Batumi is a seaside Georgian City located on the black sea just 12 kilometers north of the Turkish Georgian border. Cindy and I are happy to be here, the last stop of our Georgian travels, and we are excited to Experience Batumi and Discover What Makes It Special. We have set aside two weeks to explore Batumi; then it’s onto Turkey.
Batumi is known as the Las Vegas on the black sea; we hope for much more than that. Even though we are here in February, we hope to discover Batumi and the little things that make it special. Please continue to read on; we encourage you to experience Batumi, this seaside oasis in Georgia.
A Brief History Of Batumi
Batumi and the Adjara region dates back to the 8th-7th century BC, colonized by the Greeks, and then fell to the Roman Empire in the 2nd century BC. It is located along the Karolitskhali River and is centered on a hillock called Tamar’s Fortress after the medieval Georgian queen Tamar. Batumi had changed hands frequently until the 10th century when it became part of the Kingdom of Georgia. Batumi then came under the Ottoman rule in the 15th century; they did not hold the city long. The 16th century saw the Ottomans return – with a larger army – and Georgia’s rulers surrendered. During the 19th century, Batumi was a battlefield of Russian and Turkish interests. After the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78, the defeat of the Turks brought Batumi and Georgia under the Russian Empire. Georgia became its own Country again in 1991 after the collapse of Russia.
Experience Batumi Boulevard And Discover All The Sights
Discover Batumi Boulevard and Experience all; this seaside park is located in the historic part of the city. Batumi Boulevard’s length is 7 km; there are many sights to see along this Boulevard. The Boulevard is a very comfortable walkway with a bike path parallel to it. In some locations, another walking path runs parallel to the bike path but is located in the shade of the green spaces dotted along this area.
Batumi Boulevard is one of the most important areas of Batumi. Since 1987 Boulevard has been a national monument of Georgian garden-park art, and it is also a recreational area. The Boulevard is an integral part of Batumi history, urban life, and traditions. Batumi Boulevard is one of the main attractions for the town’s visitors. The wide Boulevard follows the seaside and is full of beach bars, café-lounges, restaurants, amusement rides for children, and various colors and dancing fountains. Batumi Boulevard has more than a century of history, constructed in 1881. It appears to be an ever-evolving Boulevard worth taking the time to stroll its length.
Statutes And Artwork Found Along Batumi Boulevard
Batumi Boulevard has many Scultures found along with its 7 km distance; most are closer to the harbor entrance.
Ali & Nino Statue
This piece of artwork is my favorite, as it is unique because its moving work of art that tells a love story. A moving statue of stacked metal giants continually trying (and failing) to find love. Ali and Nino, the doomed lovers that inspired the automated sculpture named after them.
The story, first told in 1937, is a familiar tale of lovers who end up in tragic circumstances that keep them apart. Unlike warring families, it was the first World War in Ali and Nino’s case. Ali, an Azerbaijani Muslim, falls in love with Georgian princess Nino, but sadly, after they are finally able to get together, the war hits home, and Ali is killed.
The whole performance takes about ten minutes and is lit at night with bright, changing colors that give the figures even more life than their stark metal bodies usually project. The best time to see is at night, but I think for the best photos, daytime works best.
First Love Staue And More
First Love Statue represents one’s first love; it is part of the Batumi Boulevard walkway. Many tourists and locals can be seen taking photographs of this statue. Nearby you will find another piece of art that I assume is called the proposal, for apparent reasons.
Tea for two is located near the alphabet tower; at the tower, you can take an elevator to the top at the cost of 15 GEL each, the bar is open, but the restaurant is closed due to Covid, I assume. The view from up here is impressive, but picture taking is obstructed by the structure’s design. We enjoyed a drink and a piece of cheesecake while taking in the view.
Dancing Water Fountain
The Dancing Water Fountain show is a must-see, this nighttime performance with colors of the buildings matching the colors of the water fountain. The music is well coordinated to the dancing fountains. So take the time to visit you will not be disappointed in the performance. The performance runs from dusk until 2:00 am.
Gonio Castle (map)
The Gonio-Apsaros Fortress had unique strategic importance: it protected the entrances of the Chorokhi and Adjaristskali valleys, connecting the inner Fortress of southwestern Georgia with the Black Sea coast. Because of its location, Gonio Fortress became a pillar for the Roman Empire, the Byzantine, and lastly, the Ottoman. The Fortress has a rectangle shape. Its length is 228 meters, and its width is 195 meters. The walls have fortified towers. Many buildings have been discovered within the fortress walls: baths, barracks, sewage and water supply systems, wells, etc.
