Places to Visit in Batumi by Car

The best places to visit in Batumi by car lie mostly outside the city: a waterfall, a Roman fortress, a national park and calmer beaches, all of them an easy drive from the centre.

What to see in Batumi itself

• Seaside Boulevard — a promenade several kilometres long, with the Alphabet Tower and the moving statue of Ali and Nino.
• Piazza Square — the heart of the old town, with cafés around the square and live music in the evenings.
• Europe Square — the second central square, with the statue of Medea; concerts and city festivals take place here.
• Batumi Botanical Garden — north of the centre, on a hill above the sea, with bamboo groves, eucalyptus trees and wide coastal views. The road up from the highway is steep, so arriving by car saves a tiring climb. Plan at least two hours for the garden itself.

The Piazza, Europe Square and the boulevard are close together, so see them on foot and keep the car for the trips out of town. In summer, the boulevard is at its best in the evening, when the heat eases.

Makhuntseti waterfall and Queen Tamar Bridge

A tall waterfall and an old stone arch bridge stand close to each other in the hills of Adjara. The road follows the river valley and is scenic all the way. It makes an easy half-day trip, and there are spots for a picnic by the water.

Go on a weekday morning if you want the bridge without a crowd of tour groups. In spring, after the snow melts in the mountains, the waterfall is at its fullest.

Gonio Fortress and Sarpi

Gonio is a Roman fortress near the Turkish border: its walls and towers survive, with excavations and a small museum inside. Further south lies Sarpi, the last village before the border, known for its clear sea and the striking modern building of the border crossing.

The coastal road is short and flat, so both places fit into one afternoon. Our cars can cross into Turkey only if you hold a Georgian residence permit, so plan Sarpi as a return trip. Gonio beach, right next to the fortress, is a good place for a swim afterwards.

Mtirala National Park

Humid subtropical forest, hiking trails, rivers and waterfalls — a day in the mountains instead of on the beach.

Roads near the park are narrow and winding, so allow extra time. Our insurance does not cover damage to tyres or the underbody anywhere, including mountain and gravel roads, and their repair is paid by the renter, so take rough stretches slowly. Bring waterproof shoes: Mtirala is known for its rain, and the trails are often muddy. Mountain roads are open to all our cars except premium models and low sedans, so pick a higher car for this trip.

Kobuleti

A resort with a long beach and a much calmer atmosphere than Batumi. If you want the sea without the crowds, it is an easy drive up the coast for the day.

The road north passes the Botanical Garden and Green Cape, so you can combine them in one trip. On the way back, the coast road is a good place to stop for the sunset. If you plan to stay in Kobuleti, see our page on car rental in Kobuleti.

Places to visit in Batumi by car: tips for the road

In high season, arrive at popular sights early — parking spaces fill up quickly. Keep water and a snack in the car: outside the season, cafés near waterfalls and trailheads are few.

Fill up in Batumi before heading into the hills: petrol stations are fewer away from the coast. Mileage is unlimited, so extra detours add no charge for kilometres. Download an offline map before heading into the hills, since the signal drops in places.

In short

Send a request through the Batumi car rental page with your dates and the places you plan to see.