# 🇬🇪 Batumi — Georgia

> Batumi is Georgia's Black Sea resort city, and in summer it feels almost like an Israeli neighborhood: a 7 km boulevard lined with glittering towers, a casino in every major hotel, Adjarian khachapuri arriving at the table like a boat of cheese, egg and butter, and every evening the dancing fountains and the Ali and Nino statue embracing above the sea. From the beach it is 40 minutes to Makhuntseti Waterfall and Queen Tamar's stone bridge in the mountains, or south to Gonio and Kvariati, the quiet beaches Israeli families rediscover every summer. A 2.5-hour direct flight, no visa, a shekel that goes a long way, and it is Georgia: warm hosts, wine and chacha on the table, and nightlife that does not stop at 2am.

## Quick facts

- **Country:** Georgia
- **Currency:** GEL (₾)
- **Time zone:** +1 שעה מול ת״א (UTC+4)
- **Language:** גאורגית · אנגלית ורוסית נפוצות בתיירות
- **Power plug:** C / F · 220V (כמו בישראל, בלי מתאם)
- **Visa for Israelis:** אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים, עד שנה שלמה עם דרכון בתוקף
- **Safety:** בטוחה מאוד, גם בלילה. הזהירות היחידה: כבישי ההרים
- **Main airport (IATA):** BUS
- **Trips from:** ₪2,390 / 5 nights
- **Traveler rating:** 4.7/5

## Best time to visit

- **Recommended months:** June, July, August, September
- **Peak season for Israelis:** The Israeli peak is July-August during the school holidays, when the boulevard speaks Hebrew and seafront hotels sell out two months ahead; Sukkot and Passover are the second wave. Swimming season runs June to September, and winter in Batumi is very rainy.

## Weather by month

Measured in Batumi.

| Month | Avg. temp | Conditions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ינו | 10°C | Cool |
| פבר | 10°C | Cool |
| מרץ | 12°C | Cool |
| אפר | 16°C | Recommended |
| מאי | 20°C | Recommended |
| יונ | 24°C | Excellent |
| יול | 27°C | Excellent |
| אוג | 28°C | Excellent |
| ספט | 25°C | Excellent |
| אוק | 20°C | Recommended |
| נוב | 16°C | Recommended |
| דצמ | 12°C | Cool |

## Where to stay

- **Old Boulevard and the Old Town** — Best for: Couples, casino lovers and anyone who wants restaurants and evenings on foot. The heart of Batumi: Rustaveli Street with the Hilton, Sheraton and Radisson Blu and a casino in each, the Piazza, Europe Square, the port and the fish market all within walking distance. The most convenient location, but in July-August the loudest and priciest, so pick a high floor away from the street.
- **New Boulevard** — Best for: Families and groups who want an apartment with a kitchenette and the sea at the door. The tower strip along Sherif Khimshiashvili Street: Orbi City, Euphoria and hundreds of holiday apartments in new buildings, a wide beach, Retro and Metro City Mall downstairs. Much cheaper than the Old Boulevard and very Israeli in summer, but a 5-10 minute Bolt from the Piazza and some towers are still under construction.
- **Gonio and Kvariati** — Best for: Families with small kids and anyone here for clean, quiet sea. 15-20 km south of the city, beach villages with small hotels, guesthouses and fish restaurants on the sand, far clearer water than the city beach and Gonio Fortress around the corner. Peaceful and a real holiday feel, but evenings mean a Bolt back to Batumi (₪25-40) or a marshrutka, and there is no casino nearby.
- **Sarpi** — Best for: Young travelers and couples after the clearest water and total quiet. The last village before the Turkish border crossing, with a small beach between the cliffs, green-clear water and just a handful of guesthouses and restaurants. Perfect for two days of switching off, but far from everything: 30-40 minutes to Batumi, and without a car or Bolt there is little to do after dark.
- **Makhinjauri and Green Cape** — Best for: Couples and older travelers who prefer views, greenery and quiet close to town. Batumi's northern side, 10 minutes from the boulevard: hillside hotels with bay views, small quiet beaches below the Botanical Garden and Tsiskvili Batumi on the way. A green, relaxed vibe with no towers, but you need a Bolt for every outing and not every beach is reachable on foot.
- **Chakvi and Tsikhisdziri** — Best for: Families who want a resort with a pool and an all-inclusive feel. 15-20 km north of the city, among tea plantations and the ancient Petra Fortress: big resort hotels with pools, private beach and kids' programs, such as Castello Mare. The sea is clean and parking easy, but this is no longer Batumi: the boulevard and casinos are 25-30 minutes away, and without a car you depend on hotel shuttles.

