Batumi

Overview

On the Black Sea in south-western Georgia, Batumi is warm and humid and the country's most popular resort. The seaside boulevard runs about seven kilometres past sculptures, fountains and parks, while Europe Square and the Medea statue anchor the 19th-century centre. The modern city is known for unusual towers including the Alphabet Tower; the evening dancing fountains are a fixture.

History

An ancient Greek colony and Roman fort, it prospered as a free port after coming under Russian rule in the 19th century and became Georgia's coastal resort in the late 20th.

Highlights

• •The boulevard and dancing fountains
• •The Alphabet Tower and Europe Square
• •The Medea statue
• •The botanical garden and cable car

Practical tips

• •Summers are humid and hot; avoid long spells outdoors at midday
• •The boulevard is made for an evening walk

Practical information

Best time

May-September

Tickets

The seafront is free; the cable car about GEL 10

Opening hours

Seafront open all day

Local food

Khachapuri, Black Sea grilled fish, Adjarian cheese

Getting around

About five hours by train from Tbilisi, or an hour by air.

Visa

Visa-free for stays up to 90 days with a valid passport.

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