In mountainous Adjara, there are many beautiful places, but one of the most interesting and captivating at first glance is Machakhela National Park. The park is located relatively close to Batumi, with the first attraction only 20 km away and the last one 36 km away. Machakhela Gorge was designated as a National Park in 2012 in order to preserve the unique vegetation and wildlife of this pristine region. The park is truly impressive: lush green mountains, sonorous mountain waterfalls and roaring streams, ruins of abandoned ancient fortresses, medieval bridges… and this is just a small part of everything that awaits you!
What is Machakhela famous for?
The region was famous for producing the eponymous Machakhela flint rifle, which was a great source of pride and a reminder of the gorge’s former glory. Once, this rifle was considered the best in terms of range and accuracy. These rifles cost more than others of the same era, yet they were in high demand—purchased by Turkey, Russia, Germany, France, and others.
The fertility of the region, its relatively mild climate, and clean environment contributed to the development of rare grape varieties, among which Chkhaveri stands out. From it, a rosé wine is produced —a wine very rare in Georgia (this variety grows only in mountainous Adjara) and unusual in taste. The grapes are harvested at the first frost, which resembles the process of making the so-called ice wine.
Wines in this region are produced using an ancient traditional method that was employed back when Machakhela was a very bustling trading center. Historically, Machakhela is situated at the crossroads of trade routes. In those days, Machakhela wine was in high demand; it was shipped to Persia, Armenia, Byzantium, and beyond. Thanks to the traditional way of life of the local people, even today we can enjoy the true taste of high-quality wine.
Machakhela honey also cannot be overlooked, as it is known that the Caucasian bee has the longest proboscis, which enables it to collect nectar from chestnut trees. And only in this gorge does a very rare species of Caucasian bee—the Machakhela bee—live. Chestnut honey is slightly bitter, brownish in color, and does not crystallize. It possesses a number of beneficial properties that have a positive effect on the body. It is no wonder that for centuries, locals have used it as a primary remedy for illnesses and for rejuvenating the body! Many consider chestnut honey to be the healthiest of all types.
I think enough has been said to make you want to visit this region, but believe me: this is just the tip of the iceberg! The most interesting things are yet to come.
Sights of Machakhela
Machakhela honey also cannot be overlooked, as it is known that the Caucasian bee has the longest proboscis, which enables it to collect nectar from chestnut trees. And only in this gorge does a very rare species of Caucasian bee—the Machakhela bee—live. Chestnut honey is slightly bitter, brownish in color, and does not crystallize. It possesses a number of beneficial properties that have a positive effect on the body. It is no wonder that for centuries, locals have used it as a primary remedy for illnesses and for rejuvenating the body! Many consider chestnut honey to be the healthiest of all types.
Mirveti Waterfall
This place is located on the approach to the gorge, and strictly speaking, it does not belong to it. But to miss such a marvelous corner of nature would be a big mistake! Especially since the road passes right by it.
To reach the Mirveti Waterfall, you will need to turn off the main road and travel along a fully suspended vehicular bridge with a relatively narrow span. Vehicles such as vans, off-road vehicles, minivans, or ordinary passenger cars can easily pass, but only one at a time, and they must do so slowly and carefully.
You can leave your car at one of the private parking lots – the closer to the waterfall, the more expensive they are. For about 200–300 meters, the cost is 1 GEL, while for 50 meters, it’s already 5 GEL.
It’s best to start your journey with a walk to the ancient medieval arch bridge. Locals call it Queen Tamar’s Bridge, but that isn’t entirely accurate. It was built later, and its construction technique differs greatly from that of genuine bridges from the Tamar era. Nevertheless, this does not diminish its beauty in the slightest. You can take excellent photos here. Also, the waterfall’s water flows into the picturesque Chorokh River.
There will be signs everywhere pointing both to the bridge and to the waterfall.
Moving further upstream along the stream, we could have reached the fabulous alley of boxwoods covered with moss earlier. Ferns and dense vegetation around created the illusion of the Adjara tropics.
However, a few years ago a butterfly from Italy was accidentally imported into the Caucasus, to which the local boxwood was not adapted. This resulted in an environmental catastrophe and put this valuable tree species at risk of extinction. Therefore, the alley is now much less picturesque, but in 2023 a paved stone pathway to the waterfall and a wooden deck nearby were constructed.
