Ajara, officially the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, is located in the southwestern corner of Georgia, bordered by Turkey to the south and the eastern shore of the Black Sea. Batumi, the main town of Ajara, is a nice city. Once one Frenchman, to be more precise, former director of the French Cultural Center, who was born in Paris and was living and working in Georgia, admitted that he could never imagine that such a town existed in Georgia. The reason of his astonishment was Batumi’s European look. You can never forget this town and you will most probably have a desire to come back at least once, after you visit it. The name of Batumi comes from the Greek word Bathus meaning deep harbor, as it is located on the site of the ancient Greek polis in Colchis.
Batumi Today is one of the main ports of Georgia. It has the capacity for receiving 80 000 ton tankers and take cargo such as oil which is shipped through Georgia from Central Asia. Since the change of power, it has become quite an attractive place for investors.
The modern architecture is really eye-catching. When I was there, I was really shocked, visiting the city after travelling by the night trai. The town looks fresh after the occasional short rain. Wow! That’s what I call modernization! That’s what I call transformation! If you are as fortunate enough as I was and live near the big church, it is almost impossible not to shed tears of positive emotion and religious ecstasy caused by the most beautiful illumination of the cathedral at night. Tolling of its bells will wake you up in the morning. The sparkling tandem of comparatively classical Sheraton and avant-garde Radisson is really something, to say nothing about the indelible Piazza with its colorful panes, as well as the Europe Palace topped by the sculptures of Medea and Neptune – god of the sea sitting in front of the theater building, European roofs and man-sized lampposts that add extra coziness to the lovely small streets of the town. I was stricken by what I saw – I had heard a lot about it but it is better to see once than to hear million times, and it had exceed all my expectations. Yes, and the sculpture of Ali and Nino – this is very impressive and ultramodern construction that unites two people – man and woman, two civilizations – Europe and Asia, two religious – Christianity and Islam, and all these things happen in the name of love. Such is Batumi – the city of love, and it is such a pity if you do not have a sweetheart. In that case, probably you’ll fall in love with the city itself. If we have pretence to be Europeans, we can say that at least our Batumi attracts everyone. Here you can see tourists from Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Balkans, etc. According to the Tourist Administration of Georgia, the greatest number of tourists this year come from Russia, Ukraine and Poland.
Batumi is Batumi, but Ajara boasts other beautiful places as well. For instance: Botanic Garden or so-called Green Cape, as well as Tsikhisdziri and Kvariati, which is said to be the elite sea-side resort, as well as Gonio and Sarpi. In these three places the Black Sea is believed to be the cleanest and for those who wish to have a passive rest they embody ideal destinations. Another small town Kobuleti is also nice. Renovated a year ago, it looks quite modern too and unlike Batumi, quieter as well. Kobuleti is surrounded by mountains and if we compare it to Batumi, it is like comparing Kemer and Antalia in Turkey - the first is much better for spending holidays and the second is better for sightseeing. Kobuleti is considered to be a resort, which you cannot say about Batumi. It has some pine woods near the sea shore that offers a nice shade in the hot summer days.
I hope you will enjoy your holidays in Ajara, since Ajarians are simple and hospitable people, always ready to please you. Salut, Ajara! Hopefully, our article will also bring new tourists to you!