Kobuleti had already become an elite resort area by the 19th century. The Russian Emperor had given the seaside to his high-ranking military officers, and they immediately started building dachas (private manors) there.
Kobuleti’ reputation for rejuvenation began to spread around the world, and soon vacationers were making their way to the seaside for recreation and healing. By 1944, Kobuleti had grown into a fully-fledged city.
Five rivers flow through Kobuleti, giving it a great diversity of flora and fauna, as well as an astounding variety of landscapes that includes alpine lakes, meadows alive with wildflowers, dense forests, and towering waterfalls.
Visitors are drawn to the national parks of Kobuleti, Kintrishi, and Tikeri, as well as the Tbikeli and Sidzerdzali lakes, all of which boast untamed, unspoiled wilderness just begging to be explored by itinerant hikers.
In addition to its natural beauty, Kobuleti is home to a number of ancient monuments that speak to its rich history. These include Petra Fortress, Mamuka Fortress, Khinotsminda Church, and Tskhemvani Bridge, as well as a number of churches, mosques, and museums inside the city proper.
Kobuleti is especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts drawn to hiking, birdwatching, and camping in its impenetrable forests. Watersports are also popular in both the Black Sea and the rivers and lakes that surround the city, with Mtirala National Park home to some especially gorgeous riverine landscapes.
And, of course, no visit would be complete without sampling local delicacies such as beef stew with walnuts, iakhni, and fondue-like borano, which aren’t readily available elsewhere in Georgia.
If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, why not plan a weekend away in the subtropical beauty of Kobuleti?