Adjara (Adzharia)

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Travel to Adjara (Adzharia), Georgia

Batumi beach, Adjaria

Adjara is a popular coastal region located in the southwest of Georgia, nestled along the shores of the Black Sea and bordering Turkey. This mountainous autonomous region is one of the most enchanting areas in Georgia, captivating visitors with its ancient monuments, stunning natural beauty, abundant sunshine, and pristine beaches. With its national parks and impressive mountains, Adjara offers a diverse array of experiences. The tranquil mountain villages, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life, preserve local traditions, costumes, and rituals. Adjara is a remarkable destination that caters to both those who seek lively beach vacations and sun-soaked relaxation, as well as those who prefer the solitude of untouched natural corners.

Visitors flock to Adjara primarily for its beautiful coastline, where they can bask in the warm sun on the well-equipped beaches of Batumi, Kvariati, Sarpi, Gonio, Tsikhisdziri, Mtsvane Kontsikhi (Green Cape), and Kobuleti. During the summer months, the region sees an influx of tourists drawn by its unspoiled and pristine nature, making Adjara a special haven for eco-tourists.

With a rich cultural heritage, Adjara boasts numerous fascinating historical sites. Here, you can explore monuments from the Stone, Bronze, Iron, and ancient ages, such as the Gonio Fortress and the megalithic menhir in Tkhilvani. Additionally, the region is home to medieval monasteries, fortresses, and bridges that have witnessed many significant historical events. The natural landscapes of Adjara are breathtaking and diverse, characterized by the crashing waves of the Black Sea, beautiful gorges, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. Adjara is also home to four national parks, each offering unique opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Reasons to Visit Adjara

No matter when your vacation falls, Adjara is an ideal destination. From December to March, you can enjoy a mild winter in the subtropics along the coast, while the mountains of Adjara offer excellent opportunities for skiing. In spring, take time to explore the parks and beautiful gardens or embark on exciting excursions. The summer season extends from May to October, perfect for sunbathing, swimming in the sea, and enjoying outdoor activities. Fall is a time for harvest and gastronomic festivals, making it a delightful season to visit.

If you’re heading to coastal Adjara between May and September for sun, sea, and relaxation, you can choose from a variety of resort towns and villages along the coast, including Kobuleti, Tsikhisdziri, Makhindzhauri, Sarpi, and, of course, Batumi, known for its extensive seaside promenade and abundance of entertainment options. For a more laid-back experience, consider Kvariati, while those seeking stunning views should not miss Chakvi. Don’t forget Kobuleti, famous for its parks and numerous cafes.

Fans of Batumi will tell you that getting to know this resort city requires an entire vacation—and perhaps more than one. They can provide a long list of Batumi’s attractions to support their claims: from the charming Old Town to the endless Seaside Boulevard and the futuristic glass skyscrapers that amaze visitors. Batumi offers parks, museums, and entertainment zones. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel, stroll through the Miracle Park, enjoy a cup of coffee in Piazza Square, and don’t forget to toss a coin into the sea to ensure your return!

As in any resort town, the epicenter of tourist life in Batumi is the promenade, known as Batumi Boulevard. This well-maintained promenade stretches over 7 kilometers, connecting the Old Town with new districts and residential complexes. Batumi Boulevard features numerous parks, squares, and shady areas for relaxation, enhanced by palm trees, trendy installations, and light shows, along with cafes serving national cuisine.

If you plan to visit in the fall, be sure to include a few interesting festivals in your travel itinerary. Harvest festivals, music and dance celebrations, theatrical premieres in Batumi, and ethnic celebrations offer a diverse selection of events to enjoy. Late autumn is particularly special, as visitors can participate in grape harvesting and the celebration of young wine, a significant cultural event in Georgia. Additionally, a visit to Adjara’s citrus plantations is a must, as the mandarin, lemon, and orange harvests coincide with the beginning of winter, providing a unique experience for fruit lovers.

