Batumi, Georgia's second-largest city, is often called the Pearl of the Black Sea. With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, Batumi offers plenty of reasons to include it in your two-week itinerary for Georgia.
Batumi's history spans over 2,000 years, with its origins dating back to the 3rd century BC. First mentioned by Aristotle as part of the ancient Colchis Kingdom, Batumi served as a key stop for Greeks traveling to nearby colonies. Its original name, Bathys Limen, translates to "deep harbour," reflecting its strategic importance.
A century later, the Romans rebuilt and fortified the city. Over the next thousand years, Batumi frequently changed hands, until it officially became part of the Kingdom of Georgia in the 10th century. However, in the 16th century, it fell under Ottoman control, where it remained until the Russian Empire defeated the Ottomans in the 1800s, turning Batumi into a free port.
The city then rapidly expanded, establishing connections with the rest of Georgia and Azerbaijan. In 1888, Batumi gained city status and finally became part of Georgia in 1903.
Batumi stands out as a truly unique city in Georgia, offering a distinct contrast to other destinations in the country. Its subtropical climate makes it a pleasant place to visit year-round, and its blend of traditional and ultra-modern architecture ensures there's something intriguing at every turn.
While Batumi is a bustling metropolitan hub, its location also offers easy access to stunning natural landscapes. With its long beach along the Black Sea and nearby nature reserves, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking both city life and beautiful scenery.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing stopover on your Georgian adventure or a lively city break, Batumi is well worth a visit.
Batumi is filled with things to do, with remarkable landmarks just waiting to be discovered. Boasting a vibrant culture, lively nightlife, delicious Georgian cuisine, and more, let’s explore the many charms of this beautiful city.
Stretching for 7 kilometres, the beloved red brick boulevard is a highlight of the city. First laid in the late 1880s, it offers a scenic pathway for leisurely walks or bike rides along the picturesque Batumi seafront.
The paths of the boulevard take you through pristine gardens, family-friendly play areas, and numerous cafes where you can savour authentic Georgian cuisine.
If you visit in the early evening, the atmosphere is electric. As the sun sets over the sea, crowds gather to relish the last few hours of daylight.
As you stroll, keep an eye out for the captivating sculptures scattered throughout the city. Dozens line the seafront, many inspired by romantic themes, creating perfect selfie spots to capture your holiday memories.
One of the most famous landmarks is the Batumi Octopus, sculpted in 1975. This impressive mosaic piece even features a café inside! It's definitely worth a visit, if only to say you’ve experienced it!
Batumi is perfectly situated for visitors to explore some of Georgia’s most stunning landscapes and environments. In fact, three notable nature reserves are just a short drive away, making day trips even more enjoyable if you rent a car in Georgia.
The first is Machakhela National Park, a region that has been around since the Ice Age. Here, you can wander through dense rainforests and may even encounter remarkable wildlife such as wolves, lynxes, and brown bears.
Another noteworthy destination is Kintrishi National Park, renowned for the stunning Tsablnari Waterfall, which is often enveloped in a fairytale-like mist against a backdrop of lush forest.
If you prefer to stay closer to the city, Batumi Botanical Garden is a must-visit. Spanning 108 acres, the garden features multiple climate zones and is home to thousands of plant species, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Once the sun sets, Batumi is home to an impressive nightlife, meaning that staying the night is a must if you want the full experience of the city.
That means having some Batumi hotel recommendations is also a must, and luckily we can help you out.
Two of the most famous and well-reviewed accommodations in the city are the Batumi Hilton Hotel and the Batumi Sheraton.
The Batumi Hilton is a five-star establishment and offers magnificent views over the city and the Black Sea. With all the city highlights a short walk from the hotel’s entrance, this is an ideal location for those wanting to explore Batumi by foot.
On the other hand, the Batumi Sheraton Hotel is the perfect location to suit all your holiday needs. If you are there for business, then there are plenty of conference and meeting rooms available to hire. If you are there for leisure, there are spas, restaurants and more to give you the taste of luxury travel in Georgia while visiting the city.
Wherever you decide to stay, ensure that Batumi, Georgia is on your travel bucket list.
