Colchis Wetlands (UNESCO)
★★ Kolchis Rainforests and Wetlands (UNESCO World Natural Heritage)
The Kolchis Rainforests and Wetlands were recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage in 2021 and encompass several protected areas along the western Georgian Black Sea coast. They preserve unique wetland ecosystems that have survived almost unchanged since the Tertiary period (2–5 million years ago) — relic forests with plant species that only survived here during the ice ages.
What to See
- Kolkheti National Park (near Poti): Wetlands, peat bogs, and floodplain forests at the mouth of the Rioni. Boat trips through the channels, bird watching (over 200 species, including rare waterfowl). The visitor center organizes guided tours.
- Mtirala National Park (near Batumi): Subtropical rainforest — yes, rainforest in Europe! Mtirala means "the Weeping" — it rains up to 4,520 mm per year here (one of the rainiest places in Europe). Hiking trails through moss-covered forests with lianas and ferns.
- Sataplia Nature Reserve (near Kutaisi): Colchis forest with dinosaur tracks and a stalactite cave.
Why It's Worth It
The Kolchis Wetlands are not a classic tourist highlight — but fascinating for nature lovers. These forests existed when mammoths roamed Europe. Some tree species (Colchic boxwood, Pontic oak) are found nowhere else in the world. It is literally a glimpse into prehistoric Europe.
