14 Top Day Trips from Batumi – Forts, Hills, Wetlands & More

Batumi, a vibrant coastal city in Adjara renowned for its contemporary architecture and thriving nightlife, is the perfect place to explore the wonders beyond its borders. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast seeking untouched wilderness or a history buff hungry for ancient ruins, the diverse options for day trips from Batumi have something in store for every traveler.

While most travelers are fascinated by Batumi, they may not realize it is a great base to explore Adjara and its neighboring Guria and Samegrelo regions. Many beautiful destinations are easily reached from Batumi, eliminating the need for long hours on the road, and some are easily accessed with public transport. 

Whether you are up for hiking amidst stunning villages, exploring ancient Roman fortresses, drifting through the marshy wetlands of Georgia’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site, or relaxing on magnetic black-sand beaches, all are a few hours away. 

Having visited Batumi at least a dozen times, I have explored the area extensively to bring you my favorite X Batumi day trips. This carefully crafted post includes practical tips for getting around via public transport, a car, or a taxi.

Practical tips for unforgettable day trips from Batumi

Before listing all the fun Batumi day trips, one must know some practical tips on planning these trips. Whether you prefer guided tours, the convenience of private transfers, budget-friendly public transport, or the freedom of a rental car, there’s an option that suits your preferences.

Public transport: For those looking to explore Adjara and Guria on a budget, many day trips from Batumi listed below can be made using public transport, including city buses, intercity marshrutkas, and trains. 

While this option is one that I always choose, it has its disadvantages. Marshrutkas and buses have their schedule but are unavailable on the internet. Therefore, you’d need a bit extra planning to ensure a smooth travel. Double-check the timetables at the Batumi Bus Station or the Tourist Information Center next to Agro Cable Car. I’d advise you to go to the bus station and ask the drivers themselves. 

Depending on the destination, the public transport might go close to your desired spot, and then you’d need to walk a bit to reach the place. Sometimes, the driver will drop you off at the highway. 

Organized day tours from Batumi: For a hassle-free experience, consider joining a small group or book a private tour with a knowledgeable guide and convenient transfers. Websites like Get Your Guide and Viator offer a selection of tours in Georgia, including options for Batumi day trips.

Private transfers with GoTrip: If you desire the freedom of having your own transportation without being part of a tour and don’t feel like driving, GoTrip is the perfect solution. You’ll have complete flexibility to design your one-way or return route with unlimited stops along the way. You won’t have a guide, but most drivers help provide tips and information along the way. My favorite aspect of GoTrip is that it sets the price in advance after customizing my itinerary, and I don’t have to negotiate with anyone. 

Renting a car to go on day trips from Batumi: Renting a car gives you ultimate freedom and flexibility on your travels. Local Rent is an excellent platform for renting a car from local agents at the most reasonable prices compared to international companies. The website has all types of cards, including automatic or manual transmissions, 4WDs, and sedans.  

9 day trips from Batumi within Adjara

Batumi Botanical Garden and Mtsvane Kontskhi

Visiting Batumi Botanical Garden is one of the most popular Batumi day trips. The garden is located in Mtsvane Kontskhi, or Green Cape in English, around 9km from Batumi.

Sprawling over a vast expanse of approximately 108 hectares, the Batumi Botanical Garden, established in 1912, boasts an extraordinary collection of over 5,000 plant species. The garden, enchanting the senses with its diverse beauty, is thoughtfully divided into nine distinct floristic zones offering pleasant hiking trails and picturesque lookout points of awe-inspiring views of the Black Sea. 

With its well-marked pathways, information desks, and easily accessible maps, the garden ensures an enjoyable and informative experience. I particularly appreciated the descriptive plates for each plant, informing me of their names and unique characteristics.

Once you are done with the garden, descend to the Mtsvane Kontskhi Beach beneath the majestic cliffs to dip your toes or swim in the Black Sea. 

On your way back to Batumi, if you have yet to visit it, stop over at Batumi Fish Market and choose a fresh catch of the day. Visiting Fish Market is one of the must-do things to do in Batumi. You can either bring it home to cook or go to the restaurants adjacent to the market, where chefs will prepare your purchase to eat there. Alternatively, go directly to the restaurants behind the market – Fishlandia or Blue Wave are favorites of many.

• Batumi Botanical Garden opening hours: every day, 9 am – 7:30 pm
• Entrance fee: Georgian citizens and residents – 10 GEL, foreigners – 20 GEL

How to get to Batumi Botanical Garden from Batumi

There are several options to get to the botanical garden and Mtsvane Kontskhi. You can take Marshrutka no. 31 from the center directly; stand anywhere on Parnavaz Mepe Street hail once you see the number. 

