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Holidays on the Black Sea in Georgia. Resorts of Georgia: where is the best place to relax? Which resort in Georgia to choose for a beach holiday

What do we know about Georgia? You can start talking about history, morals, consider political topics, you can do anything, but Georgia does not need this. Millions of tourists come to this country to see the mountains and the sea with their own eyes, walk through the places where various films were filmed, and touch ancient architectural monuments.

A country with an area of 64 thousand square meters. km. gives so much kindness, wisdom, hospitality that not a single person on earth has ever dreamed of. Only after visiting Georgia, you will understand that all the reviews about it are not exaggerated, but rather understated. Wherever you go, you will be welcome, they will offer you the best, and they will be mortally offended if you refuse. Best place than relaxing on the shore east coast The Black Sea cannot be imagined.

Where to relax in Georgia by the sea?

You can relax in Georgia anywhere in the country. But going to unforgettable vacation to Georgia, by the sea, it is better to know in advance where to go. We present to your attention five of the best resorts in Georgia, located on the Black Sea coast.

– one of the most popular holiday destinations in Georgia. Every year this resort town visited by more than one million people. The city is located in a subtropical climate zone.

Tourists visit Batumi throughout the year, both from near and far abroad. There is a lot of housing in the resort town.

Tourists begin to book hotel rooms in the spring. Well, in the height of summer it is almost impossible to do this at an affordable price.

Numerous cafes and restaurants in the city will introduce you to traditional Georgian dishes. Here you can play tennis, go to a club, or just take a walk along the embankment.

Batumi Beach

Everyone has heard the expression “there’s nowhere for the apple to fall,” but not everyone knows that it’s about the beach in Batumi. At the height of the season, this expression takes on a real meaning. There are countless people on the beach. The beach itself is large-pebble, long throughout coastline cities.

– prestigious resort Georgia, located 20 kilometers from Batumi. Most best resort in the Caucasus, thanks to the healing climate created by the pine forest.

This resort has sanatoriums that treat cardiovascular diseases, kidneys, liver, and lungs. Prices in Kobuleti are the same as in Batumi.

Tour bureaus offer their services; you can get acquainted with the sights of Georgia, or go to Turkey.

Kobuleti Beach

The beach with the purest sea water stretches for as much as 12 kilometers. The pebbles near the sea are small and do not cause inconvenience even when walking barefoot. The water is really very clean and warm, swimming in it is a pleasure.

– a resort with the only diving center in Georgia, located near Turkish border.

This village, consisting mainly of the private sector, with long, wide beaches is the real wealth of Georgia.

For housing, you will pay no more than 6 - 8 dollars per day. The resort itself is divided into two parts: one part is located on the beach, and the second on the mountain.

Kvariati Beach

The popularity of this beach is due to the fact that there is a deep sea. The beach itself is small, only about a kilometer, but small pebbles, not large number people and pristine beauty will not leave anyone indifferent.

– the resort town is located right on the border of Georgia and Turkey. Its main charm is its proximity to Turkey.

The city has a small number of hotels, cafes, and shops. But the busy highway slightly spoils the holiday experience.

Sarpi Beach

In addition to vacationers, a lot of local residents come to the beach in Sarpi. Its length is about 600 meters, and part of the beach is located on a picturesque cliff. The beach offers a magnificent view of the sea surrounded by mountains. sea water considered cleaner than in Batumi. If you get tired of just lying on the beach, you can walk to the waterfall and enjoy the view of the water flowing from above.

- This unique resort, it is sparsely populated and amazingly beautiful. Here you will relax as if in a tropical paradise among vines and exotic flowers.

Come and enjoy nature and the sea. There is also a Botanical Garden on an area of 113 hectares.

Mtsvane-Kontskhi beach

The beach has a stunning natural environment, clear water, large pebbles and fresh air. You will not find showers, changing rooms, toilets, and it is best to take a sun umbrella and bedding with you.

The territory is quite large, but narrow, which means that you can always retire and sunbathe naked.

Car rental in Georgia

How to get to seaside resorts?

There are direct flights from Domodedovo Airport to Batumi (travel time 2.5 hours).

From other cities you can get there with transfers:

Can be reached by plane to Tbilisi, and from there, again by plane, to Batumi. This flight is only 40 minutes.
You can get there from the airport by bus(stop near the airport) or by taxi (you can afford it, since the ride is only a couple of kilometers).
But the best option to get to your vacation spot is by train. There are two trains from Tbilisi to Batumi: in the morning and in the evening. You will spend about 8 hours on the way. Along the way you will be able to see beautiful picturesque mountains and plains.
There are also bus routes from Tbilisi to Batumi. Travel time is a little over 6 hours.
You can also get there by ferry from Sochi.
From Batumi to Kobuleti You can get there by train or take a ferry from Sochi.
we can get there either by city bus or by taxi.
There are bus routes from Batumi. You will spend about 40 minutes on the way. If you want to go faster, you can take a taxi.

Entertainment and attractions of Georgian resorts

The sights of Georgia include a large number of ancient temples, churches, fortresses, caves, and ancient castles.

Be sure to visit the Dolphinarium in Batumi, the Georgian Opera and Ballet Theater, and the zoo.

You can ride with children on the nursery railway, visit an amusement park, take a walk through the central park.

Disadvantages of holidays in Georgian resorts

Well, now “a little fly in the ointment”, the disadvantages of holidays in Georgia include:

Prices for housing and food. A person, even with an average salary, will not be able to go wild in the resorts of Georgia. In comparison, the southern coast of Crimea is almost two times cheaper than a holiday in Batumi.

Cross the road quickly. Perhaps you live in a city where, as soon as you step onto the roadway, you can hear the squeal of brakes and a car stops to let you pass. People drive in Batumi as if pedestrians do not exist. Be careful when crossing the road.

