Adjara: Fortresses, protected areas and regional cuisine

Adjara offers a range of reasons to visit: protected areas and hiking trails, historic structures, winter sports and regional specialities. You can plan your stay around landscapes and wildlife, culture, outdoor activities or cuisine. Each destination has its own focus—from birdwatching and trails through wetlands to fortresses and a historic arched bridge.

Protected areas and hiking trails

Machakhela National Park is located in Khelvachauri Municipality in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Georgia. Two of the park’s hiking trails are connected to roads accessible to motor vehicles. The pre-feudal Gvara Fortress is also located in Machakhela National Park, in Khelvachauri Municipality, and is considered an interesting destination for extreme hiking enthusiasts.

Mtirala National Park lies between the municipalities of Kobuleti, Khelvachauri and Keda. Its signposted Tsablnara hiking trail is described as easy, is seven kilometres long and is designed for a day hike. Trail conditions may change; check the latest conditions before setting out. Mtirala National Park is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its unique ancient Colchic forests.

Kobuleti Ispani Protected Area offers 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 for walks through the wetlands; check availability before your trip. Kintrishi Reserve is also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It lies in the Kintrishi River gorge in Kobuleti Municipality, between the village of Tskhemvani and the Khino Mountains.

Fortresses, bridges and history

Petra Fortress in Tsikhisdziri preserves the remains of a 6th- and 7th-century basilica, a palace, an ancient bath, and former medical and military areas. Gonio Fortress bears witness to Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule in the region. Khikhani Fortress offers another historical perspective: built for military purposes, it dates from the 11th to 13th centuries.

Dandalo Arch Bridge, in the village of Dandalo in Keda Municipality, dates from the 9th to 11th centuries. Those interested in structures from different periods can consider it alongside the fortresses and archaeological remains of Petra—without conflating their very different historical contexts. Batumi Botanical Garden offers a different focus: it combines a Colchic forest reserve with nine floristic regions representing different parts of the world.

Landscapes, seasons and activities

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 farming are maintained. This gives the landscape a cultural dimension alongside its nature and hiking opportunities. The Skhalta–Khikhani route passes through high mountains, forests, rivers and gorges; it is a separate route from the Khulo–Skhalta hiking trail.

The Khulo–Skhalta hiking trail connects two gorges in Khulo District, can be hiked in either direction and is accessible from late spring to late autumn. This provides a clear seasonal window for planning. Goderdzi ski resort has slopes for beginners, intermediate skiers and experienced skiers. The resort includes an eight-seat gondola lift and a six-seat dome-shaped cable car. As schedules and equipment may change, check the latest operating information in advance.

The waterfall in Gordzhomi Gorge consists of four cascades; the access road to the waterfalls is well maintained and marked. Visitors to the gorge can buy embroidered carpets and hand-knitted socks in various colours. In Adjara, visitors can also go rafting, hiking, birdwatching, ziplining, scuba diving, horseback riding, canyoning and camping. The availability of local providers may vary. According to regional tourism information, cliff jumping is offered only at Sarpi Beach in Adjara; assess your personal circumstances on site.

Regional cuisine and choosing your base

The cuisine also tells the story of the region: boat-shaped Adjarian khachapuri is associated with Adjara’s fishing history. Tsolikouri wine is produced in Adjara. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, start by deciding what you want to focus on: historic structures, birdwatching and wetland trails, seasonal hikes, winter sports or regional specialities? Then tailor your search to the places and activities that matter to your plans.

Discover more destinations: Chakvi, Kobuleti, Batumi, Gonio, Makhinjauri, Sarpi, Kvariati, Tsikhisdziri, Tkhilnari.

For the main travel overview: Georgia.