Winter Batumi is good because there are almost no tourists in the surrounding area, and the weather is comfortable for long walks. We have already told you what to do in the city, and in this article we give recommendations on what to do in the vicinity of Batumi, when all the khinkali have been eaten and the streets of the old city have long been explored.
How to get there and where to stay
There are no direct flights between Russia and Georgia. You can fly through Baku, Yerevan or Minsk, the cost of the flight starts from 30,000 rubles* one way. To enter, you only need a foreign passport; you can stay in the country for 365 days without a visa. A comfortable high-speed train runs regularly from Tbilisi to Batumi: in just 35 GEL and 5.5 hours it will take you to the city.
Here are some suitable options for where to stay in Batumi:
Colosseum Marina Hotel (rating 8.5) – from 3,900 rubles per night*.
Best Western Premier Batumi (rating 8.4) – from 4,800 rubles per night*.
Radisson Blu Hotel Batumi (rating 8.8) – from 11,300 rubles per night*.
Gonio Fortress
The location is located 12 km south of Batumi right next to the highway. You can get there by any minibus that goes towards Gonio, or by taxi.
In ancient times, the fortress of Gonio-Apsaros had a unique strategic significance. From its towers one could see the entrance routes to the Chorokhi and Adzharistskali gorges, which connected the regions of southwestern Georgia with the Black Sea coast. During its existence, the fortress managed to become a citadel for many empires. Now on the territory there is a small archaeological museum, which displays household items and jewelry dating back to the 80s of the 19th century. Among the fortress walls there is a reconstruction of a Roman camp with legionary tents, a well, a catapult, crossbows and a chariot. In the free photo zone you can try on armor and feel like a resident of another era. Children will also be interested: in the courtyard you can climb the ruins of the fortress, and thereby continue the game in the Middle Ages.
Admission is paid, costs 5 lari. Opening hours from 9:00 to 18:00, closed on Mondays.
Ruins of the Petra Fortress
A mysterious landmark, which few people know about, is located on the territory of the village of Tsikhisdziri. It is more convenient to get here by car or take a minibus going towards Kobuleti, Poti or Ureki.
Small ruins are located by the sea on a hill surrounded by green terraces. The citadel preserves fragments of a palace and an ancient bathhouse, as well as ruins of outbuildings. It is assumed that this fortress is mentioned in the legendary Georgian poem “The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin”. The observation deck offers stunning views. On the right side you can see the coastline of the beaches, on the left in the distance you can see the silhouettes of Batumi skyscrapers and mountains. It is better to bring a camera with a good lens here. Or maybe even come closer to sunset, when the sky is pierced by pink feathers of clouds, and the sun dives into the depths of the Black Sea, splashing golden reflections across the surface of the water.
Admission is paid, it will cost 5 GEL. For 15 GEL you can hire a guide to immerse yourself in the history of this place. Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 10:00 to 17:30.
Swamps of Spain
Not far from Kobuleti, 500 m from the sea, there are mysterious swamps. The journey to them by minibus from Batumi will take 20-30 minutes and will cost 2 GEL. Ask the driver in advance to stop at the intersection of Bagrationi and Rustaveli streets. Local residents can give you directions further, or check the GPS coordinates.
The Hispani swamps are unique in that they are covered with sphagnum moss. It converts carbon dioxide, resulting in peat, the deposits of which are hidden in the depths of Spain. There are boards on the territory with information about the characteristics of the local flora and fauna. It is very quiet here, and you can fully enjoy being at one with nature. Walk the trails in search of the rare marsh turtle and watch birds such as kingfishers and lapwings. Take care of waterproof shoes in advance: in places where there are no scaffolds, it may be wet.
Admission is free.
Batumi Botanical Garden
One of the most visited natural attractions is located just 9 km from Batumi. There are many buses and minibuses from the city; you can find out more about the schedule on the official website.
The garden is huge, and it is better not to plan other activities on the day of visiting it. The territory is divided into different zones: Himalayan, New Zealand, Mexican and others. About 40% is occupied by the East Asia section, which features fancy plants from Japan. A small edge in the lower garden deserves special attention, from where you can observe a unique phenomenon – birds nesting and chirping in the trees. Stock up on sandwiches and a thermos of hot tea to make bird watching comfortable. Another unusual entertainment is to catch the moment when trains rush through the tunnel, signaling their approach with a loud whistle.
The cost of visiting is 20 GEL. The garden is open from 09:00 to 19:00, seven days a week. For an additional fee, you can hire a guide or use an electric car.
Mtirala National Park
The park is located 25 km from Batumi and 15 km from the village of Chakvi, which is located on the Tbilisi-Batumi highway. It is more convenient to get there by car, otherwise you will have to travel with transfers: first by minibus, and then by taxi.
Mtirala Park is considered the place with the highest humidity level in Georgia. Rain and thick fog are constant guests here. It’s worth coming here to see the Tsablnari waterfall and a small mountain lake. Usually tourists first go up to the waterfall, take spectacular photos against the backdrop of the mountains, and then go down to the lake to regain strength and refresh themselves.
The route is not difficult and is suitable for people of different ages and fitness levels. The main thing is to take care of comfortable shoes in advance. Sneakers with good treads or lightweight trekking boots are suitable. For an additional fee, you can diversify your holiday and ride a zipline over the river or climb in a rope park.
The park is open from 9:00 to 18:00, seven days a week. You’ll need to pay 2 GEL to cross the river in a mini-cable car, but it’s worth it.
Makhuntseti Waterfall
Location 30 km from Batumi. One of the highest waterfalls in Adjara is located next to the road and is accessible to the public. We recommend traveling with a rented car.
Tons of water spectacularly fall from a height into a stone bowl and scatter like silver sparks. And if you cross the road, then 500 m from the waterfall you will find another attraction – an arched bridge from the time of Queen Tamara. In warm weather, you can swim under the bridge in the invigorating river. There are restaurants, picnic areas and shopping stalls nearby. Local products are on sale: honey, churchkhela and jam, which can be an excellent gift for relatives or a souvenir of the days spent in amazing Adjara.
*Prices are current at the time of publication.
