Beaches and sea in Batumi

Heading for a beach holiday in Batumi, the capital of Adjara? The Black Sea resort is ready to welcome guests. We’ve prepared a guide to all the beaches in the city and nearby.

Adjara is a region located in the southwest of Georgia. The coastal strip of Adjara is a bit over 54 km long, with about 2 km being cliffs and hard-to-reach areas. The remaining 52 km are at your disposal.

All the beaches are pebbly, which is actually a good thing. You get a nice massage and come out of the water feeling clean. And the best news is that all of them are owned by the municipality and are free!

 

Beaches and the Sea in Batumi: Photos and Description

Most tourists come to Batumi to relax on the shores of the Black Sea. The city boasts an almost endless beach stretching along the Seaside Park (Boulevard) from the port to the airport, covering over 10 km. The width varies from 30 to 50 meters.

There are showers and changing cabins in some areas, and you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Nearly the entire stretch borders a strip of forest, so if you wish, you can always retreat to the shade.

Some parts are very popular, while others are more modest, yet quiet and almost deserted, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Tourists often refer to these as “Wild” beaches. The division of the resort’s coastline into areas is symbolic but will help you navigate more easily.

 

Central Beach of Batumi

The most popular and well-appointed part is, of course, the Central or Old Boulevard (41.656022, 41.633536).

There, you’ll find a concentration of various bars, restaurants, bungalows, clubs, shops, children’s attractions, and playgrounds. It’s located to the right and left of the modern central entrance to the boulevard, where K. Gamsakhurdia Street (formerly Lenin Street) leads from the old town.

There’s also a tourist information center where you can find any information you need about Batumi and its surroundings. The beach width here ranges from 30 to 40 meters. You can rent sun loungers for 10 GEL each.

 

Lighthouse Beach

Near the famous “Ali and Nino” sculptures lies a part of the beach that is directly adjacent to the yacht club. This is where the Seaside Park begins. Long-time residents refer to this area as “Pishcheviki” or “Dynamo.”  (41.655509, 41.643707).

A long time ago, a breakwater was constructed here, which means you hardly feel the waves—something parents vacationing with children might find appealing.

 

Beach at the New Boulevard

Another section known as the New Boulevard. (41.627094, 41.596500).

This area is the brainchild of former Georgian President M. Saakashvili. As the name suggests, the beach stretches along the new part of the boulevard, reaching a width of 30 meters. It’s not located in the city center, so you’ll need to either take public transport, walk, or cycle/scooter the entire length of the boulevard if you’re staying in the older part of the city.

In recent years, many hotels have been built in this area, including those on the front line, making it a very popular place to relax. In summer, the beach is always crowded. The New Boulevard itself is also very interesting, featuring a variety of cafes, beach bars, restaurants, statues, and fountains, along with beautiful evening lighting.

Wild Beach

Lastly, we have the Wild Beach (41.613636, 41.583768), located in close proximity to the airport. While lying on the shore, it’s quite possible to see the belly of a plane taking off or landing. Due to its remoteness and the sparsely populated surrounding lands, it sees very few visitors. This is why tourists have dubbed it the “Wild” beach.

People come here seeking solitude. The beach is about 30 meters wide.

To reach this spot, you’ll need to use public transport, specifically bus number 10. Alternatively, you can walk, cycle, or take a taxi, with fares ranging from 5 to 10 GEL.

We’ve discussed the coastal strip of Batumi, moving towards the airport and Turkey. However, these aren’t the only areas where you can bask in the sun.

 

Shallow Sea

The Bartskhana area (41.650956, 41.666624) is well-known for its fish market and the Shallow Sea. It’s quite densely populated. Once, it had its own little slice of paradise, where you could occasionally find sandy spots.

However, in recent years, land reclamation for skyscraper construction has begun, making it quite challenging to find a spot for swimming.

 

Tamar Settlement (BNZ)

Last, but certainly not least, is the beach in the BNZ area (41.661081, 41.678210),

named after the once-existing Batumi Oil Refinery. Nowadays, it’s also known as the Tamar settlement, honoring the medieval Georgian Queen Tamar.

During the Soviet era, swimming here was less than pleasant, as you would often find tar on some part of your body upon exiting the sea, which, as you can imagine, was quite difficult to clean off.

Nowadays, such problems no longer exist. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the refinery ceased to exist. Consequently, the BNZ beach has gained popularity among both locals and guests staying at the “Sanapiro” hotel. The beach here is relatively narrow, ranging from 10 to 20 meters.

