Things to do in Batumi
The seaside Boulevard, a Roman fortress, a botanical garden on a cliff above the sea and the mountains of Adjara an hour away — a short guide from our team in Batumi.
Six things not to miss in Batumi
What we recommend to friends visiting for the first time.
Walk or cycle the Boulevard
About 7 km of seaside promenade with palms, beaches, cafés and the moving Ali and Nino sculpture at its northern end.
Visit the Botanical Garden
Terraced gardens on the Green Cape north of the city, with plants from many climate zones and views straight down to the sea.
See Gonio-Apsaros fortress
Roman and Byzantine walls about 12 km south of the centre, linked by legend to the Argonauts.
Take the Argo cable car at sunset
The cabins climb from the city to Anuria hill for a view over Batumi bay and the Black Sea.
Try Adjarian khachapuri
The boat-shaped cheese bread with butter and an egg yolk on top — Batumi's signature dish.
Hike in Mtirala National Park
One of the rainiest corners of Georgia: green forest trails, mountain streams and a waterfall, about 40 minutes from the city.
Places to see in Adjara
Open any place for photos, background and the tours that stop there.
The fabulous beach of Tsikhisdziri
The fabulous beach of Tsikhisdziri is one of the most outstanding, exotic and cozy locations on the Black Sea coast of Adjara. It is located in the municipality of Kobuleti, in the village of Tsikhisdzir, near Petra Fortress and Cape Tsikhisdzir. The beach is distinguished by its unique landscape - green rocks directly connected to the sea, subtropical vegetation and crystal clear, deep water. Unlike mass beaches, this place maintains a wild, secret and peaceful atmosphere. The path leading to the beach passes through a green alley, where the scent of the sea and the forest merge. This place is ideal for relaxing, swimming, watching the sunset and taking outstanding photos, where the rocky shores and sea waves create a special aesthetic.
Mirveti Waterfall
Mirveti waterfall is one of the most magical and outstanding natural sights of Adjara. It is located in Khelvachauri municipality, Mirveti village. The path leading to the waterfall passes through a green fairy-tale boxwood forest, where trees and stones are covered with velvety green moss, which gives the place a special atmosphere. The water cascading from a height of about 20 meters descends into a rocky gorge and forms a small, crystal clear pool. To reach the falls, visitors have to cross a historic pedestrian suspension bridge over the river, making the journey even more adventurous. This place is ideal for relaxing in nature, enjoying peace and taking photos. Mirveti waterfall is especially attractive in spring and summer, when the environment is as green and full of life as possible.
World War II Cannon (Machakhela)
In the Machakhela gorge an old bunker cut into the rock still holds a cannon from the Second World War. In Soviet times this border valley was strategically important, and defensive positions were built here. The bunker and its cannon are an unusual witness to the gorge's lesser-known history — a short stop for anyone interested in the past.
Machakhela Suspension Bridge
The Machakhela suspension bridge spans the Machakhelistskali river and links the two banks of the gorge. As you cross, the mountain river rushes below, surrounded by the forested slopes of Machakhela National Park. It takes only a few minutes to cross and is one of the most photogenic spots in the Machakhela gorge.
Machakhela Rifle Monument
The Machakhela Rifle Monument stands in the Machakhela gorge and honours the valley's famous gunsmiths. For centuries Machakhela was renowned for making weapons — the "Machakhela" rifle was known for its accuracy and rich decoration and was prized throughout Georgia. The monument is a symbol of the gorge's history and craftsmanship, and a pleasant short photo stop on the road through Machakhela.
Goderdzi Ski Resort
Goderdzi Ski Resort lies on the Goderdzi Pass in Khulo municipality, above 2,000 metres — about 3–4 hours from Batumi. In winter the snow is deep and soft, and the slopes look out over the mountains of Adjara and Meskheti. The resort has a two-stage cable car about 4 km long and green, blue and red runs. You can rent skis and snowboards and ride snow quads and snowmobiles. There are hardly any shops, so bring what you need with you.
Tkhilnari
Tkhilnari is a green valley and village near Batumi, in Khelvachauri municipality, where a mountain river makes a perfect escape from the city heat. The valley has a waterfall and several riverside restaurants. Trout are farmed in the river's clean water, so the local restaurants cook it fresh. In summer you can also swim in the river.
Tamazuri Wine Cellar
Tamazuri is a family wine cellar in the village of Gonio, Khelvachauri municipality. Tastings take place in a cosy, almost homely basement, often led by the owner himself, who talks about wine with real passion. You taste homemade Saperavi, Tavkveri, Tsolikouri, Rkatsiteli and Kindzmarauli, as well as chacha and brandy — with cheese and churchkhela. You can buy wine and even have a photo or inscription of your choice put on the bottle.
Sarpi Convent of St John the Theologian
The Convent of St John the Theologian in Sarpi stands on a hill above the village of Sarpi, with the Black Sea, the coastline and the Georgia–Turkey border all in view at once. The convent courtyard has a quiet, well-kept garden and views out over the sea. It is an active convent, so women need a headscarf and a skirt to enter the church, and men long trousers. Below are St Andrew's waterfall and Sarpi beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How many days do you need in Batumi?
Two to three days cover the city, the Boulevard and the Botanical Garden, plus one day trip into mountain Adjara or to Martvili Canyon.
❓ Is Batumi walkable?
Yes. Old Batumi, Europe Square, Piazza and the Boulevard are flat and close together.
❓ When is the best time to visit Batumi?
May to October. July and August are the warmest beach months; September and October are milder and bring the grape and tangerine harvests.
❓ What can I do near Batumi in one day?
Mountain Adjara (Makhuntseti waterfall, arched stone bridges, Machakhela), Martvili Canyon and the black-sand beaches of Ureki are all day trips from Batumi.