Batumi Botanical Garden

The garden occupies the terraced slope of Green Cape, descending toward the Black Sea. Twenty-one thematic zones include Caucasian subtropics, East Asia, New Zealand, South America, the Himalayas, Mexico, Australia, and the Mediterranean, among others. Paths wind through bamboo groves, citrus plantations, camellia and rhododendron collections. The Japanese garden with a pond of goldfish and turtles is one of the most photographed spots.

Higher sections feature viewpoints with panoramas of the Black Sea and coastline – ships on the horizon, the shore stretching from Batumi to Chakvi. A trail through the full garden leads down to Green Cape beach, where you can swim and return on the same ticket. A 500 m zipline runs above the tree canopy.

Near the main entrance stands a monument to founder Andrey Krasnov (buried in the garden). A historic administration building sits nearby. The famous tulip tree fell in 1985; from its horizontal trunk, 12 new vertical trunks have grown – a living bridge. Electric cars are available for those who prefer not to walk (10 GEL / ~$4 per ride).

Area – 109 hectares, one of Europe's largest botanical gardens

Collection – 5,000+ plant species from 9 botanical-geographic zones

Founded – 1912 by botanist Andrey Krasnov (grave and monument in the garden)

Zipline – 500 m above the tree canopy

Tulip tree – fell in 1985, 12 new trunks grew from the fallen trunk

21 zones – from a Japanese garden to Mexican cacti and bamboo groves

The garden was the vision of Professor Andrey Krasnov of Kharkov University, who chose Green Cape for its unique subtropical microclimate. Krasnov secured approval from Batumi's city council and funding from St. Petersburg. Earlier, in 1881, landscape designer Mikhail d'Alfons had planted exotic species on the cape – his plantings gave it the name "Green Cape." The garden officially opened on 3 November 1912. Krasnov died two years later and was buried on the grounds.

During the Soviet era the garden became a research centre for subtropical flora and greatly expanded its collection. Famous Soviet films were shot here; Chekhov, Bulgakov, and Ilf & Petrov visited (the latter wrote a chapter titled "Green Cape" in their novel). After the Soviet collapse the garden fell into decline but preserved its collection. Today it is Georgia's National Botanical Garden and ranks among Adjara's most visited attractions.

From central Batumi (9 km, 30–40 min):

– Marshrutka #31 – to the main entrance, every 10–15 min, 2 GEL (~$0.70). Stops: Pirosmani St, Parnavaz Square, Gogebashvili St.

– Bus #10A – to the middle entrance, every 35 min, 0.30 GEL (~$0.10).

– Marshrutka #40 – to the upper entrance (Chakvi side), every 20–40 min, 0.30 GEL.

– Bolt taxi – 7–20 GEL (~$3–7) depending on pickup location.

– Car rental – free parking at the main entrance.

Tip: Enter through the main gate, hike uphill to the viewpoints, then descend to the beach. Return to Batumi via marshrutka #31 from the main entrance (most frequent service).

Season: May is ideal – rhododendrons, azaleas, and roses in bloom. Summer (June–August) is lush but hot. Autumn offers soft light and fewer crowds. Winter – open but some plants dormant, shorter hours.

Time of day: Morning (9–11 AM) – cooler and less crowded. Avoid midday in summer – steep climbs in heat are exhausting.

Duration: Minimum 2–3 hours for the main route. Comfortable pace: 3–4 hours. With the beach: half a day.

Avoid: July–August midday – hot and humid. Trails can be slippery on descents after rain.