## Getting around

- **Airport to city:** Batumi Airport (BUS) is only about 6 km south of the center, toward Gonio. A Bolt from the airport to the boulevard costs ₪12-25 and takes 15-20 minutes; bus 10 stops outside the terminal and reaches town for ₾1 (about ₪1.5), and many hotels offer a transfer for ₪60-100. If you land in Kutaisi it is about 2.5 hours by shared shuttle (₪60-90 per person) or taxi (₪300-400), and from Tbilisi the fast train reaches Batumi station in about 5 hours for ₪40-80.
- **Do you need a car?** No. In Batumi itself everything is on foot or by Bolt, and summer parking on the boulevard is a nightmare. A rental or a driver for a day or two only pays off for mountain outings (Makhuntseti, Mtirala) or the southern beaches (Gonio, Kvariati, Sarpi), and even there cheap marshrutkas and Bolt will do.
- **Transport tips:** Download Bolt before landing, and on summer evenings order the ride five minutes before you are ready because wait times stretch. Marshrutka 16 runs from the center to Gonio, Kvariati and Sarpi for ₾1.5-2 and stops wherever you ask, and for a boulevard ride rent a bike at the BatumVelo stations (₾1 an hour) or an electric scooter.

## What it costs (for Israeli travelers)

- **Round-trip flight from TLV:** ₪900-1,900 (summer peak: more)
- **4-5 night package per person:** ₪2,400-4,500 (flight + hotel)
- **Mid-range hotel nightly:** ₪250-500 (double room)
- **5-star hotel nightly:** ₪600-1,100 (on the boulevard)
- **Restaurant meal:** ₪40-90 (per person)
- **Local beer:** ₪10-18
- **Coffee:** ₪8-14
- **Bolt ride in town:** ₪8-20
- **Driver with car per day:** ₪350-600 (mountain day)
- **Casino entry:** Free (passport required)
- **Daily budget per person:** ₪250-450 (excluding flight)
- **Family of 4, 5 nights:** ₪12,000-20,000 (all-in)

## Kosher food, Chabad & Jewish community

- **Chabad house:** Chabad of Batumi runs year-round and scales up in summer, with a minyan, Shabbat and holiday meals and a warm welcome for the thousands of Israelis who arrive during the school holidays; register for the Shabbat meal by Thursday. The city also has an active synagogue on Vazha-Pshavela Street (Batumi Synagogue), a beautiful 1904 building worth a visit even midweek. — Rating 4.8/5 (1,005 reviews) · Address: 10 Vakhtang Gorgasali St, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=3938751986586595668) · [Website](http://chabadbatumi.ge/)
- **Kosher food:** Batumi has no supervised kosher restaurant apart from the Chabad House kitchen, which provides kosher meals on pre-order and serves on Shabbat. Most Israelis fill in with salads, vegetables, bread and fruit from the market and packaged products with kosher marks from Carrefour and Nikora, and some bring food from home; khachapuri and vegetarian Georgian dishes are everywhere, but they are not kosher.

