joy tour kobuleti

Փաթեթը իր մեջ ներառում է

Palm house հյուրատուն.

Ձեր ուրախ օրերի ուղեկից

Երեք անգամյա սնունդ

Երկկողմանի ուղևորափոխադրում, ծովից 20 մետր հեռավորության վրա, սենյակներում առկա է ՝, հեռուստացույց, լվացքի մեքենա.

Wander-Lush

Things to Do in Kobuleti, Georgia’s Retro Black Sea Resort Town

Planning a visit to Georgia’s Black Sea coast? Consider spending a day or two in Kobuleti, an intriguing small city with a fascinating history. Here are the best things to do in Kobuleti, day trip ideas, where to eat, and other travel tips.

There’s something eerily beautiful about Georgia’s Black Sea coast in the off season. Empty cafes, shuttered ice cream shops and a long stretch of dark, empty beach look all the more melancholy when positioned next to abandoned sanatoriums, faded mosaics and half-finished hotels.

Despite being one of the largest cities on the coast, Kobuleti is in hibernation mode for much of the year. As the owner of my guesthouse explained it, ‘Winter is for rest…we are all waiting for July’.

Kobuleti was a hive of activity when I drove through last August – when I returned in April, there was barely a soul in sight.

As you might have guessed, that didn’t bother me one bit. I decided to go all in on the dystopian beach vibes and found some real gems in the process. And amidst the forgotten turn-of-the-century villa houses on the waterfront, I encountered an unexpected community project bringing new life and energy to Kobuleti.

If you’re looking for a guide to the best swimming spots and beach bars, sorry but this definitely isn’t it. This post is all about the ‘other side’ of Kobuleti, what makes it a unique place to visit in Georgia – and why you need to visit out of season to experience it.

Since this is the gateway to Kobuleti Managed Reserve, part of Georgia’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands, it also covers the Ispani mires.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

About Kobuleti

Located 30 kilometres north of Batumi on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, Kobuleti is a small city with just over 18,500 full-time residents. In summer (July and August) the population swells massively as an estimated 100,000 tourists descend on the beaches and resorts.

This seasonal cycle has been repeated year after year since the days of the Russian Empire, when this slice of pine-clad, subtropical coastline was chosen as the site for an aristocratic midsummer retreat. Much like Abastumani , the location was primarily chosen for its clean air.

In the Soviet era, Kobuleti was designated a ‘climatic-balneological resort’ and utilised by families claiming their annual ‘right to rest’ and anyone seeking treatment for respiratory illnesses.

Of course the area’s history goes back much further – to at least the Bronze Age, when nearby Tsikhisdziri and Bobokvati (now both within Kobuleti Municipality) were part of the Kingdom of Colchis and settled by Greek colonies. Just 10 kilometres down the road from Kobuleti city, Petra Fortress survives as a relic of Ancient Lazica and one of Georgia’s most important Roman-era archaeological sites.

Kobuleti is associated with the noble Kobulashvili family, who lent the area their name. In the 13th century it was famed not for sun, sea and surf but for something altogether more sinister: its slave market. In the 17th century, the territory became part of the Gurian Principality ( Guria is now Georgia’s smallest region and the heart of tea country) and was subsequently occupied by the Ottomans who baptised Kobuleti with a new Turkish name, Çürüksu, meaning ‘rotten water’ – surely a reference to the peat bogs and swampy marshes that run along the coast.

After the annexation of Western Georgia, Kobuleti became a frontier settlement at the boundary of two empires: Ottoman-controlled Adjara and Russian-controlled Guria. It was eventually folded into the Russian Empire in 1878 after the second-to-last Russo-Turkish War.

Kobuleti’s trajectory changed in the mid-18th century when it became a summer resort for the Russian nobility. Tsar Alexander II kick-started this process when he portioned up the seafront and gifted parcels of land to high-ranking military commanders as a thank-you for their role in the victory over the Turks. Elegant villas began popping up on the seafront amidst forests of pine trees, eucalypts, bamboo, cypress and date palms. Sadly, most houses of this vintage have been destroyed – obvious gaps in the vegetation reveal where they once stood.

