Batumi’s coastal charms

Batumi, which glitters on the Black Sea coast, is the ideal destination for a tranquil seaside getaway because of its laid-back vibe. Batumi Boulevard, a 7km-long, tree-lined pedestrian area directly behind the beach, is perfect for a leisurely stroll because it features landscaped gardens, sculptures, fountains, and cafes.

Locals and tourists congregate daily to witness Tamara Kvesitadze's Man and Woman, a moving sculpture, in motion at the northernmost point of the promenade. The 7-meter-tall figures, also known as Ali & Nino after the tragic protagonists in a romantic novel of the same name, spin and pass through one another to symbolize their separation after a Soviet invasion.

In contrast to its capital cousin Tbilisi, Batumi's architecture is eclectic, ranging from the restored belle époque buildings of Evropas Moedani (Europe Square) to the towering Batumi Tower (complete with a Ferris wheel halfway up the building), via former Soviet buildings that have been given a Gaudi-inspired facelift. Batumi is a city to keep an eye on because it is garish, entertaining, and seeing rapid growth.