Best Beaches in Georgia – Black Sea Coast Guide from Batumi to Anaklia

Georgia's Black Sea coastline stretches roughly 100 km from the Turkish border to Abkhazia. Nearly all beaches are pebbly, the water is cleaner than most comparable Black Sea destinations, and prices for accommodation and food remain some of the lowest in the region. Swimming season runs from mid-June through late September, peaking in July–August when water temperatures reach 25-27 °C.

Key facts:

• Beach surface – mostly medium to large pebbles everywhere except Ureki and Magnetiti, which have dark magnetic sand.
• Season – comfortable swimming mid-June to late September, water 22-27 °C.
• Main gateway – Batumi with Batumi International Airport serving international carriers.
• Budget – a sunbed-and-umbrella set costs 5-10 $, a seaside lunch runs 7-15 $.
• Crowd alternatives – Kvariati and Gonio for peace and quiet, Anaklia for off-the-beaten-path vibes.
• Transport – most beaches reachable by minibus from Batumi for 1-5 $.
• Insurance – for water sports and active beach holidays, arrange travel insurance in advance through Ekta.

The coastline splits into three zones. The southern section (Turkish border to Batumi) covers Gonio and Kvariati – quiet villages with clear water and mountains right at the shore. The central zone is Batumi itself with urban beaches and the developed Batumi Boulevard promenade. The northern stretch – Kobuleti, Ureki and Anaklia further on – features longer beaches, fewer tourists and simpler infrastructure.

Batumi's city beach runs along Batumi Boulevard for 7 km. The surface is medium pebble, sometimes quite large – water shoes are recommended. The entry into the water is gradual, making it family-friendly.

Central beach sections offer full infrastructure: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and cafés across the road. Renting a set (two sunbeds plus umbrella) costs about 10-15 $ per day at equipped sections. Free zones exist – just walk 200-300 metres from the centre.

The main downside is overcrowding in July–August. By 11 AM, free spots are hard to find. For relative calm, arrive early or choose sections near Batumi Botanical Garden.

Note: after heavy rain, water near the city shore gets murky for 1-2 days due to river runoff. If you notice this, head to Kvariati or Gonio where currents refresh the water faster.

Batumi Botanical Garden offers the chance to combine an impressive subtropical plant collection with swimming. The beach sits below the garden – accessible through the grounds (entry about 15 $) or by walking around for free.

The beach is pebbly, wild, and without sunbeds. Significantly fewer people than in the city. Water is noticeably cleaner due to the absence of urban runoff. Downsides: no nearby cafés and a steep descent.

Gonio sits 12 km south of Batumi, near the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress. The beach has large clean pebbles and transparent water even during peak season. Infrastructure is modest: a few cafés and sunbed rental for 5-7 $. The village suits those who value quiet and don't mind a 20-minute ride to town.

Kvariati is the next village past Gonio, roughly 15 km from Batumi. Considered the best spot on the coast for snorkelling and diving – depth increases quickly and visibility reaches 8-10 metres in good weather. The coast's only dive centre operates here. The beach is compact, pebbly and uncrowded even in August.

Both villages are accessible by minibus from Batumi bus station (1-2 $, departures every 15-20 minutes) or by taxi (5-8 $).

Kobuleti is the second most popular resort after Batumi, located 25 km to the north. The beach stretches 12 km – one of the longest on the coast. Surface is fine to medium pebble with a gentle entry.

The key difference from Batumi – it's quieter, cheaper and more spacious. Accommodation costs roughly 30-40% less than in Batumi. A lunch at a local café runs 5-10 $ per person, below the typical Batumi average of 9-15 $.

Downsides include weaker infrastructure: fewer restaurants, virtually no nightlife, and a quiet promenade by evening. Great for families and those seeking relaxed beach time. For younger travellers looking for entertainment – limited.

Reachable by minibus from Batumi (2-3 $, 30-40 minutes) or by train.

Ureki is the only spot on Georgia's coast with a genuine sandy beach. The sand is dark, almost black, with high magnetite content. The magnetic sand is said to have therapeutic effects on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular conditions – though scientific evidence remains limited.

