Adjara, Georgia: Exploring the land of citrus and surprises

Adjara is a region located in the southwest corner of Georgia that holds plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Home to beautiful natural scenery, unique cultures, and delicious food, Adjara offers visitors a taste of old world charm along the Black Sea coast.

While not yet as popular as other areas of Georgia, Adjara is definitely worth adding to your travel itinerary. With its balmy climate and extensive citrus orchards, it feels worlds apart from the rest of mountainous Georgia. Thanks to its strategic location along historical trade routes between Europe and Asia, Adjara also absorbed elements of Ottoman and Greek culture over the centuries.

Batumi - Gateway to Adjara

The region's largest city and unofficial capital is Batumi. Once you arrive in this port town, you may be surprised by its modern ambiance and distinctly European flair. Batumi has transformed significantly in recent decades from a sleepy Soviet-era village into a thriving tourist destination with sparkling promenades, gourmet restaurants, and bustling nightlife.

Don't miss a stroll along the atmospheric seaside boulevard lined with palms trees and colorful sculptures. Pause to take in the breathtaking views of the deep blue sea from its cafes and admiration points. After working up an appetite, sample local flavors at the indoor Goga Bazaar where you can pick up jams, sweets, and spices to take home.

For an unforgettable night out, check into one of Batumi's glitzy hotels such as the Hilton or Sheraton and enjoy international DJ acts along the corniche. Those who prefer a more low-key evening can dip into one of the hole-in-the-wall spots in the Old Town neighborhood for cheesebread, wine and live music.

Natural wonders beyond the city

To truly experience Adjara's natural beauty, head inland or down the coast. Within an hour's drive south lies the scenic Avsa Beach - an unspoiled crescent of soft sand hemmed by dense greenery. If you're traveling with BitBook, you can easily book hotels nearby and earn extra BBT tokens for your stay.

Not too far inland is Lagodekhi Protected Areas, home to jungle-like forests, gushing waterfalls and opportunities for hiking. History buffs won't want to miss the ancient mountain monastery at Martvili, where 13th century frescoes have miraculously survived in the humid climate.

For something really unique, make a day trip to the mountain village of Kobuleti to witness the grape harvest in mid-September. Lend a hand stomping grapes alongside local villagers and sample the robust local wines before they're barrelled for aging. The welcoming locals will gladly share stories and a home-cooked meal long into the night.

Go with the flow in Adjara

While tourism infrastructure is still developing, the laidback pace of life in Adjara makes it an especially relaxing getaway. Friendly residents will greet you with open arms, delicious home-cooked meals and glasses of tangy local tangerina liqueur or white grape cognac. Just go with the flow and be open to impromptu adventures, as the best experiences often happen spontaneously in this serene corner of Georgia. With its Mediterranean climate, rich cultures and hidden backroads, Adjara has plenty of reasons worth returning to again and again.