As you move along the alley, you will feel an increasing breeze of coolness and freshness, and the resonant streams of water will interrupt your delight and captivate you with their beauty! Yes, this is it – Mirveti Waterfall, the highlight of the Adjara mountains! The waterfall has several excellent photo spots for capturing unforgettable images. It is located only about 20 km from the center of Batumi. In summer, the water flow is modest. Try to visit here after the rain. It will amaze you with dozens of its small cascades.
Gvara Fortress
Gvara Fortress – the ruins of a 6th-century fortress. The location was chosen deliberately, as it offers a panoramic view of the entire gorge and is difficult to access. The fortress served as a shelter and lookout post against frequent invasions, and it also functioned as a modern customs checkpoint. Recently, 25 clay jugs (or, more accurately, qvevri), traditionally buried in the ground, have been discovered, in which Georgians have been producing wine for 8,000 years. However, at the fortress, the qvevri were most likely used for storing water and food.
A very good spot for photo and video shoots! A stepped path (265 steps) leading to the fortress is laid out through an authentic Colchic forest, with evergreen rhododendrons, chestnut, beech, and walnut trees… I recommend making a couple of stops and soaking in all the freshness and purity of this region! I often hear from tourists: “We wish we could take some with us in a jar!”
Be careful: after repeated excavations by archaeologists, stones stick out on the fortress walls. You need to move around them with great caution. It is better to wear sports shoes.
Here is a place that can be reached by car.
You can park your car at the café; there is no centralized parking lot, but it can accommodate 5–7 cars, and never more. Immediately behind the café, a staircase to the fortress begins. Note that the staircase goes DOWN! Yes, the fortress is located in a picturesque spot with a wonderful view, but if you drive, you’ll ascend quite high, leaving the fortress slightly below.
After returning, you can catch your breath by ordering coffee or ice cream at the café. The owner is very friendly. Here you can also purchase local Georgian tea and other homemade products: honey, jam, and chacha. Just don’t take the jars from the display window—they sit in the sun all day. Ask for them to be brought out to you.
Most importantly, don’t miss the turn from the main road onto the country road. It is very steep and suddenly climbs upward. You can use the concrete bus stop and the small bridge as landmarks. Just before them, on the left-hand side, is the correct turn. There is also a sign that says “Gvara.”
Monument to the Machakhela Rifle
It is from this monument that the Machakhela National Park begins. The monument reminds us of the former glory of the Machakhela flintlock gun. The gun was valued because it could shoot at long distances, and the barrel did not explode, no matter how it was loaded. On the monument you can also see a flag with the name of the gorge in Georgian and a dagger. Weapons craftsmanship was at a high level. Local men have been forging iron and steel since time immemorial, even cradles were made of iron.
The monument is clearly visible from the central highway and stands practically at the confluence of two rivers: Chorokhi and Machakhela.
Suspension Bridge and Park Administration
These two locations are located next to each other. The park administration building will be happy to tell you what to see in the area. You can also pick up brochures and maps of the area there and warn the border guards if you are going to travel near the border.
Be sure to walk along the suspension bridge. Shaky and creaking, it gives a rush of adrenaline to city dwellers.
Bunker from the Second World War
Turkey could always be expected to invade. They have encroached on our lands countless times. That is why this defensive structure was built during the Great Patriotic War. It should be noted right away that it never took part in battles. In 1958, the combat weapons from the pillbox were dismantled, since by that time Turkey had ceased to act as an aggressor.
The construction site was not chosen by chance. If you climb onto the roof of the bunker, you will see above the trees that right behind it the road twists and turns to the left. The only road in the gorge was in full view in front of the fortification. The cannon installed in the bunker could hold back the advance of enemy equipment for a long time, and the thick walls reliably protected the soldiers from enemy shells and bullets.
Now it is a tourist attraction. You can go into the bunker. Just be careful! Be sure to take flashlights with you and watch your step. There are hatches here and there. Also, I do not recommend going into the far right room. Bats live there. If you disturb them, they will fly around in fear above your heads in a confined space.
Arched Bridge of Tskhemlar
The Tskhemlara arch bridge was built around the 12th century during the reign of our great Tamara. Tamara is called a king, not a queen, and she is a representative of the Golden Age in Georgian history. A woman who “had the audacity” to encroach on the historically “male” throne of Georgia. Many legends and mysticism are associated with the name of Tamara.
