In this blog I will review the travel experience with my parents + my three sisters (this time the children and brothers-in-law stayed at home) in stunning Batumi.
Bottom line – we arrived without too many expectations and were very pleasantly surprised. Batumi has become a very attractive site for Israelis two hours away at a ridiculous price.
You can find interests (also for children - there is no doubt that this is an attractive destination for children) and together with proper planning you will enjoy an amazing trip that will be remembered for many years without breaking the bank.
Trip highlights:
Hotel - We stayed at the Wyndham hotel which is strategically located, close to everything, good breakfast, large rooms and.... There is a casino in the hotel for those who want to (and there are those who would not want to, but we will not expand on that in this ๐ blog)Transport - in Batumi Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of the hotel on the beach strip. We took a driver who was pre-booked
Safety - the standards of safety are very different in Batumi; let's say that a helmet is not mandatory, the bridges are without railings, the cows roam freely on the roads, and Traveling with an ATV only on the road and not on dirt roads and more... So, watch out
Modernization – Batumi is a combination of old and new, on the one hand luxury hotels and progress, and on the other hand railway neighborhoods of yesteryear, with laundry ropes between buildings, stamp toilets in some places, cars with steering wheel on the right, and those with a steering wheel on the left, cows that walk most of the roads for pleasure.... Shortcut..... Charming!
To illustrate, take a look at this picture that shows the Batumi skyline and its development over the past years.
The Dolphinarium of Batumi is located not far from Batumi Boulevard, it is one of the oldest public parks in the whole of Georgia. It contains within its boundaries a series of pleasant and peaceful family recreation complexes such as Lake Nurgili where you can sail by boat, a municipal zoo and children's trains that offer a tour around the park. But the biggest and most recommended attraction here is the Batumi Dolphinarium, which is considered especially popular. In the Dolphinarium amphitheater, a spectacular dolphin show is held 3 times a day, in which the tame dolphins, together with their trainers, demonstrate to the audience their best juggling. The show is delivered to the audience in three languages: Russian, English, and Georgian. In addition, you can also have an extraordinary experience here: swimming together with the dolphins living in the dolphinarium, a unique attraction that can be a magical memory for a lifetime, for you and your child.
Arrival at Batumi airport after evening flight, small old-fashioned airport, short walk from the plane and you are in the terminal. Get on the shuttle to the hotel and settle in at the Wyndham Hotel. Since we were hungry, we walked to the Sheraton Hotel and went up to the restaurant Sheraton Restaurant – 360 degrees
Sheraton Batumi Hotel is a 5-star hotel, located in the city center of Batumi. On the 20th floor of the hotel you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views.
Please note 1: do not arrive after dark; there is a reflection of the restaurant, and almost nothing is seen.
Please note 2: Since this is our first culinary experience in Batumi, we really enjoyed the food. The price is about 30% less than in Israel, but in retrospect, it is more expensive than in other restaurants
If you think that Batumi is a collection of modern buildings and modern attractions only, you should head to Europe Square, where you can see that the city itself also has a considerable historical heritage. The square and the surrounding buildings present a fine reconstruction of the city as it looked during the 19th century, when its port was a central part of the oil route that led from the Caspian Sea to Europe. In the square you will find the impressive statue of the Greek goddess Medea, which serves as a symbol of Georgia's ancient ties with Europe and other ancient cultures. At Europe Square you can relax a bit and enjoy the many restaurants and cafes scattered around the place.
Address: Memed Abashidze Ave, Batumi
4. Astronomical Clock
The Clock location is on the northeastern side of Europe Square is the Astronomical Clock, which shows the local time and position of the Moon and Sun, the horizon, sunrise and sunset, the age of the Moon, and its motion around the Earth.
Address: Memed Abashidze Ave, Batumi
5. Piazza of Batumi
Old Town Square, where the Church of San Nicolas is located - an amazing Russian cathedral worth a photo.
