Batumi

Good to know

1. 1Batumi is the capital of Adjara, a region of southwest Georgia with its own distinct food and a history shaped by centuries of Ottoman influence.
2. 2The city sits on one of the wettest coasts in the region, with the Caucasus mountains rising close behind it, which is why the surroundings are so green and why palms and citrus grow here.
3. 3Adjaruli khachapuri is the local specialty: a boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, topped with a raw egg and a piece of butter, which you stir in while it is hot.
4. 4The Batumi Botanical Garden, set on a hillside just north of the city, was founded in the late nineteenth century and gathers plants from many parts of the world.
5. 5The seafront boulevard is a long, wide park of paths and gardens running along the beach, and it is where much of the city's evening life takes place.
6. 6The language is Georgian, which has its own alphabet and is unrelated to Russian or Turkish, though many people in the tourist trade speak some English, Russian or Turkish. The currency is the lari.

Tips for a first visit

• The centre and the seafront are easy to cover on foot, and taxis and ride-hailing apps are the simplest way to reach places farther out.
• Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, but carry some cash in lari for markets, small cafés and minibuses.
• Try Adjaruli khachapuri, fresh fish from the Black Sea, and the local pastries and Georgian wine, which is often served in a relaxed, generous way.
• The beach is pebbly, so shoes for the water can make swimming more comfortable.
• Bring a light rain jacket whatever the season, since showers are common here even in warmer months.
• If you are invited to a table, accept toasts graciously. Georgian meals often involve a toastmaster, and it is polite to wait for a toast before drinking.

When to go

Summer is the main beach season, warm and humid with the busiest crowds along the seafront. Late spring and early autumn are milder and quieter, and the sea is often still pleasant for swimming in early autumn. Winters are mild compared with the mountains but rainy, and many beach-oriented places are quieter then.

From the airport

Batumi International Airport lies a short distance south of the city, and the centre is usually reached within about 10 to 20 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing app. Public buses also run between the airport and the city, though a taxi is simpler if you have luggage.