Learn to fight off beggars. Unfortunately, such an “attraction” as beggars has appeared in Batumi. It is simply impossible to pass them by. Most of them are children who grab hands and demand “give lari.” How to get out of such situations? Just explain that all the money is on the card, but there is no cash. In response, you will hear a couple of phrases in the local dialect, but they will leave you alone.

Be prepared for bad service. Have you heard about Georgian hospitality? Forget it. No, this does not apply to luxury hotels, but in a cafe you will have to wait a long time until the waiter deigns to come over, and you will have to wait even longer for your order. Rarely does an excursion start on time, and in some cases there were delays of up to two hours.

Communicate with the Elderly. Knowing English, you can approach and ask directions from any passerby, but if you don’t know it, then you don’t have to approach young people. Almost none of the young people know Russian. But any elderly person speaks excellent Russian and will be happy to help you.

No need to explore the whole city. If you go for a walk around the city, you shouldn’t wander around the outskirts. Part of the city is intended for tourists, and the rest is broken roads and dilapidated houses. After such a walk, you will not gain positive emotions, but will only get tired and angry.

Season beach holiday in Georgia lasts from June to September. From mid-July and throughout August there are a lot of people and housing prices rise, but summer cafes are open on the beaches and clubs are open.

Comfortable swimming in the sea with 20th of June to 10th of October, then the water temperature gradually decreases to +17+18С. Some people swim in May and at the end of October, but the sea is cold at this time, at least for me.

The ideal time for a seaside holiday in Georgia is the second half of June (the sea has already warmed up, and the crowds of people have not yet arrived), September And first week of October. Sunny days, there are not many vacationers, the sea is warm, the air warms up to +27 day, night +17+20 , there is no sweltering heat.

The rainiest months on the coast are November, February, March. There may also be rain in June - depending on your luck.

You can read more about the weather in different regions of Georgia (in Tbilisi, in the mountains, in Kutaisi, at the sea) in my photo article: .

When is the sea warm in Georgia?

The most warm months for swimming in the sea in Georgia - July, August And September. In June it is comfortable to swim in the 20s; at the beginning of the month it can be cool. Average sea water temperature:

May +16(minimum +12, maximum +20)

June +23(minimum +20, maximum +24)

July +26(minimum +24, maximum +27)

August +27.5(minimum +25.5, maximum +28.3)

September +25.5(minimum +25, maximum +26)

October +22(minimum +18.5, maximum +25)

The graph shows average temperature water in the sea in Batumi, Ureki, Kobuleti, Sarpi:

Where is the clean sea in Georgia?

In the vicinity of Batumi, the cleanest sea is considered to be in the villages. Located south of Batumi. Each has private housing and hotels, in the summer there are cafes on the beaches, and a couple of mini-markets. Quiet, calm, if you get bored, you can go to Batumi (20 minutes by minibus).

To the north of Batumi there is a clear sea in the area of the Botanical Garden on the beaches (in the summer there are cafes on the beach, there is one hotel and rooms in the private sector near the beach). It takes 20 minutes by minibus from the center of Batumi.

The sea in Batumi can also be clean and transparent

Sand on the beaches of Georgia

There are sandy beaches in Georgia in the villages (magnetic healing sands), in, ( quiet places, you can live in a private sector in a forest). There is also sand in Poti, but there is no beach there as such (a port city, the shore is dirty, the sea is also dirty).

Other beaches on the Black Sea coast in Georgia (Batumi and the surrounding area, Makhinjauri, Chakvi, Tsikhisdziri) are covered with pebbles and stones, or rather large cobblestones. Lying on the rocks is uncomfortable; you can’t really run on the beach.

In summer, instead of sitting on the rocks, you can rent a sun lounger by the sea. Many people buy special rubber slippers to go into the water and walk along the beach.

Kobuleti also has pebbles, but mixed with sand and smaller than in Batumi. It's easier to go into the sea.

Sand in Ureki

Pebble beach Batumi

Sand on the beach in Batumi occurs only during a strong storm, when the cobblestones are washed away by the sea

What to choose - Batumi, Ureki, Kobuleti?

This is the most common question, the answer to which is impossible to give. Firstly, all people are different, and secondly, these are three completely different formats of recreation. Batumi is a big city with entertainment, Ureki is a village with a black sandy beach, and Kobuleti is a kind of hybrid that comes to life in the summer and sleeps at other times of the year. Therefore, it is better to choose a place to relax on your own.

Batumi- the largest city on the coast in Georgia. If you need civilization, then this is definitely Batumi. Beautiful architecture of old Batumi, there is a boulevard, bicycle rental. Developed infrastructure: supermarkets, markets, restaurants, cafes, clubs.

Batumi is a big city

There are a lot of things to see both in the city itself (singing fountains, cable car, zoo), and within a radius of 20-30 km. From Batumi it is convenient to travel independently by transport on one-day excursions around.

Choose Batumi as your “base” if the beach is not your main priority. Still, the large size of the city, the port and the rivers flowing into the sea in Batumi affect the purity of the water. From Batumi you can go to neighboring villages to swim if you don’t like the city beach.

Batumi city beach in August

Batumi beach in November

Ureki- in fact, a large village. In July-August it is lively here, even too much. There are a lot of people vacationing with children. There are playgrounds and water slides. There is a market and shops. The beach and sea become dirty.

In other months there is silence, even cafes and shops are closed. In the low season, the beach is relatively clean, as is the sea. At the end of September, there was one cafe and a couple of shops open; there were about 30 people on the beach.

There is nothing to see in Ureki, there is also nowhere to go. People come here solely for the sandy beaches. It’s a bit far to travel to the main attractions of Adjara, and the mountains are also not nearby.