Address:12 Parnavaz Mepe St, Batumi
6. Argo Cable Car
If you want to see all of Batumi at a glance from a bird's eye view, there is no better way to do it than by taking a fun ride on the Argo Cable Car, which departs from Batumi Port and climbs about 2.5 km to the top of Mount Anoria near the city, about 250 meters above sea level. During the cable car ride you can enjoy a high view of the green landscapes of the city. The spires of churches and the roofs of houses all blend together with the endless expanses of the Black Sea and breathtaking views that unfold before your eyes as the cable car makes its way over the city
At the end of the ride, you reach an observation post, where there is a cafรฉ, toilets, and a professional photographer
7. Statue of lovers Ali and Nino
Ali and Nino are a famous lover, one a Muslim from Azerbaijan and the other a Christian Georgian princess, who fell in love and had a whirlwind affair, against the consent of their parents and surroundings, until Ali was tragically killed on the battlefields of World War I. This legend of lovers, a kind of local "Romeo and Juliet", was published in a book published in 1937 and became very well known in this region of the world. Inspired by the story of Ali and Nino, Georgian artist Tamar Kavitzadeh created this impressive "Statue of Love" in 2010, Its height is 8 meters, which also serves as a first-class artistic installation. This is a wonderful sculpture that includes two figures, a man and a woman, and an automatic mechanism that allows them to be moved towards each other, until they merge into each other and their different parts seem to pass through each other. Every day, at 7 p.m., the mechanism is activated and Ali and Nino's love show, which lasts about 10 minutes, gets underway. The spectacular lighting that illuminates the show changes colors and shapes, breathes life into the two sculpted figures and manages to evoke a lot of emotion, especially if you know the story of Ali and Nino.
Adjacent to the statue of Ali and Nino and the tower of letters is the Ferris wheel.
Please note, in the plaza of the complex there are charlatans with animals for photography (parrots, monkeys), as soon as you close a price with them for photography (5 lari, asked for 10) they "push" the animals one by one to you so that you pay as much as possible. Be careful!
The Georgian language, especially the Georgian script, is very unique and quite clearly differs from the Latin script common in Europe and even from the Cyrillic script common in Russia and the former Soviet Union. The Georgian alphabet has an interesting and unique shape, and in 2016 the United Nations Cultural Organization, UNESCO, recognized the Georgian alphabet as an intangible cultural heritage symbol. Batumi Alphabet Tower, At 130 meters high, this symbol is displayed in the form of 33 letters of the alphabet made of aluminum, each 4 meters high, hanging together along the tower in a DNA form that illustrates how language and writing are an inseparable part of the heritage of the Georgian people. It is worth coming here to see this interesting exhibit created in 2010, as well as to ascend by elevator located in its center to the top of the tower, where there is an observation post overlooking Batumi and the Black Sea and a restaurant.
In 2010, a series of colorful fountains were built on the lake that are activated every evening and create a spectacular audiovisual show of water cannons, colorful laser lights and huge holograms, to the delight of the large audience that gathers there to witness this successful attraction suitable for parents and children alike.
Address: Dancing Fountains, Batumi, Georgia
11. Batumi Boulevard and the Seaside
It is likely that sooner or later you will find yourself strolling on Batumi Boulevard, the beating heart of the city. These avenues were inaugurated in 1884 and stretch for 6 km very close to the city's coastline, and therefore also serve as the urban promenade. The boulevards are lined with trees, walking paths, fountains, restaurants, cafes and pubs. From Batumi Boulevard you can always go down to the town's beach, where you can take a dip in the Black Sea and enjoy various water sports attractions. Although not covered with golden sands, but studded with rocks and stones, the town's beach is still popular and crowded, especially from July to August
Address:1 Nikoloz Baratashvili Street, Batumi
12. Batumi Botanical Garden
If you are a lover of nature and greenery, who aspire to get out of the busy city a bit, get to know an endless variety of flowers and plants from all over the world and witness amazing marine landscapes, the Batumi Botanical Garden is the recommended attraction for you. This spacious garden, with a total area of about 1.1 square kilometers, was founded in 1912 and is considered one of the largest and most diverse in the world in terms of vegetation. In this large garden, countless plant species grow together, coming from completely different climatic zones and habitats, from all over the world. The Botanical Garden has a huge variety of flowers and plants that characterize different continents and geographical regions such as East Asia, North and South America, Ukraine, the Middle East, the Caucasus and more. In addition to everything, the garden also serves as a wonderful vantage point for the wonderful views of the Black Sea.