These aristocratic villas were seized under Sovietisation, but Kobuleti’s designation of ‘resort status’ in 1923 ensured its continued prosperity as a wellness destination for tourists from the USSR . This ushered in a building boom and new hotels, boarding houses and sanatoriums (not dissimilar to the ones at Tskaltubo ) were erected. From the 1950s, many of these sanatoria belonged to the Soviet Ministry of Defence.

After the War in Abkhazia (1992-3), a few thousand IDPs were temporarily resettled in the newly abandoned hotels. Kobuleti became an alternative beach destination to Sokhumi, Pitsura or Gagra and is still very popular among tourists from Georgia, Armenia and elsewhere.

Best time to visit Kobuleti

If you want to experience the ‘beach resort’ side of Kobuleti then you must visit in summer, from late June until the first weeks of September. Families live here year-round but outside of these months, many guesthouses and almost all non-essential businesses close down.

If you want to see a different side of Kobuleti, visit in the off season. I recommend either late spring or preferably autumn . It can be very wet and windy between March and May.

Things to do in Kobuleti

If you’re interested in Soviet history, mosaics, abandoned buildings, interesting architecture and local museums, you’ll find enough to keep you occupied for a full day in Kobuleti.

There are two main roads in the city, both running parallel to the beach. Even though it’s flat and very easy to navigate, be warned that things are quite spread out. It takes almost an hour to get from one end of the beach to the other on foot.

Local taxis are available near the market and the Bolt app works here too. Bus #1 runs up and down Agmashenebeli Avenue every 20 minutes or so and costs 40 tetri per ride, paid in coins to the driver as you exit the bus.

Here are 10 things to do in Kobuleti plus a few recommended side trips.

Wander the waterfront

Kobuleti has a sizable beachfront – 11 kilometres of shoreline give or take – all of it black pebbles and rocks. The curve of the coast is just right for views all the way down to Tsikhisdziri Cape, Mtsvane Kontskhi (‘Green Cape’, site of the Batumi Botanical Garden ) and the city itself. Silhouettes of Batumi’s skyscrapers and the ferris wheel are clearly visible from Kobuleti Beach.

Kobuleti Boulevard starts from behind the city centre and runs along the water for almost the entire length of the beach. It’s brand new and very pleasant to walk on, with wide sidewalks, cycling paths, and sculptural seats, water fountains and bike racks. It’s especially nice in the evening when locals are out with their tricycle-toting kids and dogs. Sunsets on Georgia’s west-facing coast are majestic and Kobuleti is no exception.

Along the way, you’ll meet little upturned boats and photogenic tangles of fishing nets. Monumental staircases every few dozen metres provide access to the shore below. The only thing that stands between the city and the surf – which sometimes swells high enough to engulf the main street – is a long concrete sea wall. On the other side, tall bleachers serve as tiered seating for beachgoers.

Walking the boulevard brings you to the pier and Kobuleti Central Park, where the mosaic fountain is located (see #3). I would have loved to wander out onto the pier but it’s clearly missing a few large sections of flooring – probably washed away in this year’s winter storms.

Explore the abandoned hotels & sanatoria

Kobuleti’s waterfront is dotted with the skeletons of old hotels and sanatoriums – some abandoned and gutted, others never finished. The most notable of these is the old Hotel Kolkheti, which functioned under the state-owned Intourist. Up until a few years ago it was very well preserved, as you can see in these photos taken in 2015 .

I was immensely disappointed to find a big crater in the earth where the Hotel Kolkheti should have been. Apparently it was torn down in 2019/2020 (a crane on the site toppled onto the boulevard and beach, causing a big stir). The site is now fenced off and a sign out front indicates that it will eventually be redeveloped.

A nearby abandoned leisure complex has also vanished without a trace – see photos of it from 2015 .

As a consolation prize, I did manage to find two old buildings of a similar vintage that are still standing. The first is a 12-story hotel at the top of the beach. Reduced to a skeleton, it too is cordoned off but large parts of the fence are missing and the front gate is open, so I took this as an invitation to go inside. The building has an interesting external staircase on the main building and nearby, a covered pool complex.

