Chani, which is another name for the Laz (indigenous people of Adjara) and refer to the area they inhabited.
Most of Adjara′s territory is occupied by mountains and ravines. As for the coastal part, it consists of Kobuleti and Kakhabra lowlands. Between the Meskheti, Shavsheti and Arsiani mountain ranges, lies the Adjara Basin.
Adjara stands out among other Georgian regions with its mild, warm climate. Here one can find mountains, lowlands, various kinds of ravines and a very diverse fauna as well as centuries-old archeological, historical and architectural sites.
Economy-wise, Adjara is mostly an agricultural region where sub-tropical plants (tea and citruses) are cultivated. One can also find tobacco plantations here. The most important economic fields include tobacco production, mechanical engineering, oil production and tourism.
As one of the oldest Christian countries, Georgia is distinguished for its original culture and Adjara is home to the first humans who ever lived on the territory of modern Georgia. Adjara is famous for its flinty, vaulted bridges and various religious monuments; the later have very deep-reaching historical roots. 6th century Petra Fortress (Tsikhisdziri), 9th century Khino, 13th century Skhalta and other landmarks are distinct Christian diamonds embodied in the Georgian architecture. Their existence tells us a lot about Adjara′s past and its strong connection with other Georgian regions. The place has beautiful mosques as well and they, too, are inseparable parts of Adjara′s rich history. They fact that Christian and Muslim temples stand together represents the best example of Georgia′s tolerant culture as well as its statehood as a unified country.
Adjara is stretched in the ultimate south-Western part of Georgia, on the black sea coast. In the south it is bordered by Turkey. Its area is 2900 sq. km. Includes the city of Batumi and Kedi, Kobuleti, Khelvachauri, Shuakhevi and Khulo municipalities. Adjara is one ancient corners of Georgia which in historical annals of different times is mentioned under the label of `Adjara country`, `Adjara Khevi`, or Adjara gorge`.
Nature of Adjara is amazingly multifaceted: coastline Kobuleti is rich with parks and preserved territories; Keda is rich with therapeutic waters, tobacco of Keda is also well-known and won high praise from Cuban experts.
Shuakhevi villages alpine zones create wonderful opportunities for development of mountain skiing sport and tourism… the region is rich with historical and cultural sights a s well: ruins of antique time fortresses, ancient churches and monasteries, queen Tammar’s age arched bridges survive to the present…
Various resting and recreational opportunities make Adjara the most important resort area.
Ispani swamps
Location: the remotest North-Eastern periphery of the town of Kobuleti; mean height from the sea level – 25 m.
Access road: distance from Tbilisi – 340 km, from Kobuleti – 2km, from Batumu – 35 km.
Rare peat bog of Ispani, is part of kobuleti preserve territory. This place resembles a lake covered with 25-45 cm-thick guilt of white sphagnum moss. Water with sphagnum creates a smooth dome. Peat bog never covered with water. Peat bogs preserve the most important archeological pieces.
The Kobuleti preserve territory stretches to 770 hectares includes state sanctuary (Ispani I) and Kobuleti wildlife refuge (Ispani II).
Kintrishi gorge
Location: kobuleti municipality
Access road: there is a trail till the village of Chakhata of Kobuleti municipality which runs 20 km, then rocky road till the village of Khino. Distance from Chakhati till Khino is 26 km. distance from Tbilisi – 377 km, from Kobuleti – 46 km, from Batumi – 74 km. from the village of Khino to the gorge leads a walking trail route.
In the 45 km gorge of the river is situated Kintrishi State Preserve. Within one day a visitor can see an arched stone bridge of ancient époque.
Kintrishi Preserve Territories include Kintrishi State Reserve and Kintrishi Reserve Landsc. There are wonderful places here for rafting, ethnological, ecological and bird-watching tours.
Mtirala
Location: kobuleti municipality, Adjara-Imereti mountain range
Access road: a road leading to Mtirala National Park starts in Township Chakvi: till village of Khala in Kobuleti municipality there is a bitumen road, then runs a rocky road toward the village of Chakvistavi. Distance from Chakvi till administration of the National Park is 15 km; distance from Tbilisi – 355 km, from Kobuleti – 25 km, from Batumi – 22 km.