This is one of the longest bridges of that era in the region. 20 meters away from it there is a new automobile bridge, from which it is convenient to take photos. Next to the new bridge there is a site where you can park your car. The bridge is easy to spot from the main road.
Karimana Waterfall
Karimana Waterfall is probably the most unusual stepped waterfall of Machakhela. In ancient times, it was a stopping point and rest area for traders, and coins from different centuries were recently discovered here. In addition, the rocks are copper-colored in places, and this is also no coincidence. The waterfall, at least 1000 years ago, performed the function of cleaning copper from the earth. In 2018, it was given the status of a historical site and work began on the development of the area around it.
Historical and Ethnographic Museum of Machakhela
The road to the historical and ethnographic museum of Machakhela will give you indescribably beautiful views of the gorge, this is the highest point of the tourist route. Here is one of the most conveniently located viewing platforms, where you can take beautiful photos or just admire the view:
The Machakhela Historical and Ethnographic Museum itself is located in the former building of the mosque, inside which patterns, balconies, frames, windows, geometric shapes and spirals made with extraordinary precision and professionalism have been preserved. Machakhela was under the Ottoman yoke for more than 350 years, and many had to change their religion, but the locals passed on Christian traditions and culture from generation to generation with great trepidation in their hearts and love. Even in the patterns of the mosques, they managed to hide grapevines, wine jugs and crosses.
By the way, despite the fact that Machakhela was one of the very first parts of Adjara conquered by the Ottomans, it was here that they resisted Islam most fiercely. In the mountains and private gardens, a huge number of well-camouflaged underground rooms have been preserved to this day, where locals went to pray secretly from the Turks. And even now, Machakhela is the only region of Adjara where there is not a single functioning mosque.
The paint on one of the walls has not lost its brightness in spite of the proximity of the window and sunlight for 200 years. The museum will introduce you to the traditional attributes of Machakhela life, the culture, the technique of building traditional houses, household and farm utensils, dowry items, and the names of the first and last manufacturers of the Machakhela gun. The real machine, at which the masters of this gun worked diligently, is kept on the second floor.
The museum caretaker does not speak Russian well. Therefore, do not expect to learn anything new and interesting. Rather, you will have to simply admire household items without information signs. The solution is to go with a guide, driver or just an acquaintance who can translate the caretaker’s story.
And also keep in mind that he is often not there. And upon arrival, the museum may be closed. Entrance is 5 lari.
Attractions that are difficult to reach
The attractions we wrote about above are easy to get to, and all of them are interesting. But Machakhela is not limited to these points. There are also many other locations. We did not include them in the first list for one of the reasons:
- They are difficult to get to. You need either a good SUV or a long walk.
- The attraction is not as interesting as the main ones.
But perhaps someone will want more, so we will list another dozen points. And whether it is worth getting there or not – decide for yourself. The coordinates of some objects are indicated approximately, since they are not visible on the map and it is difficult to understand the exact location.
- Mount Archangel is a great option for hikers. We do not recommend going there on your own. You can get lost. And spending the night in the forest with wild animals is not the best idea. If you are in a high SUV, you can try to get there. Keep in mind that the road is very narrow, with a lot of large stones. If you do not have experience driving on dirt mountain roads, do not risk it. The exact route will be given to you in the administration building of the Machakhela National Park. How to find
- Kalivake Fortress in Chkhutuneti. There is little left of it. The walls are slightly visible from the ground. But the first 10 meters of the underground passage are perfectly preserved. Then there is a cliff. The climb to the fortress is difficult and leads through private territory. The view from the top is beautiful, but it cannot be compared with Gvara. How to find
- Bridge in Kokoleti. Built in the 16th century. The road to it is mostly dirt, but passable. You can even get there by car. But, as a landmark, it is not particularly interesting. Not impressive. How to find
- Ilya’s Winery in Chukuneti. The 11th century cellar is included in the list of UNESCO historical monuments. The owner, Amiran, is a cheerful and interesting person. He makes 4 types of wine, including wine in qvevri. You can walk around the garden, look at the vines, fruit trees, etc. It is located on a mountain with a beautiful view of the other side of the gorge. Cons: the wine is very average. It is better not to take the famous Adjarian Chkhaveri here. It is difficult to get there. A dirt road with a steep slope leads to the house. After the rain, you cannot drive without good tires. How to find