GPS location: 41.872556, 41.776778

Back on the main part of the boulevard, this abandoned hotel has a similar external staircase.

GPS location: 41.850438, 41.777835

With new hotel developments going up, it’s only a matter of time before these two buildings are demolished too.

Hunt down Kobuleti’s Soviet-era mosaics

Anywhere you find sanatoriums, you’ll also find Soviet-style mosaics. There are three beauties in Kobuleti that are relatively well-preserved and worth seeking out. I actually stopped to photograph two of these last summer when I was passing through and was glad to see they’re still in-tact.

The first is this bus stop, which depicts a panorama of ocean swimmers.

GPS location: 41.851377, 41.779238

This subdued underwater mosaic marks the entrance to one of the old sanatoriums off the main street.

GPS location: 41.835068, 41.777398

The pièce de résistance is this fountain complex inside Kobuleti Central Park. Designed by Ilia Pesvianidze, it comprises a series of pools decorated with a dozen large, three-dimensional fish and an octopus. Each is clad in incredibly detailed, vivid mosaics.

I spotted a fourth mosaic on the grounds of the Marshal Resort. Just visible through the fence from the boulevard, it depicts two swimmers diving for a jellyfish surrounded by dolphins and other sea creatures.

This hotel is one of the originals – built in 1927, it apparently hosted a slew of esteemed guests including cosmonauts Yuri Gagarin and Gherman Titov.

Visit the wonderful Effendi Villa

The last thing I was expecting to find in Kobuleti is a vibrant community project. Luckily I stumbled across Effendi Villa online before I arrived, but I’m sure the house would have caught my eye anyway – it certainly stands out. During my visit to Kobuleti I organised to meet up with one of the co-founders, Lyubov Kuznetsova, who very graciously gave up her afternoon to show me around.

Effendi Villa is one of the oldest surviving houses in Kobuleti and has literally seen it all. Commissioned by Teodosi Ivanovi, an officer of the Russian Imperial Army, for his wife Lydia Vasilyevna Effendi, the house was built at the turn of the century by Italian architects. Tragically, after a few short years the family was forced to move to Leninakan (now Gyumri ) where Ivanovi was charged with ‘counter-revolutionary’ acts and executed. The house lived on as a school, a warehouse and a summer camp before it eventually fell into disrepair.

Lyubov and her husband (who is a descendant of Ivanovi) inherited the villa and have dedicated their lives to rehabilitating it. Using photos and memories as reference, and with help from various experts and volunteers, they are piecing the decorative mouldings, carvings and ceramic fireplaces back together. It’s an ongoing project but what they’ve managed to achieve so far is remarkable.

This is far more than a simple DIY project, though. Inspired by the house’s history and the legacy of the family who built it, Effendi Villa is getting a new lease on life as a Cultural Heritage Monument and an asset for the entire Kobuleti community. Effendi Villa advocates for cultural preservation, the restoration of historic monuments and education around built heritage throughout the Autonomous Republic of Adjara.

There are visions to use the house for English classes and workshops for children from disadvantaged backgrounds (something they started in 2019 but have had to put on pause), and eventually to host artists in residence.

I can think of so many places in Georgia that are in desperate need of a project like this one. Effendi Villa is one of the very rare lucky ones who fortunately fell into the hands of the right people. I can’t wait to see how the project evolves in the years to come. If you’d like to visit the villa and support their work, reach out to Lyubov directly via their website or Facebook page .

Walk through the small Kobuleti Museum

If you’re searching for things to do in Kobuleti on a rainy day, the local history museum is located in the centre of town, close to city hall. The exhibition is small and a bit stuffy, but it’s worth a quick walk through if you’re in the area.

The collection contains archaeological objects, coins, clay amphora and locally made carpets. Information panels are in English.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-6pm. Entrance costs 5 GEL.

Climb the lookout tower at Kobuleti Managed Reserve

Back from the water’s edge, between the sea and the mountains, Kobuleti Managed Reserve is a strange and unexpected landscape of marshy wetlands.

