Batumi on the Black Sea Tour: Border Crossing, Sightseeing and Practical Tips

Batumi is a seaside city in Georgia's Adjara region, very close to the Turkish border, and is visited on day four of our Black Sea tour, after Ayder Plateau. As the documents needed to cross the border can change, whether an ID card or a passport is required is confirmed with up-to-date information at the quote stage. In this article we explain how to prepare for your day in Batumi and what you will see in the city.

What kind of city is Batumi?

Batumi sits on a bay on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, where the mountains run down to the sea. Today it is a colourful, lively seaside city where old stone buildings stand side by side with recently built modern ones. With its long seafront boulevard, squares and buildings lit up at night, it offers quite a different atmosphere from the Black Sea coastal towns of Türkiye.

The city is used to visitors from Türkiye. In many places you may well meet people who speak Turkish.

Crossing the border

The overland crossing from Türkiye to Batumi is made at the Sarp border gate near Hopa, in Artvin province. This gate is one of the busiest crossing points between the two countries. At busy times, waiting at the border can take longer; as this can affect the day's programme, it is important to follow your guide's directions.

About documents: The conditions for entering Georgia can change from time to time. Whether you cross with an ID card or a passport, and how long documents must be valid, are confirmed with up-to-date information at the quote stage. Before you travel, check the current situation with Georgia's official sources and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Remember that a participant whose documents are not in order will not be able to cross the border.

What to see in Batumi

Because the time spent in Batumi is part of a single day, the city is explored mainly on foot, focusing on its highlights. The city's best-known spots are:

• Batumi Boulevard: The seafront promenade running along the sea, lined with palm trees, parks and cycle paths. This is where Batumi's heart beats.
• Ali and Nino statue: A moving sculpture of two large metal figures that glide towards each other and pass through one another. Inspired by a love story, it is one of the city's symbols.
• Europe Square: A square surrounded by buildings with colourful façades, with the Medea statue at its centre.
• Alphabet Tower: A striking tower on the seafront bearing the letters of the Georgian alphabet.
• Old town streets: Pleasant streets for walking, full of cafés and small shops.

Which spots are visited is decided by the guide, depending on the time spent at the border and the flow of the day. Our tour programme includes Batumi in general terms; the stops in the city are not fixed in detail. We clarify this together at the quote stage.

Money and shopping

Georgia's currency is the lari. You can pay by card in many places in Batumi, but carrying a small amount of local currency makes small purchases easier. Exchange offices are common in the city. Before you set off, check with your bank that your card is enabled for use abroad.

Souvenirs to buy in Batumi include special vessels for Georgian wine, churchkhela (sweets made of walnuts dipped in grape must) and local spices.

What to eat in Batumi

Batumi's most famous dish is Adjarian khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, egg and butter. Khinkali, a much-loved dish of Georgian cuisine, is also easy to find in the city. We have gathered the region's other flavours in our Black Sea cuisine article.

Phone and internet

Remember that Turkish mobile lines are subject to international roaming charges in Georgia. For a short visit, checking your phone's roaming settings in advance and switching roaming off if necessary saves you from unexpected charges. Many cafés and restaurants have Wi-Fi.

How does the day run?

Day four of our tour begins in the morning with Fırtına Stream, Gelintülü Waterfall and Ayder Plateau. Then you head towards the border and visit Batumi. At the end of the day you travel back to Fatsa. This is the longest and most varied day of the tour: in the morning you are on a plateau, in the afternoon in another country and in the evening back in Türkiye.

To enjoy this pace:

• Keep your documents somewhere easy to reach.
• Have water and snacks with you.
• Stay with the group at the border and follow the guide's instructions.

A short preparation checklist

• A valid ID card or passport (the requirement is confirmed at the quote stage)
• A bank card enabled for use abroad
• A small amount of local currency or foreign cash
• Check your phone's roaming settings
• A light jacket against the wind on the seafront
• Comfortable walking shoes

Mind the time difference

There may be a time difference between Georgia and Türkiye. When you cross the border, your phone's clock may change automatically. Follow group meeting times as stated by your guide, and make sure it is clear which country's time is being used; this small detail prevents waiting around at the meeting point.

Frequently asked questions

Can you travel to Batumi with an ID card?

As the conditions for entering Georgia can change, whether an ID card or a passport is required is confirmed with up-to-date information at the quote stage. Before you travel, check the current situation with official sources and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Is the Turkish lira accepted in Batumi?

Georgia's currency is the lari. Although some places may accept other currencies, using local currency or a card is more practical.

Do you stay overnight in Batumi on the tour?

No. Batumi is one of the stops on day four; at the end of the day you travel on to Fatsa.

What to see in Batumi

Batumi Boulevard, the Ali and Nino statue, Europe Square, the Alphabet Tower and the old town streets are the city's best-known spots. Which of them are visited on the tour depends on the flow of the day.