Georgia's Black Sea coast isn't just Batumi. Dozens of resorts line the shore — pebbly and sandy, lively and quiet, with clear water for snorkelling or shallow sand for children. Here's how the main beaches differ and which suits your holiday.
When to go
- Season: June to September, with warm sea from mid-June to late September.
- Water temperature: about 24–27°C in July and August.
- Shoulder season: September — still warm, fewer people, lower prices.
- Climate note: Adjara is one of Georgia's wettest regions; summers can be humid with downpours, so don't be surprised by short storms even in July.
Batumi
Beach: pebbles.
The country's main resort is a city of skyscrapers, a boulevard, restaurants, nightlife and a long seafront promenade. The beach is pebbly and gets deep quickly. Water near the centre isn't always crystal clear, especially after rain.
Best for: sea plus city life — excursions, restaurants, evening walks on the boulevard and the botanical garden.
Gonio, Kvariati and Sarpi
Beach: pebbles.
South of Batumi, towards the Turkish border, small villages have some of the clearest water on the coast. Kvariati is popular with snorkellers: the water is transparent and fish gather by the rocks. Gonio has the ancient Gonio-Apsaros fortress, one of the oldest fortifications on the coast with a Roman past. Sarpi is the last village before the border with Turkey.
Best for: clear water and a quiet stay close to Batumi.
Kobuleti
Beach: pebbles and fine gravel.
A long resort town north of Batumi with a beach several kilometres long. It's calmer and cheaper than Batumi, with many guesthouses and family hotels. Nearby Tsikhisdziri has Petra fortress on a rocky cape and pretty coves.
Best for: families and budget seaside holidays.
Ureki
Beach: black magnetic sand.
Ureki is unique: its dark sand is rich in magnetite. Locals believe it's good for health, especially joints and circulation, and people come for "magnetic" treatments. Scientific evidence is limited, but it's a lovely place to relax. The entry into the water is gentle and sandy, and the sea is shallow.
Best for: families with small children — shallow water and sand are ideal.
Shekvetili
Beach: dark sand.
Ureki's neighbour sits among pine forest. It's home to the Black Sea Arena, which hosts big summer concerts, and a dendrological park. Quieter and greener than Batumi.
Best for: pine shade, sand and concerts.
Anaklia
Beach: sand.
The northernmost resort on Georgian-controlled territory, at the mouth of the Enguri river, with a wide sandy beach, a long pedestrian bridge over the river and a boulevard. Popular with young people for summer music festivals.
Best for: sand, wide beaches and summer parties.
At a glance
| Resort | Beach | Water | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batumi | pebbles | average | city, busy |
| Kvariati, Gonio | pebbles | very clear | quiet |
| Kobuleti | pebbles | average | family, budget |
| Ureki | magnetic sand | shallow | for kids |
| Shekvetili | sand, pines | shallow | calm, concerts |
| Anaklia | sand | average | youthful |
Getting there
- By air to Batumi or Kutaisi airport.
- By train from Tbilisi to Batumi (about 5–6 hours), stopping at Kobuleti and other towns. For Ureki and Shekvetili, take the train to Ozurgeti or Kobuleti and a taxi on.
- By minibus from Tbilisi and Kutaisi to all resorts.
- By car along the coastal highway.
Prices
Seaside accommodation costs 1.5–2 times more in peak season. Budget guesthouses in Kobuleti and Ureki are much cheaper than hotels in central Batumi. Sunbeds are usually paid, but beaches are public, so a towel works too.
Tips
- Beach shoes help on all pebble beaches.
- High-SPF sunscreen — the southern sun is strong.
- Currents and waves — stay out in storms and watch the flags.
- Book early for July and August, especially in Batumi and Ureki.
- Mosquitoes in Ureki and Anaklia, near the marshy Colchis lowland — bring repellent.
In short
For city and sea, Batumi. For clear water, Kvariati. For budget family stays, Kobuleti. For toddlers and sand, Ureki and Shekvetili. For sand and parties, Anaklia. Georgia's coast is short but varied, and there's a beach for everyone.
