Discover Adjara: National Parks, Culture and Regional Cuisine

National Parks and Trails with Distinctive Character

Machakhela National Park is located in the Khelvachauri municipality of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Georgia. Its two hiking trails are connected to roads for motor vehicles. Mtirala National Park, by contrast, has the marked, easy Tsablnara Trail: it is 7 kilometres long and designed for a day hike. The park lies between the municipalities of Kobuleti, Khelvachauri and Keda. Its distinctive ancient Colchian forests are the reason it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Another protected landscape is the Kintrishi Reserve, which was also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Kintrishi National Park is located in Kobuleti municipality, in the Kintrishi River gorge between the village of Tskhemvani and the Khino Mountains. Kobuleti Ispani Protected Area has three easy hiking trails: “Ispani 2”, “White Moss” and “Drosera”. Ispani is also an important refuge for migratory birds, as well as breeding and wintering birds. Visitors can rent special wooden skis there for bog walks.

Active Adventures – from High-Mountain Routes to Goderdzi

For a longer hike, the Khulo–Skhalta Trail in Khulo District links two gorges. It can be hiked in either direction and is accessible from late spring to late autumn. The Skhalta-Khikhani Route passes through high mountains, forests, rivers and gorges. The trail in Mtirala National Park has a different focus: its 7-kilometre length and design as a day hike offer clear points to consider when choosing a route. Other activities available in Adjara include rafting, birdwatching, ziplining, scuba diving, horse riding, canyoning and camping.

The waterfall in the Gordzhomi Gorge is another striking natural feature: it consists of four cascades, and the access road to the waterfalls is well maintained and marked. Goderdzi Ski Resort has slopes for beginners, intermediate skiers and experienced skiers. The resort operates an eight-seat gondola lift and a six-seat detachable chairlift. This gives you a range of very different options when planning your trip – hiking, outdoor activities or skiing.

Fortresses, History and Regional Cuisine

The fortresses tell stories of different historical periods. Gonio Fortress bears witness to Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule in the region. Khikhani Fortress was built for military purposes and dates from the 11th to 13th centuries. Petra Fortress preserves the remains of a basilica dating from the 6th and 7th centuries, a palace, an ancient bathhouse, and former medical and military areas. Dandalo Arch Bridge dates from the 9th to 11th centuries. Those interested in pre-feudal history can also explore Gvara Fortress in Machakhela National Park, in Khelvachauri municipality; it is considered an interesting destination for extreme hiking enthusiasts.

Adjara’s regional food culture includes Adjarian khachapuri: the boat-shaped dish is associated with the region’s fishing history. Tsolikouri wine is also produced in Adjara. When visiting Gordzhomi Gorge, tourists can buy embroidered carpets and hand-knitted socks in various colours. Summer villages have been preserved around the Shuamta Lakes, where the traditional highland way of life in Adjara and the culture of seasonal sheep herding are maintained.

Explore Adjara’s Subregions

For further orientation, here are the directly subordinate subregions: Kvariati, Tsikhisdziri, Kobuleti, Chakvi, Batumi, Sarpi, Makhinjauri, Tkhilnari and Gonio. Choose your focus – such as nature, history or cuisine – and factor the places you want to visit into your choice of holiday apartment.

For the broader travel overview: Georgia.