The beach is wide and long with a very gradual entry – ideal for small children. Due to its therapeutic reputation, the spot is popular with families and older travellers. Infrastructure is basic: sunbeds and a few cafés.

Located 50 km north of Batumi. Minibus fare is 3-4 $, about an hour's ride. Renting a car through Localrent is more convenient, especially if combining with a Kobuleti visit.

Anaklia is the northernmost accessible point on Georgia's coast, near the Abkhazia border. An ambitious resort-city project with a deep-water port was once started here. The port was never finished, but partial infrastructure remains: a wide promenade, a pedestrian bridge and several hotels.

The beach is fine pebble mixed with sand, long and deserted. Even in peak season, you can find stretches where you'll be alone. Water is clean, though seaweed appears in summer.

From Batumi it's a long trip – about 90 km, with the minibus taking 2-2.5 hours. Anaklia works as a destination for those seeking remote beaches and don't mind minimal infrastructure.

(Updated: February 2026)

Prices are seasonal: in June and September, accommodation is 20-30% cheaper than in July–August. Booking through Trip.com or Booking.com well in advance – 2-3 months before your trip – gives the best rates.

The main gateway is Batumi International Airport. During summer, international carriers operate direct flights from several European and Middle Eastern cities. Check visa requirements for your nationality before booking.

An alternative route is flying into Tbilisi (Tbilisi International Airport) and continuing by train or bus to Batumi. The train takes about 5 hours; the overnight service is a convenient option. Train tickets can be checked through Omio.

From Kutaisi (Kutaisi International Airport) to Batumi takes about 2.5 hours by minibus. For flexibility along the coast, renting a car through Localrent lets you visit all beaches without being tied to schedules.

Pebble beaches require water shoes – rubber sandals (aqua shoes) are sold everywhere in Batumi for 3-5 $. Without them, large pebbles hurt underfoot.

The sun on the Adjarian coast is deceptive – humid air makes the heat feel milder, but sunburn can happen within an hour. SPF 30+ sunscreen is essential.

Jellyfish appear occasionally in August but rarely cause serious issues. For peace of mind, arrange travel insurance through Ekta – a week-long policy starts from about 7 $.

Mobile internet works reliably along the coast. For hassle-free connectivity without hunting for local SIM cards, consider an eSIM – more details in eSIM for Travel: How to Save on Roaming Charges.

1. Which beach in Georgia has the cleanest water? Kvariati and the beach below Batumi Botanical Garden – no urban runoff and fast currents that refresh the water. Underwater visibility in Kvariati reaches 8-10 metres on clear days.

2. Are there sandy beaches in Georgia? Yes, Ureki and neighbouring Magnetiti are the only beaches with sand. The sand is dark and magnetic, with a gentle entry. All other coastal beaches are pebbly.

3. When is the best time for a beach holiday in Georgia? Late June and September offer the best balance. Water is warm (22-25 °C), crowds are thinner and accommodation costs 20-30% less than peak rates. July–August is the hottest and busiest period.

4. How much does a week-long beach holiday in Georgia cost? Budget level starts around 350-400 $ per person (guesthouse, café meals, local transport). Mid-range runs 600-800 $ (apartments, restaurants, excursions). Flights not included.

5. Can you visit the beaches as a day trip from Tbilisi? Technically yes, but Tbilisi to Batumi takes 5-6 hours each way. Plan at least 3-4 nights on the coast instead. From Kutaisi it's quicker – about 2.5 hours.

Georgia's coast isn't about luxury resorts and turquoise lagoons. It offers pebbly beaches with clean water, affordable food, warm Southern hospitality and Batumi as a modern city with a world-class promenade. For a first visit, 5-7 days works well: a couple of days in Batumi, a trip to Kvariati or Gonio, and a visit to Kobuleti or Ureki. For coastal exploration, renting a car through Localrent gives you the most flexibility.

Read also:

• Car Rental in Georgia – Complete Guide and Hidden Pitfalls
• Travel Insurance for Georgia — What You Need to Know in 2026
• What to See in Tbilisi in 1, 2, and 3 Days – Itineraries and Practical Tips