There is also a marshrutka standing at Argo Cable car, a bus no.15 from Rustaveli Street, and a marshrutka no. 40 that drives through Chavchavadze Street. Buses no.10 and 10a follow Gogebashvili Street, stopping near the Dolphinarium and the Argo Cable Car.

Alternatively, you can have a flexible transfer to Batumi Botanical Garden via GoTrip with as many stops as you desire. The round-trip will cost around 24 USD.

Gonio Fortress and Sarpi

Transporting you back to the ancient era, the Gonio Apsaros Fortress is proof of the Roman legacy, dating back to the 1st century AD. 

This well-preserved fortification offers a journey through time by showcasing remains from diverse historical periods and revealing intriguing burial sites. 

Despite its compact size, exploring the fortress will take you on a mesmerizing adventure for an hour or so. 

If you are passionate about history and wish to immerse yourself in the exciting tales of the Gonio Fortress, consider a dedicated day trip led by a knowledgeable guide. This guided tour spans 7-8 hours, encompassing visits to the Gonio Fortress, Makhuntseti waterfall, and a delightful wine-tasting experience. Book via Get Your Guide or Viator. 

Once done wandering through the fortress, you can enjoy a relatively tranquil beach getaway at Sarpi. The coast, very close to the Turkish border, is my favorite place to swim in the Black Sea. Bring a beach towel, sunscreen, and everything you might need for a pebble beach getaway, as it has fewer amenities than Batumi Beach.  

If you are after learning more about the local culture, head to a small museum in Sarpi offering insights into the vibrant Laz community.

When returning to Batumi, you can stop at Kvariati’s Cafe Rakushkebi Fridastan. This cute cafe at the beach is a great lunch or dinner spot and a favorite for many locals, offering a wide array of local and international meals.

• Gonio Fortress opening hours: every day; 10 am – 6 pm. 
• Entrance fee: 5 GEL

How to get to Gonio Fortress from Batumi

Reaching the Gonio Fortress is easy, with multiple options, including taking bus number 16 or hopping on any marshrutka bound for Sarpi or Gonio from Chavchavadze or Abuseridze Streets. You can simplify transportation with a Batumi-Gonio-Sarpi-Batumi transfer via GoTrip for just 25 USD round-trip.

Petra Fortress

Passed Batumi Botanical Garden towards Kobuleti, another beach town of Adjara, lies Petra Fortress, a gorgeous site with historical significance and one of the top places to visit near Batumi.

In the 6th century, the Petra Fortress was commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, standing as a remarkable archaeological and historical complex in the region. Strategically positioned along the route that connected Georgia to Iran and Armenia, it once played a crucial role in the region’s geopolitics.

Today, wandering through the remnants of this ancient stronghold immerses you in its rich history while offering breathtaking vistas of the vast Black Sea. 

What makes Petra the most beautiful fortress for me is the lush greenery that gracefully coats half of its ruins, including a citadel, soldiers’ barracks, basilica, baths, and farmhouses. I find the terrace-like exterior, entirely taken over by plants, particularly enchanting.

• Petra Fortress opening hours: every day, 10 am – 6 pm 
• Entrance fee: 5 GEL

How to get to Petra Fortress

For a budget-friendly option, take one of the marshrutkas departing from Batumi Catholic Church of Holy Spirit to Kobuleti throughout the day. Marshrutkas going to Ureki and Poti from Batumi Intercity Bus Station may also stop close to Petra Fortress of Tsikhisdziri, so ask the driver beforehand. 

A train departs from Batumi to Kobuleti, but the ticket costs 31 GEL for the second class. In summer, the train runs several times a day, but your best option would be to take the morning one. 

To return to Batumi via marshrutka, stand at the highway right at the entrance of the Petra Fortress or the main road in Tsikhisdziri if you decide to stop at Shukura and wait for the transport towards Batumi.

For a more convenient option, book a transfer from Batumi to Petra via GoTrip, with prices starting from just 28 USD for a round-trip.

Shukura complex and mansions of Tsikhistdziri

You can certainly include this spot with your visit to Petra Fortress and explore this area as a separate day trip from Batumi or even Kobuleti. 

Tsikhisdziri seems to stand still in time, with abandoned mansions scattered on its hilly terrain. These marvelous architectural structures likely date back to Tsar Alexander II’s directive, rewarding distinguished commanders-in-chief with the coastal strip of Kobuleti after the Russo-Turkish War of the 19th century.

