Zichisdsiri: Vacation Apartments and Holiday Homes

The Petra Museum Reserve in Tsikhisdziri preserves fortress ruins, the remains of a palace, an ancient bathhouse, service and soldiers’ buildings, as well as the foundations of a basilica dating from the 6th and 7th centuries.

Culture and History

Petra is an early feudal historical monument and was an episcopal center within the Diocese of Lazica. Petra was built in the sixth century on the remains of an ancient Lazic settlement and was defended from the land by a wall and a steep cliff. In the 6th century AD, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian built the city of Petra in Tsikhisdziri. A narrow coastal road through Petra connected western Georgia with Byzantium, Iran, and Armenia. Petra played an important role in the expulsion of the Ottomans during the Russo-Turkish War of 1878.

Tsikhisdziri has been settled since ancient times and, as a historic fortified city, was associated with the Kingdom of Egrisi because of its strategic military and economic location.

Coast and Landscape

The Acropolis of Petra stands on a rocky hill overlooking the Black Sea. Tsikhisdziri is characterized by a mixture of maritime and mountain climates; compared with Batumi or Makhinjauri, the area has relatively cool summers and relatively warm winters. The coastal landscape includes green slopes, dramatic cliffs, citrus groves, tea plantations, and bamboo paths. Tsikhisdziri includes a Black Sea coastline with rocky beaches. The coastal conditions support marine life, and dolphins can sometimes be seen near the shore.

Seaside Activities

Tsikhisdziri is described as a destination for visitors seeking clear water and a peaceful seaside setting. Boat rentals are available at Tsikhisdziri Beach; camping is permitted there. Tsikhisdziri is listed among Adjara’s beaches where visitors can sunbathe or swim from the beginning of May. The beach is suitable for seaside relaxation. Recreation centers, restaurants, and cafés can be found on the green slopes, as well as in parks and gardens.

In Adjara, visitors can combine Black Sea beaches with mountain hikes, rafting, forest walks, and visits to ancient fortresses and monasteries. The wines Tsolikouri and Chkhaveri are produced in Adjara.

Those wishing to rent a vacation apartment in Zichisdsiri can continue their accommodation search afterward.

Other places in Adjara: Kobuleti, Batumi, Sarpi, Chakvi, Tkhilnari, Gonio, Kvariati, Makhinjauri

For the higher-level travel overview: Adjara.