Road along the sea in Ureki

Kobuleti- a large settlement stretched along the sea. As for me, it is also a large village, but in size it is much larger than Ureki. The beach is pebble.

There is an amusement park Tsitsinatela on the outskirts (10 km north of the center), in the summer there are cafes on the embankment, there is live music, and festivals are held. There are places to go for a walk with the children.

I don't like Kobuleti. It’s like you’re going back in time with broken roads and some kind of disorder. But I’ve only been to Kobuleti in the fall. Perhaps the city leaves a different impression in summer.

Housing in Kobuleti is on the first line from the coast behind the highway (noisy due to the road and expensive), on the second line it will be quieter and cheaper. The further you are from the sea and from the city center, the lower the housing prices.

If infrastructure and civilization are not very important to you, but you just need nice beach, clean sea and peace, read the next section of this article - it says about good beaches.

Where to relax by the sea in Georgia with children?

There is an excellent blog post on this topic about choosing a resort, food, entertainment for children: I recommend checking it out.

Ureki and Magnetity- a large village on the Black Sea. The most popular holiday destination in Georgia with children. The plus is that in Ureki sandy beach, shallow depth, gentle entrance to the sea.

The downside of Ureki is that in July-August there are a lot of people and mosquitoes there. Accordingly, large quantities of garbage appear on the beach, and the water in the sea is cloudy. In summer there is a market, shops, and cafes. Accommodation - private sector and several hotels. More details

Ureki in low season

- 10 km south of Ureki. Black sand (like in Ureki), coniferous forest, houses are located at a distance from the highway, you can rent a room in a cottage in the private sector in a small forest. Clean sea, few people, good beach (if vacationers don’t leave trash). There is a shower and toilet on the beach, and you can pitch a tent.

The infrastructure is represented by a couple of cafes and markets with a minimum set of products. In summer they bring fruit. To go to the market and shops you need to go to Kobuleti or Ureki.

- another small village near Ureki. Sandy beach, forest near the sea, there is private housing and several hotel complexes. In summer there are cafes. In general, the infrastructure is poorly developed. There is a lot of garbage on the shore, so I don’t recommend it.

Kobuleti- an overgrown village, the second most popular seaside resort in Georgia. There is a market, shops, and a train station. Long embankment (10 km). The village is stretched along the sea. The beach is pebble, with a small amount of coarse sand here and there. Many people choose Kobuleti for a holiday with children.

or - villages 10-15 km south of Batumi. The sea there is clean. Stone beaches, mountain views. In summer there are cafes, markets, and housing for rent in the private sector or in hotels. There is no point in going to these places in the low season.

Hotels by the sea in Gonio

Batumi as a place for a beach holiday - a dubious choice. Big city, port, stone beaches, the sea is not clean everywhere due to sewage and rivers. It’s worth going to Batumi only if swimming in the sea all day long is not a priority for you. More about our

beautiful architecture

Kangaroo in Batumi

If you are traveling to Georgia for the beaches in high season(from June to mid-September), then it makes sense to consider small towns and resorts.

If your vacation falls on low season(from the 20th of September to May), then I recommend rent a house in Batumi.

In small resort villages, cafes and shops are closed during the low season - there may be problems with food, and it’s simply boring, because the sea is already cool until mid-June and from October, and walking around the city and enjoying it is somehow easier in Batumi (there is a boulevard for walking).

Batumi Boulevard

If you are traveling to Ureki and Kobuleti, you can book accommodation in advance through booking for a couple of nights, and then look for something more suitable on the spot.

In the second half of July - August, prices are high everywhere and many good places are busy, so it’s better to book in advance so you don’t have to look around in the heat, especially if you have suitcases, children and no car.

Residential buildings in Batumi

If you are traveling for 4-5 days, there is no particular economic benefit in looking for accommodation locally. Then it’s better to rent an apartment or room via the Internet in advance, come and relax.

And if you are traveling for 2 weeks or a month, then you can spend time looking for accommodation locally. There are chances to find a cheaper apartment or room. You need to walk, look, bargain with the owner.

The price of housing in the private sector is not fixed, but depends on the weather, season, time of day, the mood of the owner, your appearance and well-being (determined by the owner of the property by eye).

Private sector to Ureki

Nightlife at the resorts of Georgia

Batumi- the center of nightlife on the coast. In summer, there are clubs, cafes on the shore, and restaurants with live music. Casinos in Batumi are open all year round.

The second relatively youth resort is Kobuleti. In July and August, clubs, cafes, and discos are also open here. Personally, I don’t like Kobuleti for a number of reasons, but this is a matter of taste.

In other towns on the coast with nightlife tight, but during the season, almost every resort village has summer cafes, sometimes even with live music.

Since mid-September, seasonal establishments on the coast (including in Batumi and Kobuleti) have been closed; literally a couple of clubs and dozens of cafes for locals remain open in Batumi. In Batumi you definitely won’t remain hungry even in winter, but in others populated areas- big question.

You can read about my favorite places in Batumi at the link:

Food at Tavaduri restaurant

Conclusion. Which village by the sea in Georgia should you choose?

Thus, to choose a coastal resort in Georgia that is right for you, you need to decide on your goals and priorities.

1. Civilization, active, parties, architectural attractions, entertainment, clubs, long walks along the sea, cafes with delicious food, food markets, supermarkets, a dolphinarium, a water park - this Batumi

2. If needed sandy beach, and everything else is not so important, then the north of Kobuleti, Ureki, Shekvetili, Maltakva, Grigoleti

3. The most clear sea— Sarpi, Gonio, Kvariati, Cape Verde, Tsikhisdziri, Shekvetili

4. A successful mix: rural tranquility (subject to rental housing in the right place), the presence of a market, shops, infrastructure, a more or less clean sea and a long embankment with a cafe - this is Kobuleti

The choice of a resort for a holiday with a child depends on how many days you are going to Georgia and for what purpose. If you are traveling mainly for the sake of the sea, some places will suit you, but if entertainment in a noisy city comes first, you need others.

