Adjara – Nature, Culture and Regional Cuisine

Machakhela National Park is located in the Khelvachauri Municipality of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara in Georgia. Mtirala National Park stretches across the municipalities of Kobuleti, Khelvachauri and Keda. The region is also home to the Kobuleti Ispani Protected Area, historic fortresses and bridges, and the Goderdzi ski resort. Regional specialties include Adjarian khachapuri and Tsolikouri wine.

The protected areas differ in their landscapes and trails. Mtirala National Park is inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List for its ancient Colchian forests. It has the marked Tsablnara hiking trail, rated as easy: it is 7 kilometres long and designed for a day hike. Its length and rating give you specific points of reference when planning a hike along this trail.

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

Two hiking trails in Machakhela National Park are connected to roads accessible to motor vehicles. The pre-feudal Gvara Fortress is also located there and is considered of interest to extreme hiking enthusiasts. The Khulo–Skhalta trail connects two gorges in Khulo District and can be hiked in either direction. It is suitable for hiking from late spring to late autumn. Another route, Skhalta–Khikhani, passes through high mountains, forests, rivers and gorges.

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. 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 the 13th century. Dandalo Arch Bridge dates from the 9th to the 11th century. These sites offer different insights into Adjara’s architectural and political history.

Summer villages have been preserved around the Shuamta Lakes, where the traditional way of life in the highlands of Adjara and the culture of seasonal sheep herding endure. Visitors to the Gordzhomi Gorge can buy embroidered carpets and hand-knitted socks in various colours. The waterfall there consists of four cascades; the access road to the waterfalls is well maintained and marked.

Adjarian khachapuri is a boat-shaped regional dish associated with Adjara’s fishing history. Tsolikouri is a wine produced in Adjara. Travellers who want to include regional foods and products in their plans alongside nature and history will find this offers a distinctive culinary way to experience the region.

Activities available in Adjara include rafting, hiking, birdwatching, zip-lining, scuba diving, horseback riding, canyoning and camping. Cliff jumping is possible at Sarpi Beach; according to the regional tourism information, this is the only place in Adjara where the activity is offered.

The Goderdzi ski resort has slopes for beginners, intermediate skiers and experienced skiers. The resort operates an eight-person gondola lift and a six-person bubble lift. This makes Goderdzi an option to focus on when looking for a place to stay in Adjara if winter sports are important to your trip.

For the next step in exploring the region, find the subregions here: Chakvi, Tsikhisdziri, Tkhilnari, Sarpi, Kvariati, Makhinjauri, Gonio, Kobuleti and Batumi.

Which hiking trails are suitable for a day hike?

The marked, easy Tsablnara hiking trail in Mtirala National Park is 7 kilometres long and designed for a day hike.

When is the Khulo–Skhalta hiking trail suitable for hiking?

The trail between the two gorges in Khulo District is suitable for hiking from late spring to late autumn and can be hiked in either direction.

What can visitors do in the Kobuleti Ispani Protected Area?

There are three easy hiking trails, and visitors can rent special wooden skis for hiking across the marshes. The area is also a refuge for migratory birds, as well as breeding and wintering birds.

What slopes and lifts are there in Goderdzi?

The slopes are intended for beginners, intermediate skiers and experienced skiers. Goderdzi operates an eight-person gondola lift and a six-person bubble lift.

For the main travel overview: Georgia.