Batumi is a seaside resort and the second-largest city of Georgia, lying on the Black Sea coast by the Turkish border. It has a subtropical climate with palms, a long promenade boulevard with modern architecture, the helix-shaped Alphabetic Tower and the Botanical Garden, one of the largest in the Caucasus. In recent years the city has been transformed into a Georgian Las Vegas, with casinos, skyscrapers and nightlife, while keeping its old harbour and hospitality. The surroundings offer mountains, waterfalls and canyons, tea plantations and mountain villages with active hiking. From Prague direct flights run in four hours. EU citizens enter without a visa. The best time is June to September; in winter it is mild but rainy. You pay in the lari; prices are low and a seaside holiday cheap, so it suits families and couples who want to combine beach with mountains and trips around Georgia.
The places worth your time in Batumi, and what to expect at each
coast
A six-kilometre promenade along the coast with parks, fountains, statues, benches and cafés. It is the loveliest place in the city for walking, running and cycling. In the evening it is lit.
Tip: Rent a bike or e-scooter. Come at sunset, when the sky lights up over the sea. The fountains play in the evening.
boulevard
A tower a hundred and thirty metres high with a giant helical form, in which the thirty-three letters of the Georgian alphabet are inscribed. It is the symbol of Batumi. In the evening it lights up with moving LED images.
Tip: Entry to the viewpoint costs about five euros. The tower is loveliest in the evening. Nearby is a Ferris wheel.
boulevard
A moving sculpture of two metal figures that slowly approach and merge, inspired by a love story. It stands on a pier by the sea and is a symbol of love. The movement lasts ten minutes.
Tip: The movement begins after dark, at four, six or eight in the evening. Come an hour early for a good spot.
Mtsvane Kontskhi
One of the largest botanical gardens in the Caucasus, spread over a cliff above the sea, with plants from around the world, viewpoints and trails. It lies nine kilometres from the centre. It is a favourite goal for half a day.
Tip: Entry costs about five euros; take bus 31. It is loveliest in spring. Bring comfortable shoes.
centre
A small historic centre with a pedestrian zone, the Venetian-looking Piazza square, cafés and restaurants. It is a pleasant place for dinner. The buildings date from the nineteenth century.
Tip: Go into the lanes behind the square, where prices are lower. In the evening street musicians play.
12 km from Batumi
A Roman fortress of the first century, twelve kilometres south of Batumi, with massive walls and a museum. According to tradition the apostle Matthew is buried here. It stands near the Turkish border.
Tip: A marshrutka runs from Batumi in half an hour. Entry costs about three euros. Combine with Sarpi beach.
40 km from Batumi
A mountain national park with rainforest above Batumi, with hiking trails and waterfalls. It is the wettest place in Georgia. The footpaths suit families.
Tip: From Batumi a bus or taxi runs in an hour. Bring a raincoat and sturdy shoes. The best time is summer.
Martvili
A green canyon of the Abasha river with turquoise water, where you can go by boat. It lies two hours from Batumi. It is one of the loveliest places in western Georgia.
Tip: A boat ride costs about ten euros. Choose an organised trip; in summer book in advance.
centre
A long pebble beach along the boulevard with loungers, bars and water sports. The sea is warm up to twenty-four degrees, but the entry is steep. In summer it is full.
Tip: The pebbles are sharp; bring water shoes. A lounger costs about three euros. Calmer beaches are in the south.
Photos: The Batumi Boulevard — Gorod - SKY (CC BY 2.0) · The Alphabetic Tower — Uwe Brodrecht (CC BY-SA 2.0) · The Botanical Garden — Archil Kikvadze (CC BY 3.0) · The Old Town and Piazza Square — Przemysław Wollenszleger (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Gonio Fortress — კოლხი (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Mtirala National Park — Philipp Weigell (CC BY 3.0) · Martvili Canyon — Kober (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Areas and districts, matched to the kind of trip you are taking
Best for: sea and skyscrapers
The modern district along the beach with hotels, casinos and restaurants. It has the widest choice and nightlife. Best for a first visit.
Best for: history and calm
The historic centre with the Piazza and cafés. It is calmer and cheaper. A good choice for a longer stay.
Best for: beaches and calm
Villages south of the city with calmer beaches, guesthouses and family hotels. Prices are low. Suits families with children.
