Batumi The Modern and Nostalgic Face of the Black Sea
Batumi, the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara in Georgia, is a dynamic, rapidly changing port city on the eastern Black Sea, right next to the Turkish border. According to the observations of the "We Are Not Home" team, Batumi is not only a vacation destination, but also a cultural mosaic where surprising contrasts live in harmony.
1. An Architecture in a Time Tunnel: Soviet, Ottoman and European
The first thing that greets you when you step into Batumi is the extraordinary diversity of architecture. Like an open-air museum, the city is a mix of different eras at the same time:
European Touches: As a port city, the city has been under the influence of European merchants throughout its history. Italian-inspired squares (such as the Piazza) give the city a "Little Europe" feel.
Soviet Heritage and Ottoman Traces: Huge, gray apartment blocks from the Soviet era, symbols of the communist regime, rise on one side, while Ottoman-era mosques complement the city's skyline on the other.
Futuristic Skyscrapers: With the economic boom of recent years, ultra-luxury plazas and hotels reminiscent of Dubai have given the city a modern identity. Batumi looks like a city that both embraces its past and runs towards the future.
2. Georgia's "Bodrum": Sea and Entertainment
Batumi multiplies its population especially in the summer months with tourists coming from Tbilisi and neighboring countries. The city is considered the summer capital of Georgia.
Beaches: There is a long coastline and beaches in the city center. However, locals and connoisseurs prefer the Kvariati region, which is about 30 minutes from the center and the Turkish border (Hopa). It stands out for its cleaner sea.
Nightlife: Batumi is a city that lives not only during the day but also at night. With beach clubs along the coastline, wine houses, casinos and nightclubs in the city, it offers a lively entertainment life to its visitors.
3. Unique Nature: One of the Largest in the World
Batumi is not just concrete and sea; it has an incredible green texture.
Batumi Botanical Garden: It would be unfair to call it just a "garden"; this is a huge grove. It is home to more than 5,000 plant varieties brought from 6 continents. It takes about 1.5 hours to walk from one end to the other.
Mountain Villages: In the immediate vicinity of the city, there are wonderful hiking routes and mountain villages in the municipalities of Keda, Shuakhevi and Khulo, with vineyards and lush greenery.
4. Gastronomy and 8000 Years of Wine Culture
One of the most attractive aspects of a trip to Batumi is the food and drink culture.
Prices: Food and beverage prices are quite affordable compared to Turkey. This makes the city a gastronomic center for weekend getaways.
Wine: Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine and has an 8,000-year history of winemaking. The country grows 600 varieties of grapes, many of which are endemic. It is a ritual to experience this deep-rooted wine culture in Batumi.
5. Shopping and Economy
Batumi, being a border neighbor, works like a big "outlet" center for Turks.
Electronics: Prices of phones and other electronic goods are cheaper than in Turkey. Those living in the border region can go to Batumi as if they were shopping for groceries.
Hospitality: Despite the cheapness of food and drink, accommodation prices (especially in luxury hotels) can be a bit higher. Two main areas stand out for accommodation: Old Boulevard with its historical texture and New Boulevard with its modern hotels with sea views.
6. Communication and Security
No Language Problems: Due to its proximity to the Sarp Border Gate and the heavy flow of Turkish tourists, it is difficult to be a "foreigner" in Batumi. Almost 1 out of every 10 people working in the service sector can speak or understand Turkish. You can easily get around even without knowing English.
Security: In general, the crime rate is low and the streets (including at night) are peaceful. However, it is enough to show standard tourist caution against children and taxi drivers who ask for money from tourists in the port area.
In summary, Batumi is one of the most colorful escape routes with its visa-free (with ID), affordable prices, familiar and exotic culture.