Tourism in Georgia

Tourists from Russia, Ukraine, Europe, Asia and even the USA go to Georgia on vacation. Not surprising, because Georgia is traditions, folk food, mountain nature, sea and friendly people all rolled into one. This country is suitable for family and company holidays.

Most visitors choose to holiday near the water. The country is washed Black Sea, the climate here is humid, subtropical. In the coastal part of Georgia you can find resorts for every budget and taste.

Sunny Batumi

Where to relax in Georgia by the sea, if not in Batumi? This resort is located along the coast and is suitable for relaxation if your visit to Georgia lasts less than 5 days. Advantages of Batumi in terms of holidays with children:

the city has a water park, a dolphinarium, a zoo and other entertainment for children;
next to each hotel or hostel there will be markets and shops nearby;
the city is safe;
many places for walking (parks, embankment);
There are many clubs and restaurants available for parents to relax.

Such a developed infrastructure also results in a lack of recreation in Batumi - not very clean sea. Top beaches for swimming: Iveria, Mandarin and My Black Sea.

If you vacationed in Abkhazia before traveling to Georgia, you may have problems with entry.

During the tourist influx season (this is the period from July to September), the cost of a vacation can be steep. A trip in the autumn months is relatively inexpensive. Locals say that even in October the sea in Georgia is warm.

Holidays in Gonio and Kvariati

Both of these most beautiful cities located in coastal Georgia. will suit you if your trip to Georgia lasts at least a week. A distinctive feature of these resorts is the healing mountain air and crystal sea. Of the minuses of both cities:

there is not much entertainment for children, at most single playgrounds and trampolines;
underdeveloped infrastructure.

Beaches in this area pebble. The stones get very hot during the day, which can be uncomfortable. Another controversial nuance is the steep coastline. The shore itself is deep and drops sharply down 1-2 meters. Some beaches may experience high waves and frequent storms.

For a city break, go to Batumi, the journey takes 20 minutes and costs up to $0.5.

In Gonio, be sure to visit the famous eucalyptus grove And ruins of ancient castles. There are many diving spots in Kvariati, the seabed there is very beautiful. That's it for options cultural recreation are ending.

Ureki and Grigoleti

You can also go to these resorts for a vacation lasting from 1 week. Beaches in cities sandy, the sea is relatively shallow and the shore enters the sea gradually. Resort Ureki known for its magnetic sands, which can cure many childhood diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and cardiovascular system, and even cerebral palsy.

The sea itself in these resorts is clean and warmer than in Batumi. You don’t even have to book accommodation in advance and look for it yourself right on the spot. In the private sector, every second house is rented out. There are several significant disadvantages of Ureki and Grigoleti:

a lot of mosquitoes;
not very clean coastline;
in summer the beach is almost always crowded with vacationers;
There are few shops and other advantages of civilization.

Ureki and Grigoleti- these are villages, not cities. Renting housing there is not particularly expensive, but while relaxing there you won’t be able to have much fun or go for a walk. It is very often impossible to travel to Batumi for these purposes; the journey one way takes about 1.5 hours. If you are going to Georgia specifically for the sea, these options are just right.

The city is not very far away Poti, This port city. There are more different shops and entertainment places. As a last resort, you can go for a walk there.

Kobuleti

This city is very similar in structure to Batumi, it is the second most popular among vacationers in Georgia. If you decide to go to Kobuleti- settle closer to the city center, there is nothing much to do on the outskirts. If price is a critical issue for you, you can rent housing very cheaply in residential areas.

In each more or less big city In Georgia, you can rent a car, which makes getting around much more convenient.

There are a lot of beaches in this city; there are places to relax with both very small and large pebbles. Among the advantages of Kabuleti:

there is an amusement park Tsitsinatela with a huge territory and a large number of attractions for children, adults and families;
many bars, restaurants, cafes;
you can rent accommodation to suit a wide range of budgets and tastes;
For children there are playgrounds, cafes with animators and other entertainment.

Kabuleti has a very well-functioning transport connection system. Moving around the city does not cause any inconvenience.

Cape Verde

This area is also called by another name. It is not very far from Batumi - only 9 km.

This resort is more reminiscent of a tropical area; it has a very humid and warm climate. The cape remains green all year round. The advantages of Mtsvane-Kontskhi are:

Here you can spend a lot of time with your children even in the hottest part of the day. Such a number of plants makes the air very clean and healing; people often go to this resort to restore the respiratory system.
There is a very large botanical garden, your child will be able to see unique plant species.
Viewpoints offer views of the most beautiful landscapes.
Variety of beaches. On the green cape you will find both small pebble beaches for families with children and places for extreme recreation with a steep coastline.
There is an opportunity to go diving and windsurfing.
The sea is very clean.

The area is adapted for recreation for both adults and children. Here you will feel very comfortable.

Shekvetili

This is a village located next to the resort of Ureki. This place is characterized by the same magnetic sands and forest groves that are present in Ureki and Grigoleti. Differences between Shekvetili and other resorts:

Only cottages are available for occupancy (it is not possible to rent housing from private owners), you can rent the entire house or rent a couple of rooms;
it is much quieter here than in other resorts in Georgia;
relatively few vacationers.

Shekvetili more suitable for those who like passive family vacations. If you come here, you need to purchase food and everything you need in advance, because there are no shops, cafes or restaurants within walking distance. If you have long wanted to escape from civilization and the bustle of the city, you will like Shekvetili.