- Twins Waterfall. In the same direction as Ilya’s winery. Only much further. You will have to not only drive a long time off-road, but also walk a lot. It is located almost on the border with Turkey. Before visiting, it is advisable to warn the border guards about your arrival. How to find
- Bridge and waterfall Chkheri. A difficult road leads to it, on which it is extremely difficult to pass each other. If you are not an ace of mountain serpentines – it is better not to go. The bridge was recently restored. The waterfall is secluded, but a flimsy ladder leads to it. How to find
- The Kurdistskhali River is a great place for canyoning. You can start the route right behind the main road. But it is better not to go on your own, without a guide. If you have no experience in canyoning, but really want adventure, it is better to turn to a pro. For example, to Sergey. They and their team have studied this route well. How to find
- Tea factory Maradidi. The factory building is a small two-story building in the village of the same name. If you want to learn about Georgian tea, it is better to go to Chakvi, Ozurgeti or Martvili. There are farms there that show and tell about tea production. But here they make delicious tea, which is grown on the slopes of the mountains surrounding the village. This tea can also be bought in a cafe near Gvara. Nearby is a functioning mosque of the 19th century. How to find
- Before the turn to the road leading to Gvara there is a small waterfall. In summer it is almost always dry. But in spring or autumn, after the rains, you can admire it. Moreover, it is very easy to get to it. How to find
- Right after the turn after the waterfall, a beautiful view of Maradidi opens up. Stop by the road and take a couple of photos for memory. If the purpose of your trip is Gvara, then it is worth stopping here. Just a couple of hundred meters from the turn to Gvara and you are there. How to find
- Baths on the Machakhela River. On the road from the park administration to Tskhemlara there are several deep areas where you can swim. They are easy to find: each has an exit from the main road. But be very careful! Never swim when the water is high after rain. Mountain rivers are very dangerous. Even a 10-15 cm rise in water makes the current fast and dangerous. You can swim only after several sunny days in a row!
The list is not complete. We could list a dozen more waterfalls. But there is no road to them. So there is no point in writing. Besides, what we have listed will be enough for several days of active exploration of the region.
Machakhela attractions on the map
To make it easier for you to navigate the area and plan your route, we have made a map where we have marked all the locations discussed in this article. The list of attractions is divided into two. The first part contains the main ones, the second part contains the rest. To see the lists and select the point you like by name, rather than by clicking through the icons, you need to click on the button in the upper left corner of the screen. Open the map on your phone through the Google Maps application and use it as a navigator.
How to get to Machakhela
The roads of Machakhela are in relatively good condition and it is not difficult to get to the main attractions even by car. The central road is paved, the adjacent roads are mostly concrete.
If you arrived by your own car or rented one in Georgia, then you will not have problems with how to get there. This article will be an excellent assistant and guide on your journey through the gorge. For those “without horses”, we will consider alternative options.
By minibus
Minibuses (minibuses) go to Machakhela from the old bus station. The cost is 2 GEL. Lower Chkhututneti – Batumi 07:00, Batumi – Lower Chkhututneti – 16:00, Upper Chkhututneti – Batumi 09:00, Batumi – Upper Chkhututneti – 12:30. The time may vary depending on the season. You can find out more by calling 0422278547. The minibus is not very convenient, as it will not take you to all the sights, and the walking distances between them are large. Transport runs once a day. But this is the most budget option.
Taxi
More expensive than a minibus, but cheaper than an excursion. The problem is that 99% of taxi drivers have never been here and do not know where everything is. Arm yourself with mobile Internet and a navigator if you decide to choose this method. It is difficult to write down the price, even an approximate one. It depends too much on the impudence and mood of the taxi drivers.
Buy a tour
the easiest and most effective way. Machakhela is much more than what you can see. It keeps centuries-old traditions, culture and history. During the excursion you will hear interesting stories from the guide, and a unique singing and musical family, delicious traditional dishes made from local products, wine and chacha will complement the overall impression of what you have seen. The excursion to Machakhela is one of the most eventful in the program in all of Georgia. And one of the most popular from Batumi. There are many options for excursions, they are conducted by different guides. So, there is plenty to choose from. Pay attention to the excursions of Vitaly Kibitlevsky.
Where to eat well?
