Batumi

Batumi is the capital city of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara in Georgia. Its coastal location and sub-tropical climate make it a popular holiday destination. It's the party capital of the region, with a nightlife to match, increasingly featuring big name international DJs on the beachfront clubs.

Expect to party on the beaches with Russians, Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Iranians, Turks, Dutch, Germans, and Georgians. Batumi also has interesting architecture, mixing modern attempts with old buildings.

Batumi has a humid subtropical climate. The average annual temperature is 14.5°C, with January the coldest at 7.1°C and August the warmest at 23.2°C. Annual precipitation is 2,560 mm. Showers are frequent; it rarely snows. The average sea temperature is 16.7°C.

The official language is Georgian. English, Russian, and Turkish are also commonly spoken. Russian is spoken by most older Georgians, while English is spoken by many younger ones. Turkish is common due to the large number of Turkish tourists.

Batumi International Airport has flights. The city is accessible by bus from major Georgian cities via the old Batumi Bus Station (marshrutkas to Kutaisi, Tbilisi, Poti) and the Batumi Bus Terminal for international destinations. From Tbilisi Square, marshrutkas run to Sarpi (2 lari, 20 min). Batumi Central Station, about 2 km north of the centre, is served by local buses.

Notable sights include the Music fountain (Dancing Fountains) with nightly performances, Dolphinarium (shows at 16:00, 19:00, 21:00 except Mon; 20-25 lari), Batumi Botanical Garden (20 lari, daily 08:00-21:00; half-day visit), Medea statue, and several religious buildings: Cathedral of the Mother of God, Church of the Holy Spirit, Armenian Cathedral, Old Mosque, and Synagogue. Museums include the Archaeological Museum (3 lari adult, 1 lari student, closed Su), Adjara Art Museum (1 lari, closed M), and the Nobel Brothers Technological Museum (2 lari, closed M).

Walk along the 'Bulvar' and watch the beach. During daytime families and youngsters play; at night it's popular with couples and party-goers. There are many restaurants and bars. The area is generally safe but watch for pickpocketing. Batumi has many casinos (over-21 policy). Football: FC Dinamo Batumi play at Adjarabet Arena. Other activities: Panoramic Wheel (10 lari, 7 min), Cable car (30 lari round trip, stunning views), Boat tours (from 15 lari), Aqua Park, and the Black Sea Jazz Festival in July. For hiking, Chakvistavi National Park offers subtropical forest trails.

The main open-air food and clothes market is on the Eastern side near the sea on Chavchavadze street. Vegetables and grains are cheaper here than at smaller indoor markets. Prices are generally 5-10% higher in supermarkets than in small family-run shops. Supermarkets include Goodwill, Carrefour (at Black Sea Mall), and Nikora.

Western Georgia has local specialties like acharuli khachapuri (Ajarian khachapuri) with cheese and egg. The vegan classic lobiani (kidney bean paste in bread) is available at small bakeries for 1-1.50 lari. The fish market is a must: buy fresh fish (20-30 lari per kg) and have it prepared for 3-5 lari. Recommended eateries: Kozlovichi (homemade food, local beer), Maspindzeli (Adjarian dishes), Batumis Shawarma, Mary's Irish Bar, and Cafe Privet iz Batuma (blinis). For drinks, Sinner's Bar & Kitchen offers over 50 shots.

Batumi has many hostels and guesthouses. Dorm beds range from 20-25 lari at places like Batumi Hostel, Hostel in Batumi, Globus Hostel (US$18), Gulnasi's Guesthouse (from €10), Hostel Retro (25 lari), and Sky Hostel (20 lari). Private rooms from 40 lari including breakfast in winter; mid-range hotels like Hotel Black Sea Star (46 lari) and Hotel Ritsa (60-100 lari) are also available. Luxury hotels like Sheraton, Radisson Blu, and Hilton are present.

Batumi is generally quite safe. Drivers are more careful than in Tbilisi and police are reliable. However, be cautious with street beggars; they can be more aggressive than in the capital. Very young children are often used as pickpockets, especially around Batumi Piazza.

Khulo — mountain village in Ajara, 3 hr drive east. Kobuleti — sleepy coastal town. Sarpi — border village with Turkey, 15 km south. Tbilisi — the capital. Kutaisi — with two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Zugdidi — stopover to Mestia and Svaneti.