Adjara is one of the most beautiful parts of Georgia with extraordinary nature, the historic Black Sea and mild warm sun as well as warm and friendly people, rich folklore traditions and cultural heritage. The diverse nature of Ajara includes picturesque mountainous landscapes, seascapes, parks and reserves. A distinctive and delicious cuisine and original traditions equally attract Georgian and foreign visitors alike.
Ajara is the site of a distinguished Botanic Gardens where a diverse range of plant species from various climatic and landscape zones around the world grow together. The richness of natural resources is also evident by the great number of protected areas. Mtirala National Park, Ispani mire, Kintrishi Reserve and Machakhela Transboundary Protected Area are the best places for ecotourism lovers.
Visitors can taste the wines prepared from the unique varieties of grapes in Ajara, get acquainted with Ajarian cuisine and folklore, visit the “Chkhaveri” vineyard, purchase items of local trade and participate in vintage. The unique Roman fortress in Gonio dating from the first century connects the region to the Antique and Byzantine ages. A few kilometers away is located the historical Petra fortress that connected Western Georgia to the Byzantine provinces.
Batumi – lying on the Black Sea Coast, close to the Turkish border, Batumi is the largest city in the region and Georgia’s main port. The name is derived from the Greek “bathys limen” meaning “deep harbour”. Its graceful white architecture and subtropical vegetation make it unique among Georgian cities and a magnet for foreign visitors and Georgians alike.
Batumi Botanical Garden – The largest botanical gardens in the Former Soviet Union. It is located at the place called Mtsvane Kontskhi (“The Green Cape”) on the Black Sea shore, 9 km north of Batumi city. The Garden territory at present covers the territory of 112 ha comprising the following 9 phyto-geographical departments: East Asian, North American, New Zealand, South American, Himalayan, Mexican, Australian, Mediterranean (or European) and Transcaucasia humid subtropics. The Garden also contains three parks – the Upper Park, the Lower Park and the Sea Side Park.
Batumi Boulevard – The oldest attraction in Batumi, contacted in 1881. Recently, a modern addition for the boulevard has been built and Batumi Boulevard has reached a length of around 7 kilometers. On the coastal line of the boulevard, bungalows, beach bars, club, café-lounges, restaurants, children’s attractions, benches, modern sculptures and dancing fountains are making the place one of the city’s most attractive tourist destinations. Seeing the sunset into the Black sea is sublime and unforgettable.
Batumi Dolphinarium – Opened in 1975, was the first dolphinarium in the whole of the Soviet Union. Renovated in 2011, now it is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Batumi. Amazing show for up to 700 spectators is done in Georgian, Russian, and English. The dolphins perform dances, play with rings and balls, and balance on their tails. Viewers are becoming participants of the shows and leaving the dolphinarium with unforgettable, positive impressions.
Piazza Square – Built in 2010, Piazza Square has soon become the symbol of Batumi. Distinguished by its painting, exquisite mosaics and stained glass windows, Piazza Square is one of the main venues of entertaining and cultural events in Batumi. Square usually hosts concerts of world famous musicians. This charming place is visited by almost every tourist arriving in Batumi.
Gonio Fortress – Was once a large Roman-Byzantine military settlement and an important strategic point along the Black Sea coast. It was occupied intermittently by Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. More importantly it is connected with the myth of the Argonauts and the Golden Fleece. This is why the famous German archaeologist Schliemann was so fascinated by the fortress and wanted to begin excavations of the area in the 1850s, but was refused permission by the government of the Russian Tsar.
Petra Fortress – Today in ruins, Petra Fortress dates back to the 6th century A.D. Its name originated from the Greek word “Petra” – meaning rock, stone. The city-fortress of Petra held an important strategic position at the crossroads of the route linking Georgia, Byzantine provinces, Iran and Armenia. Coastline navigation was also highly developed. From the top for the fortress, visitors can enjoy stunning viewpoint on cliffs.
Makhuntseti waterfall – Located in village Makhuntseti, at 335 meters above sea level, Makhuntseti waterfall attracts many of people with is stunning beauty. Near the waterfall several picnic sites are available for visitors. While visiting the waterfall it is also possible to visit nearby the XII century arched stone Tamari Bridge . The name has been given to the honor of Queen Tamar. Built of volcanic stone and lime, the bridge is distinguished by its thin arch and perfect proportions.
Mtirala National Park – Covering an area of 15 806 hectares, Mtirala National Park is a site that protects Colchis flora and fauna, including rare and endangered endemic and relict species. There 284 species, 202 genera and 68 families of registered plants in the park. 16 species are endemic. There are 95 flora and fauna species within Mtirala National Park. 23 animal species are included in the Red List of Georgia. Mtirala Park territory is one of the most humid areas in the country, hence its name “mtirala”, which means “crying” in English.
Kintrishi Protected Areas – located in picturesque valley of the river Kintrishi. Visitors can find high mountains, stunning gorges and rivers, beautiful forests and amazing waterfalls cover most of the territory. The park houses unique flora including, ancient colchic forests, chestnut and hornbeam forests and yew trees. Animal species include brown bear, wolf, lynx and chamois.
Mountainous Adjara – Famous for its rich and diverse natural beauty. The average height of the surrounding mountains is between 2000-2500 meters where visitors can discover the amazing waterfalls, a big variety of different flora and fauna, mineral waters with unique medicinal qualities. Here you can feel the real authentic taste of village life.