One city, three days: Batumi

Let’s go: About Batumi

Georgia’s third largest city, Batumi is thought to have been settled during the Bronze Age; the area was part of ancient Colchis, then came under Greek rule and later became a defensive port under Roman rule. In subsequent centuries, Batumi was ruled by the Kingdom of Georgia, the Ottoman Empire and then the Russians. The city is now the capital of the Adjara region of Georgia.

Places to visit in Batumi

Adjacent to Türkiye’s Artvin and Ardahan border gates, Batumi offers lush nature, a warm climate, interesting architecture and a lively urban vibe. Some of the city’s highlights are described below.

Gonio Fortress

Located 15 kilometers south of Batumi, Gonio Fortress is at the mouth of the River Chorokhi. Believed to date from the first century AD, the citadel allegedly houses the tomb of Saint Matthew, one of the Twelve Apostles. As the Georgian government prohibits excavations near the graves, this information cannot be confirmed. In addition to its historical element, Gonio is also known for its beaches.

Europe Square

Europe Square, in the Old City, is a popular meeting point for residents and tourists. The plaza is close to the seafront promenade as well as many of the city’s upscale hotels, and is surrounded by elegant buildings housing offices, stores and restaurants. The Square also features a fountain and an adjacent park.

Medea Statue

The Medea statue, set in the park adjacent to Europe Square, is an homage to Medea, the Colchian princess from Greek mythology. She is depicted holding the Golden Fleece, a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The statue, mounted atop a tall column, can be seen from almost every point of the city. It was created by the Georgian sculptor David Khmaladze and unveiled in 2007.

The Statue of Ali and Nino 

The city has numerous sculptures and statues and the Ali and Nino sculpture is among the top attractions to visit in Batumi. Made by Georgian sculptor Tamara Kvesitadze, the piece features Ali and Nino, the protagonists of the tragic love story written by Kurban Said, the pseudonym of an Azerbaijani novelist. The eight-meter-high, steel composition depicts the figures of the star-crossed couple – Ali, a Muslim Azerbaijani boy, and Nino, a Christian Georgian girl.

The mammoth sculpture is dynamic: the two statues periodically move towards each other, becoming one before moving apart again.

Batumi Botanical Garden

Extending across approximately 108 hectares, the Batumi Botanical Garden was opened to the public in 1912. The Botanical Garden is in the Mtsvane Kontskhi neighborhood, about a kilometer from the coast, and houses more than three thousand plant species. Visiting the Botanical Garden is among the favorite activities to do in Batumi.

Batumi Archaeological Museum

Although Batumi is renowned as a beach holiday destination, it also contains cultural riches, one of which is the Batumi Archaeological Museum. Established in 1994, the Museum’s collection includes more than 20,000 artifacts found in the territory of Adjara and dating from various eras.

Khariton Akhvlediani State Museum of Adjara

The Khariton Akhvlediani State Museum of Adjara was founded in 1908 and is one of the oldest museums in Batumi. Its collection includes more than 180,000 works; the Museum also has an extensive collection of rare manuscripts as well as a scientific library.

Dining in Batumi

Georgian cuisine is renowned for good reason. Shaped by the Black Sea climate and utilizing plenty of herbs and spices, Georgian dishes are rightfully famous. Below are some highlights:

• Adjarian-style khachapuri (bread filled with cheese and topped with a fried egg)
• Shaslik (shish kebab)
• Sulguni (a type of brined hard cheese)
• Tkemali (plum sauce)
• Eggplant rolls with walnuts
• Khinkali – Hingel (dumplings filled with cheese or meat)
• Tarkhun (carbonated soft drink made with tarragon leaves)

Tips on Batumi 

If you’re ready to buy a Batumi flight ticket and visit this interesting city, keep reading – some useful information is provided below.

To plan your Batumi trip in an easy and practical way, take a look at the Turkish Holidays holiday packages. These packages let you select your preferred accommodation and flight options quickly, easily and at advantageous prices.  

Getting from Batumi International Airport to the city center

Batumi International Airport is about 9 kilometers from the city center. Taxis and airport buses operate 24/7 from the airport. Via bus number 10, from the arrivals terminal, the drive to the city center takes around 20 minutes.

Have a pleasant trip!