Batumi is Georgia’s Black Sea resort city – a place where Las Vegas aesthetics meet subtropical climate. The city has exploded with development in recent years, with modern towers, casinos, and beach clubs transforming the waterfront. Yet behind the glitz lies a more traditional side – an old town quarter with narrow streets, a botanical garden packed with exotic plants, and a promenade perfect for evening strolls. Batumi is also the gateway to the beautiful Adjara region, where green mountains drop dramatically to the sea.
Why Hire a Car in Batumi?
While Batumi itself is walkable, having a hire car opens up the stunning Adjara region. The mountains behind the city are remarkably green and lush – a completely different Georgia from the steppes around Tbilisi. With a car, you can explore mountain villages, reach dramatic viewpoints, and even cross into Turkey for a day trip.
At 365CarHire, we compare prices from suppliers in Batumi, giving you transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
What to See and Do in Batumi
The Boulevard and Beach
Batumi’s waterfront is the heart of the city’s tourist scene. The boulevard stretches for kilometres along the sea, lined with cafes, restaurants, and attractions. The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles, with sunbeds and umbrellas available in summer. The water is warm – perfect for swimming from June through September.
Old Batumi
The old town quarter is a world apart from the modern towers. Narrow streets are lined with Ottoman-era buildings, many now converted into boutique hotels and restaurants. The architecture has a Mediterranean feel – think Italy meets the Black Sea.
Batumi Botanical Garden
One of the largest botanical gardens in the Caucasus, Batumi’s garden features an extraordinary collection of plants from around the world. The garden climbs the hillside above the city, with views over the Black Sea. Allow a couple of hours to explore properly.
Casinos and Entertainment
Batumi has become Georgia’s casino capital, with dozens of gaming venues along the waterfront. Even if you don’t gamble, the entertainment complex provides people-watching opportunities aplenty.
Day Trips from Batumi
Adjara Mountains (2 hours)
The mountains behind Batumi are remarkably green and lush – a hiker’s paradise. Traditional villages cling to the hillsides, with old stone houses and friendly locals. The road winds up through the mountains, with viewpoints offering spectacular views over the coast.
Khulo (2.5 hours)
In the mountains, the town of Khulo is known for its spectacular location and the unique dam that creates a lake in the valley. From here, you can continue to remote villages or simply enjoy the scenery.
Gonio Fortress (20 minutes)
Just south of Batumi, the Gonio Fortress is a Roman-era fortification that later saw use by Byzantines, Ottomans, and Georgians. The ruins are well-preserved and make an interesting half-hour visit.
Turkey: Sarpi and Beyond (15 minutes to border)
The Turkish border at Sarpi is just 15 kilometres south of Batumi. The crossing is straightforward (though can be busy), and from there you can reach the Turkish city of Trabzon in about 3 hours. Rize – famous for its tea – is about 2.5 hours. Most Georgian rental companies allow Turkey border crossing, but check in advance.
Driving Tips for Batumi and Adjara
Driving in the Batumi area is generally straightforward. The road along the coast is good, and the mountains behind the city offer spectacular drives. Roads can be narrow and winding in places.
Check with your hire company about cross-border travel to Turkey – most allow it but may require advance notification or charge additional fees.
For non-EU visitors, an International Driving Permit is recommended. The local currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL).
Car Hire in Batumi with 365CarHire
At 365CarHire, we make it easy to find cheap car hire in Batumi. Compare prices from trusted suppliers. Whether you want to relax on the beach or explore the mountains, we have the right car for your Georgian adventure.