Batumi

Travel to Batumi, Georgia

Batumi is the most popular seaside resort in Georgia, serving as the country’s resort capital and the administrative center of the Adjara region. At its core, Batumi embodies the essence of the sea, sunshine, endless beaches, joy, and good spirits. For over a century, travelers have flocked to this resort seeking a perfect getaway filled with vibrant emotions, a tradition that continues to thrive today.

The city and its surroundings are rich with monuments that reflect centuries of history, ancient fortresses and towers, stunning natural sites, parks, and masterpieces of modern architecture. Typically, a visit to Batumi begins with a city tour, showcasing its many attractions. Stroll along the endless seaside boulevard, marvel at the futuristic skyscrapers, and admire the unique monuments, sculptures, and installations. For the best panoramic views of the resort, take a ride on the Ferris wheel or visit the upper station of the Argo cable car.

You could easily spend an entire week in Batumi, organizing a marathon of excursions and discovering something new each day. Alternate between city explorations and trips to more remote areas, or simply unwind on the beach or enjoy the vibrant nightlife that Batumi has to offer.

Batumi Attractions

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.

7 Reasons to Visit Batumi

  1. Relax in the Subtropics: No matter when you decide to visit Batumi, the timing is likely perfect. The city enjoys a mild subtropical climate with comfortable winters and long, hot summers. Batumi is lush with vegetation—don’t miss the famous Botanical Garden or the numerous parks, and be sure to explore the national parks of Adjara.
  2. Choose the Best Beach in Batumi and Its Surroundings: For many tourists, the primary reason for vacationing in Batumi is the beach experience. The resort boasts kilometers of excellent beaches—pebbly ones in the city center and sandy ones beyond. You can opt for well-maintained beaches with top-notch infrastructure or “wild” stretches of coastline. Nearby Ureki features a beach with unique black magnetic sand, while the lively beaches of Kobuleti promise the most exciting entertainment during peak season.
  3. Get Lost in Old Batumi: Despite its status as a trendy resort capital, Batumi has its own Old Town. This picturesque historic district features narrow streets and 19th-century mansions. Cobblestone squares, ancient temples, and monuments coexist with gleaming skyscrapers and trendy cafes. At the heart of Old Batumi lies Piazza Square, an ideal spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
  4. Capture Photos at Piazza Square: If you have only one day to explore Batumi, make sure to visit Piazza Square. This is one of the most beautiful places in the resort, featuring elegant mansions with stunning facades, intricate details, a clock tower, stained glass windows, and mosaic panels that captivate visitors. By day, it’s a lovely spot for lunch or a refreshing lemonade, while in the evenings, the square is illuminated with romantic lighting and a multitude of twinkling lights.
  5. Stroll Along Batumi Boulevard: A true pride of the resort, the Batumi Seaside Boulevard stretches for about 7 kilometers and serves as a hub for relaxation, walking, sunbathing, and unwinding. The boulevard offers excellent beaches, shops, cafes, entertainment, and attractions. Here, you’ll find singing fountains, the monument of Ali and Nino, the Georgian Alphabet Tower, the Ferris wheel, and many other interesting sites.
  6. Savor the Wonders of Georgian Cuisine: Food lovers will find delight in Batumi, where they can indulge in mouthwatering khinkali, lobio, and a variety of sauces and spices. All the Georgian delicacies can be sampled at restaurants and cafes specializing in national cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try Adjarian khachapuri, a delicious open pie shaped like a boat, filled with cheese, egg, and butter. It’s typically served with coffee, cold lemonade, or a glass of white wine—an essential part of an Adjarian feast.
  7. Bring Home a Bottle or Two of Georgian Wine: It’s impossible to leave Georgia without tasting one of its specialties—its wines. The country has long been celebrated for its winemaking traditions. In Batumi, gastronomic tours to visit winemakers, vineyard excursions, and wine festivals are popular. Of course, you can also stop by a specialized boutique or wine cellar, where you’re guaranteed an engaging story about the wines, a tasting experience, and reasonable prices.