Although Batumi was considered a famous beach resort during the Soviet era, it acquired its modern attractive appearance as a result of intensive construction of skyscrapers and new hotels in the period 2005-2010. A magnificent beach holiday there can be combined with interesting excursions, as the capital of Adjara has an ancient history, and the city of Batus in ancient Greek sources is mentioned from the 4th century BC. e. What to see in Batumi and its environs, this article will tell.
Cableway
To see some attractions of Batumi and the surrounding area from a bird's eye view, it is worth using the cable car. From the observation deck, to which the trailer reaches in 10 minutes, you can see the port, mountains of Adjara, as well as remarkable buildings in the old and new parts of the city.
The cable car operates seven days a week from 09:00 to 22:00. The ticket price for adults is 10 (two-way), and for children - 6 GEL.
Gvara Fortress
Considering the historical sights of Batumi and its environs, one cannot fail to mention this building dating back to the Roman period. The ruins of the ancient citadel are located on a hill, 300 meters from the confluence of the Machahlistkali and Chorokh rivers. Several walls 5-6 m high have survived to our days. Researchers have proved that the fortress was built in the 5-6 centuries of our era and performed defensive functions until the 14th century. It was of great strategic importance and defended access to the Black Sea.
Alphabet tower
The location of this new landmark of Batumi and its environs is Ninoshvili Street. It was built in order to perpetuate the Georgian alphabet. The tower is a bit like a DNA helix with letters on it. This 130-meter-tall building is especially beautiful in the lights of the night lights, and at its top there is a revolving Thai restaurant.
Waterpark Batumi
There is a water park on the vast territory of the Batumi Hotel Euro Park hotel complex, which is located at the intersection of Sheriff Khimshiashvili and Kobaladze Streets.
The price for the whole day of his visit is 30 GEL in August and 25 GEL in June and July (data from 2016).
The price includes the use of mattresses, slides and deck chairs. It offers storage cabinets and locker rooms.
Medea statue
As you know, several millennia ago, the Argonauts sailed to Colchis for the Golden Fleece. In memory of this, a high stele is installed on the main square of Batumi, on top of which is a statue of Princess Medea with the Golden Fleece.
Neptune Fountain
Those who see a photo of this landmark of Batumi and its environs think that it depicts one of the decorations of some European capital. The fact is that the fountain is made in the Baroque style and harmonizes perfectly with the building of the local Drama Theater. Its composition combines five fragments, and in the center on a high pedestal, at the corners of which are the figures of mermaids, a gilded statue of Neptune is erected. The fountain is a copy of the sculpture adorning the historic center of the Italian city of Bologna.
The sculpture "Love"
The people call this monument “Ali and Nino”, since the sculptor Tamar Kvestidze created it under the influence of the eponymous novel by Kurban Said. It is located at the entrance to the city and is moving, since every 10 minutes the figures move towards each other. When “Ali” and “Nino” meet, they are combined into a single whole, and then again move in opposite directions.
Botanical Garden
Talking about the sights of Batumi and its environs (see photo above), one cannot but mention the huge green zone located in the settlement "Cape Verde". This one of the world's largest botanical gardens covers an area of 110 hectares, and was founded over 120 years ago. The richest collection of plants growing there is distributed according to the principle of the gardens of Babylon. In the upper tier of the park zone, you can see the Himalayan endemic, and at the foot - the Mediterranean flora. Large sections of the area of the Botanical Garden are reserved for the department of subtropics of Transcaucasia, North American and Australian vegetation, the Mexican hill, etc. Thus, studying Batumi and its surroundings, you can take a kind of mini-trip through several climatic zones of our planet.
National Museum of Adjara
This is one of the country's largest cultural institutions in a building constructed by architect Kakha Javakhishvili in 1949 (address: 8 Zurab Gorgiladze St.). The museum has 5 main expositions: ancient Georgian, Russian, West European, Soviet and Eastern art. The pride of his collection is the canvases of Russian realist artists of the 20th century.
The best beaches of Batumi and its environs
Although there is no shortage of vacationers in the city during the holiday season, everyone can find a “place in the sun” to sunbathe and indulge in water activities.
Most Batumi beaches are pebble. The main one is located within the city. Recently, it is called in the European manner - "Batumi Beach". It has a developed infrastructure. The beach itself stretches for 6 km. On it are changing cabins, as well as rental points for sunbeds and umbrellas. There are many restaurants and cafes in the immediate vicinity of Batumi Beach. For entertainment, vacationers can enjoy banana riding, water skiing and catamarans. Every night, discos are organized by guest DJs. The entrance to the water at Batumi Beach is smooth, making it a suitable place to relax with young children.
Another popular beach - "Sarapi" - is located in the vicinity of Batumi. It has umbrellas and sunbeds, sofas and hammocks, as well as cafes and bars. At the same time, there is less entertainment than on the main beach of the resort, so it is less crowded.
There are also beaches in Ureki, Gonio and Kvariati, where you can go diving.
Dolphinarium
At 51 Rustaveli Street, the resort has another entertainment venue that is definitely worth a visit, especially if you came to the resort with your children. The Batumi dolphinarium is located on the outskirts of the May 6 park and 8 dolphins and 4 seals participate in its performances. Sessions begin at 16:00 and at 19:00 (on Monday - only at 16:00). Ticket price - 15-20 GEL.
Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On Chavchavadze street (building 25) is one of the main Christian churches of the city. Guests of Batumi are often confused because of the Gothic appearance of the cathedral. In fact, it was originally built as a church. The main decoration of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary are luxurious stained glass windows.
Now you know what to see in Batumi and its environs in the summer, so you will not be bored while relaxing in this resort, which is considered one of the best in the Caucasus.