Batumi

History of Batumi

Batumi stands on the site of the ancient Greek harbor of Bathys — “deep”. In the Middle Ages the city was part of the Kingdom of Georgia, from the early 18th century part of the Ottoman Empire, and in 1878 it passed to Russia and became a free port. Baku oil flowed through Batumi, and the city quickly grew and prospered.

Since 2007 Batumi has been extensively rebuilt: the Old Town was restored, the boulevard extended and new skyscrapers built — today it is the country's main seaside resort.

What to see

• Seaside Boulevard — about 7 km of palm-lined alleys, bike paths and cafés along the sea.
• “Ali and Nino” — steel figures that come together and move apart every evening; installed in 2010.
• Alphabet Tower — 145 m, with the letters of the Georgian alphabet spiraling up the façade.
• Old Town and Piazza Square — 19th-century houses, a mosque, churches and a synagogue side by side.
• Botanical Garden — founded in 1912 on the hills north of the city, admission for foreigners about 25 ₾.

Best time to visit

The best time is late June and September: the sea is warm and there are fewer people than at the peak. Swimming season is June–September, water +22–26 °C. In July–August it's +29–33 °C and humid — the peak of the season. In April–May it rains and the sea is cold.

How to get there

• Train: 5–5.5 hours from Tbilisi, with day and night services.
• Plane: about an hour, the airport is 5 km from the center.
• Car or minibus: 5–6 hours. More on options and prices in our article Batumi from Tbilisi.

Tips and safety

• Come for at least 2–3 days: on a day trip from Tbilisi almost all your time goes on the road.
• The beaches are pebbly — water shoes come in handy.
• Batumi is humid and rainy, especially in autumn — bring an umbrella.
• In the evening the boulevard and fountains are the liveliest place in the city.
• Batumi is a safe city with a low crime rate.
• Don't leave your belongings unattended on the beach: in high season there are pickpockets in tourist areas.