Batumi is the capital of Georgia’s Adjara region, situated on the shores of the Black Sea in the southwest of the country. It’s a port city that thrives on contrasts: ancient harbours overlooked by glittering modern skyscrapers, the cultural and geographic crossroads of east and west, laid-back beaches and dramatic mountain ranges. It’s these qualities that make it such an intriguing and rewarding place to visit, no matter what time of year. Spring and summer are exciting and vibrant, while autumn and winter are more reflective, a chance to unwind and engage with local customs.
We’ve rounded up some of the best activities in the region to do at any time of year.
Hiking in Georgia in spring
As the world reawakens after winter, the countryside surrounding Batumi bursts into life, inviting you to experience nature. If you’re a hiker, this is an ideal time to visit. Just outside the city is the Mtirala National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s renowned for its lush, rainforest-like broadleaf forests and canyons. Blooming rhododendrons line the trails and cascading waterfalls provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic. There are many trails to choose from, including the relaxing and beautiful Tsablnari Waterfall Trail, the longer and adventurous 28.6km Didi Mtirala Mountain Trail, or the two-day Tsivtskaro route which features natural springs, untouched beech groves, and a comfortable shelter to spend the night in.
City breaks and watersports in summer
The action ramps up as summer turns on the heat. If you’re after urban energy and outdoor thrills, this is the time to be here. Batumi Boulevard and the city’s piazzas are buzzing with activity, and sights such as the mesmerising kinetic statue of Ali and Nino comes to life every evening. You can visit a bar on the lively Batumi Beach, snorkel in the clear waters at Kvariati Beach, or relax at the quiet, family-friendly Gonio Beach. There are also high-adrenaline activities such as canyoning, where you can climb through wild waterfalls and rappel down river gorges or the 1,789m-long Chirukhi zipline through the mountains. The city’s nightlife is also in full swing, and there are cultural events to discover along with bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Get in touch with nature in autumn
As the weather starts to cool and the leaves turn to orange, the mood shifts from energy to cosiness. It’s still a great time to go hiking and explore the countryside, particularly since autumn colours are particularly vibrant in this region. It’s also a fantastic time for birdwatching, since the Batumi Bottleneck is the place of one of the world’s largest raptor migrations and the sky is darkened by over a million birds of prey. Local traditions are the focus at harvest festivals, and grape-gathering and winemaking take place with the accompanying celebrations, so it’s the perfect time to try the famous Georgian qvevri wine, which has been made in the same way for over 8,000 years.
Eat, drink, and explore in winter
Since it’s situated by the coast, Batumi rarely sees freezing temperatures, and there’s plenty of sunny days throughout winter. Quiet and stress-free, a winter trip is a great time to visit the many museums and historical sites around the city along with the spectacular Batumi Botanical Garden (which is worth a visit any time of year). Not far from the city is the Goderdzi ski resort, which offers snowsports and winter hiking on both groomed and off-piste slopes and trails. Once you’re back inside, you can relax with a dram of traditional Georgian chacha, a grape spirit, and enjoy mouthwatering Georgian food and regional delicacies such as Adjarian khachapuri, a generously cheese-filled bread topped with egg and butter.
Visit Batumi
Whenever you decide to visit, getting to Georgia is easy. Flights to Batumi involve a stopover with Turkish Airlines, but return flights can be had from around £150. You can also fly to nearby Kutaisi via Wizzair and rent a car or take the train, while BA and easyJet fly direct to Tblisi. Whether you want to hike through wild forests or relax by the shores of the Black Sea, you can find out more at the official tourism website for Batumi here.