Black Sea coastline of Adjara from tributary of river Chorokhi till Turkish border is several kilometers away. In Soviet times due to closed-border policy, this spot for decades was unknown for holiday makers. Local population was primarily engaged in agriculture, growing tobacco, citrus fruits and tea. After opening borders the coastline of Gonio-Kvariati-Sarpi gradually became a popular resort destination. Vacationers have here seaside surrounded by mountains, wonderful scenery and warm, transparent sea water, peaceful gulf, while diving lovers are attracted by deep seabed. Nowadays Gonio-Kvariati has developed resort infrastructure germane for the resort area. Seaside is well-organized, there are many cafes, bars, shops. In recent years many hotels and resthouses were built some of them right on the beach and some peppered on the slopes. At the entrance of Gonio sits antique times Gonio-Apsaros Fortress. The oldest reference to the fortress under the label of ‘Apsaruntos’ is by Pliny the Elder in the Natural History (1st century AD). He points out that well-fortified and well-organized Fortress-town hosted 5 Roman cohorts (3 000 warriors). Fortress had unique strategic location: it defended entrances to Chorokhi and Adjaristskali gorges linking South-Western Georgia and Black Sea coastline. During centuries Gonio Fortress was a backbone citadel in Eastern Black Sea region at first of Roman empire, then Bizantine empire and, at last, Republic of Genoa. Since XII

century Gonio Fortress has been referred to as ‘Apsaruntos’ The Fortress has been restored and is the biggest fortification structure in Georgia. As the rumors say, Colchis king, Ayet, laid to rest his son, Apsaros, on the territory of the Fortress. The grave of Saint Matthias, one of the twelve apostles of Christ, is believed to be located inside the Gonio Fortress.

 

1. Gonio-Kvariati coastline.

2. Gonio-Apsaros is a stone-built big rectangle (195 m X 245 m). Walls with 18 towers are fortified. Each side has one gate. There are several construction layers on the territory of the Fortress.

 

Location: Black Sea coast, left side of river Chorokhi

Distance: 15 km away from downtown Batumi, 380 km away from Tbilisi

Sea level: 30 m

Landscape: mountainous

Climate: annual average temperature 14,8 degrees, in January 6,5 degrees, in August 23,4 degrees; breezes on the coastline are distinct

Average annual precipitation: 2500 mm

Average comparative annual humidity: 79%, frequent rain showers; average annual sea water temperature on the coastline 16,7 degrees

Natural treatment factors: humid maritime subtropical climate and sea water

Types of therapy: air and sun exposure, sea baths Diseases for treatment: nervous system and cardiovascular diseases.