Since you are traveling to a mountainous rural area, it is best to plan your meals in advance. In the gorge, there are virtually no shops, and those that do exist mostly sell salt and matches. The locals primarily rely on what their own gardens produce, and they go into town to buy flour and other supplies once or twice a week. Therefore, it is best to stock up on bottled water and bring some snacks ahead of time.
The best option is to dine with a real Adjarian family. In Upper Machakhela there are several places where this is possible. Good guides know whom you can visit and whom you should avoid. For example, the museum caretaker often invites you over, but his food is the worst in the gorge. I strongly do not recommend going there.
There are about five cafes and restaurants in the gorge, but almost all of them are located at the very beginning of the route, and hunger usually sets in in the middle of the journey. We will discuss the best establishments, along with their pros and cons.
Restaurant Chveneburi
A colorful solid wooden building on the river bank with beautiful views of the gorge. Georgian and Adjarian cuisine. Average prices. It is located near the gun monument. The only downside to this restaurant is its location. You will be one of the first to pass it. But it is convenient to stop here on the way back. After a long walk in the fresh air – just the thing! This is the only establishment in Machakhela that can be called a restaurant. It has excellent service, a beautiful interior. And, most importantly, very tasty food. Be sure to order Yakhni and Sinori. These Adjarian dishes are simply gorgeously prepared here.
Gazebos at the Gvara Fortress
Summer bamboo pavilions. The menu is not so varied, if not to say meager, but the hostess cooks deliciously. More suitable for rest after climbing up from the fortress. Drink coffee or lemonade, tea or ice cream.
Home cooking at the Tskhemlara bridge
The last place to have lunch on this route. Moreover, there are cafes on both sides of the bridge. The first one, with a huge area under an awning, looks very civilized and beautiful. But it is precisely this one that you should avoid. It is not tasty, expensive and has poor service. The staff changes constantly, since even at the height of the season, few people go there. The guides who regularly conduct excursions to the gorge never offer their tourists a snack there. Because they have already been burned.
On the other side of the bridge, in the courtyard of a private house, there are gazebos on the river bank. It is difficult to call this place a cafe. Home cooking is a more appropriate name. 90% of everything that will be on your table is your own. It is, indeed, home-made, natural, environmentally friendly, and most importantly – very tasty food. The hostess’s name is Nato. And she cooks excellently!
Don’t ask her for a menu. Just ask her to set the table and ask for the price. As a rule, lunch will cost the same as an average restaurant in Batumi, only there are several times more dishes + alcohol. Be sure to ask her for Kaimahi. It’s not always available, but it’s the best Kaimahi I’ve ever had! The only downside to this place is the wine. It’s almost always fermented. It’s better not to take it. Drink compote or chacha.
Keep in mind that the hostess works as a teacher at a local school. And that’s why she’s not home in the morning from October to June 25.
Alibaba Cafe
This place is also difficult to call a public catering. It is more popular among Batumi residents. In the summer, we often go here in large companies to celebrate someone’s birthday. The establishment is a large area on the river bank with several gazebos. There is a place to play football and volleyball, where children can frolic. You can swim in the cool river water on a hot day. I can’t say anything about the cuisine, since we always come here with our own kebabs and salads. But there is a kitchen and a small menu. As a rule, you can always order fried trout and khachapuri, ojakhuri and mchady.
Hotels and guest houses
Machakhela is located near Batumi, so most people prefer to go there for a day. But if you want to stay in this picturesque corner and immerse yourself in rural tourism, it is not difficult. There are no hotels here, but there are several guest houses. Prices are on average $ 50 per person. When choosing a guest house, it would be wise to clarify whether the room has a separate bathroom. As a rule, they are shared throughout the house. Hint: the higher and further from Batumi the guest house is, the more beautiful the views and cleaner the air. Recently, many offers have appeared on Booking.com.
I hope this article will help you organize your independent vacation in one of the most beautiful and unique corners of our Adjara. If you have any questions about Machakhela, ask them in the comments.
More about Batumi and Georgia:
Best hotels in the mountains of Georgia
Souvenirs – what to bring from Georgia as a gift
The Best Adjarian Khachapuri in Batumi. Top 5 Places
Shekvetili Dendrological Park (48 km from Batumi)
My name is Vitaly Kibitlevsky, I am a tour guide and creator of unique quests in Batumi. If you want to walk around the city with a fascinating storyteller or plunge into an exciting adventure, write to the mail: vitkibit@gmail.com
Find out more about me and my projects here