Batumi Boulevard stretches gracefully along the beach, weaving through the heart of the city and serving as a beloved retreat for both tourists and locals alike. This vibrant promenade is brimming with a plethora of restaurants, cafes, bars, quaint shops, amusement rides, sports facilities, and inviting relaxation areas equipped with benches, hammocks, and sun loungers. It also features artistic installations that have become symbols and calling cards of Batumi. Currently, the boulevard spans approximately 7 kilometers.
Lined with an array of flowers, palm trees, shrubs, coniferous trees, and bamboo, Batumi Boulevard is a lush and picturesque environment. In addition to the stunning views of the Black Sea and the majestic mountains on the horizon, visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues each evening.
The boulevard is often divided into two sections: the Old Boulevard and the New Boulevard, though they essentially function as a unified entity. The water park serves as a convenient landmark to distinguish between the two; the area southwest of the park is referred to as the New Boulevard, while the northeast is known as the Old Boulevard.
The New Boulevard is located in what is commonly referred to as New Batumi, an area that has seen significant development in recent years. While the number of dining establishments here is currently fewer than in the Old Boulevard area, the New Boulevard matches its counterpart in terms of maintenance and aesthetic appeal. Throughout its length, the boulevard is adorned with vibrant flowers, greenery, various sculptures, and beautifully illuminated fountains. It also boasts children’s and sports playgrounds, alongside a dedicated path for rollerblading and cycling.
Typically, the New Boulevard sees fewer crowds, creating a more tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for intimate strolls, romantic picnics, and various sports activities, such as yoga and gymnastics. Additionally, the New Boulevard is considered one of the best spots for wedding photo sessions.
Significantly, a large portion of the New Boulevard is home to the Seaside Park, which features numerous famous and popular sculptures among tourists, including the iconic “Where” and “Liberte” inscriptions, the whimsical “Flip-Flops on Eggs,” a maze of wishes, a children’s playground adorned with figures of beloved cartoon characters, and an array of heart-themed sculptures.
The concept of creating a boulevard in Batumi is attributed to Governor Smekalov, who envisioned it nearly 150 years ago, with construction commencing in 1881. Since then, Batumi Boulevard has undergone continuous transformation and enhancement. Initially, German designers worked on the project, followed by the renowned French horticulturist and decorator Mikhail D’Alphonse, who is fondly regarded as the boulevard’s founder by locals. In his honor, a bronze statue was erected.
In 1934, a colonnade in the Greek style was constructed to enhance the seaside entrance, designed by architect Bogdan Kirakosyan. The first stone for the musical fountains was laid in 1977, thanks to architect Erkomaishvili. Since 2009, the dancing fountains on Lake Ardagan have captivated visitors with their grace and beauty.
Throughout its history, the boulevard has undergone numerous renovations, with new surfaces, sculptures, and monuments introduced over the years. Today, it stands as a modern and accessible venue for leisurely walks, romantic dates, social gatherings, and sports activities, drawing in a large number of visitors.
Located in the northeastern part of Batumi Boulevard, Miracle Park is home to several of the city’s most famous attractions:
Statue of Ali and Nino: This modern art masterpiece depicts two figures—Ali, a Muslim Azerbaijani, and Nino, a Christian Georgian—moving toward each other. Standing at 7 meters tall, the sculpture symbolizes love that transcends boundaries of religion, conflict, distance, and tradition.
Alphabet Tower: This striking structure represents the love Georgians have for their language. Standing 130 meters tall, it is adorned with ribbons featuring the 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet, resembling a DNA strand. At the top, a viewing terrace offers splendid views of the sea and city, accompanied by a rotating restaurant.
Lighthouse: As the oldest structure in the park, this lighthouse was built in 1863. With its octagonal stone tower, it continues to guide sailors with its red light.
The central Batumi Pier is the longest and most frequented along the coast. Lined with cafes and restaurants on both sides, it culminates in a lively disco bar. Nearby, various attractions and a children’s playground add to the vibrant atmosphere. The pier is a fantastic spot to dine with a stunning view of the sea, dance, and enjoy live music.
Fountains are an integral part of Batumi Boulevard, adding a magical touch to the promenade. Numerous fountains grace the area, performing synchronized dances to music, sparkling with lights, and captivating the attention of passersby, especially after dark. One of the oldest fountains, a musical marvel, is situated at the main entrance to the promenade. Another, a more contemporary dancing fountain known as the “Lights of Evening Batumi,” is located on Lake Ardagan. This spectacular display features water that constantly shifts patterns, moving rhythmically to the music while illuminating in a variety of colors. The lake’s surface reflects this enchanting light-water dance, amplifying the beauty of the scene.
Batumi Boulevard is also a hub for sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of athletic facilities. Along its length, you’ll find several sandy fields for football and volleyball, open-air gyms equipped with exercise machines, and rental stations for bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, segways, and other forms of transportation.
Throughout the year, particularly during the summer months, the boulevard attracts many sports lovers drawn by its proximity to the sea and excellent facilities. Visitors flock here to jog, cycle, practice aerobics, engage in gymnastics and yoga, play volleyball, and partake in various other activities.