## Attractions

- **Batumi Boulevard** (Duration: A full evening) — Rating 4.8/5 (15,529 reviews) · Address: 1 Nikoloz Baratashvili Street, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9499721919345703217) · [Website](http://www.boulevard.ge/)
- **Ali and Nino Statue** (Duration: 20-30 minutes) — Rating 4.6/5 (28,942 reviews) · Address: MJ4V+66F, באטומי, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6533487441952877240) · [Website](https://batumi.ge/ge/)
- **Alphabetic Tower** (Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour) — Rating 4.3/5 (5,314 reviews) · Address: באטומי, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9605867678336137533) · [Website](https://www.airgeo.org/regions/adjara/batumi/alphabetic-tower/)
- **Piazza Square** (Duration: 1 hour to a full evening) — Rating 4.6/5 (13,391 reviews) · Address: 12 Parnavaz Mepe St, Batumi 6000, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7440439568319112140) · [Website](http://piazzabatumi.ge/)
- **Europe Square** (Duration: 30-45 minutes) — Rating 4.7/5 (11,966 reviews) · Address: 29 Memed Abashidze Ave, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6223979625012777078) · [Website](https://madloba.info/ka/batumi/architectural-landmarks/europe-square/)
- **Argo Cable Car** (Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours) — Rating 4.6/5 (16,420 reviews) · Address: 1 Bako Street, Batumi 6010, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=17774162145929967733) · [Website](https://argo-batumi.ge/)
- **Batumi Dolphinarium** (Duration: 1.5 hours) — Rating 4.8/5 (12,887 reviews) · Address: 51 Rustaveli Ave, Batumi 6000, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16051990915821461367) · [Website](http://dolphinarium.ge/)
- **Batumi Dancing Fountains** (Duration: 45 minutes (from 21:00)) — Rating 4.4/5 (224 reviews) · Address: Dancing Fountains, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=17134417733871797026)
- **Gonio Fortress** (Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours) — Rating 4.5/5 (6,675 reviews) · Address: HHFF+868, Senaki-Poti (Bypass)-Sarpi (Republic of Turkey Border), Poti, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5526848821056374421)
- **Sarpi Beach** (Duration: Half a day) — Rating 4.5/5 (435 reviews) · Address: Sarpi Beach, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4260747724829274637)
- **Makhuntseti Waterfall** (Duration: Half a day (with the drive)) — Rating 4.6/5 (11,022 reviews) · Address: HVF5+WCJ, Zeda Makhuntseti, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7686817100066116099)
- **Mtirala National Park** (Duration: A full day) — Rating 4.7/5 (3,222 reviews) · Address: MV6H+M57, Chakvistavi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=463773080205546644) · [Website](http://apa.gov.ge/)

