SKI RESORT GODERDZI

The skiing resort "Goderdzi" just 115 km away from Batumi, is located at 2013 meters above sea level. Famous for its abundance of sediments and unique landscapes, the resort is a paradise for those who love extreme sports and snowboarding. Hundreds of thousands of free-riders around the world are looking for new ski tracks and new experiences as winter comes. Goderdzi Resort - with its latest and comfortable gondola ropeway, a variety of hotels, cottages, guesthouses, beautiful mountain landscapes, and most importantly cordial hospitality, is the best choice not only for those who love extreme sports but also for amateurs and those simply loving to make angels on the snow.

GODERDZI ALPINE GARDEN

Goderdzi Alpine Garden is the second alpine botanical garden in Georgia. It is located at an altitude of 1960 meters above sea level. One of the main dignitaries of the garden is the composition of special stones - Rockarium (stone garden), covering the area of 4000 m2. There is also a beekeeping demonstration house where you will be introduced to the unique honey production tradition of the world known as Jarra Wild Honey. Within a few kilometers of the garden, you can visit the centuries-old fossils of the ancient petrified forests, lakes and beautiful panoramas saturated with the poorest mountain air and curative muds. The most preferred time to visit the garden is May-October when the Alpine Botanical Garden is presented with all its beauty.

BATUMI - NEW ORLEANS

The streets in the photos take us to distinct cities thousands of miles apart - Batumi and New Orleans. A single glance at the photos of these two cities on different continents is fair enough to notice their architectural similarities. As you gaze from the balconies of Batumi, it is ample to breathe deeply into the smell of coffee and you will soon find yourself in Louisiana's largest port city of New Orleans. Whilst Batumi was heading in the basin of the Black Sea area under the status of “Porto Franco”, New Orleans also became a major port city in Far America. Batumi and New Orleans have similar musical tastes - while the twinned city New Orleans is recognised as the capital of Jazz, Batumi is famous for its Black Sea Jass Festival that gives the fair status of Jazz music capital of the country.

TBIKELI LAKE

n the Kintrishi Protected Area, in the alpine zone of the High Mountains, 2018 meters above sea level lies a heart-shaped lake - Tbikeli, where the Caucasian Triton, included in the Red List, can be seen with the naked eye. For adventure lovers, climbing up to the lake is possible on a 12-km hiking trail of Khinotsminda, with plenty of beautiful places on your way to explore the mystical surroundings. There is also an interesting legend about Lake Tbikeli - as if a strange creature lived in the lake, coming out of the lake every day and fighting the pasturing bulls on the field till evening. The bulls were coming back from the pasture every day tired and when people learned about it, it made sense to dry out the lake and see the strange creatures. But every time an attempt was made, the heavy rain came and prevented the lake from drying. The locals saw this as a source of divine will and purpose and left the lake untouched since then.

LELTI LAKE

The best choice for hiking in nature on autumn holidays with family is the beautiful Chvana Gorge, in Shuakhevi Municipality, 58 km from Batumi. In this valley, in the village of Nagvarevi, lies a small lake called Lelti, which looks breathtaking in autumn and creates a striking contrast amidst the snow-capped mountains. The same well-known Caucasian Triton inhabits this lake. The nature lovers can enjoy hiking and picnicking on the lake. Before visiting the lake, be sure to visit the Khabelashvili arched bridge, the only roofed bridge in Ajara, dating back three centuries. Close to it is a village, famous with its water mills, some of which still function to this day.

GREEN LAKE

Green lake, embraced by the woods, is located in Khulo municipality, 2058 meters above sea level. Situated 120 km from Batumi, the lake is the emerald of the alpine zone of the Arsiani ridge. Green lake is surrounded by conifer and beech trees. That's where the lake gets its colour from but because of the changing weather, it sometimes gains a turquoise colour. Green Lake is a favorable place for hikers and extreme lovers. It's especially crowded during summer and late autumn and is the best place for picnic, camping and water cycling/water biking.

