Mtirala National Park

Mtirala National Park is the green lung of the Batumi region, a protected area of steep forested slopes about thirty kilometres from the city. The name is often translated as weeping or crying mountain, a nod to the extraordinary rainfall: the park gets over four metres a year, and its peak is usually wrapped in cloud. The result is a lush, humid forest of moss-covered trunks, ferns, rhododendrons and ancient relict trees, more reminiscent of a rainforest than of the Mediterranean-style coast below. Guided hikes from Batumi make the park easy to enjoy. Transport, route planning and timing are taken care of, and the standard day takes you along forest paths to a mountain lake and a waterfall, with stops for photographs and a picnic or simple lunch. The silence under the trees, broken only by water and birds, is a striking contrast to the beach crowds of the city.

Walking is the point. Trails are marked, well used and mostly gentle, although after rain they can be muddy and slippery, so shoes with a good grip are important. The forest canopy keeps the air cool and damp, which is a relief in July and August, and the sound of streams follows you most of the way. At the waterfall, the water drops through a narrow green cleft, and the mist cools the air.

Because the park is so wet, clothing matters. Even in dry weather, bring a light waterproof, a spare layer and a change of socks, and carry water and a snack in a small daypack. Insect repellent can help in warm months. The weather can change quickly, so be ready to adapt, and remember that cloud on the summit is normal rather than a sign of a bad day.

The park also gives a window into Adjarian culture. The foothills have small villages with beekeeping, tea and citrus, and many tours include a stop for local honey, bread or a family lunch. Some operators combine Mtirala with the botanical garden, which makes a nice contrast between a cultivated world garden and a wild forest in one day.

For a first visit, choose a moderate guided route and enjoy the experience at a comfortable pace. If you are more adventurous, ask operators about longer hikes, overnight stays and winter snowshoeing in the Ajarian hills. Either way, Mtirala is a reminder that Batumi is not only a beach city but also a gateway to a very green and very wild part of the Caucasus.

Respect the forest as you walk. Stay on marked paths, take your rubbish home, keep voices low so you can hear birds and water, and do not pick plants or disturb wildlife. If you are hiking independently rather than with a guide, check the weather forecast and the trail conditions first, tell someone your plan and carry a charged phone and a small first-aid kit.

Local guides know the trails and the history of the villages below, and they often include small cultural stops that add depth to a nature day, such as a visit to a beekeeper or a family kitchen for a simple lunch.