Makhuntseti Waterfall and Bridge

მახუნცეთის ჩანჩქერი

A striking 30-metre waterfall in the Adjara highlands, paired with a graceful medieval Queen Tamar arched stone bridge nearby. It is a popular day-trip stop for its scenery and mountain roadside wineries.

Things to do

• View Makhuntseti Waterfall — Take in the roughly 30-metre cascade tumbling through lush forested cliffs, most powerful in spring when snowmelt swells the flow.
• Cross the Queen Tamar Bridge — Walk over the elegant 11th-12th century arched stone bridge spanning the Adjaristsqali River just below the falls.
• Swim in the natural pool — Cool off in the chilly emerald plunge pool at the base of the waterfall on a hot summer day.
• Taste wine at roadside cellars — Stop at family-run mountain wineries along the road offering homemade wine and chacha for sampling and purchase.
• Photograph the gorge scenery — Capture the dramatic combination of the medieval bridge, rushing river, and forested Adjara highlands from viewing platforms.
• Drive the Batumi–Khulo mountain road — Make this a scenic day-trip stop while traveling the winding highland route deeper into upper Adjara.

Food to try

• Adjaruli khachapuri — The region's iconic boat-shaped cheese bread topped with a raw egg and butter, invented in Adjara.
• Borano — A rich Adjaran mountain dish of melted sulguni cheese cooked in clarified butter, eaten with bread.
• Chirbuli — A hearty Adjaran scrambled egg dish with walnuts, herbs, and spices popular in highland households.
• Homemade wine and chacha — Locally produced wine and the strong grape spirit chacha sold at the roadside cellars near the falls.
• Grilled mtsvadi — Skewers of marbled pork or veal grilled over vine embers, often served at riverside cafes here.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring cash in small denominations — Roadside wineries, snack stalls, and small vendors near the site rarely accept cards.
• Wear sturdy footwear — Paths down to the waterfall and bridge can be wet, rocky, and slippery, especially after rain.
• Accept hospitality graciously — Winery hosts often insist on offering a toast, and declining a small taste can be seen as impolite in Georgian culture.
• Visit in spring or early summer — The waterfall is fullest from snowmelt then, while late summer can reduce it to a thinner flow.

Nearby

• Mtirala National Park — 17 km
• Khulo — 23 km
• Batumi Botanical Garden — 31 km
• Batumi — 35 km