Some of these mansions are currently undergoing renovations, like sanatoriums in Tskaltubo, enclosed by fences guarded by workers who restrict entry. Fortunately, during our visit, these areas were unattended, allowing us to stroll through and appreciate the unexpectedly beautiful architecture of Tsikhisdziri. 

At one mansion, I noticed a sign of private property with ‘no trespassing’, but there was no fence and a security guy, so we walked around. These buildings are all pinned on my Google Maps list above.

Although information about these wealthy buildings is almost nonexistent, exploring them is absolutely worthwhile. As you cross the overgrown gardens and peek through windows and doors, you’ll catch glimpses of a bygone era when these mansions symbolized luxury.

If you embark on a mansion hunt in Tsikhisdziri and encounter a different situation, please don’t hesitate to contact me through social channels or the comments below before I update this post with more relevant information.

After your mansion adventure, unwind and dine at Shukura, a multifunctional space in Tsikhisdziri featuring a restaurant and an open-air pool. Occupying a former sanatorium, Shukura is a creation of the Adjara Group, known for establishments like the Rooms Hotel chain (Kokhta Bakuriani, Batumi, Kazbegi, and Tbilisi), Fabrika Tbilisi, Stamba Hotel, Udabno regenerative farming, etc.

During our visit, the pool area was closed for the season. At peak season, it also has a poolside bar. The management plans to renovate the sanatorium’s old rooms into a hotel by 2024. 

Shukura Cafe, separate from the pool area, is accessible via stairs leading to the Black Sea coast and utilizes former staff members’ buildings for its seating and kitchen spaces. The open kitchen, featuring a massive brick oven where chefs prepare the meals, is one of my favorite scenes to watch. 

This seasonal eatery is trendy in summer, offering flavorful regional and continental dishes such as Adjaruli Khachapuri, mussels in Thai sauce, Foccacia, salads, and appetizers. The cocktails are equally delightful. 

Afterward, you can follow the stairs down to the coast and then the banana tree line to discover Tsikhisdziri hidden beach. It is part of Shukura and provides sun lounges on a platform built over high rocks with direct sea access via stairs on opposite sides.

• Shukura Tsikhisdziri opening hours: Seasonal. Every day, 12 pm – 9 pm. 

How to get to Tsikhisdziri from Batumi 

To reach Tsikhisdziri from Batumi, take a marshrutka to Kobuleti and ask the driver to stop near the entrance turn of Castelo Mare Hotel, as indicated on my map above.

If you want to include this spot in your Petra Fortress visit, you can follow the highway back toward Batumi and then make a turn. Google Maps gives perfect walking directions. 

Alternatively, book at Batumi-Tsikhisdziri transfer with GoTrip for a more comfortable journey. Or here is a Batumi-Petra-Tsikhisdziri trip if you want to add a visit to the fortress, too. 

Chakvi for Chinese tea grower’s abandoned house

In the quaint coastal town of Chakvi once lived a Chinese tea grower, Lau Dzhen Dzhau, who traveled to Georgia from Zhejiang province to help set up and operate Georgian tea production. 

Perched along the Black Sea coast, with a backdrop of breathtaking sea views, Lau’s house stands abandoned for many decades. The castle-like building has only walls covered in overgrown vegetation. Inside, the roof is leaking during the rain. And because it doesn’t have windows or doors, it is full of trash and animal excrement. 

Walking inside, you notice nothing left here that once was valuable. Only a trace of a fireplace remains, and a few unsafe steps lead to the second floor. 

You’ll find a triple tea leaf on the floor at the main entrance. I always thought it was an original piece, but according to folks at the Tea Museum in Tbilisi, it was added later when the house was renovated once to be turned into a social space. Unfortunately, the project was stopped for whatever reasons. 

How to get Chakvi from Batumi

Chakvi is in the direction of Kobuleti, so you’ll need a marshrutka to Kobuleti. The building is visible from the highway, so ask the driver to stop once you see it in the vicinity. The exact location is also on my Google Maps list provided above. 

For convenience, you can book a transfer of Batumi-Chakvi-Tsikhisdziri-Petra-Kobuleti via GoTrip for only around 29 USD for a round trip.

Kobuleti and its UNESCO-listed Nature Reserve

Although you can add a visit to Kobuleti Nature Reserve on your way to Petra Fortress, I decided to list it separately.

