Ureki

ურეკი

A coastal resort in Guria famous for its unusual black magnetic sands believed to have healing properties. Its gentle beaches and shallow warm waters make it a favorite for family holidays.

Things to do

• Relax on the black magnetic sands — Ureki's famous magnetite beaches are believed to ease joint and circulation ailments, drawing visitors for barefoot walks and sand therapy.
• Swim in the shallow warm sea — The gently sloping seabed and calm, warm waters make Ureki one of the safest Black Sea spots for children.
• Try magnetic sand healing sessions — Local sanatoriums and beachside operators offer treatments where you lie buried in the warm iron-rich sand.
• Stroll to the neighbouring Shekvetili beach — Just south of Ureki, Shekvetili offers pine forests, a dendrological park and quieter black-sand shores.
• Visit Shekvetili Dendrological Park — This landscaped park features hundreds of relocated giant and centuries-old trees set among the coastal pines.
• Enjoy the pine forest promenades — Shaded walking paths through the coastal pines behind the beach provide cool respite on hot summer days.
• Take a day trip to Batumi — The lively resort city of Batumi with its boulevard, botanical garden and nightlife lies about an hour's drive south.

Food to try

• Khachapuri Adjaruli — The boat-shaped cheese bread topped with a runny egg and butter is a must-try given Ureki's proximity to Adjara.
• Fresh Black Sea fish — Seaside cafes grill locally caught fish such as barabulka and kefali, often served simply with lemon and herbs.
• Ghomi with sulguni — This warm Georgian cornmeal porridge from the Guria-Samegrelo region is served with melting sulguni cheese.
• Gurian churchkhela — String-dipped grape-must and walnut sweets are sold by roadside vendors and make a classic local snack.
• Lobio and mchadi — Spiced bean stew served with cornbread is a hearty staple you'll find in Guria's home-style eateries.
• Local wine and chacha — Sample regional Georgian wines and the strong grape brandy chacha, often homemade and offered by hosts.

Local customs & good to know

• Come in summer for the sea — Ureki is a seasonal beach resort, busiest from June to September when the water is warm enough to swim.
• Respect the toasting tradition — If invited to a Georgian supra feast, expect elaborate toasts led by a tamada and never drink before the toast.
• Bring cash for small vendors — Beach cafes, sand-therapy operators and roadside stalls often prefer cash, and ATMs can be limited near the beach.
• Sand's magnetism is genuine — The dark sand really is magnetite and can stick to belongings, so keep electronics and light-coloured items protected.

Nearby

• Kobuleti — 18 km
• Batumi Botanical Garden — 33 km
• Mtirala National Park — 35 km
• Batumi — 39 km