David Gareja

Kakhétie

Tusheti

Dartlo

The capital of Mingrelia is a town that's home to 50,000; a vibrant, green hub that benefits from a sub-tropical climate. People come here for its lush, botanical gardens and the Dadiani Palace, a Georgian castle constructed in a European style.

Europe

Georgia

Zugdidi

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

Oceania

activity-type

Hiking in Georgia

Historical sites in Georgia

Food and drink tours in Georgia 

I arrived in Zougdidi under a blue sky. I had negative preconceptions, as this town borders Abkhazia and saw a massive influx of refugees during the 1990's. So I was delighted to discover a lovely urban setting, covered in sub-tropical vegetation, with huge houses on stilts, surrounded by terraces and gardens.
The greenery astonished me. And I found out why that very afternoon. In Zougdidi rain and shine go hand in hand! I was able to fully enjoy the Mingrelian welcome, as my hosts were, like most of their fellow countrymen, outgoing and cheerful, whilst the food was deliciously spicy.
What's more there's a lovely atmosphere in this Mingrelian town. I loved wandering around the lush botanical gardens, built during the 19th Century by the European-loving Dadiani princes who ruled over Mingrelia. What's more I stumbled upon a castle that looked like a miniature version of those in the French Loire Valley - the Dadiani Palace, a neo-Medieval style built by the princes, set in the heart of the Caucasus. It's a lovely place and its park, frequented by Zougdidi's youth during the summer months, is a romantic place for a walk - quite a rare find in the Caucasus.

Zugdidi Holidays

Visit Zugdidi

Zugdidi: How to get there?

Zugdidi: See when to go?

Zugdidi: For how long?

Zugdidi: What to see nearby?