Mount Mtirala which lies on 1381 meters above sea level is the wettest place in this country. That is wherefrom derives its name – `Mtirala` (cring in Georgian). That is why Mtirala National Park was founded on this territory in 2006. There are excellent places for rafting, ethnological, ecological and bird watching tours.
On the territory of Mtirala National Park there is a 12-metre-high waterfall. Within 1 km from the waterfall, between rocks, flows a river turning into a transparent lake rich with trout.
Machakhela gorge
Location: Khelvachauri municipality
Access road: distance from Tbilisi – 390 km, from Batumi – 25 km, from Khelvachauri -15 km, from the village of Acharistskali on the motor road of Akhaltsikhe-Khulo-Batumi distance is 10 km.
River Machakhela flows from the territory of Turkey and enters river Chorokhi near the village of Machakhlispiri. In 29\012 the gorge was declared a National Park. Park covers the areas of Kedi and Khelvachauri municipalities and is spreading on approximately 300-350 meters above sea level.
On the neighboring territory to the national park there are plenty of cultural and historical monuments, namely: arched bridges of various ages, fortresses, wine-pressing tubs made of limestone and wine-cellars.
Makhuntseti waterfall
Location: Keda municipality, community of Makhuntseti, left side of river Acharistskali, 335 meters above sea level.
Access road: from the territory of the village of Makhuntseti in Keda municipality runs a car road up to the waterfall; distance from Akhaltsikhe-Khulo-Batumi road is 400 m; distance from settlement Keda – 12km, from Tbilisi – 400 km, from Batumi – 35 km.
On the territory of the village of Upper Makhuntseti flows river Makhuntstistskali on route of the gorge of which it falls from the total height of 52 meters. It is a true wonder.
On the environs of Makhuntseti one can see plants entered into the Red Book. In approximately 0,5 km from the waterfall there is a surviving stone bridge of medieval époque which was built under the auspices of Queen Tamar. River Makhuntstistskali starts on the Southern slope of mount Makhuntseti situated on Adjara-Imereti, or Meskheti mountain range. Total length of the river is nearly 10 km.
Refrigerator cave in Chanchkalo
Location: Shuakevi municipality, territory of the village of Chanchkalo
Access road: from the motor road Akhaltsikhe-Khulo-Batumi is a turn of the rocky road toward Chanchkalo village leading to ` Refrigerator cave` distance from the fork to the cave is 3,5 km; distance from Tbilisi – 444 km, from Shuakhevi – 10 km, from Batumi – 77 km.
In the Shuakhevi municipality, near the ruins of the fortress in the village of Chanchkalo, is situated an interesting natural makeup – Refrigerator cave. This part of the village is named Namalevi. In summertime it is cold, and in wintertime – warm.
Chanchkalo fridge cave is an interesting tourist site. On the territory of the village Chanchkalo there are approximately two six-century old conifer trees of which one still yields fruit.
Kvakatsa
Location: Shuakevi municipality
Access road: on Akhaltsikhe-Khulo-Batumi road, in Khichauri, there is a fork, and a road runs toward Chvanustskali; distance from the fork to Kvakatsa is 37 km, distance from Tbilisi – 470 km; from Shuakhevi – 47 km, from Batumi – 100 km. Walking trails to Kvakatsa lead from Shuakhevi; access is also possible via Kintrishi gorge: from the village of Khino, a walking route leads to the north-east, in the direction of mount Nakoravi, passes a site `Sarbieli` and directs to the East, the site called Sarmikeli`; distance from the village of Khino – 25 km.
There are three columns of various size stand upright in one line-up. Relative height of the biggest among them is 11m, diameter – 4,5-5 m. it somehow resembles a sculptur of a human being wherefrom derives its name `Kvakatsa`, meaning in Georgian `A stone man`. The height of another column is 5 m, width – 2 m, the third one is more a boulder than a pillar.
