7 Days in Batumi: My Personal Journey Through the Pearl of the Black Sea

Day 1 – Arrival and Seaside Stroll

When I landed in Batumi, that familiar excitement of a new place washed over me. The air felt heavier here, humid, but refreshing and carried the faint smell of the sea. After checking into my accommodation and dropping off my bags, I opened the balcony door just to hear the waves roll in. That soft, rhythmic sound instantly set the tone for the week ahead.

By late afternoon, I made my way to the famous Batumi Boulevard, a 7 km stretch of palm-lined paths, contemporary sculptures, and small gardens. Walking there felt like gliding through a living postcard; cyclists zipped past, couples strolled hand-in-hand, and kids chased each other toward the sound of the water. The mix of modern architecture against the endless horizon of the Black Sea created a contrast I wasn’t expecting. The sea was calm that day, glimmering under the soft light of sunset.

As evening settled in, I reached the iconic Ali and Nino moving sculpture, a mesmerizing piece inspired by the tragic love story between a Muslim boy and a Christian girl. Watching the two metal figures slowly slide through each other, united and separated at once, felt strangely emotional. Nearby, the Alphabet Tower lit up in vibrant colors, celebrating Georgia’s unique script. I ended the night with dinner at a cozy local restaurant, tasting ajapsandali and grilled khachapuri while the sea breeze drifted in from the promenade.

Day 2 – Old Town Charm and Culture

My second morning began with a slow wander through Batumi Old Town, where cobblestone streets curve between pastel-colored buildings with wrought-iron balconies. There’s an old-world charm here that feels something a little European, a little Middle Eastern, and entirely Georgian. Each corner seemed to reveal a new mural, a tiny café, or a quirky sculpture tucked between centuries-old houses.

Soon I arrived at Piazza Square, which felt almost like stepping into a miniature Florence. The architecture here is unmistakably Italian in style, ornate mosaics, arched windows, and a tall clock tower anchoring the space. Musicians were practicing on the open-air stage as I wandered around, and their melodies echoed beautifully through the square. I grabbed a coffee from a nearby café, sat on the steps, and just watched life unfold around me.

A short walk away is Europe Square, home to the famous statue of Medea holding the Golden Fleece. The statue gleamed under the late-morning sun, symbolic of Georgia’s ancient ties to Greek mythology. In the afternoon, I visited the Batumi Archaeological Museum, where artifacts from prehistoric Colchis to the Roman era told the story of a region that has seen countless civilizations rise and fall. Seeing ancient coins, pottery, and weaponry so well preserved made the history feel tangible and alive.

Day 3 – Nature at the Botanical Garden

Day three was dedicated entirely to nature, and the Batumi Botanical Garden quickly became one of my favorite places on the entire trip. Located on the Green Cape, the garden spreads dramatically over hills overlooking the Black Sea. The moment I stepped inside, I felt as if I had entered a world of endless greenery and peaceful trails.

The garden’s layout is divided into areas representing different regions of the world—Japan, Australia, the Mediterranean, and more. Walking from one zone to another felt like crossing continents in minutes. I spent a long time wandering shaded paths lined with exotic plants, listening to birds chirping overhead and breathing in the scent of eucalyptus and blooming flowers.

At certain viewpoints, the trees opened up to spectacular panoramas of the sea below. The water was a deep, rich blue, contrasting beautifully with the green slopes of the garden. For a moment, I just stood there, appreciating the stillness. Later, when my legs needed a break, I hopped onto the electric train that loops through the garden, an easy and fun way to see more of the landscape without hiking every trail.

Day 4 – Day Trip to Mountainous Adjara

I set out early for a day trip into Adjara’s mountainous countryside, and the change of scenery was immediate. The city quickly gave way to dense forests, small villages, and winding roads that climbed into the hills. My first stop was Gonio Fortress, a Roman-era structure with thick stone walls and a rich archaeological legacy. Walking across its grounds, I imagined soldiers once standing guard here, watching over the ancient trade routes. The site is peaceful now, surrounded by greenery, but still carries an aura of historic significance.