BATUMI DOLPHINARIUM

Nini, Belucci, Maya, Zoro, Marco, Lola, Chibu, Tsitz, Olympia and Batu - Do you know these names? Do you think we're talking about people? It is the most famous family in Batumi, who takes care of the positive mood of the Batumi Dolphinarium visitors daily. Dolphins are amazingly intelligent creatures, they have human-like skills and behaviors. Batumi Dolphinarium was founded in 1975 and is one of the largest dolphinariums in the world. The dolphin demonstration program with the diverse elements of the show and amazing acts make an unforgettable impression on the guests of the dolphinarium. As soon as an impressive dolphin show finishes, you can play and have fun with these awesome and clever creatures in the pool. So, don't miss the possibility to be pampered by being close to them.

SARPI

Sarpi beach with its especially transparent seawater is a favorite place for tourists in summer. This area is the historical vicinity of Laz people. They have been distinguished sailors and fishermen since time immemorial and have a special relationship with the sea. Laz cuisine is distinguished from other parts of Georgia. It is said that the shape of a boat with the egg in the middle symbolizing the setting sun of Ajaruli khachapuri comes from Laz fishermen.

BIRDWATCHING

There are only a few places on earth that are particularly important for bird migration. For instance, Batumi and its sky, where more than a million birds of prey flock to warm countries each year. It is believed that Adjara is the third largest bird migration corridor in the world. Watching birds from elevated places is a great pleasure. The International Bird Watching Festival has been held for several years to promote this exciting eco-tourism destination. Birdwatchers from around the world will be attending the festival to observe millions of birds of prey from specially arranged observation points in the villages of Chaisubani and Sakhalvasho from August 15 to October 15 in 2020.

TSOLIKOURI AND CHKHAVERI

The historic center of viticulture in Ajara is Keda municipality, which is about 40 km from Batumi. The wine made with Tsolikouri and Chkhaveri is equally popular with tourists and locals alike. Tsolikouri highland grape variety is harvested in late autumn. Its grains seem to contain solar energy all year round and offer several variations of flavors. High-quality white wine made from Tsolikouri is ideal for fish, cheese, vegetables or fruit. Chkhaveri grapes are distinguished by their color and taste and it is practically the only Georgian grape variety from which naturally pink wine can be obtained. A delicious table wine made from Chkhaveri's delicious aroma is ideally compatible with roasted peppers, lightly seasoned beans or other delicacies of Georgian cuisine.

MTIRALA

Mtirala National Park in Kobuleti municipality, 25 km from Batumi, is one of the most humid places in Europe. The most of the year this beautiful mountainous park is covered with clouds and thick fog, contributing to its name “Mtirala” which means “Crying Mount” in English. Mtirala Park hosts thousands of visitors during all four seasons. There are two different complex tourist trails in the park: a 7km easy trail "Tsablnari" and a 2 day (16km) medium difficulty circular trail "Tsivskaro". Adventure lovers can enjoy the zipline and have fun in the ropes park. The perfect time to visit Mtirala National Park is from early spring to late fall but for extreme adventure lovers, Mount Mtrala is also a tourist destination in winter.

NEW YEAR TRADITIONS IN AJARA

There are different traditions of celebrating the New Year around the world, often with New Year's Eve paraphernalia or a list of dishes that will surely be served at a festive table. The New Year is a family holiday, according to old Adjarian tradition, until the New Year, the family would return back all the lended items so that Baraka (wealth) would not move elsewhere from their family. Traditional New Year's table was rich in sweets typical of Ajarian cuisine and essential for Ajarian New Year's table - cooked corn as a symbol of wealth and well-being. The most common tradition, however, is Mekvleoba (bringing fate). Even today, all families try to have a small child as a Mekvle (fate bringer) because it is considered to be a symbol of life longevity. After the feast ritual, the head of the family gave a toast to celebrate the New Year and threw a rifle in the yard to celebrate the joy and prolongation of life.