Natural World Heritage sites of Adjara

Adjara with its varied nature and contrasting landscapes is one of the outstanding parts of Georgia. The wealth and diversity of the nature of this place is demonstrated by the abundance of protected areas and natural reserves. There are 4 national parks in this unique region of the country, Kintrish Protected Areas, Kobuleti Protected Areas, Mtirala National Park, and Machakhela National Park. The first three of these are protected by UNESCO as a treasure of world natural heritage and are part of the “Tropical Forests and Swamps of Kolkheti” territories.

Kintrishi Protected Areas

Located in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Kobuleti district, and its total area is 13514 ha. It is located in the picturesque valley of the Kintrishi River, between village Tskhemvani and Khino mountains, at an altitude of 300-2500 m above sea level. Kintrishi National Park, located in the Kobuleti Municipality, is a beautiful seaside resort 60 kilometers from Batumi. Nestled in the picturesque valley of the Kintrish River between the village of Tskhvemani and the Khino mountains, the park was established in 1959 to protect the relict forests of Shuamta and the endemic species, plants, and animals found there. In 2019, the protected landscape was converted to a national park. Before visiting, keep in mind that the park is divided into three zones – a strict conservation zone, a visitor zone, and a traditional use zone – and that movement within the park is restricted to designated paths for educational or scientific purposes. Before you visit Kintrish National Park, you should know that there are 3 different zones: a strict conservation zone, a visitor zone, and a traditional use zone. You should also take into account that you can move here only on specially designated paths, and the purpose of your visit should be educational or scientific interest. What sets Kintrishi National Park apart from other protected areas in Georgia is its impressive 92% forest coverage, making it the largest forested area in the country. The Kintrishi forest is home to a variety of Ajarian endemics and relict species, some of which are over a thousand years old, such as the Colchis boxwood and Pontos oak. The park is also a haven for 28 small, endemic mammal species, including the Caucasian squirrel, European hedgehog, and bats. While visiting, be sure to take in the breathtaking waterfalls and the Tkibeli Lake, located at 2000 meters above sea level and home to the endangered Caucasian newt. The local flora and fauna are made up of numerous Caucasian, Georgian endemic, and relict species from the Tertiary period, a period of mountain formation that began 67 million years ago and lasted 42 million years, resulting in the formation of the Kintrishi area as we know it today.

Kobuleti Protected Areas

Includes the Kobuleti State Reserve and Protected Area, which was created to save unique wetland ecosystems of international importance, especially waterfowl habitat, a natural heritage with high values. The protected area of Kobuleti is home to the world’s only white sphagnum moss, which thrives in the region’s unique Ispani peatland. These colorful, living “carpets” of moss not only add beauty to the area but also play a vital role in the creation and preservation of peat bogs by retaining water and decomposing dead plant matter. Recognized by UNESCO as a unique natural heritage site and protected by the Ramsar Convention as a habitat for internationally important wetland waterfowl, the Kobuleti peatland is truly one-of-a-kind and a must-see for nature enthusiasts. The white moss found in the Kolkheti peat bogs has the remarkable ability to absorb up to thirty times its own weight in water. Its color changes throughout the year – from white in May to a dry, cloud-like appearance in summer, to a greenish-pink hue in autumn and winter. This Ice Age species has been protected and preserved by the peatland it calls home.

Mtirala National Park

Located between the Black Sea and the Adjara mountain system, on the watershed of the Chakvistskali and Korolistskali rivers. The territory of Mtirala is built with volcanic-sedimentary rocks of the middle Eocene age (the middle of the Paleogene), with the so-called “spilt pile”. Mtirala National Park is famous for its green hills, amazing landscapes, and rivers. Upon arrival, you can choose several hiking trails, head to a waterfall and a lake, choose an optional activity such as ziplining, and at the end of the hike enjoy a local dinner. When visiting Mtirala National Park, you have the opportunity to choose two trails of different difficulty. Two tourist routes have been developed in the territory of the park – “Tsablnara”, 7 km long, of easy difficulty, and “Tsivtskaro”, 16 km long (two days), of medium difficulty. You will remember every minute spent here pleasantly. Be sure to keep in mind that your feet can easily get wet due to the high humidity, so wear comfortable shoes. As I already told you, during the hike you will see a lake and a waterfall that is 15 meters high, I recommend you visit both.

Machakhela National Park

Located at 300-350 m above sea level in the southwestern part of the Caucasus, in the territory of Khelvachauri municipality. This place received the status of a national park in 2012. The period from May to October is the best time to visit Machakhela National Park. Alder groves, beech and chestnut forests – this is why you should visit the Machakhela National Park, and on the way, in the villages of the Machakhela valley, you will see cultural and historical monuments, arched bridges, castles, wine presses, and cellars built with white limestone. There are two tourist trails in the territory of the park – the 8.3 km path of the Archangel in the village of It starts from Sindia and passes through forest massifs, mountain streams, and springs to Archangel Mountain. From here it can be seen how the Chorokhi River joins the Black Sea. Batumi can be seen in the palm of your hand, as well as the villages scattered on the mountains of Kedi, Shuakhevi, and Khulo. From here you can see the whole of Adjara. The attractions of Machakhela National Park are plants and animals protected by the red list. Kolkhur larch, chestnut, Kolkhur hazel, Hungarian sugar, unsolicited elm, and many more, and among the animals, black bear, lynx, and chameleon. When you finish hiking in Machakhela National Park, you can visit the new exhibition space, which is designed for visitors of all ages.