This Nature Reserve stands as Adjara’s most underrated yet remarkable attraction, a true hidden gem that deserves to be on everyone’s radar. Not only is it unique within Georgia but also on a global scale, which led UNESCO to enlist it as its World’s Natural Heritage Site together with Kolkheti National Park in the Samegrelo and Guria, Kintrishi Protected Areas and Mtirala National Park of Adjara as part of the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands.

Abundant in botanical diversity, the Kobuleti Nature Reserve boasts a wealth of plant species, with many tracing their roots back to the boreal regions and arriving during the Ice Age of the Quaternary period. A myriad of peat mosses, predominantly showcasing a delightful variety of sphagnum species, adorn the Nature Reserve.

Unlike other wetlands, the peat moss remains uncovered by water and acts as a natural cloud, absorbing rainwater and expanding to 25 times its weight, like a super-absorbent sponge.

Squeezing the moss yields the purest, cleanest water, showcasing its incredible filtration capabilities. Even more astonishing is that this unique environment allows Kobuleti to avoid flooding during heavy rains. The Reserve sprawls across an impressive 770 hectares of unspoiled wilderness.

The Reserve is also home to Eurasian otters, jackals, and badgers, among other mammals. Amphibians include the Caspian and marsh turtles, common tree frogs, and various reptiles, including the European legless and striped lizards and dice and grass snakes.   

To explore the rare peat moss of Ispani I and Ipsani II, you can walk on a well-laid path and a short elevated boardwalk that winds through the Reserve, leading to a lookout tower where you can capture aerial photos of this enchanting landscape. 

The town of Kobuleti also offers a few interesting things to do besides the Nature Reserve. You can visit the tiny Kobuleti Museum to learn more about the city and the region and explore some still-standing Soviet-mosaic bus stops or sanatorium entryways, indulge in Black Sea fish and seafood at one of the restaurants, and relax on its beach, to name a few.

• Opening hours: always 
• Entrance fee: Free

How to Get to Kobuleti Nature Reserve

Similarly to Petra Fortress, taking a marshrutka to Kobuleti would be best. From there, hop on bus no.1 from Kobuleti’s center, and a short walk will bring you to the entrance. 

For more convenience, book a Batumi-Kobuleti transfer via GoTrip for just 29 USD for a round-trip. If you prefer to make the most of your day trips from Batumi, here is the Batumi-Tsikhisdziri-Petra-Kobuleti transfer. You can obviously change the order if you want. 

Makhuntseti waterfall and arched bridge 

Chasing Makhuntseti waterfall is one of the most popular day trips from Batumi. It is located in the tiny village of Makhuntseti in Upper Adjara, a mere 40 minutes away. Though a well-visited destination among tourists and large tour groups in the summer, the Makhuntseti waterfall remains a short nature escape from the bustling city.

Once you get to the village, the first thing that catches your eye is the arched stone Tamara bridge. It’s believed that the bridge dates back to the 12th century and has remarkable architectural craftsmanship. Then, follow the signs to the waterfall. It’s just a few minutes walk from the main road. 

The water cascades down a 36-meter-tall rock, creating a natural spectacle and a great photo spot.

How to get to Makhuntseti Waterfall 

Take a marshrutka from Batumi Intercity Bus Station to Makhuntseti, Shuakhevi, or Khulo. Marshrutkas depart daily from 8 am every 30 minutes or 1 hour, depending on the time of the day and the final destination. 

As always, ask the driver to drop you off at the waterfall. To go back to Batumi, stand on the main road and wait for the next marshrutka going to Batumi. 

A private transfer from Batumi to Makhuntseti via GoTrip will cost around 29 USD for a round-trip. If you want to join an organized tour including Makhuntseti waterfall, check out this Best Tour From Batumi day tour or this half-day Private Tour in Batumi and Tamari Bridge.

Khulo Cable Car and lunch at Glamping Tago

2024 summer update: temporarily closed for repair

For adventure enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience, the peaceful town of Khulo in Upper Adjara offers a historic cable car ride connecting Khulo to the charming village of Tago. If you are up for a slightly longer Batumi day trips, I highly recommend adding this to your Batumi itinerary.

Ranked as Europe’s second-longest free-span cable car, this attraction is an absolute must-do. A relic of the Soviet era, the cable car extends nearly two kilometers, flying 350 meters above the lush treetops, so brace yourself for a thrilling seven-minute ride over a beautiful valley below.

Once you arrive in Tago, hike around 20 minutes to Glamping Tago for even more spectacular views and savor a delicious meal at their Yurt restaurant, serving Adjarian and European vegetable dishes.

