I see Georgia is gaining momentum lately and becoming more popular among Russians. It is time for me to go there too make up your travel guide because interest in Thailand decreases due to the ruble exchange rate. We already had a guest post about life and wintering in Georgia, and today more about short-term rest by the sea in summer.
The Black Sea coast of Georgia over the past 5 years has attracted everything more and more tourists. Tourist surge caused, in the first turn, calm military situation (all conflicts ended in 2008 and now it seems like quite diplomatic relations with Russia). And sovok attitude towards client and infrastructure. A lot of money has been invested in the development of tourism. it gives its positive results – in the summer the beaches are full of people, Yes, and in the off-season a lot of tourists. In this article I will tell in detail about the rest by the sea in Georgia.
The content of the article
- 1 Briefly about the Black Sea resorts of Georgia
- 1.1 Batumi
- 1.2 Gonio and Kvariati
- 1.3 Sarpi
- 1.4 Kobuleti
- 1.5 Ureki
- 1.6 Anaklia
- 1.7 Alternative to Turkey
- 2 House prices and how to book it
- 3 How to get to Georgia
- 4 What to see on the spot
- 4.1 Independently
- 4.2 On-site tour
- 5 Where and what to eat
- 6 Pros and cons
- 6.1 On the minuses of rest on the Black Sea coast of Georgia
- 6.2 On the benefits of a seaside holiday in Georgia
Contents
Briefly about the Black Sea resorts of Georgia
The coast of Georgia is a strip of sea with a length of about 130 km Another approximately 200 km is occupied by the coast of Abkhazia, but attention though Abkhazia and not recognized by the world and Georgia itself is a state, but entry into it is possible only with of the Russian side (from the Georgian side, it is also there, but getting passes associated with a huge paperwork).
In Georgia, every evening you will see off the day beautiful sunsets
All major resorts are located in the south near the border with Turkey. Batumi, Kvariati, Gonio, Sarpi develop rather quickly, the quality of housing and infrastructure is gradually approaching European. The prices here are higher (not significant), and there are more people. BUT all that to the North from Batumi is in the spirit of the Soviet Union (not everything Of course, there are exceptions, but most), the buildings are old, cosmetic repairs, rusty piers and embankments without overhaul years so 50.
Batumi
Batumi is the main resort city of Georgia. Even if for a holiday sea you choose another place, you must visit Batumi. Renovated center, excellent promenade, many entertainment (ferris wheel, dolphinarium, water park, cable car road, botanical garden, zoo – and this is an incomplete list), as well variety of luxury hotels and restaurants – make this city very popular. In summer, there is no place for the apple on the beach, water is suitable. for swimming, the beach is pebbly. Mostly here goes youth (Georgian, first of all), because in the evenings they start various parties, often right on the beach. For holidays with children, I would recommend a quieter place with a clear sea, Gonio or Kvariati.
Be sure to dedicate a day to a walk around Batumi
Gonio and Kvariati
Gonio and Kvariati are small villages 10 km south of Batumi. The mountains in this place fit almost to the sea itself, the air is filled boxwood and eucalyptus flavors. The beaches are very clean pebbly. The beaches have everything you need to relax: umbrellas and chaise lounges for rent, showers, changing rooms, cafes, children mini rides.
Sarpi
The cleanest sea – in Sarpi, this village is right on the border with Turkey Kilometer beach on one side and 3-4 dozen houses with other. Going to rest here is worth it, but I do not advise to live. All the same the proximity of the border makes itself felt: during the day and night people rush around here wagons stand in line, buses signal, – agree, not very pleasant neighborhood
The beach in Sarpi is bordered by the Turkish border.
Kobuleti
30 km north of Batumi begins Kobuleti. Seaside resort about 8 km in length. Pebble beach. The promenade in the center is very nothing, there is a park and children’s entertainment. But the farther from the center the more time influence is felt – something where the embankment is just lapped by storms. This abandonment has its charm. AT Overall, Kobuleti is suitable for lovers of very budget holidays (here you can even stand for weeks at a tent) or for pensioners (they say air is useful to cores).
The beginning of October on the beach in Kobuleti. There are no people at all
I do not think that in Kobuleti on the embankment something changed for last 30 years.
By the river
Further north, Ureki is famous for its magnetite sands resort. But make no mistake. That he is famous does not the quality of rest is higher – a rest house, a boarding house and five dozen houses – that’s the whole infrastructure. In the summer there are a lot of people – mostly here go those who prefer the sandy beach. But, in my opinion, hot red-hot pebbles are better than black hot sand that the same is hammered into swimsuits so as not to wash out.
