Mirveti Waterfall
A 22-metre waterfall and a medieval stone arch bridge at the mouth of the Machakhela valley — a short forest walk half an hour from Batumi.
- Time needed
- 1.5 h
- From Tbilisi
- 390 km · 6:00
- Road
- Mostly paved
- Car needed
- Economy class
- Season
- May–October
- Entry
- free
Mirveti is where the noise of Batumi's seafront turns into subtropical forest silence in about ten minutes. The village sits at the lower end of the Machakhela valley, only 15-17 km from Batumi, and the approach is half the pleasure: you cross a swaying suspension footbridge, then follow a winding path into the trees.
The trail runs in deep shade through Colchic forest — ivy, moss and humid air pressing in from all sides. After 10-15 minutes of easy walking you hear the water, and the falls appear: a 22-metre curtain dropping down a dark rock wall into a small pool.
Two things to catch on the way:
- The stone arch bridge — a medieval span known locally as a "Queen Tamar bridge", one of the prettiest of Adjara's famous arched bridges
- The village of Mirveti itself, with citrus orchards and traditional Adjarian houses
Late spring is the best time, when the flow is at full strength. In the summer heat the forest holds a life-saving coolness, and dipping your feet in the pool is the natural finale. Mirveti pairs perfectly with a day trip to Machakhela National Park or Gonio fortress.
Practical advice
Entry is free. The walk is easy but the stones are mossy and wet — wear closed shoes with grip, not beach sandals, and take extra care after rain. Go in the morning in summer: tour groups arrive around midday. There is a small parking spot in the village, but almost no shops or toilets, so bring water and snacks. The pool is shallow — fine for children under supervision.
How to get there from Tbilisi
From Tbilisi drive the E60/S1 to Batumi (about 375 km, 5:30, asphalt all the way), then head out of Batumi towards Sarpi and turn inland at Khelvachauri onto the Machakhela valley road. The Mirveti turnoff comes early in the Ajaristskali valley; the stretch from the main road to the village is short — mostly asphalt with a final bit of village track. Leave the car in the village, cross the suspension bridge and walk 10-15 minutes. Refuel in Batumi. An economy car copes fine in dry weather.
Click a marker for details. Coloured lines are ready-made road trips.
Nearby places
Machakhela National Park
A Colchic forest valley running to the Turkish border, with arched bridges and villages of gunsmiths.
Gonio-Apsaros Fortress
A Roman military fort south of Batumi — 18 towers, active excavations and a grave traditionally linked to an apostle.
Makhuntseti Waterfall and Arched Bridge
A thirty-metre waterfall and a medieval stone arch bridge in the Adjaristsqali valley, an hour from Batumi.
Best car for this trip
Mostly paved
Guides
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Pickup locations
Car Rental at Batumi Airport — 13 km (straight line)