Christmas at the Black Sea coast?
Christmas in Georgia. Something completely different. But more intense in terms of decorations. The Christmas season begins in Batumi at the beginning of December and the highlight – as in Russia and Ukraine – is around 7 January 2023.
Partner country of the ITB in Berlin
Georgia is the partner country of the world’s largest travel trade fair ITB 2023 in Berlin from 7 – 9 March. It is a rather unknown pearl of the Caucasus in German-speaking countries, Georgia. Georgia, which is roughly the size of Bavaria, has an exciting mountain and Caucasus landscape and is also located directly on the Black Sea.
Three mountains of the ‘Greater Caucasus’ alone are at least 5000 metres high, the Black Sea coast of Georgia has 13 seaside resorts and a temperate Mediterranean climate, at least by the sea. On the last day of 2022, the sun shines from a deep blue sky, it is fresh in the shade, but very pleasant in the sun…. (15C). So the last day of 2022 passed very pleasantly.
Seaport Batumi
The metropolis is not only an institution on the Black Sea as a port city, but also as the capital of the region of Adjara, as the centre of trade and also of education as a scientific location with colleges, universities, the naval faculty and agricultural institute, Batumi has a lot to offer for young people from all over the world.
Close to international markets
Another special feature is its proximity to the Turkish border, as the city area begins 20 kilometres from Turkey. The port city is also excellently connected to the Georgian railway network and of course the railway connection is primarily used to transport goods, but there are also several daily passenger trains between the capital Tbilisi and Batumi. There are further connections to Kutaisi. The airport is located in the southern part of the city centre and offers daily connections to the rest of the world.
Airport Batumi is connected to big cities
One of the most frequently flown connections is to Istanbul, for example, and travellers can get anywhere on the planet from Istanbul. Other international connections can also be reached from Batumi and the airport is to be developed into an international hub. As a visitor to this harbour metropolis, you can already see that the whole world feels comfortable and at home here. So far I have not noticed any conflicts or crime. A friendly country on a nice beach!
The world is connected with Batumi
Maritime trade has also been relevant to the country and its people for centuries. The trade boom of the modern era began 25 years ago and year after year more goods and merchandise were traded; 20 years ago this amounted to around 8 million tonnes per year. Since then, the volume of goods handled has tripled. International ferry connections also make this harbour metropolis so interesting, from here you can travel to the Ukraine, Russia or, or, or…
The world is visiting the Black Sea metropolis
The harbour city of Batumi has always been international and in the past Armenians, Greeks, Georgians, Russians, Turks, Jews and Abkhazians have lived together peacefully. For some years now, the influx of Europeans has also been growing, and impressively so. More and more Germans, Swiss and Austrians are being drawn to this beautiful little town on the Black Sea and Europeans from other countries can also increasingly be found somewhere on the streets or in the beautiful squares of this city….
Inviting winter weather
The climate promises no surprises, but is usually better than the statistics suggest. For example, on today’s last day of 2022, it is sunny and pleasantly warm in the sun at midday, but rather cool in the shade. There is a lot to marvel at and see, numerous museums display artefacts from ancient and modern times.
They show all sorts of things that were once or are currently found here. More and more great buildings show that this city is aiming high and obviously the government is vigorously supporting these goals. What will Batumi look like in 2030?
Old town of Batumi
The old town is reminiscent of Thessaloniki or Athens. Small alleyways and cute restaurants and tavernas invite you to dine or chat. The architecture can certainly be described as exciting, there are buildings that could have come straight out of a science fiction film or there are plenty of classic buildings from the past two or three centuries. Overall, the flair and atmosphere can be described as very positive, I have only had positive thoughts when I have trotted through the city here at night (occasionally even alone). It’s certainly much safer than in Dortmund, Cologne, Munich or even Berlin.
Bloom hotel opened in 2019 in the old town of Batumi
A good example of a privately run and lovingly decorated hotel is the BLOOM HOTEL in the old town of the harbour metropolis. This is what Mr Kakha, the Georgian hotel manager, who speaks excellent English, says about the dynamic development of Batumi and the BLOOM Hotel, which is almost always fully booked:
“The idea of opening such a nice old town hotel is related to the dynamic growth of the tourism industry. Tourism occupies one of the most important places in the Georgian economy and especially in Batumi. Revenues are increasing every year and visitors from neighbouring countries are visiting our country and especially our city more than ever. More and more people from our neighbouring countries now have the opportunity to travel abroad when and where they want. We can say that each person is individual. Some like to stay in large hotel chains, others prefer small, cosy hotels for their holidays or business trips. So the idea stems from the current situation in the tourism industry. We offer one of the best breakfast buffets in the city centre, versatile, healthy and varied…”
He adds: “2022 was our best year and we already have reservations for summer 2023. The hotel concept has been very well received by our guests; we have also conducted intensive market research and want to offer holidaymakers and business travellers the best possible accommodation that is both comfortable and personal. And very close to the harbour and the cable car, in the midst of the vibrant life of a lively and popular old town.”
Batumi is a good base
Batumi is also an excellent base from which to explore the varied mountain landscapes. Local tour operators can put together tours and organise the group trips in such a way that the focus of the travel group is maximally successful. One tour group wants to visit Georgian monasteries or wineries or both, no problem: Batumi can do it for you! Other tour groups want to go hiking or birdwatching, thanks to Georgian’s specialists everything is possible…
Summary:
Batumi is also an attractive holiday destination in winter. The coastal city on the Black Sea offers mild temperatures, relaxed beaches without crowds of tourists and a charming old town to explore. In addition, modern cafés, restaurants and museums invite you to experience the city at your leisure. The winter atmosphere lends Batumi a special tranquillity, and the region’s mountains are perfect for winter hikes and nature excursions.
