Let’s talk about Tourism in Batumi, Georgia, the charming city located on the Black Sea coast, which is considered a prominent tourist destination that captivates visitors with its natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse entertainment facilities.
In this article, we explore the city of Batumi, starting with an overview of the city, followed by the best times to visit, the most beautiful tourist attractions, and the best activities to do.
Batumi is the pearl of Georgia and the largest resort city in the country. It is an ideal destination for a summer vacation, thanks to its long promenade filled with entertainment, its old town featuring bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops, as well as numerous beautiful sites in the surrounding area. Batumi has its warm Georgian charm and a tropical climate.
Thanks to its subtropical climate, the sea breeze offers a mild summer while the Caucasus Mountains trap moisture, creating a cooling effect for the region. Temperatures rarely exceed 29 degrees Celsius in summer, and in winter, they hover around 4 degrees Celsius with little risk of snowfall.
Travel Guide and Tourism in Batumi
Tours
Batumi offers a wide range of entertainment options for its guests, including museum tours, nature excursions, and various recreational activities. The city is filled with sites, landmarks, and beautiful squares, making it perfect for organizing walking tours. In the suburbs and nearby areas, you can visit the botanical garden, fish market, and ancient forts, all enhancing your travel experience.
You can easily spend an entire week enjoying Tourism in Batumi, organizing a marathon of explorations to discover something new every day. You can alternate between days spent exploring the city and trips to remote locations; sometimes, you might just want to relax on the beach.
Transport in the City
Batumi boasts a vibrant nightlife. You can enjoy daily tours and the surrounding areas, in addition to exciting long-distance excursions. Like other coastal cities, Batumi is an eclectic mix of the old and the new.
With its stunning architecture and lively culture, Batumi competes with cities like Monte Carlo and Barcelona in terms of character.
So start simply, stroll around, and enjoy Tourism in Batumi, Georgia.
History of Batumi
The first settlement near modern Batumi appeared in the 8th century BC, and archaeologists have discovered elements of ancient Greek culture at its site, indicating the region’s trade links with the Mediterranean. Active development began in the first century when the Romans built several fortresses.
In the sixth century, Persia briefly took over Batumi as part of the Byzantine Empire, but it quickly returned to Christian rule. For the next thousand years, this small coastal town led a quiet, peaceful life, gradually becoming a stronghold of Georgia.
In the 15th century, the Ottoman civilization in Turkey began to rise in power, captured Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), and aimed to dominate all coastal towns along the Black Sea.
Batumi resisted for nearly 100 years before surrendering after the Great Battle of Soheivist. For three centuries, Batumi became a Turkish colonial outpost in the Caucasus until the Russian Empire intervened.
The Russians attempted to enter Batumi in 1829 but failed, and Batumi did not come under Russian rule until 1878, after the Ottoman Empire was defeated in the Russo-Turkish War.
The late 19th century witnessed a new period of development in Batumi. The city was connected by rail to transport oil from Baku, the port temporarily exempted commercial ships from taxes, and the famous botanical garden was established along with cultural and educational institutions.
Beaches
Batumi features a mild climate that attracts tourists all year round. Previously, Batumi transformed into a resort with beautiful beaches, and health spas and summer houses were built along the coast. In the 21st century, after Georgia gained independence, an influx of investments turned Batumi into a modern tourism center.
The best time to visit Batumi is from June to September, when the weather is warm and suitable for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. During this period, there is a lower likelihood of rain and warmer temperatures.
Tourist Attractions in Batumi, Georgia
Batumi is the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara in Georgia and is rich in stunning tourist sites, making it a destination for visitors from around the world. It is one of the main tourist and economic centers. The city features a unique blend of breathtaking nature, historical buildings, and modern architectural designs.
Places to Visit in Batumi: Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping
Batumi is renowned for its futuristic and historical architecture. The city is dotted with parks covering 260 acres of coastal vegetation known as The Green Cape. You can also visit the Batumi Botanical Garden, a subtropical paradise that will amaze you.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the Old Town, where you can experience the distinctive architecture of 19th-century Georgia for the best Tourism in Batumi experience.
For a more modern experience, visit the Alphabet Tower, a 130-meter-high double-helix structure that celebrates Georgian history and their unique writing system. For relaxation, head to Batumi Square, an Italian-style plaza that celebrates café culture.
Food
For dinner, eat like the locals. Many restaurants cater to tourists, so be sure to try authentic khachapuri or the delicious kharcho dish. Tbilisi’s global reputation has enhanced Batumi’s food scene.
Restaurants like House of Adjarian Khachapuri, G.Garden (which features a Michelin-recognized chef), and Pirosmani are worth a visit while enjoying Tourism in Batumi.
How to Reach Batumi for Tourism
Batumi is situated between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, enjoying a prime location for travel almost year-round. The city also has an international airport, making it a great starting point for exploring Georgia and gradually moving east.