From there, I continued deeper into the mountains toward Makhuntseti Waterfall, one of the region’s treasures. The sound of the rushing water grew louder as I approached, and soon the mist was cooling my face. The waterfall crashes into a clear pool, and people gathered around were snapping photos, picnicking, or simply admiring nature’s power. Just a short walk away is the Queen Tamar Bridge, an arched medieval stone bridge that looks straight out of a fairy tale. Crossing it, with the river rushing below, felt like stepping into another time.

To end the day, I visited a family-owned winery tucked into the hills. The air smelled of oak barrels and fermenting grapes, and the owners welcomed me with warm smiles and generous pours of local wine. Over a tasting session, I sampled varieties I’d never heard of before, paired with fresh bread, olives, and Georgian cheese. It was intimate, authentic, and the perfect way to close the day.

Day 5 – Adventure in Mtirala National Park

Adventure day arrived with an early morning start to Mtirala National Park, one of Georgia’s greenest and wettest regions. The road into the park winds through thick forests, and the humidity made the leaves glisten under the sunlight. As soon as I entered, I felt like I was stepping into a jungle with lush foliage everywhere, birds singing overhead, and streams flowing beside the trails.

I chose a moderate hiking route that led to a small lake and a waterfall. The path was muddy in sections (Mtirala is known for unpredictable rain), but the air was refreshing and cool under the canopy. The waterfall itself wasn’t enormous, but its surroundings made of ferns, moss-covered stones, and thick vines created an almost mystical atmosphere. I dipped my hands in the water, icy and clear.

For those craving more adrenaline, the park offers ziplining, ATV rides, and horse riding, and I couldn’t resist trying the zipline. Flying above the trees with the valley stretching beneath me was exhilarating. Before leaving, I reminded myself that food options here are limited and felt grateful I had packed snacks and plenty of water. Mtirala was wild, raw, and unforgettable.

Day 6 – Relaxation and Entertainment

After several busy days, I decided to slow down with a morning at Batumi Beach. The Black Sea was surprisingly warm, and the waves gentle enough for long swims. The shoreline buzzed with activity as jet skis revving in the distance, volleyball games on the sand, and families lounging under umbrellas. I couldn’t resist trying a jet ski myself, and speeding across the water gave me a rush that left me grinning for hours.

In the afternoon, I shifted gears and visited some of Batumi’s markets to pick up souvenirs, handmade crafts, local teas, Adjarian spices, and small gifts. Later I walked through Batumi Mall to cool off and browse shops. It felt good to enjoy some modern comforts after days of hiking and travel.

As evening settled in, I headed to the Batumi Dolphinarium, where talented trainers and dolphins performed a lively show filled with jumps, synchronized tricks, and splashes that delighted both kids and adults. For a more cultural alternative, the Batumi Drama Theatre also offers performances, and just standing near its grand entrance made me wish I had time to see a play too.

Day 7 – Culinary Delights and Farewell

My final morning in Batumi began with something I had been looking forward to all week—a Georgian cooking class. The instructor welcomed us into a kitchen filled with the aroma of fresh herbs and melted cheese. We learned how to shape khinkali with perfect pleats and prepare the irresistible Adjarian khachapuri, complete with its golden crust and gooey cheese-filled center. Making these national dishes with my own hands made me appreciate Georgian cuisine even more.

After our cooking session, I enjoyed a slow, lingering lunch at a seaside restaurant. The waves rolled steadily onto the beach, and the sun cast a warm glow across the water. I tasted one last plate of local dishes, savoring the flavors and the moment.

Eventually, it was time to head to the airport. As my taxi left the coastline behind, I felt a mix of satisfaction and nostalgia. Batumi had given me architecture, nature, adventure, culture, and food, everything I look for in a trip. And as I boarded my flight, I already knew I’d return someday.