## Restaurants

- **Retro** (רחוב שריף חימשיאשווילי, הבולווארד החדש, ₪₪) — Where every Israeli in Batumi takes the photo: a huge Adjarian khachapuri with egg and butter, served at simple plastic tables a minute from the sea. Order one for two, add a tomato-cucumber salad and Georgian lemonade, and arrive before 13:00 to skip the queue. — Rating 4.2/5 (6,429 reviews) · Address: თაყაიშვილის 10, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4728209932790117841) · [Website](http://www.retro.ge/)
- **Porto Franco** (הבולווארד הישן, ליד הנמל, ₪₪₪) — A big, roomy Georgian restaurant by the old port with khinkali, charcoal skewers, pkhali salads and live music almost every night. Great for groups and families who want a full Georgian evening without going anywhere, and the waiters are used to Hebrew. — Rating 4.4/5 (1,545 reviews) · Address: 40 Konstantine Gamsakhurdia Street, ზუბალაშვილის ქუჩა, ბათუმი 6010, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2752280658258761597) · [Website](https://www.facebook.com/RestaurantPortoFranco/)
- **Sanapiro** (הבולווארד הישן, על הטיילת, ₪₪₪) — Right on the water at the end of the Old Boulevard: fresh Black Sea fish on the grill, salads, khachapuri for the kids and the sunset on your plate. In summer book an outdoor table a day ahead; it is one of the few places where you eat with your feet almost in the sea. — Rating 4/5 (1,919 reviews) · Address: Restaurant, Gogebashvili St, Batumi 6000, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4347005567290208191)
- **Munich Beer Garden** (הבולווארד, ליד הפארק, ₪₪) — A large beer garden with wooden benches under the trees, Georgian and imported beer on tap, grills, sausages and sharing platters. Israelis come here after a beach day for an easy meal and a football match on the big screen. — Rating 4.5/5 (1,938 reviews) · Address: 8 Merab Kostava St, Batumi 6000, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15824587624361170109) · [Website](https://munich.invite.ge/)
- **Ukrainochka** (רחוב רוסתוולי, מרכז העיר, ₪₪) — A legendary Ukrainian restaurant in central Batumi, with borscht, potato-and-mushroom varenyky, Olivier salad and soups straight out of grandma's kitchen. Waitresses in traditional dress, huge portions and prices that surprise on the good side. — Rating 4.2/5 (3,825 reviews) · Address: 6010, Sherif Khimshiashvili Ardagani Lake, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2900467392635925474) · [Website](https://facebook.com/pg/UkrainochkaRestoran)
- **Chacha Time** (מרכז העיר, ליד הבולווארד, ₪₪) — Modern Georgian cooking at fair prices: cheese-and-mushroom khinkali, ojakhuri, lobio in a clay pot and local chacha tastings at the table. A good first-night spot when you want to taste everything without overthinking it. — Rating 4.7/5 (1,639 reviews) · Address: 45 Giorgi Mazniashvili St, Batumi 6010, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=14854617013002770078) · [Website](https://www.instagram.com/chachatime.batumi?igsh=aHdobzFpYWw4aTVi)
- **Heart of Batumi** (העיר העתיקה, ₪₪) — A family-run restaurant in the Old Town that became an Israeli favorite thanks to owners who work the tables and home-style Georgian cooking: Megrelian khachapuri, khinkali, salads and kharcho soup. Book ahead on summer evenings, there are only a few dozen seats. — Rating 4.6/5 (5,620 reviews) · Address: 11 Giorgi Mazniashvili St, Batumi 6010, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5665222092725758856) · [Website](https://sites.google.com/view/batumisguli)
- **Tsiskvili Batumi** (כביש מחינג׳אורי, צפונית לעיר, ₪₪₪) — The Batumi branch of the famous Tbilisi restaurant: a water mill, a small river, dancing and live music, and every classic from skewers to mchadi. The pick for families and groups on a festive night, 10 minutes by Bolt from the boulevard. — Rating 4.4/5 (36 reviews) · Address: Village Erge, Batumi 6400, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=10323295286093745218)
- **Mendi's Batumi** (מרכז העיר, ליד בית חב״ד, ₪₪) — Chabad Batumi's mehadrin kosher restaurant (under Rabbi Kozlovsky, mashgiach on site): meat, kosher khinkali and skewers, Israeli dishes for the kids, and Shabbat meals by advance registration. The real solution for kosher travelers in Batumi, packed with Israelis in summer. — Rating 4.7/5 (93 reviews) · Address: 10 Vakhtang Gorgasali St, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2486779741662391848) · [Website](https://kosherbatumi.ge/)
- **Terrassa Askaneli** (רחוב רוסתוולי 40, על הטיילת, ₪₪₪) — Askaneli winery's upscale terrace facing the sea: refined Georgian cooking, fish, the estate's wines by the glass and the sunset from your table. Batumi's celebration dinner for couples and anyone wanting something more polished than a tavern. — Rating 4.3/5 (1,153 reviews) · Address: 40 Rustaveli Ave, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7745174608801293196) · [Website](http://terrassaaskaneli.ge/)
- **Khinkali House N1** (רחוב 26 במאי 7, מרכז העיר, ₪) — Batumi's cheap and good khinkali downtown: meat, cheese or mushroom by the piece, salads and lemonade, a full meal under ₪30. The families' quick fix between the beach and the boulevard. — Rating 4.3/5 (2,425 reviews) · Address: N7 26 May St, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4141782442723832497) · [Website](https://khinkalihousen1.ge/)