Best for: greenery and views
The district by the botanical garden with villas and sea views. It is calm. Suits those who want peace.
Batumi Airport (BUS) is six kilometres from the centre; direct flights from Prague run several times a week and take four hours. A bus and taxi run to the centre in fifteen minutes. From Tbilisi a train takes five hours and a marshrutka four and a half.
Batumi Alexander Kartveli (BUS) · 6 km
The centre of Batumi can be walked and along the boulevard. Buses and marshrutkas run around the city and the surroundings. Taxis are cheap, so use the Bolt app. Bikes and e-scooters are rented on every corner.
Useful apps: Google Maps, Bolt, Yandex Go, Maps.me
Batumi has a humid subtropical climate with a hot summer and a mild rainy winter. In July it is around twenty-eight degrees and the sea twenty-six. It rains all year, most in autumn. The best time is June to September.
Best time
June to September
What to avoid
October to February (rain)
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day | 10° | 10° | 13° | 17° | 22° | 26° | 28° | 29° | 26° | 21° | 16° | 12° |
| Night | 3° | 3° | 6° | 9° | 14° | 19° | 22° | 22° | 18° | 13° | 9° | 5° |
| Rainy days | 220 | 170 | 150 | 100 | 80 | 120 | 150 | 180 | 260 | 260 | 220 | 230 |
| Sea | 10° | 9° | 10° | 13° | 17° | 22° | 25° | 26° | 24° | 20° | 16° | 12° |
Batumi cooking is Georgian with seaside influences: khachapuri, fish and cheeses. A main dish costs six to twelve euros. People drink wine, chacha and beer.
Adjarian khachapuri
A boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, egg and butter. The speciality of Batumi.
Khinkali
Large dumplings filled with meat and broth, eaten with the hands.
Grilled Black Sea fish
Flounder, perch and red mullet, grilled with lemon. Best in the harbour.
Churchkhela and nuts
A sweet of walnuts in grape juice. A popular souvenir.
Sulguni and imeruli cheese
Fresh Georgian cheeses, salty and delicate. Served at breakfast.
Pelamushi
A thick grape pudding, a traditional sweet dessert. Served with nuts.
Wine and chacha
Qvevri wine and grape brandy, traditional drinks. Taste Saperavi.
Coffee
GEL 6–10
Khachapuri
GEL 10–20
Lunch in a restaurant
GEL 25–50
A beer
GEL 6–10
Botanical garden
GEL 15
Lounger (day)
GEL 10
3★ hotel (night)
GEL 150–400
Taxi from the airport
GEL 20
Indicative prices that change over time — treat them as a guide, not a price list.
1 day
2 days
3 days
Gonio Fortress
12 km · 30 min by marshrutka
A Roman fortress of the first century with a museum and Sarpi beach. It suits half a day.
Martvili Canyon
120 km · 2 hrs by car
A green canyon with turquoise water and a boat ride. It suits a full-day trip.
Mtirala National Park
40 km · 1 hr by car
A mountain rainforest with waterfalls and trails. It suits a full-day trip.
June to September, when it is warm and the sea twenty-six degrees. It rains all year, most in autumn. In July and August it is full.
EU citizens do not need a visa; the visa-free stay lasts up to a year. A valid passport suffices. Conditions change, so check.
By direct flights in four hours several times a week. From the airport a bus or taxi runs in fifteen minutes. From Tbilisi by train in five hours.
It is cheap: lunch costs six to twelve euros, a hotel fifty to a hundred and fifty euros a night. Cheapest are street food and marshrutkas.
It is pebbly with sharp stones and a steep entry. The sea is warm, but bring water shoes. For calm choose Gonio.
Ride along the boulevard, visit the botanical garden, the Alphabetic Tower and Ali and Nino. Trips to Martvili, Gonio and the mountains are great.
Yes, it has a promenade, parks, a dolphinarium and amusement parks. Children enjoy the fountains and beach. Prices are low.
The Georgian lari (GEL). Euros are accepted only exceptionally. Cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants, and cash is useful at the market.
Check the latest visa requirements for entering this country. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa or e-visa before travel.
Check visa requirementsLanguage
Georgian
Currency
GEL
Timezone
Asia/Tbilisi
Dial Code
+995
Population
3.7M
Area
69,700 km²
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Driving Side
Right
