Ozurgeti Municipality is located in Guria Mare, in the territory of Western Georgia. It is bordered by the Black Sea to the west, the Adjara-Guria mountain range, the Choloki River and the Autonomous Republic of Adjara to the south, Chokhatauri to the east, and Lanchkhuti municipality to the north.
The area of Ozurgeti is 675 km². According to data from 2023, the population of the municipality is 57,900 people. There are 73 settlements in the municipality.
Due to the proximity of the Black Sea and the high ridges surrounding it from the east, the municipality is characterized by a subtropical humid climate and gets quite humid in the summer.
The conditions are particularly good for the production of tea, citrus, corn, vegetables, fruits, subtropical essential oil crops, horticulture and perennial grasses. The branches of agriculture include horticulture, fruit growing, tea growing, animal husbandry, fishing, and beekeeping. Hazelnut cultivation and salmon farming are particularly developed in the region. The region has great potential for chestnut production.
Ozurgeti municipality is distinguished by unique resorts both on the seaside and in the alpine zone, which allows the municipality to host tourists both in summer and in winter. Ureki, one of the four status-granted recreational resorts in Georgia, is located in the territory of this municipality. In addition to Ureki, the municipality’s coastal resorts include Gomi Mountain resort.
Ozurgeti offers a delightful blend of history, natural beauty and warm hospitality. As one of the oldest settlements in Georgia, Ozurgeti is distinguished by its rich historical heritage, which dates back to ancient times: Achi Church (XII-XIV centuries), Jumati Monastery (Middle Ages), Liakhuri Church and Bell Tower (Middle Ages) and the Monastery of the Creator (Middle Ages). There are 17 cultural heritage monuments on the territory of Ozurgeti municipality, most of which are churches. Dvazbu churches, Vaniskedi church, Chali belfry, and Chanieturi monastery are particularly noteworthy with the status of “cultural heritage monument.” Among the monuments with a secular purpose, it is worth noting Vashnari Nakalakari (V-VIII centuries), Askani Castle (IV century), Liakhuri Castle and the Ozurgeti Drama Theatre Building (1934-1962).
Nature lovers will be fascinated by the impressive surroundings of Ozurgeti. The municipality has 17,021 hectares of forest, providing tourists with the opportunity to walk through the lush forests of Guria, discover hidden trails and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In the forest, you will find chestnut, beech, hornbeam, blackberry, bilberry, sugar and plum. There are deciduous forests at 700-1700 meters above sea level, and coniferous forests at 1700-2000 meters.
The municipality is located in the basins of the Natana and Supsi rivers. The rivers are rich with all kinds of fish, including trout, pike, salmon and bream.
Ozurgeti also offers the unique traditions and living culture of Guria with lively folk dances and impressive polyphonic singing, which are an integral part of the local heritage.