Once you’ve explored all the beaches, new skyscrapers, and modern architectural masterpieces in the Adjara capital, it’s time to hit the road. In a single day by car, you can see the natural, architectural, and historical attractions of Adjara, relax on a unique beach, and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Your first stop could be the Makhuntseti Waterfall, one of the most tourist-friendly spots in Adjara. The sight is truly impressive: millions of droplets cascade from a height of 40 meters.
At the bottom, a small lake forms, where tourists love to cool off on hot days. The best time to visit the waterfall is in winter and spring when it is at its fullest.
Don’t rush to leave quickly; nearby is an ancient arch bridge. This single-span bridge, constructed from stone blocks and known as the Bridge of Queen Tamar, has withstood at least nine centuries of history. It’s a remarkable example of medieval architecture.
Both the bridge and Makhuntseti Waterfall are year-round destinations, but they attract the most visitors from June to September. Nearby, you’ll find cafes, souvenir shops, and popular tourist products. The distance from Batumi to this location is about 30 kilometers, taking roughly half an hour to drive.
On your way back to Batumi, make sure to visit the Adjara Wine House—where a tour through the vineyards, an informative excursion, and a tasting experience await you. Captivating photographs can be taken at the confluence of the two rivers, Chorokhi and Adjarskali. As you pass through Makhindzhauri, your next stop will be the resort village of Mtsvane Kontskhi.
Here lies the Batumi Botanical Garden, a recognized monument of landscape art. It boasts thousands of remarkable plants, trees, and flowers, both endemic and exotic from around the world. Eucalyptus groves, coniferous forests, roses, Japanese cherry blossoms, cypress trees, sequoias, palm trees, and magnolias—all the living “exhibits” of the park are not only numerous but also difficult to list entirely. Another highlight of the Botanical Garden is the fantastic coastal views available from its observation points.
Experienced travelers recommend spending an entire day here to wander and revel in the exuberance of subtropical nature. However, if your time is limited, you can opt for one of the shorter introductory trails. For your convenience, reaching the Botanical Garden from Batumi is straightforward, whether by bus or car, with a distance of approximately 10 kilometers.
If you’re short on time for a full park visit but still want to enjoy the local nature, consider stopping by the plantations in Chakvi. Here, you’ll find tea plantations, vineyards, and lemon and mandarin orchards—a plethora of exotic plants. During the warm season, you can enjoy a swim at Chakvi Beach, or head straight to our next travel destination—the medieval Fortress Petra.
Located about 20 kilometers from the Adjara capital, the Byzantine citadel of Petra is one of two fortress complexes in the area. Historians believe this fortress is around 1500 years old, established during the Byzantine rule in the Caucasus.
Today, the fortress exists as picturesque ruins under the open sky: remnants of a basilica, baths, early Christian structures, and a marketplace. Some porticos, columns, and other elements of classical architecture have survived. Fortress Petra is renowned not only for its architectural significance but also for the breathtaking views it offers from its terrace overlooking the sea and coastline.
You can conclude such a vibrant day in Adjara at one of the beaches. For instance, you might choose the pebble beach of Kobuleti or the magnetic sandy beach of Shekvetili. The latter is particularly appealing to travelers seeking relaxation far from civilization. In Shekvetili, it’s quiet and serene, with a pine grove rustling beside the sandy beach. A beach getaway here will be a fitting end to an exciting journey around Batumi and its surroundings.