South of Batumi: Gonio Fortress, Kvariati and Sarpi in One Day
A Roman fortress, a hilltop cross above the sea, the clearest water on the Georgian coast and the last village before Turkey — the south coast of Adjara is a perfect half-day or day from Batumi.
South of Batumi the coast changes: the city gives way to green hills, tangerine orchards and small bays with clear water. In less than half an hour you go from the Boulevard to a Roman fortress, and a few minutes more bring you to the Turkish border at Sarpi.
This route works as a relaxed half-day, or as a full day with a swim in Kvariati.
Gonio-Apsaros fortress
About 12 km south of central Batumi, the walls of Gonio-Apsaros enclose one of the oldest fortified sites on the Black Sea coast. The Romans held Apsaros as a garrison, and Byzantine and later Ottoman builders added to it; today the fortress is a museum with an open-air excavation inside its walls.
Legend links the place with the Argonauts, and local tradition holds that the Apostle Matthias was buried here. Walk the top of the walls for the view of the green interior and the sea beyond.
The Gonio Cross viewpoint
On the hill above Gonio and Akhalsopeli stands a large cross with one of the best views on the coast: the bay of Kvariati, Gonio below you and, on a clear day, Batumi in the distance. It is a short drive up from the coastal road and a favourite spot at sunset.
Kvariati: the clearest water
Kvariati, between Gonio and Sarpi, is known for its clean, transparent sea and pebble beach — a quieter alternative to the beaches of Batumi, and popular with snorkellers.
Above the village a mountain road climbs to a viewpoint where the bay, Gonio and far-off Batumi fit into one frame. The slopes around are covered in tangerine and citrus orchards.
St Andrew the First-Called waterfall
Between Kvariati and Sarpi, right by the coastal road, a waterfall about 20 metres high drops from the cliff almost straight into the sea. In front of it stands a stone monument to the Apostle Andrew and his companion Simon the Canaanite, put up in 2008.
According to tradition, Andrew entered Georgia along this road to preach Christianity, and a spring burst from the rock when he rested near Sarpi. It is a short photo stop and a place of pilgrimage.
Sarpi, the last village before Turkey
Sarpi is Georgia's southernmost village on the Black Sea and the main Georgia–Turkey border crossing. The village sits in a rocky bay between the sea and forested hills, and from its clean pebble beach you can see the minarets of the Turkish village just a few metres across the border.
On the hill above the village stands a small convent with a view over the bay.
When to go
The beaches are at their best from June to September. Late autumn has its own charm: from about October the tangerine harvest starts in the orchards of Adjara, and our Tangerine Harvest tour combines picking with Gonio and Sarpi.
Local tips
- Visit Gonio fortress in the morning or late afternoon — there is little shade inside the walls.
- Kvariati and Sarpi have pebble beaches: water shoes make swimming much more comfortable.
- Sarpi is a border zone; keep your passport with you even if you are not crossing.
- The Gonio Cross viewpoint is best around sunset.
- Combine the coast with a trip inland to Machakhela — the gorge starts just behind the hills.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Gonio fortress from Batumi?
About 12 km south of the city centre — a short drive along the coast.
Is Kvariati better than Batumi beach?
Kvariati's water is usually clearer and the beach quieter, which makes it popular for swimming and snorkelling. Both are pebble beaches.
Can you see Turkey from Sarpi?
Yes. The border runs right through the bay, and the minarets of the Turkish village are visible from Sarpi beach.
Can I do Gonio, Kvariati and Sarpi in half a day?
Yes, as a quick visit with short stops. With a swim in Kvariati and a visit to the fortress museum, plan a full day.