You can also walk through the Tago village itself on your way back to the cable car and peek inside its wooden mosque (more on them below). 

Remember, the cable car doesn’t run if it’s too windy or rainy. However, if you are still up for lunch and spectacular views at Glamping Tago, which I think you should, there will be taxis at the cable car station that can take you for around 40-60 GEL one way.

How to get to Khulo

To begin your Khulo adventure, hop on a marshrutka from Batumi Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes one way, with daily departures every hour from 8 am till 12 pm and then every 30 minutes until evening. 

The Khulo Cable Car operates from 9 am to 6 pm, with a one-hour break from 1 pm to 2 pm. And the best part? The round-trip journey costs just 5 GEL.

For a more convenient option, book a Batumi to Khulo transfer with GoTrip for 63 USD.

Wooden Mosques of Upper Adjara

In the picturesque hills of Upper Adjara, within the lush landscapes and tranquil villages, there are hidden architectural gems that few tourists or locals travel for – the wooden mosques. These gorgeous buildings hold a significant place in the local history and culture, representing the blend of Islamic heritage and Georgian traditions.

These wooden mosques of Upper Adjara exhibit a distinct architectural style that sets them apart from the more commonly seen stone or brick mosques found in other countries. 

The mosques, built entirely from timber, are stunning and perfectly represent the carpentry skills of the artists and the rich cultural heritage of Adjarian Muslims. There are at least 50 wooden mosques in Adjara; some still serve as places of worship, while others are inactive and abandoned. 

Each mosque, different from the others, is adorned with intricate wooden carvings, decorative motifs, and delicate details, making them true works of art.

The most significant one is the mosque in the village of Ghorjomi in Khulo Municipality, which will leave you in awe once you step inside! This active mosque, constructed in 1902 and then renovated in 1989, boasts five majestic domes and a sprawling prayer hall, making it the largest wooden mosque in the country. 

The town of Khulo also has another wooden mosque constructed in the 1960s, but unlike Ghorjomi, it’s more subtle and simple in design, with wood dominating the interior. If you go to the Tago village I mentioned above, stop by its tiny but impressive mosque that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. 

Another wooden mosque you can visit is 10km away from Kobuleti, in the village of Kvirike. The two-story building, built between 1865-66, is one of the oldest wooden mosques in Adjara. It is still active for Friday prayers but is closed on other days.

How to visit wooden mosques

The best way to visit these mosques from Batumi is to rent a car and DIY the trip to as many mosques as you want. If you take a marshrutka to Khulo, you can walk uphill to visit the Khulo Mosque. And if you take the Khulo Cable Car to Tago, you can quickly peek inside the Tago Mosque, too. 

When we stayed at Glamping Tago, I hired a taxi in Khulo to take me to Ghorjomi. Unfortunately, GoTrip doesn’t offer transfers here. While there are marshrutkas from Batumi to Ghorjomi, they are unsuitable for the day trip.

For the Kvirike wooden mosque, I hired a taxi in Kobuleti to take me and wait for me for a few minutes.

3 day trip options for Hiking near Batumi

For hiking enthusiasts, the national parks of Adjara offer many breathtaking trails and natural wonders to explore. 

Mtirala National Park is probably the best option for hiking near Batumi, just 30 kilometers from the city. The park is renowned for its lush, dense forests, spiraling mountain streams, and adorable rope bridges. 

In Georgian, the word ‘mtirala’ means ‘crying’ and indicates the frequent rainfall and high humidity that characterize the area. This naturally contributes to its dense and diverse flora and fauna, including the brown bears. 

Due to the park’s natural brilliance and ecological significance, it was enlisted as the Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2021, together with a few other national parks in Georgia, comprising Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands. 

To hike the Mtirala National Park, you’ll need to start your adventure at the visitor’s center in Chakvi village, where you should register and gather essential information before embarking on your journey.

Machakhela National Park, located south of Batumi along the Turkish border, offers a captivating blend of nature, local culture, and rich history. It is a favorite among those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience with fewer crowds than Mtirala. 

The landscape of Machakhela consists of fascinating rolling hills and lush greenery adorned with meandering streams, elevated lookout points, majestic waterfalls, and several quaint villages. The park also has various other landmarks, including a charming stone Tamari bridge (different from the Makhuntseti one).