## Nightlife

- **Mandarin Batumi** — Beach club with DJs — Rating 4.6/5 (100 reviews) · Address: 40 Memed Abashidze Ave, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4882878558331372864) · [Website](https://www.clubhousemandarin.com/)
- **Iveria Beach** — Beach club — Rating 4.2/5 (1,146 reviews) · Address: Miracle Square, near the Alphabet Tower, Seafront Promenade, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2016960097170976908) · [Website](http://www.iveriabeach.ge/)
- **Take Five** — Jazz bar & club — Rating 4.5/5 (56 reviews) · Address: MJ2J+W5G, באטומי, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15878425386078875858)
- **Moon Night Club** — Club — Rating 3.9/5 (347 reviews) · Address: 1 Lech and Maria Kaczynski St, Batumi 6010, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2505014348194766669) · [Website](https://www.instagram.com/moon.night.club/)
- **Senate Night Club** — Upscale club — Rating 4.4/5 (315 reviews) · Address: 14 Sherif Khimshiashvili St, Batumi 6010, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12107887856903466334) · [Website](https://senateclub.ge/)
- **SOHO Batumi** — Club — Rating 2.7/5 (379 reviews) · Address: old boulevard, Batumi 6000, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4250376182400771426) · [Website](https://www.facebook.com/NewSohoBatumi/)
- **Discorium** — Club till 4am — Rating 3.1/5 (58 reviews) · Address: 17 Rustaveli Ave, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=14777099913844044655)
- **360 Sky Bar** — Rooftop bar — Rating 4.4/5 (1,348 reviews) · Address: MJ2J+94F, Rustaveli Ave, Batumi 6000, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12672988061149878157) · [Website](http://www.360skybar.com/)
- **Vinyl Bar** — Live-music bar — Rating 4.7/5 (162 reviews) · Address: 12 Nodar Dumbadze Street, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2487755643471817421) · [Website](https://m.facebook.com/Vinyli-147005968648505/)

## Casinos

- **Casino International Batumi** (In hotel Sheraton Batumi Hotel) — Batumi's famous casino at the Sheraton: roulette, blackjack and poker all night, shows, and packed with Israelis in July-August. Free entry with a passport. — Rating 4.4/5 (341 reviews) · Address: 40 Rustaveli Ave, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12305559975354730752) · [Website](http://www.cibatumi.com/)
- **Eclipse Casino** (In hotel Hilton Batumi) — Modern and polished at the boulevard Hilton, VIP tables, a bar and sea views; hotel guests just take the elevator. — Rating 4/5 (790 reviews) · Address: 1, 6010 Lech and Maria Kaczynski St, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=10123030167910443832) · [Website](https://eclipse.casino/)
- **Casino Peace** (In hotel Radisson Blu Hotel Batumi) — Pleasant and less crowded at the Radisson, low table minimums and a calm room, good for a first night. — Rating 3.4/5 (196 reviews) · Address: 2/21 V.Pshavela,Ninoshvili Batumi, Batumi 6000, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15258714209048393678) · [Website](http://peacebatumi.com/)
- **Leogrand Hotel & Casino** (In hotel Leogrand Hotel) — A big casino at the Leogrand hotel with plenty of slots, poker tournaments and drinks for players. — Rating 4.3/5 (3,154 reviews) · Address: 2/4 Shavsheti St, Batumi 6000, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=13362956457459453741) · [Website](https://welmondhotels.com/en/reservation)
- **Casino Iveria** (In hotel Euphoria Hotel Batumi) — The Euphoria hotel casino on the New Boulevard, convenient for anyone staying in the towers. — Rating 4/5 (458 reviews) · Address: 1 Ninoshvili St, Batumi 6000, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7283796025020396720)