In the very center of the area, an architecturally appealing Arts Center has been built, commonly referred to as the Opera and Ballet Theatre. Nearby, you will also find the Nobel Brothers Museum. You can reach BNZ via buses numbered 3, 6, 8, 10, or by taking one of the minibuses heading towards Chakvi.

We have covered the entire area of Batumi itself and are now heading to the suburbs and nearby districts.

 

Relaxation in Batumi: Beaches Outside the City

Let’s start with the most popular beaches: Sarpi, Kvariati, and Gonio. These places gained popularity right after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It’s believed that these three seaside villages feature the cleanest sea water, much cleaner than in the city.

However, nowadays, the situation at Batumi beaches has improved, and here’s why. These three settlements are located at a distance from the city of Batumi. Between them lies the delta of the Chorokhi River, along with several small lakes and marshes.

In the past, the river carried a large amount of silt, sand, and gravel. Since the current from the Chorokhi River delta flows upwards and through the entire city aquatory, the sea water used to be turbid.

Recently, the situation has changed. Several hydroelectric power stations have been built on the Chorokhi River, causing the sediment to settle not near the shores of Batumi, but at the dams instead. Thus, only after heavy rains is there a noticeable, although minor, difference in the clarity of the sea water before and after the Chorokhi River.

 

Sarpi Beach

So, Sarpi. (41.522984, 41.547936).

This small village is located on the border of Georgia and Turkey, 25 km from Batumi. The beach is about 500 meters long and around 70-80 meters wide. While there isn’t much in terms of developed infrastructure, you can rent a sun lounger or umbrella from a few local residents. There is also a paid changing room and shower available.

There’s a cliff from which local youth often jump into the sea. While sunbathing or swimming, you can view the Georgia-Turkey border and even catch a glimpse of Turkey itself, including a mosque at the edge of the shore.

Across from the sea, you’ll find the Church of Saint Andrew the First-Called. Along the way, you’ll pass a small waterfall named after Saint Andrew, located 1 km from the border. Not far from the shore, an old boat has been intentionally sunk, which you can dive to explore.

You can reach Sarpi by taking bus number 16 or one of the minibuses that have “Sarpi” written in English. If you prefer a taxi, the fare will be approximately 20-25 GEL.

 

Kvariati Beach

Kvariati (41.548646, 41.562516) is located 20 km from Batumi.

This is a charming spot with a well-developed infrastructure. The beachfront features cafes and bungalows, and it offers a beautiful view of the mountains and Gonio. The mountains are covered in greenery, interspersed with houses and guest houses.

The beach stretches about 1 km in length and up to 50 meters in width. Several hotels are built along the first line. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, and there are changing facilities available. Diving is also popular here, with divers exploring the coastal rocks for the mysteries and beauties of the Black Sea.

You can reach Kvariati by taking bus number 16 or one of the minibuses with “Sarpi” written on them. Just ask to stop in Kvariati. Of course, you can also take a taxi.

 

Gonio Beach

The last of the border areas is Gonio (41.574028, 41.566124).

Located 10 km from the city of Batumi, Gonio features a small boulevard along its stretch. The beach is about 2 km long. Nearby is the ancient Gonio-Apsaros Fortress, built at the end of the 1st century AD. Like Kvariati, the first line is dotted with hotels, cafes, and bungalows.

You can reach Gonio by taking bus number 16, a minibus with “Sarpi” written on it, or by taxi. Make sure to inform the bus or minibus driver that you need to get off at Gonio.

Mahindjauri Beach

Now, we move from southern Adjara to the north. Just as the city of Batumi ends, the suburb of Mahindjauri (41.681058, 41.697559) begins. It is located 10 km away, and the journey takes about 20 minutes.

The beach is located behind the railway, which can be somewhat inconvenient. However, the affordability of local accommodations attracts a considerable number of vacationers. The beach is approximately 3 km long and 20 meters wide. Nearby, there is the “Lazur-Megruli” restaurant, known for its delicious Georgian cuisine.

To reach Mahindjauri, you can take buses number 6 or 10, or minibus numbers 31 or 40.

 

Green Cape Beach

The next noteworthy spot is Green Cape (41.691070, 41.704370), ocated 13 km from Batumi, with a travel time of about 30 minutes. The beach is situated at the approaches to the Batumi Botanical Garden.

In essence, there are two beaches here. One is 1.5 km long and 30 meters wide, and the other is a smaller 300-meter stretch beyond the rocks. The picturesque nature, beautiful city views, and subtropical forest overhead make it undeniably a legendary place.

There’s an old bridge from which you can jump into the sea. After swimming, you can visit the botanical garden, which would be a wonderful conclusion to your trip. Scattered in the sea are stones from an old breakwater where mussels grow. You can collect and cook them over a fire.