If you go to Shekvetili, when? The maximum water temperature is reached in August, rental prices in this month are not very high, so the best option would be the end of summer and the very beginning of autumn.

Anaklia

This new resort located in Western Georgia, 150 km away from Batumi. Anaklia received city status recently and has not yet had time to survive the influx of tourists. Due to this, the resort territory is still very clean beaches and the sea. Anaklia already has a fairly well-developed infrastructure and transport links within the city. For family vacation The resort has the following places:

amusement park;
hotels of various categories;
yacht club where they order sea excursions or rent a yacht;
many cafes and restaurants.

There are no downsides to holidaying in Anaklia except one - since the city is new, it is not yet a thoroughly tested and explored territory by tourists. If this is your first vacation trip to Georgia, it is better to go to Batumi or Kobuleti. It is worth going to Anaklia for reconnaissance without children first.

Hospitable and beautiful Georgia remains so, regardless of any political confrontations. Vacations or vacations in the Caucasian republic are becoming a natural choice for those who prefer to see historical sights in a short time, find out what seas are in Georgia, feel the hospitality of the hosts and, of course, taste the best wines. By the way, relaxing on the beaches is a separate song from which it is difficult to remove even one word.

Beach holiday

When asked what sea washes Georgia, local residents They answer with pride and a smile. They love and respect their Black Sea, because it is the guarantor of many Georgian features and pleasant moments. The Black Sea, for example, actively participates in shaping the weather in Georgia, bringing its own special contribution to the climatic features of the country.
The season on the beaches of Batumi begins at the end of May, when the air warms up to +25 and the water to +18 degrees. At this time, the first stream of holidaymakers appears, who enjoy the fresh coolness in the mornings and light breezes that soften the afternoon heat. The climate in the area of the main resort of Georgia is classified as subtropical, which allows the palm trees on the embankment to feel great.

The Black Sea is considered one of the youngest on the planet. Historians believe that only some 8-10 thousand years ago it was a lake.
The Black Sea is connected through the Bosphorus Strait to the Sea of Marmara, and through the Dardanelles to the Mediterranean. Then the Strait of Gibraltar carries the waters of the Georgian sea into the Atlantic Ocean.
In the Black Sea, ebbs and flows are almost invisible, since the change in water level does not exceed 10 centimeters.
The main danger of storms here exists only in winter, when wave heights can reach 15 meters.

About living creatures

The Black Sea is home to a huge number of living creatures, including dolphins. The most common species of these intelligent animals is called the bottlenose dolphin. They are friendlier than others towards people and most often “perform” in performances at dolphinariums different countries. But the sharks in the Black Sea are not entirely real, in the sense that they do not attack people. The Black Sea dogfish shark can reach a length of one and a half meters and weigh up to 15 kilograms. The remaining representatives of the Black Sea fauna are numerous fish and shellfish. The most common are mackerel, sardine, bullheads and rapana. The shells of the latter are popular souvenirs from the shores of the Black Sea.

What you need to know when going on a trip to Georgia. When and where to go to Georgia, do you need visas, what to see and visit in Georgia. Food and prices, etc.

Georgia has been attracting me for a long time with its khachapuri and mountain expanses, but so far I still couldn’t get to this dream country because of its Asia, Europe and Siberia.. Finally, it is getting closer and closer, and for now I decided to start with this Guest post. My Georgia specialist Victor is also a global traveler and photographer whom we met in Phuket. He lived in Batumi as a child and still comes to Georgia every summer. Victor’s website Georgiabest.ru turned out to be the most useful for me in preparing for my first trip, and in this article Victor briefly but succinctly tells all the most important things: information on how to get to Georgia, visas, prices, interesting places in Georgia that are worth visit, etc.

Victor, traveler, guide in Georgia: Georgiabest.ru

Yes, Georgia is on everyone’s lips these days. And not in vain, oh not in vain. Come and see for yourself. So that later, closing your eyes, with a dreamy look, you can tell your friends how good, fun and soulful it is there. Of course, there are exceptions among the happy crowds of tourists, but they only prove the rule. And the rule is that this country will not leave anyone indifferent. And you have no reason to deny yourself the pleasure of getting to know Georgia and discovering its amazing people and the breathtaking beauty of nature. What can we say about the cultural, architectural and historical monuments that are literally at every step here, and often right in people’s backyards, such as towers in Svaneti or ancient qvevri in Kakheti...

in winter people go to Georgia to have a fun and unforgettable meeting New Year: V New Year's Eve the whole country explodes with hundreds of thousands of fireworks. Also in winter people come here to ski and snowboard in Bakuriani and Gudauri. Well, considering that winter in Georgia is not so cold compared to Ukrainian or Russian, then it will be all the same to see the sights in different parts of the country, with the exception, perhaps, of the remote regions of Tusheti and Racha, and even more so, to take a walk around Tbilisi and Mtskheta comfortable and not cold.

Important information about winter in Georgia:

IN winter time, and especially in March, there is a possibility of strong gusty winds, which usually last 2-3 days.
In apartments and hotels in Georgia, the heating is not at all as good as in Russia - it’s cool.
Due to snowfalls, the Georgian Military Road, the only highway connecting the country with Russia, may be blocked, and it will not always be possible to get to Stepantsminda to see the legendary Kazbek and the Gergeti Church.
There are a couple of great ones in Georgia ski resorts with good slopes and open spaces for freeride: Gudauri 80 km from Vladikavkaz (for beginners and advanced) and Bakuriani 180 km from Tbilisi (more difficult trails).