Gonio Fortress is located 12km south of Batumi, located along the road. Gonio is the only Fortress we have seen in Georgia that was not built on a mountain top of some sort. The off-season cost to visit the Fortress was 5 GEL each; there isn’t that much to see except the exterior walls and towers are extraordinary and in good condition. We walked the interior of the walls and were impressed with the excellent condition. There are many opportunities for some interesting photographs, and we took many. Cindy and I would recommend taking the time to visit as it only takes about an hour to go through the Fortress, and since you are here, you might as well experience Batumi.
Fish Market (map)
If you enjoy fish, then the fish market is the place to go. This small fish market is not close to the center of Batumi but 2.6 km away, located along the highway. The best way to get there is by bus or taxi. That said, we walked there and took a bus back to the center of town. There are many options for fish; pick a favorite or try something new. We choose some prawns, octopus, and sturgeon as we have never tasted this fish before. Cindy and I purchased a small jar of salmon caviar; this is something that we have never tasted before; we love to experience new and different foods and flavors.
After selecting our fish and having it cleaned, we were off to the restaurant to prepare it. The location was excellent, next to the sea; we enjoyed a nice cold beer after our long walk and waited for the fish to arrive. The fish was delicious; we found the prawns and octopus overcooked but ok. The experience in itself is worth the visit.
Europe Square (map)
Discover Batumi’s Europe square located on Memed Abashidze Avenue in Batumi. The square, surrounded by XIX-XX century architecture, is one of the city’s attractions. Here stands a statue of Medea, which holds a symbol of the glory and cultural development of old Colchis – the golden fleece. The large fountain and the beautiful buildings of past centuries make this place attractive. Hotels, restaurants, and cafes are located around the square, where you can have a pleasant rest and taste delicious dishes. Europe Square is one of the most beautiful places in Batumi for relaxation and people-watching.
Europe Square (previously known as Era Square) is one of the central places you will inevitably see in Batumi. It’s the central get-together spot for any city celebration, be it Batumoba (Day of Batumi), Gandagana folk festival, or a Christmas market. Furthermore, this area has several Casinos incorporated with the hotels creating the Las Vegas atmosphere.
A large fountain in the center of the square is perfect for cooling off in hot summer. An astronomical clock is fixed onto the facade of the former National Bank building. The clock rings loudly, tells time, provides relative positions of the sun, moon, major planets, and shows the time of sunrise and sunset.
Argo Cable Car (map)
The Argo Cable car is located downtown; this 8,484 feet (2,586 meters) long journey takes you up to the top of Anuria Mountain at an elevation of 250 meters above sea level. The cost of the cable car is 15 GEL each; the ride up offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Batumi city. Once you are at the top, the views are stunning. At the top of the hill, you will find a cafe, some souvenirs, and wine shops.
It is an exciting ride as the views are incredible from the hillside itself to the city and beyond out to the Black Sea. We think that the experience is worth the cost if you have young children I would not take as they will not appreciate the view and the extra cost would not be worth it.
Holy Trinity Chruch (map)
Batumi Holy Trinity Cathedral is located about 8 kilometers from Batumi, on Mount Trinity. This is not an old Church built in the second half of the nineteenth century. Cindy and I used Bolt (taxi) to get to Trinity church; the road is winding and narrow. Once at the top, you still need to walk up a short distance to the Church itself. Ladies entering the Church need to wear a skirt; we had one provided for us. The views from the Church out over the valley are amazing.
The outside of the Church itself is beautiful, but the mosaics are absolutely stunning, the best we have ever seen stepping into the Church. Unfortunately, you can not take pictures, so you will have to take my word for it. Even better, take the trip and see for yourself; you will not be disappointed. The Bolt to and from the Church plus 30 minutes waiting time cost us 40 GEL, money well spent.
Makhunceti Waterfall And The Stone Arch Bridge (map)
Our excursion to see the Makhunceti waterfall & bridge was offered to us by our guesthouse. It turned out to be an excellent way to spend several hours of the day away from the city. The waterfalls and bridge are about an hour out of town. From Batumi bus station to Makhuntseti one can use public transport. Shuttle buses depart from Old Batumi bus station every hour. Ask the driver to stop at Makhuntseti village. From here, the main road, you can see the stone-arched medieval bridge.
Makhunceti waterfalls are little ways off of the road, and these falls are the highest waterfalls in the Ajara region at the height of 48 meters, real pride of residents. On the road near the waterfall, you can purchase local honey and other local goods. Near the waterfall, there is a restaurant where the visitors can taste delicious Adjarian cuisine.