Adjara is a land of towering mountains, lush forests, rivers, and waterfalls, as well as nature reserves and national parks that are a delight for any traveler. An active day of exploration in Adjara can lead you to picturesque mountain villages, breathtaking natural wonders, and fields of exotic fruits. Along the way, you’ll also discover man-made marvels, including ancient fortresses, watchtowers, and medieval arched bridges that tell the stories of the past.

Other attractions of the region

Adjara is renowned for its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear sea, and pebbled beaches. The most picturesque spots can be found in the villages of Sarpi and Kvariati, located right at the border with Turkey. Here, you can endlessly admire the sea and the majestic mountains cloaked in lush forests.

When you tire of lounging on the beach, venture into the mountains, visit ancient monasteries, and explore the many attractions that Adjara has to offer. This sunny region is rich in sights, including nature reserves, historical monuments, and unique waterfalls, among others.

Batumi Botanical Garden: Spanning 113 hectares, the Batumi Botanical Garden is home to over 5,000 species of subtropical plants. Established in 1880 by Russian botanist Andrei Krasnov, this garden boasts an impressive collection of exotic flora. As you stroll through the garden, you’ll feel as if you are traversing various corners of the globe, from Australia and Japan to New Zealand and South America.

The mountain air is infused with delightful fragrances, and stopping at the viewing platforms allows you to take in vast expanses of breathtaking scenery. Capture stunning photographs of Adjara that will forever remind you of this enchanting land. Spending an entire day in the garden can provide a rejuvenating effect similar to that experienced after a stay at a spa.

Arched Bridges: Adjara is home to approximately 25 arched bridges, ancient structures characterized by their elegant arches. These bridges are remarkable examples of Georgian engineering, dating back to the 11th to 13th centuries.  The most famous of these is the Queen Tamar Bridge, located over the Acharistskali River. This monumental stone arch appears to hover above the mountain stream, its edges resting on either bank. The bridge has no supports, creating a thrilling sensation of flight when you stand in its center. From this vantage point, you can capture magnificent photos of the surrounding landscape.

Ancient fortresses: Like many parts of Georgia, Adjara is dotted with fortresses that attract tourists. Here are a couple of the most popular:

  • Petra Fortress: Situated in the village of Tsikhisdziri along the coast, Petra Fortress was built in the 6th century. One side of the fort faces the sea and rocky shore, while the other is surrounded by rugged terrain and fortified walls, making it nearly impregnable. Many powers, including Persia and Turkey, sought control over this land and sea. Visitors are drawn to this site for its defensive structures, ancient basilica, and ruins. The fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for photography.
  • Gonio Fortress: Located just 15 kilometers from the capital of Adjara, Gonio was once a Roman outpost on the Black Sea coast. The fort is encircled by well-preserved high fortress walls that stretch for 900 meters. Here, you can see remnants of a ceramic aqueduct and Turkish baths. For an exhilarating experience, climb to the top of the fortress wall and walk along its narrow paths, where you’ll enjoy impressive views of the entire citadel.

Green Lake: This unique lake is located near the village of Khulo in the mountainous part of Adjara. Its shimmering green hues captivate travelers with their extraordinary beauty. The lake is quite deep, with the depth starting just half a meter from the shore and plunging down to 17 meters. There are no fish or other wildlife in its waters, and it never freezes in winter. Reaching this hidden gem can be challenging, requiring either a hike from the Goderdzi Pass or a rugged vehicle.

Waterfalls: Adjara is home to numerous waterfalls, with the most popular being Makhuntseti. This stunning waterfall is an Instagram-worthy spot where you can capture envy-inducing photos and even take a refreshing dip. Located 30 kilometers from Batumi, the capital of Adjara, Makhuntseti is easily accessible by minibus. The waterfall is a breathtaking sight, with a cascade dropping 20 meters into a massive stone basin filled with rushing water. If you take a plunge in this natural “bathtub” beneath the powerful flow of the waterfall, you might experience a rejuvenating effect—so the local lore suggests.