May-June– a good period for those who do not like heat. There are no such high temperatures yet, because of which Tbilisi is practically empty in the summer: everyone is trying to leave, and even more so, to take their children somewhere to the forest or to the mountains. In general, in Georgia it is an almost unbreakable tradition - to take children to 3, or at least 2, resorts in the summer to change the air and boost their immunity. So, in the period from May to early July, local residents usually go to the mountains or coniferous forests. In May, pine trees bloom, and this pine air is very beneficial for both adults and children.

But even in Tbilisi at this time it is quite comfortable. As a rule, it rains from time to time, the sun shines, but does not burn everything around yet, plus local vegetables and fruits appear on the shelves. You can eat to your heart's content, because the prices are quite reasonable compared to the megacities of neighboring countries.

End of summer. Well, if you are a lover of the scorching sun, sea, beach and watermelons, come to Georgia in July-September. You can fly straight to Batumi, go to Kobuleti, Kvariati, Shekvetili, Ureki, Sarpi or to Cape Verde(Mtsvane Konkhi). During this period, you will also be exposed to an incredible abundance of local fruits, berries, vegetables and herbs.

Late autumn. It may seem that from October to December in Georgia it is gray, uninteresting, cold, and there is nothing to do. Actually, not quite like that. In October it is still quite warm, and going on excursions is a pleasure, and the stalls are bursting with gifts from the Georgian land: grapes, persimmons, figs - these are just a few examples. The famous Georgian tangerines will begin in November. Also, in the fall they go to Georgia to attend such a colorful and unforgettable event as “rtveli” - the grape harvest. A visit to Rtveli is in itself a sufficient reason to go here in mid-autumn.

An important factor in favor of planning a trip at this time (as well as from February to March) is more low prices on accommodation and excursions than in high season. So weigh the pros and cons, and choose the perfect time for you.

Visa to Georgia (not needed)

Good news, if you are coming from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Moldova and 88 other countries, you do not need a visa, they will simply put an entry stamp in your passport at the border. Moreover, citizens of Russia, if you suddenly want to stay longer (and this is a very possible scenario, as practice shows), you can stay for a whole year, you will not need a visa.

Is it safe for Russian-speaking tourists in Georgia?

Very often you can hear the question: “How safe is it for Russians to travel to Georgia?” Considering the tense relations between these two states, the question is quite understandable.

But among Georgians it causes either laughter or bewilderment. “How could you even think that it’s dangerous for Russians here?” - this is roughly what the answer to your question will sound like from the mouths of local residents.

Georgians, and everyone who lives in this southern country, for the most part, they are peaceful and hospitable, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about. The older generation in Georgia speaks excellent Russian, and so do some of the younger generation. Although young people usually know English better than Russian, as such, you will not have a barrier in communicating with the local population. There will definitely be someone nearby who knows Russian.

And even more so in the field of tourism services: sellers, guides, drivers, hotel staff speak Russian.

How to get to Georgia on your own

On at the moment You can get to Georgia either by air, or by land, or, if you are coming from Ukraine, by sea - by ferry. Trains, unfortunately, do not travel here yet.

Planes fly to Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. They fly to Kutaisi, so this is good option, especially since there are also many interesting places in this part of Georgia; you can even stay there for a couple of days. An air ticket Moscow-Tbilisi costs around $80, find the most best tickets Can .
You can come by your own car - this is even greater freedom of movement and unrealistic beautiful roads.
Getting there by bus from Moscow to Tbilisi takes a long time, but is budget-friendly (about $60). There is a bus from Kyiv.
You can get to Georgia from Odessa by ferry. Although it takes a long time and the price is close to air travel.

Prices in Georgia: for vacation and for life

Another pressing question is how much it will cost to vacation or live in Georgia. This is understandable - you want to have an idea in advance, at least approximately, how much money to take with you and what to be prepared for.

Regarding housing prices- then here, depending on your luck, well, what conditions do you prefer. - from $4 per night per person, clean and in the city center - from $10. Apartments for daily rent during the season cost $30 and more. Usually a good renovated apartment with a good location costs $50-60.

→Rent housing for a long time The easiest way is to already be there, or write an ad in advance in a Facebook group (a group for the city where you want to live). During the winter season, many not cheap hotels rent out rooms for a long period of time very cheaply, you can find them around $200/month.

Taxi around the city- from 5-15 lari ($2-7). Guide services - from 100 lari ($40) per day, car rental - from $50 per day. Gasoline costs 2.35 lari ($1).

Look at examples of food prices if you have the strength and desire to cook yourself in a country where there is delicious street food and fairly reasonable prices in restaurants:

Sugar 1 kg – 2 lari ($0.75)
Bread – 70 tetri ($0.25)
Local apples – 1.5 lari ($0.6)
Potatoes – 80 tetri ($0.3)
Georgian cheese – from 6 lari ($2.5)
Coffee beans 100 g – from 1.5 lari ($0.6)
Milk – 2.50 lari ($1)
Churchkhela – 3 lari ($1.15)

→Some restaurants in Tbilisi worth visiting:

Art Cafe Gabriadze (Shovteli St., 13) is one of the most original establishments in Tbilisi, an original cafe created by artist and director Rezo Gabriadze, author of “Kin-dza-za”, sculptor of the famous monument “Chizhik-Pyzhik” in St. Petersburg .
Restaurant “House of Khinkali” (Rustaveli, 37, Rustaveli metro station). It works 24 hours a day, the name speaks for itself :).
Dukhan “Racha” (6 Lermontov St.). An establishment for locals, most of the visitors are men. The place is very atmospheric, you can order Georgian national dishes here, but it is best to try dishes typical of the Racha region: aphazuri, lobiani, etc.
Art cafe “Shevardnadze’s Garden” - the establishment combines a shabby chic cafe, a garden and a flower shop. Location: Latkini microdistrict. at the end of the street Khudadova, (near the police station).
“Machakhela” (Meydan, 26) is a chain restaurant, one of the best is the restaurant on Meydan Square, in the very center of the old city. It is easy to recognize by the voluminous inscription located in front of the entrance: I love Tbilisi. Sitting in a restaurant, you can admire the panorama of the city opening from a window, balcony or open terrace.
Restaurant Samikitno (25 Merab Kostava St).
Mirzaani (delicious beer, address: 140 Akaki Tsereteli Ave).
Salobio.
Hinkleys sahli.