Makhuntseti Arch (King Tamar) Bridge dates back to the XII century, a stone-arched bridge crossing the Adjaristskali river. The bridge has been restored many times through the centuries, and most recently, 2018. The bridge is located next to the main road, and you should take the time to visit as it is fascinating to see.
Flavors Of Batumi
There are many restaurants to choose from in Batumi; most serve Georgian food, along with seafood, as Batumi is situated right on the coast. As mentioned above, the fish market is a good location to purchase fish to bring home or dine in as we did. We recommend a couple of places are Mukhambazi, Gourmand, and Ardagani Cafe Restaurant. On our anniversary we decided to go out to an East Indian place that was very good called Spice Garden, a little on the expensive side but very good.
Covid-19 Protocols
Here are some Covid-19 protocols we have run across in our stay in Batumi, for that matter, most of Georgia. You may need to prove that you have been double vaccinated, and Georgia uses a green passport system. In conclusion, you should have no problems if you prove that you are double vaccinated. We haven’t had any issues, and we have been in Georgia for two months at this point.
Our Final Thoughts “Experience Batumi And Discover What Makes It Special”
- We did enjoy our stay in Batumi, the weather was good for us as I think we only lost two days because of bad weather. There are many things to see and do, the Boulevard is definitely a great place to spend time. We had two weeks here but I’m sure that one week would be more than enough time. There are a lot of different food options available, so take the time to enjoy the flavors of this area.
Our Positives
- Batumi is a nice seaside city which offers beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
- There are several sites to see from the Gonio fortress south of the city to the magnificent Botanical gardens located north of Batumi.
- Natural beauty surrounds the city so feel free to go explore Batumi and discover what else this area has to offer
- If you like nightlife we are told that there is lots of options available including trying your luck at the casinos (no cameras allowed)
- For something different head to the fish market and have your purchased fish cooked for you in one of the many restaurants located there.
Would have, Could have, Should have
- I do not think that there is anything we would change about our trip to Batumi. Maybe the time of year, but we are limited in what we can do about that.
Next Stop
Cindy and I are now off to discover Turkey; our first stop is Izmir. We have a whole itinerary planned for Turkey as we are spending two months here. Bouncing around the country, exploring what Turkey has to offer. We are excited and looking forward to this next leg of our trip as there is lots of history to dig into. Plus the Aegean coast, the sea, and many other delights and adventures, I’m sure. We look forward to seeing you there.
Other Travel Posts About Our Stays In Georgia
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is the Country we started our Georgian adventures here. We fell in love with the city and ended up staying six weeks here—a large post with lots of good information.
Signagi (also spelled Sighnaghi) is a beautiful town in the Georgian wine region of Kakheti. We decided to visit this much talked about town after being in Tbilisi for two weeks. Signagi is known as “the City of Love” and is a two-hour Marshrutka (van) ride from Tbilisi.
Gori is the first town we visited after leaving Tbilisi to travel toward Batumi and onward to Turkey. Please have a read, and I hope you enjoy it.
Akhaltsikhe, we have four days booked, where we intend to visit these unique sights. Akhaltsikhe has a vast and impressive Fortress situated atop a hill. In addition, you can see the Resort Town of Abastumani, which is a short drive away. Here you can soak your weary bones in sulfur bath pools as the Russian nobles did so many years ago. If looking for something completely different, then visit the Cave Monastery of Vardzia. Known as the home of Queen Tamar.
Why visit Kutaisi, What Makes Kutaisi Interesting? You can find many historical icons from Monasteries to Fortresses. Extraordinary underground caves such as Prometheus Cave and Sataplia can see dinosaur footprints and explore Karst cave. Good Georgian food is plenty, plus you can visit the fascinating Green Baazar.
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Recommended Travel Essential
Cindy and I call ourselves nomadic, so we use certain essentials to make this way of life easier and more comfortable with our lifestyle. With this in mind, we have composed a list of what we feel are essentials and some tips you might use to plan or take your next travel adventure.
- Travel Packing Essentials to help organize and make this task less stressful
- Travel Safety Essentials to make your life on the road a little safer, giving you peace of mind
- Living essentials to make life a little more comfortable, be this resting, working, or playing.
Accommodation Options While Traveling The World
- Booking.com is one of our go to’s when we are looking for a place to stay for a couple of days or longer
- Agoda.com we find is best to use when in Southeast Asia, but hey you never know what you might find
- Airbnb.com used to be our go-to but some of their cancelation policies are reasonable, give them a try as well
Travel Insurance
We always travel with travel Insurance, just medical or complete trip coverage. We use Heymondo as we find their costs reasonable. Remember, don’t travel, and without coverage, the savings are not worth the possible costs.
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