Batumi: Beach, Boulevard and Day Trips on Georgia's Black Sea Coast
- Batumi is Georgia's seaside resort on the Black Sea – pebble beach, a boulevard of about 7 km, subtropical climate.
- Swimming season: June to September, when the sea is approx. 22–26 °C.
- Getting there: train from Tbilisi in about 5 hours (2nd class from approx. 30–35 GEL) or fly to Kutaisi. No direct flights from Germany.
- Highlights: boulevard with 'Ali and Nino', botanical garden, Argo cable car (approx. 39 GEL return).
- Batumi is the rainiest place in Georgia – it rains even in summer.
Batumi is Georgia's summer capital: palm trees, a pebble beach, a long seafront boulevard and a skyline that swings between historic buildings and glitzy high-rises. The city lies in the subtropical south-west, just a few kilometres from the Turkish border. Here is what to see, when swimming is worthwhile and how to get there.
The most important sights
| Sight | What to expect | Price (guide value) |
|---|---|---|
| Batumi Boulevard | about 7 km of seafront promenade, cycle paths, parks | free |
| "Ali and Nino" sculpture | two steel figures that move and merge | free |
| Old town & Piazza | restored houses, cafés, an Italian-style square | free |
| Botanical garden | huge park on the coast north of the city, sea views | approx. 15–25 GEL |
| Argo cable car | ride up the hill above the city, views over port and sea | approx. 39 GEL return |
Prices according to 2026 travel guides; figures for the botanical garden in particular vary. Bus lines 10 and 10a go to the garden for 1 GEL.
Beach and swimming
- Beach: pebbles, no sand – pack water shoes.
- Swimming season: June to September. According to climate data the sea is about 22 °C in June, 26 °C in August and still 24 °C in September.
- Quieter beaches: south of the city (e.g. Kvariati) the water is often clearer and it is less crowded.
- Rain: Batumi is the wettest place in Georgia. Even in summer there are rainy days; September and October get the most rain.
Climate table and other regions: Best time to visit Georgia.
Day trips from Batumi
- Gonio Fortress: Roman-Byzantine fortress about 10 minutes south of the city towards the Turkish border.
- Makhuntseti Waterfall: a waterfall about 50 m high in the hinterland (Keda municipality), next to an old stone arch bridge.
- Mtirala National Park: humid mountain forest with hiking trails and waterfalls – half or full day.
- Mountainous Adjara: vineyards, villages and mountain roads – best with a driver.
Getting to Batumi
| From | How | Time (guide value) |
|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi | train (double-deck, air-conditioned) | about 5 hrs, 2nd class approx. 30–35 GEL |
| Tbilisi | marshrutka or bus | 6 hrs and more |
| Kutaisi (airport) | bus, marshrutka or transfer | about 2.5 hrs (estimated) |
| Germany | flight with a connection (e.g. Istanbul) | – |
In summer and at weekends trains are often sold out days in advance – book early with the Georgian railway operator. Which flights go from Germany: Direct flights to Georgia.
Good to know
- How long to stay: 2–3 days for the city and excursions, longer for a beach holiday.
- Low season: in winter Batumi is mild but rainy and quiet – many beach venues are closed.
- Costs: on the boulevard and in the high-rise hotels it is more expensive than inland. Guide values: Georgia travel costs.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Batumi?
For swimming June to September, when the sea is about 22 to 26 °C. July and August are the warmest but also the busiest. In September the water is still warm, but it rains more often.
Does Batumi have a sandy beach?
No, the beaches in and around Batumi are pebble beaches. Water shoes are handy.
How do I get from Tbilisi to Batumi?
Most comfortably by train: the double-deck trains take about 5 hours, and 2nd class costs about 30–35 lari according to guides. Book a few days ahead in summer and at weekends. Alternatively, marshrutkas and buses run, or you fly to Kutaisi and continue from there.
How many days do you need for Batumi?
2 to 3 days are enough for the city, the botanical garden and an excursion. Stay longer for a beach holiday.
Sources: The Georgian Guide: Batumi Guide 2026 · Sakhva Travel: Batumi 2026 · Georgia Guidebook: Argo Batumi cable car 2026 · Sakhva Travel: Tbilisi–Batumi Train · wetter.de: climate Batumi. All information without guarantee; rules can change at short notice.