## Shopping

- **Batumi Mall** (Mall, Area: City center) — Batumi's veteran mall with Turkish and European brands, a Carrefour and a cinema; Israelis come on a rainy day or for a clothes run before the flight. — Rating 4.1/5 (8,524 reviews) · Address: 88 Zurab Gorgiladze St, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=14755356612016054060) · [Website](https://www.facebook.com/BatumiMall.ge/)
- **Metro City Mall** (Mall, Area: New Boulevard, the towers complex) — A shiny new mall at the base of the New Boulevard residential towers: fashion brands, a food court, supermarket and kids' play area, walking distance from the hotels. — Rating 4.2/5 (1,849 reviews) · Address: Lech and Maria Kaczynski St, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5885690400836803477) · [Website](https://metrocity.ge/)
- **Grand Mall** (Mall, Area: Chavchavadze Avenue) — An indoor mall with fashion chains, sportswear and electronics at prices below Israel; a good place to replace a forgotten swimsuit or shoes. — Rating 4.5/5 (2,891 reviews) · Address: 29 Sherif Khimshiashvili St, Batumi 6000, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12489098280400112163) · [Website](https://grandmall.com.ge/)
- **LC Waikiki** (Brand store, Area: Inside the big malls) — The Turkish chain Israelis know from Tbilisi and Istanbul: cheap kids' and summer clothes, usually a third of the Israeli price. — Rating 4.4/5 (1,984 reviews) · Address: 42 Zviad Gamsakhurdia St, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12941404883583456928) · [Website](http://corporate.lcwaikiki.com/Magazalar)
- **Carrefour** (Market, Area: Batumi Mall and city center) — The big supermarket for snacks, Georgian wine at floor prices, packaged churchkhela and products with kosher marks; a good stop before a beach day. — Rating 3.6/5 (620 reviews) · Address: גאורגיה, Batumi, Lech and Maria Kaczynski St, Enter A · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2842521372794656466) · [Website](https://www.carrefour.ge/mafgeo/en/)
- **Batumi Fish Market** (Market, Area: By the port, Gogebashvili road) — The fish market where you pick a fresh fish at the stall, pay a few lari and hand it to the kitchen next door that grills it in fifteen minutes; the most Georgian and cheapest experience in town. — Rating 4.4/5 (9,382 reviews) · Address: באטומי, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=67551969952478731)
- **Batumi Boulevard Market** (Market, Area: The boulevard, by the park) — The souvenir, magnet, churchkhela and hat stalls along the promenade, where the kids spend the last lari of the trip. — Rating 4.3/5 (1,854 reviews) · Address: JMV4+F4W, באטומי, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4778717450937344237)
- **Batumi Central Market** (Market, Area: City center, by the bus station) — The big local market: spices, cheeses, fruit, honey and local tea at old-school prices; come in the morning with cash. — Rating 4.4/5 (176 reviews) · Address: 115 Chavchavadze St, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2309318770479662335)
- **Zara** (Brand store, Area: Batumi Mall / Grand Mall) — Batumi's Zara, less crowded than Tbilisi with a good summer range; check Bershka and Stradivarius in the same mall too. — Rating 2.1/5 (126 reviews) · Address: 29 Sherif Khimshiashvili St, Batumi 6000, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15775760973090304797) · [Website](https://www.zara.com/ge/en/stores-locator/zara-batumi-grand-mall-batumi-s16380)
- **Sport Master** (Brand store, Area: The big malls) — The sports chain where Israelis top up shoes, swimwear and beach gear below Israeli prices. — Rating 4/5 (37 reviews) · Address: Iraklii, 5 Irakli Abashidze St, Batumi 6010, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8430141624636541019)