Incidentally, it’s best to have a picnic with mussels on the second smaller beach. It’s separated from the first by rocks, and you can get there via a weathered bridge or by swimming through the sea.

You can reach Green Cape by taking bus number 10 or minibus number 31, which is preferable. A taxi will cost you around 15-20 GEL.

 

Chakvi Beach

Chakvi (41.737078, 41.733420) is a small seaside settlement where tea was once cultivated closer to the mountains.

In this area, there used to be vast tea plantations, but unfortunately, almost nothing remains of them today. The settlement is located 19 km from Batumi, with a travel time of about 30 minutes.

The village isn’t particularly famous for its beaches, but local residents and some tourists enjoy swimming and sunbathing here. The shoreline is quite narrow, ranging from 6 to 20 meters.

This is where the “Oasis” hotel is located, which not only provides access to the sea but also boasts its own private beach.

By the way, only hotel guests can use its services for free.

To reach Chakvi, you need to take bus number 6 or the regular minibus number 40, which goes to the center of the Chakvi settlement. You can also take minibuses heading to Kobuleti, as they all pass through Chakvi. Alternatively, you can travel by taxi.

A trip to the beach in Chakvi can be combined with a visit to the Mtirala National Park, located in the same area.

 

Tsikhisdziri Beach

Tsikhisdziri (41.754975, 41.740707) is a tiny village located 22 km from Batumi, with a travel time of about 30-40 minutes. The village is situated on the Tsikhisdziri Pass, at an elevation of 70-80 meters above sea level, making the beach very secluded.

In recent years, it has become a favorite spot for those who enjoy living in nature, under the sound of the surf and in a tent. During peak season, a small tent city emerges here. The sides are lined with cliffs covered in vines, making Tsikhisdziri a very picturesque location. You need to descend from the pass to reach the beach. Below, you can see the “Castello Mare Hotel and Wellness Resort” perched on a ledge.

Behind the hotel lies the Banana Grove, which has recently gained popularity among tourists. It’s a wonderful place to take a stroll before diving into the sea or to stand under the waterfall streams right on the shore!

There’s a small challenge here, similar to Chakvi. You’ll need to take regular minibuses from Batumi heading to Kobuleti, Poti, Ozurgeti, Kutaisi, and Tbilisi. All of them pass by Tsikhisdziri but do not enter it. Therefore, you’ll have to get off on the highway and head towards the beach. Be sure to ask the drivers to stop the minibus at the most convenient road.

There are several paths and an old road leading down, which you’ll need to take. You’ll have to walk about 1.5-2 km. The minibuses depart from the Boni bus station and Tbilisi Square.

Magnetic Sands

Located 25 km from Batumi is the small town of Kobuleti, known for its microclimate and extensive sea shore.

Since we’re discussing beaches, it’s worth mentioning the famous Shekvetili, Ureki, and Tsikhisdziri with their beautiful black magnetic sands. Many ask if there are sandy beaches in Batumi. Unfortunately, there aren’t.

However, just an hour’s drive from the city, you can find these beaches. Ureki is located 65 km from Batumi and lies outside of Adjara. Nevertheless, it attracts a large number of visitors. There, you can enjoy the sea and significantly improve your health.

Magnetic sands have been known for their beneficial health properties since ancient times. Shekvetili is situated before Ureki, and Tsikhisdziri follows after. These small settlements boast well-developed infrastructure, numerous hotels, cottages, and guesthouses. All are nestled in a pine forest that leads to the sea.

By the way, an interesting excursion option includes a trip to the magnetic sands and the amusement park (Georgian Disneyland) Tsitsinatela: A Picnic on the Black Sands of Shekvetili.

 

Best Beaches in Batumi and Surroundings

To conclude, here is our top list of beaches in Georgia that you should definitely visit:

– Pishchevik: Conveniently located in the heart of Batumi, with hardly any waves.
– Kvariati: Offers not only clear water but also stunning views of the mountains and cliffs.
– Shekvetili (near Ureki): Known for its magnetic sands, pine groves, and fewer crowds.
– Green Cape: Features breathtaking scenery, “hidden” beaches, opportunities to jump from a bridge into the water, and snorkel for mussels.

Wishing you a wonderful time sunbathing and relaxing on the beaches of Adjara!

 

More about Batumi and Georgia:

Best hotels in the mountains of Georgia

Souvenirs – what to bring from Georgia as a gift

Batumi Cable Car

The Best Adjarian Khachapuri in Batumi. Top 5 Places