Discover Adjara: Forests, Trails and Culture

Forests, Protected Areas and Plant Diversity

Mtirala National Park is part of the “Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands” World Heritage site. It is home to rare endemic species of the Adjara-Lazeti region, including several species listed in Georgia’s Red List of protected species. Adjara’s Colchic forests also preserve relict and endemic tree and flower species, as well as rare animal species. About 95 percent of Machakhela National Park in Khelvachauri Municipality is covered by forests and dense scrubland.

Other natural areas offer different highlights: Kintrishi National Park covers 13,514 hectares and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Kobuleti Protected Areas preserve habitats for unique waterbird species and provide refuge for migratory, breeding and wintering birds. From mid-August to mid-October, thousands of birds of prey from 32 different species pass along a 10-kilometer stretch of Adjara’s coastline.

Botanical gardens also offer a glimpse into the region’s plant life. The Goderdzi Alpine Botanical Garden in the mountainous part of Adjara has recorded 170 wild flora species from 111 genera and 50 families. Batumi Botanical Garden comprises nine floristic regions, three parks and a Colchic reserve. Around 1,800 woody plants and 5,000 herbaceous plants grow there.

Hiking Trails for Different Kinds of Outings

Mtirala National Park has clearly marked one- and two-day routes. Designated picnic, camping and campfire areas, along with a tourist shelter at kilometer nine, help orient visitors along the trails. Kintrishi National Park offers marked, well-maintained routes of varying difficulty: a one-day hike leads to the arch bridges of Varjanauli and Tskhemvani; a two-day hiking and horseback-riding tour goes to Utgovari and Lake Tbikeli.

The Kokoleti Trail is 15 kilometers long and takes six hours. Of that distance, 6 kilometers are on foot through pristine Colchic forest; the driving section covers 9 kilometers to the last inhabited farmstead in Kokoleti village. This breakdown can help you plan a day that combines walking and driving. Another option is the route from Khikhadziri village to Khikhani Fortress: it is 8 kilometers long and can be traveled on foot or in an off-road vehicle.

In the Kobuleti Protected Areas, three easy trails are called “Ispani 2,” “White Moss” and “Drosera.” Special wooden bog skis are provided for the designated one-hectare section of the sphagnum bog. The Goderdzi Alpine Botanical Garden has a spring, a picnic area with open and enclosed pavilions, and an equipped camping area with a designated fire pit.

Culture, Regional Traditions and Cuisine

Gonio-Apsaros Fortress in Adjara endured Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule in the region. The marked Machakhela Gun Road offers a different way to explore history and craftsmanship: this easy historical and cultural route in Khelvachauri Municipality is 39 kilometers long and designed to be covered in two days. The area is known for its tradition of making Machakhela rifles and heirloom daggers.

In the area around the Shuamta Lakes, summer villages preserve the traditional highland way of life in Adjara and the culture of seasonal sheep husbandry. Cuisine is also part of discovering the region: Kaymagi, Borano, Sinori and Nagbibora are recommended to try in Khulo.

Getting There and Choosing the Right Base

Adjara can be reached by air, as well as by road, rail and sea. Ten tourist information centers across the region provide free printed maps and guidebooks in Georgian, Russian and English, including information on recreation in the region and routes in the mountainous part of Adjara. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment, first consider what you want your trip to focus on: coastal wildlife watching, forest trails, longer tours, or culture and cuisine. This can help you narrow your search to places that suit your plans.

For further orientation within Adjara, you can also visit Namlisevi, Mirveti, Khelvachauri, Keda, Khulo, Machakhlispiri, Kharaula, Khala, Chakvistavi, Bako, Kokhi, Sakhalvasho, Kapreshumi, Gomarduli, Danisparauli, Gorgadzeebi and Buknari.

For the broader travel overview: Georgia.