Batumi City | Batumi | ბათუმი

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Where is Batumi?

Location

Batumi | ბათუმი is the second largest city in Georgia and the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. It is located on the Black Sea coast in the southwest of Georgia, 20 kilometres north of the border with Turkey. The city is in a subtropical zone at the foot of the Lesser Caucasus.

Geography

There is a natural lake (0.06 km²) in the territory of Batumi, which is now part of Batumi Park. The city and its surroundings are home to numerous subtropical plant species, including artificially created parks, tea plantations and citrus groves. The hills are home to the remains of the natural Kolchis forest and scrubland. Being a city by the sea, Batumi is mainly flat, with a slightly hilly surrounding area.

Climate

Batumi’s average annual temperature is about 14 °C (57 °F). January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 7 °C, while August is the warmest month with an average temperature of 22 °C. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -6 °C, while the highest was 40 °C. Temperatures above 10 °C are recorded 239 days a year. The city receives 1958 hours of sunshine annually.

History

Key historical passages

Batumi, located on the site of the ancient Greek colony ‘Bathus’ in an ancient West Georgian state – Colchis – has a fascinating history. Originally a Roman port under Hadrian, later abandoned in favour of the fortress of Petra, the city became a provincial port under Ottoman rule. Islamisation began, but ended after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78, when the area fell to the Russian Empire.

In 1878, Batumi was annexed by Russia under the Treaty of San Stefano and developed into an important Black Sea port. The city became the centre of the Baku oil trade and experienced an economic boom. Expansion began with the construction of the Transcaucasian Railway and the Baku-Batumi pipeline, which made Batumi the most important oil port on the Black Sea. The population grew rapidly, and at the end of the 1880s more than 7,400 Dukhobor emigrants travelled from Batumi to Canada.

The Russian civil war brought changing rulers and in 1991, Georgia gained its independence. The history of Batumi reflects various influences, from ancient Greek origins to Roman, Ottoman and Russian rule and the Soviet era. The city held its own in various political contexts and experienced significant economic development, particularly in the oil sector.

Travel tips for the city of Batumi

Sights and activities

Cultural sights

• Batumi Boulevard – Seaside Boulevard is one of the main attractions of Batumi and has been a national monument of Georgian garden art since 1987. Along the boulevard, there are numerous bungalows, cafes, restaurants, shops and attractions for children. There are also colourful dancing fountains, interesting sculptures and architectural monuments surrounded by unique plants.
• The Dolphinarium is a popular attraction in Batumi and is always well attended. Visitors can experience impressive dolphin shows here. The Batumi Dolphinarium was once one of the largest dolphinariums in the world.
• The 130-metre-high Alphabet Tower, with 33 Georgian letters, is a modern architectural highlight with a panoramic view, a tourist centre and a revolving restaurant. The tower ends in a spherical building that houses a cosy restaurant that slowly turns, offering visitors a panoramic view of the city.
• The statue Ali and Nino is a striking attraction on the Black Sea in Georgia. The 8-metre-high transparent steel figures of Ali and Nino move slowly and merge into one every 10 minutes.
• The cable car in Batumi on Mount Anuria, 250 metres above sea level, offers spectacular views of the city, the Black Sea and the mountains. There are restaurants, cafés, shops and terraces.
• The Cathedral of God’s Mother is a Georgian Orthodox church in Batumi, Adjara. A cultural monument of national importance, the temple, built at the beginning of the 20th century, has both architectural and historical value.
• The Gonio fortress, also known as Absaros, is located near the Turkish border and impresses with its typical Roman architecture. It was under Roman control between the 1st and 3rd centuries, but the fortress existed before that. According to legend, the Colchian king Aiet buried his son, who was killed by the Argonauts, here. The remains of the fortress show structures from the 1st to 3rd centuries, such as baths, barracks, sewerage and water supply systems.

Natural sights

• The Botanical Garden of Batumi is located on the coast between the ‘Green Point’ and the mouth of the river Chaqviszkali. It extends over 1 km southwest of the coast, from 0 to 220 m above sea level. One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, 111 ha, since 1912. It includes the Colchis forest reserve and various floristic landscapes. Many species in the garden. Unique in the coexistence of plants from different climate and landscape zones. The Canarian palm and the Japanese sakura bloom here.
• The Black Sea coast makes Batumi an important destination for beach holidaymakers from neighbouring countries. Although the beach is rocky, it attracts many visitors who want to swim in the Black Sea.
• Bird watching – Bird watching trips can be organised in Sachalwascho, near Batumi. The season starts in September and nature lovers come to the village of Sachalwascho to watch birds.
• Lake Nuri, also called Pioneer Lake, in Adjara, Batumi, near the Black Sea coast, 0.2 m above sea level. Originally a swamp in the 19th century, it was converted into a park for children in 1933. Renovated and connected to the Black Sea. In 1947 ‘Pioneer’ and in 1988 ‘Ace’ launched. Rich in fish species, legends and historical facts. Boat rental possible. The ‘May 6 Park’ or ‘Central Park of Batumi’ is an ideal place for recreation with children’s playgrounds and a small zoo.

Activities

• Swimming in the Black Sea is the most popular activity in the city of Batumi. As mentioned, there are two summer resorts in the region – Batumi and Kobuleti. The water temperature here is around 25 degrees and the season starts in early June and lasts until mid-October.
• Cultural excursions – in Batumi there are several museums and galleries that are worth visiting. Among them, the Nobel Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Batumi are worth a visit. The Catholic Cathedral in the old town of Batumi is also worth a visit.
• A day hike in the Botanical Garden of Batumi is an excellent option for nature lovers. The well-developed infrastructure and signposted paths make for a pleasant excursion. During the hike, you can enjoy impressive views of the sea and a unique flora.
• Cycling – there is a well-developed cycle path along the coast. Bicycles can be rented along the road for various periods, allowing you to cycle along the beach to the airport and back.
• Also, photo tours are very popular in the region. Street and landscape photography at sunset by the sea is particularly interesting. Night photography, where you can photograph the illuminated city, is also fascinating.
• Bird watching has become a very important tourist activity in the region in recent years. In the village of Sachalvascho, there is a special centre and infrastructure for this, where many ornithologists gather every year to observe the migratory birds.
• The nightlife and casinos in Batumi are well developed. Guests who like casinos, nightclubs or discos will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy their time in the city.

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