Kintrishi Nature Reserve is further inland, at a higher elevation than Mtirala. Dramatic mountain ranges, deep gorges, and vibrant rhododendron bushes dot the landscape are what await you there. The Reserve boasts stunning stone bridges and the picturesque alpine beauty of Tbikeli Lake, accessible through a full-day 24-kilometer hike. If you wish to explore this natural wonder, having your car is advisable. Its remote location sets it apart from others, promising a more secluded and rewarding hiking experience.

How to get to these national parks

Except for Kintrishi, these national parks are slightly better connected to public transport. However, to save you time and energy, I highly advise renting a car to get to both the visitor’s centers and the entrance of the parks.

Local Rent is a company that offers affordable prices and a wide choice of cars. Alternatively, you can join organized tours. Here are options for Mtirala National Park and Machakhela National Park. If you feel more adventurous, you can join a Cycling Tour in Mtirala National Park.

2 day trips from Batumi to Guria and Samegrelo

Shekvetili magnetic beach and other attractions

Located 47 kilometers, Shekvetili is another excellent option for day trips from Batumi in the Guria region. This quaint village attracts visitors with its magnetic sand beach, offering a unique experience by the Black Sea.

Besides spending a leisurely day at the beach, you can do a bit of sightseeing in Shekvetili. Adjacent to the renowned Black Sea Arena, you’ll discover the peculiar Musicians Park showcasing 23 statues of both local and international artists paying tribute to music legends such as The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Bob Marley, Elton John, and Whitney Houston, among others. 

Walking near the statues, you hear their timeless melodies. While some sculptures may not perfectly resemble these public figures, guessing the artists without relying on their iconic tunes is pretty fun. 

In addition to the statues, the park has a fisherman’s cabin as a tourist attraction hidden behind the tall swamp plants. 

For those who love theme parks, Tsitsinatela, playfully named ‘firefly’ in English, features an array of approximately 40 diverse attractions for all ages, making it an ideal destination for families and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Adjacent to Tsitsinatela, Georgia in Miniature Park offers a delightful journey to discover the country’s iconic landmarks. From the iconic Abanotubani in Tbilisi to the majestic medieval defense towers of Svaneti, these exquisite miniatures are fun to admire Georgian architecture and heritage. 

How to get to Shekvetili

You’ll need to take a marshrutka towards Shekvetili from Batumi Intercity Bus Station. Those departing to Poti is an excellent option, and ask the driver to drop you off at Shekvetili near the Black Sea Arena. The beach and the Musicians Park are within walking distance. 

If you want to add Tsitsinatela and Georgia in Miniature Park, you need to walk 4.7 km or hail a taxi or marshrutka towards Kobuleti or Batumi. Remember to ask the driver to stop at Tsitsinatela. 

For a hassle-free and comfortable trip, book a GoTrip transfer, where prices start from just 31 USD per car for a round-trip.

Poti and Kolkheti National Park

While I believe you should spend at least two days in Poti, visiting this less-known Black Sea coastal town of Samegrelo is also doable as a day trip from Batumi.

Located about 70km from Batumi, Poti is mainly known for its seaport and mosquitos among locals. Yet, there’s much more to the city! It is the first ever city in Georgia created based on a plan that mirrored the Parisian layout and was even given the moniker of ‘Little Paris’ back in the day. Due to this European approach, Poti is full of gorgeous neo-Gothic architecture and a lighthouse whose materials were made in England. For more information and things to do in Poti, refer to my Poti travel guide.

Poti is also home to the unique Kolkheti National Park, which boasts one of Georgia’s most extraordinary landscapes. Lodged north of Batumi, this protected area spans nearly 34,000 hectares of wetlands and lakes, extending across the neighboring regions of Samegrelo and Guria.

The park, designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site as part of the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands, serves as a prime sanctuary for an array of water birds, attracting over 200 native and migratory species that find shelter in its diverse habitats. Besides the Javakheti region in south Georgia, this park is another renowned birdwatching destination.

Since the park is mainly a wetland, the only way of seeing it is by booking a guided boat tour of Lake Paliastomi and the Pichori River with the administration.

How to get to Poti and Kolkheti National Park

Marshrutka vans regularly depart from Batumi bus station to Poti throughout the day, starting from 8 am. If you have a visit scheduled to the park first, the marshrutka will pass by the visitor center, so you can ask the driver to stop there. From there, you can walk two kilometers or hail a taxi to the entrance where the boats go to the lake dock. 

Otherwise, follow it until you see the central cathedral in Poti and start exploring from there. GoTrip transfer from Batumi to Poti will cost you around 45 USD for the round-trip.