Batumi, Georgia isknown as the seaside resort, one of the most popular on the Black Sea, and oneof the must-visit places in Georgia and the Caucasus region. But thecity has so much more to offer than just the beach holidays and is so muchbetter than it seems at first.

I’ve been to Batumithree times so far and I know I will be back there again, it is such a greatdestination.

Where is Batumi

Batumi is located on the Georgian part of the Black Sea coast, not farfrom the border with Turkey (20 km). Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia is380 km away.

Themajority of tourists visiting Batumi come here for the seaside holidays ******** are more reasons to visitBatumi.

There is a reallylovely old town with some impressive old buildings, but also modernarchitecture is very interesting. You can eat here some delicious and freshseafood. Batumi is such a vibrant place with so many great things to do.

The surroundingarea is stunning with lush vegetation, beautiful views, and a national parkonly a short ride away from the city.

In the summermonths, Batumi is a busy holiday destination, attracting not only localtourists but many more, especially from Armenia, Russia or Gulfcountries. If you don’t like crowds on the beach and especially on the seasidepromenade you should avoid visiting Batumi in July and August.

I’ve been to Batumitwice in autumn (October and November) and I really enjoyed it. There were notthat many tourists around but the weather was good enough to spend some time atthe beach.

I believe springmust be a good time for a trip to Batumi, with all the amazing vegetationblossoming.

Getting to Batumiis rather easy. The city has its own airport but it is used mostly by thecharter flights.

The nearest popularairport is Kutaisi, served by low-cost airlines from numerous Europeandestinations. There are direct buses from/to Kutaisi airport, connected withthe flights so you don’t need to worry about your transportation to Batumi. Youcan get the tickets at the airport, you will find the Georgian Bus boothright in front of the exit from the customs.

From the cityof Kutaisi there are marshrutkas (minibusses) every hour from 7 am to 7pm. The journey takes around 2,5 hours.

The best way to getfrom Tbilisi to Batumi is by train (you don’t want to spend 6 hoursor more in the cramped marshrutka). There are both day and night connectionsand the travel time is around 5 hours (a bit more in the overnight trains).Trains are comfortable and it should be a pleasant journey.

There are alsoregular buses connection Tbilisi and Batumi as well as a flight but I stillbelieve a train is the best option.

Batumi offers avariety of accommodation and everyone can a suitable place to stay in. If youvisit Batumi in the summertime I advise looking for the accommodation ahead oftime so you can score the best options. Outside of the season, you can get verygood deals on Batumi accommodation.

And now let’s talkabout Batumi attractions that you can’t miss when visiting the city.

The Old Town inBatumi isn’t very big but it surely is a charming place to wander around.Originally it was built in the 19th century when Batumi was an important portalong the route from the Caspian Sea to Europe and many of the impressivebuildings still date back to that time. The Batumi Old Town was recentlyrestored and can enchant you easily.

The streets arelong, straight, and very picturesque. The center of the Old Town is Piazza –the hidden square built in the Italian style with outdoor cafes, shops, and thebeautiful mosaic in the center (it is considered the largest marble mosaic inEurope!). Another place you can’t miss, a bit on the side from the old Town, isEurope Square with the statue of Medea and some impressive buildings around.

Thebest way to discover the Old Town in Batumi is to wander around aimlessly – youwon’t get lost but you might find some real gems here.