This is probably Kobuleti’s biggest tourist attraction aside from the beach. Hugely important to the area’s biodiversity, the 770-hectare park has been protected under the Ramsar Treaty as a ‘wetland of international importance’ since 1971. In 2021 it was named as Georgia’s fourth UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the larger network of protected areas that make up the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands, AKA the ‘Amazon of the Caucasus’.

Also known as the Ispani mires, the Reserve is dominated by a 1700-year-old clay bog fed by rainwater and lined with peat. This environment supports many unique types of vegetation including Sphagnum moss, a relic from the ice age. The dome-shaped Ispani II mire rises and falls up to 25 centimetres with heavy rain, sucking up the fresh water like a sponge. It serves as an important nesting ground for local and migratory birds, with egrets, bee-eaters and harriers inhabiting the mires during spring and autumn (the best times to visit for bird watching are April and October).

New elevated boardwalks, a lookout tower and three 500-metre marked hiking trails have been erected in the park along with signboards. Watch out if you’re visiting after heavy rain as the area gets very muddy – I took two steps on one of the hiking trails and had to turn back. The wooden bridges and grassy ridge at the start of the park are much easier to navigate.

Entrance to the Reserve is free and the area is open and accessible 24/7. To get there from the centre, take bus #1 up Agmashenebeli Avenue to the intersection of Bagrationi Street (marked here ), then walk 300 metres to the end of the road. There is no information or ticket desk, but the main entrance to the park is clearly signposted. After you pass the last house, cross the bridge. You’ll see the information boards and marked paths leading towards the lookout tower.

For more information about the mires or to organise a local guide, drop into the visitor’s centre on the main street (open weekdays from 9am-6pm).

Browse Kobuleti Central Market

Back in the centre of town, Kobuleti’s sprawling central market features a separate Agrarian Market for local farm produce: Black tea flecked with slices of sun-dried tangerine, Adjarian regional cheeses, stacks of jams and sour plum sauces. It’s a touch touristy but worth a browse nonetheless.

The rest of the outdoor market is a cacophony of stalls selling fresh produce, loose leaf tobacco and fish.

Eat iakhni, a Kobuleti specialty

Adjara has a fabulous regional cuisine that’s rich in dairy and echoes the region’s Turkish-Ottoman influences. Kobuleti’s very own specialty dish, iakhni , is a rich beef stew made with ground walnuts, onion, garlic and spices. It’s a bit like Megrelian kharcho in texture but with a unique taste.

Iakhni is considered a wedding dish but you’ll find it on the menu at restaurants around Kobuleti and throughout Adjara. I first tried it at BatuMarani in Batumi, but the few I had in Kobuleti were even better. The version at Adjarian House is very, very tasty. It was one of the few restaurants open during my visit in spring.

Eat fresh fish at Taraghana

Taraghana restaurant is a Kobuleti institution. Like most fish restaurants it closes during winter, so you will have to visit Kobuleti during the warmer months for this one. I tried it when I was road tripping down the Black Sea coast last summer.

Much like the Fish Market in Batumi, you choose your desired fresh caught fish, pay by weight, then the chef will cook it up for you. They do a really yummy grilled fish with garlic sauce, and the salads and chips are also very good! If it’s not raining, sit on the upstairs deck for a water view.

Taraghana is located at the southern end of town, 20 minutes by foot or 5 minutes by taxi from the museum and market.

More things to do around Kobuleti

If you have more time or decide to use Kobuleti as a home base, here are more things to do nearby on this section of the Black Sea coast.

South of Kobuleti: Petra Fortress & Tsikhisdziri

Petra Fortress, Tsikhisdziri hidden beach and Seaside Shukura are just down the coast in Kobuleti Municipality and easy to get to by boarding a Batumi-bound bus. A little further on, Chavki village is home to some beautiful old architecture, including the ‘Tea House’ where tea specialist Lao Jin Jao lived with his family.

Petra Fortress recently reopened after extensive renovations and is definitely worth visiting. The castle sits high on a rocky outcrop over the sea, surrounded by terraced gardens with lush arbours, the remains of an old limonarium. Entrance costs 5 GEL.

