Batumi – An Eco-Traveler's Delight

While you may have heard of the fun, seaside city of Batumi as a destination with interesting culinary and cultural opportunities; what you may not be as familiar with is its incredible link to ecotourism. Adjarian (Adjara is the name of the area of south-western Georgia) nature has many wonders to offer for those who love to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. Situated on the south-eastern banks of the Black Sea, this particular region of Georgia is a hub of flora and fauna, boasting a rich amalgam of unique plant and animal species. Adjara is a home to 3 UN protected areas located approximately one hour scenic drive from the region's capital, Batumi, and is an ideal destination for those seeking a more sustainable vacation. Hikers and adventure enthusiasts won't be able to get enough of the diverse Adjarian landscape. Picture this - majestic mountains, stunning seascapes, and acres of lush green parks and preserves are yours to explore. Over half of the region is covered by woods, many parts of which constitute perpetual rain forests. Situated on the outskirts of Batumi, Mtirala National Park is a mandatory target for nature lovers. At 1200 meters above sea level, this park is a host to tropical flora within its evergreen forests. This area is actually the rainiest part of Georgia (Mtirala translates to ‘weeping' in Georgian), where you can find the registered plants of over 590 species - 28 of which are woody species! Found in the Kintrishi river valley, the Kintrishi Protected Area is surrounded with picturesque mountains and a tiny village. The majority of the territory is spread over mountains and gorges with two trails (horse and on-foot) available for tourists. Along the trails, camping places are arranged with campfires and picnic areas. Another protected zone, Kobuleti Protected Area is home to the renowned for its peat-bog soil, which is nourished exclusively with rainwater. Recognized by the Ramsar Convention (the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation of wetlands and their resources), this internationally recognized waterfowl habitat boasts a 25-45 cm thick sphagnum (a genus of peat moss) layer that covers the marsh like a lush, green blanket. The area is famous for attracting a striking variety of wader species (birds associated with wetland or coastal environments), many of which are listed in the Red List of Endangered Species. It's possible to take educational-scientific tours along the wetland for a truly unforgettable ecological experience. Going to visit the ecological wonders of Batumi soon? Why not join us at Radisson Blu Hotel, Batumi and don't forget to share your incredible experiences with us on Instagram and Twitter with #RadissonBlu!