## Suggested itinerary

1. **Day 1: The Boulevard, Ali and Nino and the Piazza** — Start in the afternoon on the Old Boulevard promenade: Europe Square, the Piazza and the pier, grabbing a sunbed on the beach facing the towers along the way. Toward sunset go up the Alphabetic Tower lift or the Ferris wheel and come down right at eight, when Ali and Nino begin to move. Dinner at Porto Franco by the port, then a cocktail on the Piazza with the live music.
2. **Day 2: The Botanical Garden and the Dancing Fountains** — Take a Bolt (15 minutes) to the upper gate of the Botanical Garden by nine, before the heat, and catch the internal electric cart to skip the climb. Come down for a swim in the clear water at Makhinjauri below the garden, and lunch at Tsiskvili Batumi on the way back. After a rest at the hotel head to Ardagani Lake for the dancing fountains show that starts at 21:00.
3. **Day 3: Gonio, Kvariati and Sarpi** — In the morning take a marshrutka or Bolt south to Gonio Fortress (45 minutes inside is enough), then on to Kvariati Beach, the quietest and cleanest around, with fish restaurants on the sand. Continue to Sarpi, the last beach before the Turkish border, where the sea is clearest and the young crowd jumps off the rocks. Back in town for Adjarian khachapuri at Retro, then a casino night at Casino International in the Sheraton.
4. **Day 4: The Mountains of Adjara** — A driver for the day (₪350-500) takes you up the Adjaristsqali river to Makhuntseti Waterfall and Queen Tamar's stone bridge; leave by nine to beat the tour groups. Continue to Mtirala National Park for a rainforest trail and the zipline over the stream, and taste wine and chacha at a village winery on the way. Return to Batumi for sunset on the boulevard and a light dinner at Munich Beer Garden.
5. **Day 5: A Family Day in Town** — Book tickets in advance for the noon show at the Dolphinarium (they sell out in August) and combine it with a stroll through neighboring 6 May Park and the boats on the lake. In the afternoon ride the Argo Cable Car for the view over the city and come down to the Old Town and Europe Square for ice cream. Evening at the fish market by the port: pick a fish, have it grilled in the kitchen next door and eat at a plastic table like the locals.
6. **Day 6: Shopping, Sea and the Last Night** — A morning of shopping at Metro City Mall or Batumi Mall (LC Waikiki for kids' clothes, Carrefour for wine and churchkhela as gifts), then a last noon on the sunbed in front of the hotel. After sunset a farewell dinner at Heart of Batumi in the Old Town. Last night at Sector 26 on the beach or the Take Five club, depending on mood and age.

## VAYULOR tips

- 💳 Pay in lari by card and decline conversion to shekels at the terminal; withdraw cash from a Bank of Georgia or TBC ATM inside a branch, and keep small notes for the market, marshrutkas and sunbeds.
- 🎰 Casino entry is free but only with a physical passport, not a phone photo; dress smart-casual, and the big hotel casinos serve free drinks to anyone seated at a table.
- 🌧️ Batumi is the rainiest city in Georgia even in August: pack a light rain jacket and quick-drying shoes, because a 20-minute afternoon downpour is routine and then the sun is back.
- 🏖️ The city beach is pebbles, not sand, so water shoes for the kids are a must; a sunbed and umbrella run ₾10-15 a day, and the cleanest water is at Kvariati and Sarpi, not in front of the towers.
- ⏰ In July-August the boulevard hotels sell out two to three months ahead and prices double; booking in February-March also saves on summer flights.
- 🧀 One medium Adjarian khachapuri is a meal for two: stir the egg and butter with a fork, tear from the edges and dip; do not order one each.
- 🚗 For a mountain day (Makhuntseti, Mtirala) book a driver through the hotel for ₪350-500 instead of a rental: the road winds, parking at the waterfall is tight, and on the way back you will want to taste chacha.
- ✡️ Chabad of Batumi hosts Shabbat meals even in crowded August, but you must register by Thursday; midweek kosher meals are ordered a day ahead.
- 📱 Load an eSIM before the flight or buy a Magti SIM at the airport kiosk (a few dozen shekels for 10GB); the free boulevard Wi-Fi exists but is too slow for navigation.
- 🌅 Ali and Nino move on a roughly 10-minute cycle and look best after dark when lit; the dancing fountains at Ardagani Lake start at 21:00 in summer, arrive fifteen minutes early for a good bench.