Anaklia
On the Internet you can find a lot of information with a rainbow description. Anaklia as a resort, and even on the official website of the city written very promisingly. But do not take the word – money here although they have invested not small ones, but the infrastructure was not completed and they did not have brought. And the tourists did not go here.
Turkey Alternative
Many ask us what is best for relaxing by the sea – Crimea or Georgia, Turkey or Georgia. It is always very difficult for me to answer this A question, for I equally love Crimea, Turkey and Georgia. Just need know where and when to go. After all, here and there you can relax “sucks”, but you can “with unforgettable and the most positive impressions. ”
Speaking of facts, then:
- sparingly better to relax in the Crimea. Those who have a main goal rest “cheaper”, choose the West or East Coast Crimea.
- for those who are willing to invest in the rest more money, but so that “think about nothing”, the best option is Turkey. Turks are able organize an all-inclusive vacation.
- well, but for those who want not expensive but also to see something, Georgia would be perfect. Although, in my opinion, if you have never been to Georgia, then in general there is no need to doubt, such as “what is better.” Georgia is not better and not worse. She’s just different!
House prices and how to book it
Georgians are not very friendly with the Internet. This means that in place the housing market is 2-3 times larger than is available through booking and airbnb. Offering accommodation to you will start at the airport (by train or car station). And you can just come to the area you like and ask the locals – they will help you.
The price of housing for the resortlet is:
- for single occupancy – from $ 10
- double room in a hostel or guesthouse (with shared bathroom and kitchen) – from $ 18
- double room in the hotel, studio apartment – from $ 25
- two-bedroom apartments for 4 people – from $ 40
- large cottages (for 10 people) – from $ 100
And there are generally exclusive options, such as eco-camp near Batumi “La Belle Verte” – accommodation in wooden houses in the trees – $ 50 for two. Or rent a house at an altitude of 300 m over the rock by the sea – from $ 50 per day (it’s not clear how the sea walk to walk).
The price is highly dependent:
- on the season (high season from June to the end of August, from mid-September are already “winter” prices)
- from location and competition nearby
- duration of stay (stay longer than a week – substantial discounts, and monthly living in general 200-300 $ per two)
- the quality of the housing itself
Standard hostel room for $ 18
Such a house in the forest costs $ 50 per day.
How to get to Georgia
Of course, it is better to fly to Georgia by plane. All the more, that now in Georgia flies a lot of companies, and therefore the price is competitive. Standard price – $ 250 both ways (direct flights from Moscow, Kiev). But you can get on special offers and promotions and buy a ticket with a departure in two or three days for $ 100 both ways.
There are only three international airports in Georgia: Batumi, Tbilisi and Kutaisi. Kutaisi currently accepts only low-cost bonds from Europe. If the vacation is scheduled for a week, it makes no sense to fly Tbilisi, since the journey from the capital to the coast will take a whole day. On buses or buses it will cost $ 10 per person (5-6 hours on the way). By train (he runs three times a day: one composition night, and two speed day, on the way 4-6 hours) —8-13 $ per person.
So it is optimal to choose an arrival in Batumi. Airport is located 6 km from the city center. A city bus goes to the city or taxi (4-5 $).
From the top of the cable car in Batumi a wonderful view
From the center of Batumi to the South to Sarpi (via Kvariati and Gonio) bus ($ 0.4) or taxi (up to $ 10) – 30 minutes.
To the North, to Ureki and Kobuleti every 30 minutes there are minibuses (1-1,5 $) from the central square or bus station.
If you live in the Caucasian part of Russia or are traveling for a long time and want to explore the country, it makes sense to come to car through Vladikavkaz. From the border at Upper Lars to Batumi to go somewhere around 8 hours (if nonstop). Road, in places, sufficiently heavy, serpentines and mountain bends. So that I do not recommend going at night.
What to see on the spot
Of course, all the interesting places in Georgia can be viewed and independently, scheduled transport runs everywhere, but in some I recommend that you buy a tour in order to avoid being attached to bus schedule.
On their own
From those for self-examination:
- Batumi embankment, night Batumi
- Botanical Garden in Batumi
- Park Mtirala
- Apsarossky fortress in Gonio
- Waterfall at Sarpi
- Mahunceti Falls
At night you will see a completely different Batumi, bright and noisy.
