If you’ve arrived in Adjara to enjoy one of its wonderful beach resorts, be sure to carve out a couple of days to explore the region’s breathtaking beauty. You’ll encounter incredible wonders: lush gardens and citrus plantations, national parks, and the ruins of ancient cities and fortresses. So, let’s hit the road!
Experienced travelers recommend starting your journey in the southern part of Adjara, which is particularly convenient if you’re staying in Batumi, Kvariati, or Sarpi. You’ll reach your first destination in just 15 to 20 minutes.
This first stop is the ancient fortress of Gonio, one of the oldest structures in Georgia and along the entire Black Sea coast. Historians believe that the Gonio-Apsaros citadel was built around 2000 years ago, during the height of the ancient era.
This site once housed a Roman military camp, later becoming a Byzantine and Genoese fortress. In the Middle Ages, Gonio Fortress served as an Ottoman outpost on the Black Sea coast. You can learn about all these historical milestones in an engaging museum exhibition.
Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the fortress, especially if you have a passion for history and picturesque ruins. A visit to the Gonio-Apsaros citadel can easily be combined with a beach day, a stroll to the waterfall in Sarpi, or breakfast at a coastal café.
As you continue north through the region, be sure to visit Batumi—the capital of Adjara. While it’s impossible to see all of Batumi’s attractions in just one day or 3 to 4 hours, a well-planned itinerary will allow you to experience the highlights.
Don’t miss the grand Batumi Boulevard, a magnet for travelers along the coast, featuring beautiful parks and stunning views of gleaming skyscrapers. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel—one of the best viewpoints in Batumi.
Stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, dotted with ancient temples and mansions. If you have time to spare, consider staying in Batumi until late evening or even overnight. You’ll witness the beautiful southern city illuminated by lights—an unforgettable sight!
During the warm season, combine your educational excursions through Adjara with some relaxing beach time. Travelers flock not only to Batumi’s Central Beach but also to the lovely stretches of coastline in Makhindzhauri and near Green Cape.
The latter is conveniently located just a stone’s throw from the Batumi Botanical Garden—one of the region’s premier natural attractions. It’s a delight to wander here on a cool morning, surrounded by subtropical greenery, vibrant flowers, and tranquil ponds.
The Botanical Garden features walking trails of varying lengths, rest areas, snack spots, and viewing terraces. Park staff will help you choose the best way to explore the Botanical Garden.
Continuing along the road, you’ll arrive at the resort village of Chakvi, renowned for its tea and citrus plantations. It’s particularly popular in the fall during the harvest season. After a quick photo stop, head to the village of Tsikhisdziri. This small seaside resort boasts a rich history spanning a couple of thousand years.
This area witnessed medieval battles, with the Byzantine fortress of Petra serving as a “living” witness to those events. Beyond its cultural significance, the ruins of Petra are considered a magnificent viewpoint with stunning vistas of the sea and banana groves.
Your next stop is the popular resort of Kobuleti. Visitors come here for an entire vacation to relax on the beach, sunbathe, and swim in the sea, all while enjoying the delights of Adjara’s cuisine and winemaking. In the vicinity of the resort, be sure to visit the ancient arched bridge of Khutsupani, the Isani Marsh Nature Reserve, the Miniature Park, and the Kobuleti National Reserve.
Nearby, you’ll find the beach resort of Shekvetili, known for its unique natural beauty: endless pine groves and black magnetic sands. This resort is recommended for those who prefer a leisurely beach experience. For cultural entertainment, check out the Musicians’ Park and the Dendropark in Shekvetili.