Batumi is a city bursting with monuments and colorful architecture. Every few minutes during a walk, you’ll encounter an intriguing attraction. While most noteworthy sites are located along the coast, some are found in the suburbs, about 10-15 kilometers from the city center.
The most famous attraction in Batumi is the monument to Ali and Nino, an iconic symbol of true love that transcends boundaries. This seven-meter-tall sculpture features figures of a man and a woman who move towards each other and merge into one. The mesmerizing transformation takes about ten minutes, and the sight at sunset is particularly enchanting.
Nearby stands the Alphabetic Tower, soaring to 130 meters. Two spirals adorned with letters from the Georgian alphabet ascend the tower, culminating in a glass sphere that houses a restaurant with breathtaking views of Batumi.
In this tourist-friendly part of the city, you’ll also find Europe Square, featuring a monument to Medea, who holds the golden fleece from the famous Greek myth. Close by, the Neptune Fountain—an homage to the original monument in Bologna, Italy—sits alongside Piazza Square, which boasts a stunning mosaic made from a million tiles. Various temples and historical buildings can also be explored in this area.
The Botanical Garden and Gonio Fortress are among the most famous sights near Batumi. The Botanical Garden, located 9 kilometers northeast of the city on the shores of the Black Sea, spans 110 hectares and is home to hundreds of plant species and over two thousand types of trees from around the globe. With its hilly terrain, a hike through the garden can take an entire day, but from the highest point, visitors are rewarded with magnificent views of Batumi and the Green Cape. Gonio Fortress, situated 13 kilometers south of the city, is an ancient monument that has endured for nearly two thousand years, having been occupied by Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Russians. It stands as one of the oldest monuments not only in Batumi but throughout all of Georgia.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Machakhela and Mtirala National Parks offer stunning trails. Multi-day hiking options with camping accommodations are available, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. And of course, one should not forget the primary reasons for choosing Batumi as a vacation destination: the resort atmosphere, the vibrant southern city life, and the beautiful Black Sea beaches. The peak beach season runs from June to September when more and more vacationers flock to the resort, followed by the charming autumn “velvet” season.