Please note that in the Botanical Garden there is a train that takes a quick tour of the garden of about 30 minutes instead of 2++ hours that it will take to walk.
Just like Mini Israel, Little Georgia is adjacent to Batumi's Luna Park (which was closed, open only during the summer months from 15.6-15.9).
In 1898, the Russian Tsar, Nicholas II, agreed to the request of the Jewish community of Batumi to build a synagogue, and it was inaugurated in 1904. In 1929, the synagogue was closed by the Soviet authorities of the Soviet Union, and the building was used for sports competitions. However, in 1993, after the fall of communism, the remaining Jews in the city were allowed to return to the building to its original use. In 1998 the synagogue was extensively renovated, It was painted white and an impressive Star of David was set in the faรงade window. In 2011, the synagogue was declared a national heritage site (source: Wikipedia).
14. The Musical Garden
A favorite attraction that includes sculptures by well-known artists with background melodies of their songs. The garden is filled with trees decorated with a variety of creations.
๐Watch the Video๐
15. Mtirala National Park
We started the day in the Mtirala National Park with extreme trip.
Mtirala National Park is an amazing park, the route in which is not simple, medium level of walking, is not suitable for small children.
There are 2 trails, one short to the hidden lake and a long one to the waterfall.
Since my mother stayed, we didn't want to dry her so we chose the hidden lake, and between us, we already saw enough waterfalls.
The route begins with the passage of a house from one side to the other (cost 2 lari)
๐Watch the Video๐
After walking for about half an hour, we reached the hidden lake (some bathed, the water is frozen)
16. Makunuchiti Falls
An amazing nature site located about 40 minutes from Batumi, this is the first (and not the last) waterfall we saw in Batumi.
The Two Colors
River There are two rivers that connect in Mirevati, one is the รoru river coming from Turkey, the river is beautiful turquoise light blue color and it is worth photographing and it is joined by rivers that descend from Makhachla. Further towards Batumi connects the Adjara river and its color is brown and it shows beautiful 2 colors that do not mix
17. Waterfall Mirveti
Young Mamuka then continued driving on the iron bridge on the way to Mirvati Falls
๐Watch the Video๐
After walking for about 10 minutes, we reached Mirvati Falls
๐Watch the Video๐
๐Watch the Video๐
Sarpi Waterfall
And finally, we ended the day with a folklore evening, a local meal in a spectacular landscape, with authentic Georgian dance (the dancers in the video are the guests)
๐Watch the Video๐
After the folklore show, we went to the Turkish border to see the sunset.
We arrived at the hotel around 8pm tired but satisfied and went for a walk around the city and visited the casino
18. Ethnographic Museum
The museum is 20 minutes from the city. Kamel Turmanichi carved from wood for 38 years hundreds of different figures depicting the history of the Georgian people. There is a display of 4,300 items that are worth a look.
The place is nice and describes the history of Georgia, there is nothing to linger here for more than an hour, what is special is that all the exhibits were built by one person for 40 years (the tour is accompanied by a guide in English, the creator of the museum is on site and gives explanations).
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00
Food
Fish market
Quite an interesting concept, you arrive at the fish market and choose the fish you want, walk 50 meters and let the restaurant next door fry them.
Listen carefully!
3 sea bream + 3 sea bream + 1 salmon + drink for everyone (including the driver) + extras for 220 NIS.
Summary - Batumi was amazing, very authentic, cheap and mostly enjoyable, it was a very bonding family trip, and the trip exceeded all expectations.
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Hoping that you found the blog useful and helpful!
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