Batumi Botanical Garden

ბათუმის ბოტანიკური ბაღი

One of the largest botanical gardens in the former USSR, sprawling over green hillsides above the Black Sea coast. Visitors wander through zones of subtropical flora from around the world with sweeping sea views.

Things to do

• Wander the Japanese section — Explore the East Asian zone with bamboo groves, cherry blossoms, and ponds arranged in a serene Japanese landscaping style.
• Take in the Black Sea overlook — Pause at the coastal viewpoints where the hillside gardens open onto sweeping panoramas of the sea below.
• Stroll the Mediterranean zone — Walk among cypresses, olive trees, and other flora native to the Mediterranean basin thriving in Batumi's humid subtropics.
• Visit the North American section — See towering sequoias, magnolias, and other species transplanted from across the Atlantic in this dedicated zone.
• Ride the little train or walk the full loop — Cover the sprawling grounds either on foot along winding paths or by the shuttle service that connects the distant sections.
• Explore the Himalayan and Caucasian zones — Discover rhododendrons, conifers, and endemic plants representing the mountainous regions of Asia and the Caucasus.
• Descend to the seaside entrance at Mtsvane Kontskhi — Combine your visit with a stop at the Green Cape railway station and pebble beach at the garden's lower edge.

Food to try

• Acharuli khachapuri — The boat-shaped Adjarian cheese bread topped with a runny egg and butter is the signature dish of the region.
• Borano — A rich Adjarian dish of Sulguni cheese melted in clarified butter, traditional to the mountains of Adjara.
• Achma — A layered pasta-like cheese pastry unique to Adjara, resembling a savory lasagna made with local cheeses.
• Churchkhela — String of nuts dipped repeatedly in thickened grape juice, sold at roadside stands and markets nearby.
• Fresh Black Sea fish — Grilled or fried local catch such as barabulka or kefali served at seaside eateries near Green Cape.
• Georgian wine and chacha — Sample local Guria and Adjara wines or the potent grape brandy chacha offered in tastings around Batumi.

Local customs & good to know

• Wear sturdy shoes and allow half a day — The garden covers over 100 hectares across steep hillsides, so comfortable walking shoes and several hours are essential.
• Take the marshrutka or train from Batumi — The garden lies about 9 km north of the city, reachable by minibus, taxi, or the scenic coastal railway to Green Cape.
• Bring water and sun protection — Shade varies between sections and the humid subtropical climate can be intense, especially in summer months.
• Respect the plantings and stay on paths — Many species are rare or scientifically significant, so avoid picking flowers or straying into cultivated beds.

Nearby

• Batumi — 8 km
• Kobuleti — 15 km
• Mtirala National Park — 16 km
• Gonio-Apsaros Fortress — 18 km