## Frequently asked questions

**Do Israelis need a visa for Batumi?**

No. Israelis enter Georgia, Batumi included, visa-free for stays of up to a year with just a valid passport.

**Are there direct flights to Batumi and how long is the flight?**

In summer and the holidays there are direct flights from Tel Aviv to Batumi (Israir, Arkia and Georgian Airways) of about 2.5 hours; the rest of the year most Israelis fly to Tbilisi or Kutaisi and continue to Batumi by train or shuttle.

**When is the best time to visit Batumi, and for how long?**

June and September are perfect in Batumi: warm sea, fewer crowds and reasonable prices, while July-August is the loud and expensive Israeli peak. Four to five nights cover the city, the southern beaches and a day in the mountains.

**How do you get around Batumi, do you need a car?**

No car needed: Batumi is done on foot, by bike along the boulevard and with Bolt at ₪8-20 a ride. Marshrutkas serve Gonio and Sarpi, and for the mountains you book a driver for the day at ₪350-600.

**How much does a Batumi holiday cost?**

A 4-5 night package in Batumi usually costs ₪2,400-4,500 per person including flights and a good hotel, and on the ground ₪250-450 a day covers food, entertainment and rides. A family of four for five nights spends ₪12,000-20,000 in total.

**Is Batumi safe for Israelis?**

Batumi is very safe, even at night on the boulevard, and Israelis are warmly received; just watch for pickpockets at the market and on crowded marshrutkas, and keep the usual casino and club common sense.

**Is there kosher food and a Chabad in Batumi?**

Yes, Chabad of Batumi offers a minyan, Shabbat meals and pre-ordered kosher meals, and the city has an active synagogue on Vazha-Pshavela Street. There is no supervised kosher restaurant, so kosher travelers rely on Chabad, supermarkets and food from home.

**How do the casinos in Batumi work?**

Entry to Batumi's casinos (Casino International at the Sheraton, Eclipse at the Hilton, Casino Peace at the Radisson, Leogrand) is free for tourists over 18 with a physical passport, dress is smart-casual, and drinks are free for players. Exchange for chips in lari or dollars and cash out before you leave.

**Where is the nightlife in Batumi?**

An evening in Batumi starts at the Piazza and the beach bars along the boulevard, moves on to the beach clubs Sector 26 and Iveria Beach or to Take Five, and ends at the big hotel casinos that stay open 24 hours.

**Is Batumi better for families or couples?**

Both: in Batumi families get the Dolphinarium, 6 May Park, the Ferris wheel and quiet beaches at Gonio and Kvariati, while couples get a romantic boulevard, waterfront restaurants, casinos and the Botanical Garden in the morning.

**What should I pack for Batumi?**

Swimwear and water shoes for the pebble beach, a light rain jacket because Batumi gets rain even in summer, one smart outfit for the casino, and good walking shoes for the Botanical Garden and Mtirala.

**What should I combine Batumi with?**

The Israeli classic is Batumi plus two or three nights in Tbilisi or Kutaisi, connected by the fast train or a driver; with a week and a half, add Kazbegi in the north as well.

## Book through VAYULOR

- [Flights to Batumi](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/flights/batumi)
- [Vacation packages to Batumi](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/packages/batumi)
- [Hotels in Batumi](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/hotels/batumi)
- [eSIM data for Batumi](https://vayulor.com/en/esim)
- [Web version of this guide](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/batumi)
- [המדריך הזה בעברית](https://vayulor.com/he/destinations/georgia/batumi.md)

_Last updated: 2026-09-06_  
_Source: VAYULOR (vayulor.com) — an Israeli travel platform: destination guides, flights, packages, hotels and eSIM. Prices on the site are live; any price in this document is an indicative starting price only._