Although these are more like eateries, they are clean, some of them have interesting Georgian-style interiors, and the food is almost like home-cooked food.

In general, you need to try hard to find an establishment in Georgia that serves Georgian cuisine poorly. Prices for shish kebab - from 12 lari ($5), Khinkali - 70 tetri piece. Five pieces - and out of habit, nothing else will fit into you. But it is necessary. Khachapuri - 7 lari ($3), kebab - from 6 lari ($2.5). Tea, coffee, lemonade - about 2 lari ($0.8) per cup/bottle.

Street food is also tasty and inexpensive: lobiani, kubdari, picini, khachapuri cost an average of 2 lari.

Georgian cuisine. Must try

One can write endlessly about Georgian cuisine. But it’s even better to come and taste everything yourself. We can only guide you so that you do not completely get lost in the novelty, diversity and unusual names.

Khinkali

Khinkali– the most famous dish of Georgian cuisine. They look like bags made of thick dough, filled with minced meat and herbs, including cilantro. A proper khinkali should have at least 16 folds, according to knowledgeable people. It is important to eat them correctly: with your hands or a fork (a compromise for non-locals), grab the leg, carefully bite it, drink the delicious juice, and then eat everything except the leg. You can pour satsebeli tomato sauce into the hole of the khinkali. For vegetarians they prepare khinkali with mushrooms.

Khachapuri

Khachapuri. There are many different types of them: imeruli, ajaruli, megruli, and, of course, adjaruli. Adjarian khachapuri in the shape of a boat and with an egg broken into a cheese filling and butter is a real feast of taste. This is a must try. Some establishments serve huge adjaruli, nicknamed the Titanic - enough for a whole company or family. You need to pinch off pieces of dough on the sides of the khachapuri and dip them into the hot filling.

Lobio and Mchadi. A simple, satisfying and very tasty dish. Red beans cooked with spices in a ketsi (clay pot) and an unleavened flatbread made from corn flour. There are even establishments called “lobiynaya” - for example, the Salobio cafe, which has already become a separate landmark of the city of Mtskheta, where Alexander Sergeevich himself once treated himself to the famous Mtskheta pies and lobio.

If you are not afraid of new tastes and unusual combinations, also try the following very colorful dishes:

Chakapuli– young meat stewed with herbs and spices, as well as sour green tkemali.

Hashi– very much for an amateur. If you are that kind of fan, you will be delighted. In Georgia, khashi is so respected that separate establishments have been created for them: khash houses. And they open very early in the morning - at approximately 4:00. Because this fatty, hearty, scalding hot soup made from offal and with a lot of garlic has a very beneficial effect on hangovers. It is usually eaten with chacha.

For vegetarians in Georgia there is also complete freedom. There are all kinds of cheese, kindzmari (fish in cilantro sauce) and pkhali - paste made from spinach, cabbage, beet tops or beets with spices, and nadugi with mint, and various soups, and champignons fried in ketsi, and ajapsandal - stew from tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplants and potatoes, and a variety of pickles.

All kinds of spices, herbs, herbs, and nuts are generously used in Georgian cuisine. Even an ordinary tomato and cucumber salad is turned into a work of art here, because they add aromatic regani (red basil) and add nut sauce. Nuts are put in fried eggplant rolls, in satsivi, in bazhi, and in kharcho soup.

Wine in Georgia. Special wines and gastronomic tours, Georgian cuisine is so tasty and original, but there’s no need to say anything about the wines - come and taste it.

What to see in Georgia, where to visit? Top 7 interesting places

Georgia, although small in territory, can compete with the largest and most ancient countries in terms of the number of attractions and beautiful corners. It would probably take several months or years to explore everything Georgia has to offer! So you’ll have to make a plan, choosing the most interesting thing for you. But there are places that every self-respecting traveler to Georgia must visit. We will list them for you to take note of.

Metekhi Church of the Mother of God and the monument to King Vakhtang in Tbilisi

No matter how far to go, there are many such places in Tbilisi itself:

Narikala fortress,
Sameba Temple,
Meydan (one of central squares Tbilisi),
sulfur baths...

Ancient city of Mtskheta(20 km from Tbilisi, coordinates: 41.840922, 44.707233) . Mtskheta is located near Tbilisi - ancient capital Georgia. In this renovated city and its surroundings you will see many beautiful, important and holy places: Jvari Monastery on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Shiomgvime Monastery, and many others. Also, the city itself has been restored, there is a large selection of souvenirs, spices, churchkhela, and it’s just nice to stroll along its cozy streets.

Vardzia(240 km from Tbilisi, coordinates: 41.381223, 43.284173) - not the only ancient cave city, but perhaps the most spectacular. 8 “floors”, about 600 caves. An incredible place where people lived for many centuries, hiding from numerous enemies.

Svaneti. Also a very original and unlike anything else region in Georgia is Svaneti - a historical mountainous region in North-West Georgia (coordinates 42.904220, 42.503335). It attracts tourists from all over the world. Svaneti has never been conquered or conquered throughout its history. And the people who live here are special - the Svans, real harsh mountaineers. Many people still have ancient defense towers in their yards that once belonged to their ancestors and were built about 1,000 years ago.

