Batumi: beaches, the boulevard and what to see nearby
Mykyta Dzhus · Updated 2026-10-20 · 2 min read · Where to go
Batumi is Georgia's main Black Sea resort: a long palm-lined boulevard, modern skyscrapers next to old quarters, a subtropical Botanical Garden and mountains behind the city. Here's when to go and what you can fit in.
Contents
In short
- Swimming season: June to September; the sea is warmest in August.
- Beaches: pebbly, so bring water shoes.
- How many days: 3–4 for the city and surroundings, a week to also relax by the sea.
Getting there
Batumi airport is just a few kilometres from the centre, about a quarter of an hour by taxi. From Tbilisi you can take the train or a marshrutka, about 5–6 hours, or a domestic flight. The Turkish border (Sarpi) is close, so Batumi is often combined with a trip to the Turkish coast.
What to see in town
- Batumi Boulevard: kilometres of seafront with palms, cycle paths, cafés and beaches.
- The Alphabetic Tower with a spiral of Georgian letters and a viewing platform on top.
- “Ali and Nino”: a moving sculpture of two lovers who come together and part in the evening.
- Europe Square with the Medea statue, the Piazza and old quarters with 19th-century houses.
- Dancing fountains and lit-up skyscrapers in the evening.
The Botanical Garden
About 9 km north of the centre, on the Green Cape, lies the Batumi Botanical Garden: over a hundred hectares of subtropical plants from around the world on slopes above the sea. Allow at least half a day and wear comfortable shoes, as the paths are steep.
Trips nearby
- Gonio fortress: a Roman fortress south of the city, one of the oldest in Georgia.
- Makhuntseti waterfall and the arched Queen Tamar Bridge in the Adjara mountains: an easy half-day trip.
- Mtirala National Park: forest, trails and waterfalls in one of the wettest corners of the country.
- Kobuleti: a quieter resort north of Batumi with a long beach.
Weather: about the rain
Batumi is one of the rainiest places in Georgia, with about 2,200 mm of rain a year, most of it in autumn. Summer has downpours too, but they pass quickly. Bring a light jacket or an umbrella, and plan museums, cafés and the water park for a rainy day.
What to try
Batumi is the home of Adjarian khachapuri, the cheese “boat” with butter and egg. Also try Black Sea fish, Adjarian dairy dishes and local wines. There are plenty of cafés with sea views along the boulevard.
What to book ahead
- Tours from Batumi: Adjara mountains, waterfalls, botanical garden.
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Internet in Batumi
Georgia isn't in the EU, so your home SIM's roaming is charged separately there. A travel eSIM gives you data for taxis, maps and bookings: Georgia starts at $2.49, 5 GB for 30 days is $7.99. If you're continuing to Turkey, you'll need a separate plan for it: Turkey from $2.99. More about the country in “Where to go in Georgia beyond Tbilisi: 7 places and a one-week route”.
FAQ
When is the swimming season in Batumi?
June to September; the sea is warmest in August.
Are Batumi's beaches sand or pebbles?
Pebbles, so you'll want water shoes.
How far is Batumi airport from the centre?
A few kilometres, about a quarter of an hour by taxi.
Does it rain a lot in Batumi?
Yes, it's one of the rainiest places in Georgia, especially in autumn; summer downpours are usually short.
Does a Georgia eSIM work in Turkey?
No, Turkey needs a separate plan: Turkey.
I got tired of overpaying for SIM cards that didn't work and of searching for where to go next. So I built this site: travel guides and an eSIM that just works.
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