Green lake
Location: khulo municipality, Northern part of Arziani range, 2058 m above sea level.
Access road: from the Batumi-Akhaltsixe automobile road runs a ground road on Goderdzi pass in the Northern direction. To cross this road it is necessary to have a high performance vehicle; distance from the turn is 5 km, distance from Tbilisi – 270 km, from Khulo – 30 km, from Batumi – 100 km, from Akhaltsikhe – 65 km.
On the western slope of Arziani mountain range, in the foot of mount Alma is located a beautiful lake called by the local population `Green Lake`. This natural water is slightly mineralized, pure and transparent water is good for drinking. There are no fish in the lake.
Resort of Batumi
Location: Kakhaberi lowland
Distance: 360 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 1250-1450 m
Landscape: plain-hillocky
Climate: maritime, humid subtropical, mean temperature in January 6,5 degrees, mean temperature in August 22,6 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 2718 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 81%
Duration of annual sunny light: 1958 h
Natural treatment factor: humid maritime subtropical climate and sea water
Type of therapy: aerial and sun baths, swimming in the sea, sea baths, curing walks and others
Diseases for treatment: cardiovascular and respiratory system diseases, iron-deficit anemia, endocrine and little physical activity caused obesity.
The capital of Adjara, Batumi, was built near the confluence of rivers Bartskhali and Korolistskali, on the coast of a well-guarded natural harbor – seaside of Batumi gulf.
As early I c. Roman naturalist and philosopher Pliny the Elder in his work History of Nature calls Batumi a sea harbor of `Batiss`.
In 1966 aquarium was opened where up to 100 species of fresh water, sea and ocean have their habitat. In 1975 dolphinarium, the first in the former Soviet Union, was built.
Resort of Beshumi
Location: mountainous area of Adjara
Distance: 30 km from Khulo, 120 km from Batumi, 490 km from Tbilisi
Sea level: 1850-1900 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: middle mountainous, moderately dry, winter cold, with plenty snow, mean temperature in January -5, degrees, summer moderately warm, mean temperature in August 17 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 1100 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 72%
Duration of annual sunny light: 2000 h
Natural treatment factor: middle mountain upper climate, application (drinking) of mineral water
Type of therapy: passive climate therapy
Diseases for treatment: chronic respiratory diseases of children, bronchial asthma, blood deficiency, cardiovascular and alimentary system diseases
Beshumi, 120 km away from Batumi, is a mountain climatic and spa resort. It is located on Batumi-Akhatsikhe road, 7 km from Goderdzei pass. Picturesque road leading from Batumi to Beshumi follows the gorge of river Adjaristskali rich with waterfalls.
Beshumi is settlement surrounded by coniferous forests and mountains. Low humidity and glut of ultraviolet sun rays, drinking and mineral water springs, therapeutic mud and air with clear oxygen are used for treatment of numerous diseases, including, but not limited to, chronic diseases of respiratory tracts. There are also several outlets of mineral waters used for curing food digestion system.
Starting from mid-June until the beginning of September Beshumi hosts thousands of vacationers who primarily from Batumi or Akhaltsikhe. The first Saturday and Sanday of August is the date when Beshumi hosts popular festival – Shuamtoba with lots of guests attending festivities. After official ceremony exposition of popular handicrafts, horse race, wrestling and public reveling are organized.
Most of time of the year resort area is deserted because in winter surrounding territory of Goderdzi pass is covered with snow as deep as 5-6 meters and the pass is closed for traffic.
Resort of Gonio
Location: Black Sea coast, left side of river of Chorokhi
Distance: 15 km away from downtown Batumi, 380 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 30 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: annual average temperature 14,8 degrees, in January 6,5 degrees, in August 23,4 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 2500 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 79%
Duration of annual sunny light: 1967 h
Natural treatment factor: humid maritime subtropical climate and sea water
Type of therapy: air and sun exposure, sea baths
Diseases for treatment: nervous system and cardiovascular diseases.