Prometheus Cave near Kutaisi (42.376771, 42.600971), discovered in 1983, is located next to the Sataplia nature reserve, where there is also a smaller cave and dinosaur tracks. A very spectacular place. Inside there is a cave with beautiful lighting, huge stalactites, and it will not leave either adults or children indifferent. You can even take a boat ride on the underground lake.

Martvili Canyon is one of the most beautiful in the Megrelian Region

Definitely worth a look and incredibly beautiful Martvili Canyon (Northwest Georgia, coordinates: 42.457356, 42.377148). If you are in Georgia during the hot season, be sure to visit this picturesque place, travel from the upper to the lower canyon by boat and swim at the waterfall.

Rabat Fortress in Meskheti (coordinates: 41.642829, 42.977166)- a restored medieval Turkish fortress with an area of 7 hectares and modern infrastructure. Beautiful, majestic, convenient for visiting and family time.

Black sand of Ureki (41.987783, 41.760103). If you visit Georgia in summer or early autumn, be sure to take the opportunity to visit the Black Sea coast, unique beach with magnetic sand in Ureki. This black sand is famous for its healing properties for joints and the cardiovascular system.

Cities in Georgia that are worth visiting

Tbilisi- a unique capital, the heart of Sakartvelo, where in the old town you will find narrow streets, antique carpets, openwork bars on windows and balconies, the aroma of coffee and a special relaxed atmosphere, so unusual in big cities. You can walk in Tbilisi for more than a day or two, discovering new things every day interesting places and establishments. Historical and cultural monuments are presented here in abundance. It is unforgivable to come to Georgia and not get to know Tbilisi.

Colonnade on the seaside boulevard - Batumi

Batumi is a lively and charming city on the Black Sea. Beaches, musical fountains, old and new houses, a moving monument to lovers, an alphabet tower, bicycles for rent, a fish market where the fish of your choice will be cooked before your eyes, and much more awaits you to surprise and delight.

Sighnaghi - the city of love

Sighnaghi- restored, romantic, cozy city with red roofs and views of the Alazani Valley. There is a 24-hour wedding palace here, where couples from different countries can get married by first submitting the necessary documents.

Auto tourism in Georgia

Gasoline cost in Georgia - a little less than a dollar per liter.

About movement. Be prepared for the fact that traffic on the roads of Georgia is chaotic, everyone is honking, cutting off, violating, so keep your eyes open. In the center of Tbilisi there are problems with parking - there are not enough places, there are paid parking lots near Rike Park and on Meydan, as well as underground parking at large supermarkets, be guided by them, because in the central areas of the city in most places you can park only if you buy from the mayor's office such a service.

There are several highways in Georgia - this is part of the Tbilisi-Batumi road, as well as the Rustavi and Gori highways. The government plans to build new roads and restore existing ones.

The introduction of a new system of fines is currently being actively discussed in Georgia. Under this bill, a driver would have 100 points per year and a certain amount would be deducted for violations. If the limit of points is reached, you will have to retake the exam to obtain your license. Special “smart” video cameras are being installed throughout the city.

The road patrol is more loyal to tourists than to locals; moreover, it helps if you contact them.

The most beautiful roads- this is the road to Racha, Svaneti and Tusheti, although the latter can only be reached from June to September.

Georgian Military Road The road along which we enter Georgia from Russia is incredibly beautiful, but the quality of the road is much less pleasing than the scenery. However, this is not so important, let's see what sights you will pass immediately after entering Georgia along the Georgian Military Road:

Along the entire route there are Georgian ancient monuments: cathedrals, fortresses, watchtowers. On Georgian Military Road Mtskheta, the Jvari temple-monastery (late 6th - early 7th centuries), and Zemo-Avchala hydroelectric power station are located.
The village of Chmi, where there is a complex of archaeological monuments from the Bronze Age to the late Middle Ages and a large Alan burial ground of the 6th-9th centuries, where a large number of weapons, implements, and household items of the Alans were found.
Mount Kazbek (5033 m).
Daryal fortification, built in 1804 in the Daryal Gorge to protect the road.
"Tamara's Castle" - the ruins of an old tower on the opposite bank of the Terek.
Zion Grove is a green oasis among the snowy peaks of the Caucasus.
Cross Pass - highest point Georgian Military Road.
Gudauri abyss and the highest mountain village of Gudauri on the Georgian Military Road.

What a tourist should know about Georgia

Georgia is a patriarchal country with living traditions, respect for elders, and strong nepotism.
Has great influence in the country Orthodox Church. When visiting churches and monasteries, be prepared for the fact that women may need to cover their heads or wrap themselves in a scarf if they are not wearing a skirt. Not all places inside temples allow photography.
Children are treated with reverence here, they are allowed a lot, they are bathed in love and attention. Strangers may try to kiss your baby's arms and squeeze your cheeks, and in a restaurant they may well pick you up and take them, for example, to the kitchen, or walk with them around the hall. To some parents, such increased attention seems tactless, while others rejoice and admire. Be that as it may, these are the nuances that you need to be prepared for in order to respond adequately.
Georgia is a mixture of east and west, and this is its zest and charm. This is not a “sleek” tourist country.
On the central streets and in the metro you may encounter harmless but annoying gypsies and beggars.
People smoke in many public places, although the ban has already been practically passed.
The streets are not always perfectly clean and restored, although many visitors consider the latter to be a plus.
People for the most part are friendly and hospitable, not because they expect monetary rewards from you, but because they are naturally like that, and have not yet forgotten those qualities that are considered important for every worthy resident of this amazing country.

Georgiabest.ru is Victor’s website and the most complete guide to Georgia, I highly recommend bookmarking it to everyone who is planning a trip to this country.

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