region

Ajara

The Autonomous Republic of Ajara is another coastal region located in the southwest of Georgia. This picturesque region is known for its beauty with subtropical landscapes, 121 km coastline, forested green hills and mountains. The region has a great variety of ecosystems: the lowlands of Ajara are full of citrus Citrus reticulata plantations and tea is grown. A bit higher the mountains forests contains Chestnut Castanea sativa; Linden Tilia begoniifoli; four types of Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum; Spurge Laurel Daphne mezereum; Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea; Guelder Rose Viburnum opulus; Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and other trees. The alpine zone includes untouched hectares of alpine wildflowers such as: Salt Cedar Tamarix ramosissima; Largest Masterwort Astrantia maxima; Welted Thistle Carduus acanthoides; Hyssop Hyssopus angustifolius; Creeping Savory Satureja laxiflora. The region is famous for its chestnut honey which has a special bittersweet taste. In Ajara, there are two national parks and two protected areas which cover more than 20 % of the region. Annually, the sun shines for an average of 192 days a year and rainfall is 1466 mm.