It is better to take a whole day to visit Mtirala Park
20-meter waterfall Mahunceti
On the tour in place
Travel agencies offer package tours and for 1 day will show you the most interesting. Issue price of $ 30-50 with person At choice:
- mountains and waterfalls of Adjara
- canyoning (on rafts), horseback riding, yachting
- Kutaisi caves
- two-day trips to Racha, Borjomi, Vardzia, etc.
And you can also use the services of personal tour guide and get a fully customized tour. Cost $ 130-150 (including gasoline), you can find a guide on our forum.
Where and what to eat
Georgia is relatively inexpensive. And, eat in cafe is not much more expensive than at home.
Judge for yourself: a portion of soup – $ 2-2.5, meat dish — $ 4-6, a portion of khinkali or dumplings – $ 2, khachapuri – 1-3 $, garnish – 1-1,5 $, fried trout with garnish – $ 3, salads – 2-3 $. These prices are in the central cafes, those that are near the beach and are expensive. If a move away, or choose a cafe with an unpresentable sign, price tag drops by 20%.
What should be guided when choosing a place to eat – This is the number of people in the institution. The more local, the tastier cooked. In principle, in Georgia it is delicious everywhere, but only there, where “with soul”, but there is, where according to European standards (usually such new cafes, licked to a shine, the menu is remotely Georgian and quite no people) – it seems not bad, but the food “does not catch.”
Khachapuri in the morning quickly becomes a habit
Separately, talk about drinks. Significant weight in the check can take drinks. Moreover, in cafes and restaurants their price is too high in 2-5 times, in comparison with the store.
Important! In the menu prices are shown without a “tip”. So they will be entered into the check. in the form of + 10-15% of the order value. Be sure to recount By the way, Georgians love to “err on their side.”
The Black Sea coast is popular for holidays with the Turks, so from Sarpi to Kobuleti many Turkish cafes classic Turkish menu – kebab, pilaf, ayran. I don’t think it’s worth going to Georgia to eat Turkish cuisine, especially since its Georgians cook is not tasty.
If the choice fell on self-catering, I note that in resort cities are frankly inflated prices in stores and the assortment leaves much to be desired (for example, the store does not find pork and normal butter and milk, only frozen broilers, spread and pasteurized milk). Good, fresh foods can be buy only at the market. Bazaar is in Batumi and Kobuleti.
But the choice of fruit is varied everywhere popular vegetable shops. Prices differ from market prices by 10-20%. Fruits in Georgia are very cheap: peaches, apricots, plums, persimmon, feijoa, tangerines, oranges, apples, watermelons, melons, pomegranates – up to $ 1 per kg That’s why it’s definitely worth going to Georgia, an abundance of fruit and vegetables is amazing!
Advantages and disadvantages
On the minuses of rest on the Black Sea coast of Georgia
- a lot of rain. The whole coast of Georgia is very rainy, especially a lot of rain in Adjara (from Sarpi to Kobuleti). Summer is not an exception;
- 1-2 days after the rain, the sea is spontaneous, of dirty color and high waves;
- 4-6 ball storms. Usually there are 1-2 times in the summer and regularly in the fall;
- Georgian mentality. Georgians love to promise and not to do, shirk “forget”. If you need something in the house fix, get ready to be repaired in a week or even two;
- frequent glitches with electricity. Or rather, in every thunderstorm.
About the benefits of relaxing by the sea in Georgia
For those who still doubt whether to go or not. Holidays in Georgia this:
- wonderful climate, mild, subtropical. High humidity and temperature not higher than 33C. Water temperature +26. A large number of exotic vegetation; a variety of fresh fruits;
- very tasty food, the most natural, environmentally friendly clean. And, cheap, (satisfying dinner for two costs from $ 12);
- real Borjomi, Likani, Zedazeni – mineral water in Georgia sold at every turn and costs a penny;
- clean sea;
- famous Georgian hospitality. Georgians – extremely sincere people, a tourist for them, first of all not “wallet” and a friend. No wonder you invite you to your house, sit at the table and pour the wine perfectly strangers to you, because they are Georgians.
- Georgian traditions and culture. Hear Georgian melodies and original songs, see Georgian dances, visit at the Georgian feast – for what it is worth at least once in life visit Georgia.
Incredible atmosphere prevails at the Georgian table
Dasha and Kirill.
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