Black sea coastline of Adjara from tributary of river Chorokhi till Turkish border is several kilometers away. Local population was primarily engaged in agriculture, growing tobacco, citrus fruits and tea. after opening borders, the coastline of Gonio-Kvariati-Sarpi gradually became a popular resort destination. Vacationers have here seaside surrounded by mountains, wonderful scenery and warm, transparent sea water, peaceful gulf, while diving lovers are attracted by deep seabed.
Novadays Gonio-Kvariati has developed resort infrastructure germane for the resort area. Seaside is well-organized, there are many cafes, bars, shops. In recent years many hotels and rest-houses were built some of them right on the beach and some peppered on the slopes.
At the entrance of Gonio sits antique times Gonio-Apsaros Fortress. The fortress has been restored and is the biggest fortification structure in Georgia.
Resort of Makhindjauri
Location: narrow lane of seaside, 6 km to the North-West from Batumi
Distance: 350 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 15-100 m
Landscape: mountainous plain
Climate: maritime, humid subtropical, mean temperature in January 5,7, degree, mean temperature in August 22,6 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 2750 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 81%
Duration of annual sunny light: 1967 h
Natural treatment factor: humid maritime subtropical climate and sea water, sub-thermal, carbonate-hydro-carbonate-chloride, sodium mineral waters with general mineralization 0,2 g/dm3
Type of therapy: thalassotherapy, mineral water baths
Diseases for treatment: respiratory system cardiovascular, urinary and sexual and nervous system, gynecological diseases.
Territory of climatic spa resort of Makhinjauri hypsometrically is places on 15-100m altitude above sea level, between Kara-Dare and Green Cape. local population started using sub-thermal mineral water flowing out here for therapy as early as beginning of XX century.
Batumi Botanical Garden was founded by one of the summer residents there French gardener who cultivated around hid cottage of the picturesque Garden with alien plants to wit: oleanders, palms, cypresses, cedars, olive oil trees…
Resort of Sarpi
Location: Black Sea coast, tributary of river Tobashi
Distance: 20 km away from downtown Batumi, 385 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 1250-1450 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: seaside, humid subtropical
Average annual precipitation: 1500 mm
Duration of annual sunny light: 2100 h
Natural treatment factor: humid maritime subtropical climate and sea water
Type of therapy: air and sun exposure, sea baths
Diseases for treatment: respiratory tract and nervous system diseases.
Coastline climatic resort of Sarpi is located right on the Georgian-Turkish border crossing. There is a check-point in the village. Sarpi is the last point of the European backbone expressway 70 running across Georgia. Sarpi is no more than 3 km long, but it has wonderful mountainous scenery, fine stone beach and the cleanest sea water in Adjara resort zone.
Administratively Sarpi is a part of Khelvachauri municipality comprising historical Machakhela gorge. In 2012 the gorge was declared National Park. Machakhela National Park is part of ecological passageway that links preserved territories of southwestern Georgia (Mtirala and Kintrishi) with northern-eastern preserved territories of Turkey (namely, Camili Biosphere Sanctuary).
Resort of Kobuleti
Location: Black Sea coast strip, slopes of Adjara-Imereti range
Distance: 30 km from Batumi, 335 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 5 m
Landscape: plain
Climate: subtropical, moderately humid, winter mild, mean temperature in January 5, degrees, summer hot, mean temperature in August 23 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 2514 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 81%
Duration of annual sunny light: 2200 h
Natural treatment factor: air and sun exposure, sea baths
Type of therapy: passive climate therapy, mineral water baths
Diseases for treatment: nervous and cardiovascular system, respiratory tract, blood anemia and rickets.
Climatic and spa resort of Kobuleti is an important tourist center on the Adjara Sea coastline. Between beach and populated part of the town there is several-meter wide seaside strip with dense pine-tree groves. These groves create special microclimate that is considered to be a genuine therapeutic means against cardiovascular system and pulmonary diseases. Nowadays Kobuleti has good arrangement of resort infrastructure.
There are three preserved territories near the resort: Kobuleti (770 ha), Kintrishi preserved territory (area 13893 ha) and Mtirala National Park (area 15806 ha). There are excellent places for rafting, ethnological, ecological and bird watching tours.
Resort of Chakvi
Location: Black sea coastline, gorge of rive Chakvistskali
Distance: 15 km away from downtown Batumi, 350 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 5-30 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: maritime, humid, subtropical climate, winter mild, without snow, mean temperature in January -5 degrees, summer hot, mean temperature in August 23 degrees centigrade
Natural treatment factor: maritime, humid, subtropical climate and sea baths
Type of therapy: air and sun exposure, sea baths
Diseases for treatment: nervous and cardiovascular system, respiratory tracts non TB diseases, blood deficiency.
12 km away from Kobuleti, on the bank of river Chakvistskali is situated seaside climatic resort of Chakvi. It differs from other seaside strip resorts of Adjara by its private and secluded nature: hotels and dacha cottages here are located in a calm coastline gulf near the beach which is divided from the settlement only by a narrow strip of fruit and citrus tree grove and a rail track.in Soviet period several rest-houses were operated in Chakvi while at the Scientific and Research Institute of Tea and Subtropical cultures located here intensive research was conducted for selection of Georgian varieties of tea. Today more than twenty famous varieties of Georgian tea, namely, Green tea N95 and Bouquet of Georgia, as well as Georgian I, Georgian II and others, were nurtured by scientists working in this institute.
In 20-ies century, aiming at development and facilitation of tea culture in the country a government program was worked out under the leading role of Chakvi-based Institute of Tea and Subtropical cultures. Within the frames of Georgia tens of tea processing factories were built. Tea harvest became a leading agricultural activity in Western Georgian regions of Samegrelo, Guria, Adjara and Imereti. It is well-known that in the 70s and 80s of the XX century Georgia manufactured 95 thousand tons of tea per year.
Resort of Tsikisdziri
Location: Black Sea narrow coast strip
Distance: 5 km away from Kobuleti, 25 km away from Batumi, 340 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 50 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: maritime, humid, subtropical climate, mean temperature in January 6, degrees, mean temperature in August 22,6 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 2732 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 78%
Duration of annual sunny light: 2200-2300 h
Natural treatment factor: maritime, humid, subtropical climate and sea water
Type of therapy: air and sun exposure, sea baths
Diseases for treatment: respiratory tract and nervous system functional diseases.
Seaside climatic resort of Tsikhisdziri is situated 5 km from Kobuleti. Grean-clad slopes surrounding the resort are covered with citrus tree groves, tea plantations and bamboo alleys.in the central part of the village on the acropolis, Petra-fortress Museum-Reserve stretches on 7 ha. It is presumed that near the fortress, even in the sea there might be ruins of old town.
Rocky sea bed of Tsikhisdziri full of cavities, its warm water creates favorable conditions for reproduction of small crawfishes and other creatures used by fish for feeding that is precondition of fish surfeit in these places. That is why one can see school of fish of the species of mullet, sea perch and crucial carp, as well as sole that also shows up frequently.
By one glance at the Ajarian cuisine we can discover a whole palette of colors. Variety of different products, used in the local dishes, confirms this. Simple, nourishing taste of hillside and delicate aromas of seashore get blended in Ajara. Historically, Ajara had been under the influence of Ottoman Empire; correspondingly, the Turkish cuisine has left a significant imprint on its cuisine. First of all, this fact is confirmed by Ajarian sweets: Baklava, sweet cake, etc. Milk products are more common in hillside Ajara, since it is more nourishing and heavy. Seashore culinary is different. On the one hand, it is typical for western Georgia to mix spices – utskhosuneli, dried coriander, pepper, and on the other hand, dishes seasoned with eastern spices differentiate Ajarian cookery from all others. Most renowned Ajarian dishes are Borano (cheese melted in butter), Chirbuli (made of eggs and walnuts), Kaimaghi (cheese ground in fresh cream) and Sinori (made of curd cheese and dough).