North of Kobuleti: Shekvetili

Shekvetili is a much smaller beach town 15 kilometres north of Batumi. The swimming beaches in this area are quite good, especially around Ureki. Other things to do in Shekvetili include the Dendrological Park and Miniature Park. See my Guria guide for more information.

To get to Shekveteli from Kobuleti, simply jump on any of the north-bound buses travelling up the coast.

Inland from Kobuleti: Kintrishi Nature Reserve

Kintrishi State Reserve is a remote national park deep within the mountains of Adjara region, behind Kobuleti. It forms another part of the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands and contains ancient Colchian boxwood and Utkhovari groves, lakes and waterfalls, and medieval arched ‘Tamari’ bridges.

The road from Kobuleti to the entrance through Chakhati is around 35 kilometres / 1.5 hours by car. The road is unpaved in parts and quite rough, so you need a 4WD or a car with high clearance. Hiking trails and camping areas are marked within the park.

Kobuleti map

Click here to access the Google Map .

Where to stay in Kobuleti

Every second house in Kobuleti is a guesthouse or small hotel – you’ll have no trouble finding a place to stay during the off season. Rooms book out in summer so I recommend reserving at least a few weeks in advance if you’re planning to travel between June and September.

Lia Guest House: I stayed at this simple family home on my recent trip to Kobuleti. Host Nana is extremely kind and the house is very quiet and comfortable. It’s located in the northern part of the city, close to the Reserve but a long walk from the centre of town. Check prices & availability here on Booking.com .

Marshal Resort: If I go back to Kobuleti, I’ll definitely stay in one of the refurbished suites at Marshal Resort . Rooms are tidy and spacious, the location on the seafront is ideal, and the place is dripping with history (a la Tskaltubo Spa Resort ). Check prices & availability here on Booking.com .

Sunset Kobuleti: This simple self-contained apartment is located in the centre of town close to the museum and restaurants. Check prices & availability here on Booking.com .

→ See more options for Kobuleti here on Booking.com .

How to get to Kobuleti

Kobuleti is well connected with other cities on the Black Sea coast. High-speed trains are available from Tbilisi , and most vans travelling to Batumi pass through Kobuleti.

Batumi to Kobuleti

From the old bus station near Batumi Plaza, take a direct van or any marshrutka van travelling north along the Black Sea coast to Poti, Shekvetili, Anaklia, etc. and ask the driver to drop you off in Kobuleti.

Travel time to Kobuleti is 40 minutes and the fare is 2.5 GEL.

Kutaisi to Kobuleti

From Kutaisi Central Bus station, take a Batumi-bound bus (every hour on the hour between 9am and 5pm) and ask the driver to drop you off in Kobuleti.

Travel time is just over 2 hours and the fare is 10 GEL.

Tbilisi to Kobuleti

The fast train from Tbilisi to Batumi stops at Kobuleti Railway Station. There are several departures daily and the fare is 25 GEL for a second-class ticket. See this travel guide for more information . The Railway Station in Kobuleti is located 1 kilometre (15 minutes by foot) from the museum and centre of town.

Alternatively, direct minivans to Kobuleti depart from Okriba ( Didube Bus Station ), but they might run on a pared-back schedule outside of summer. Vans travelling to Batumi take the E692 highway and pass through Kobuleti, so you can take a Batumi van and ask the driver to drop you off early. Travel time is 5.5-6 hours and the fare is 30 GEL.

Leaving Kobuleti

If you’re continuing your Georgia itinerary in Batumi or elsewhere on the coast, you’ll find there are frequent van connections to other towns and cities in the area. Batumi vans can be flagged down on Kobuleti’s main street. Tickets cost 2.5 GEL. Daily fast trains to Batumi and Tbilisi depart from the railway station.

Marshrutka vans and shared taxis for Tbilisi, Kutaisi , Ozurgeti and elsewhere wait outside the Central Market and in front of the railway station. Visit Tourist Information (pinned on the Kobuleti Map linked above) for up-to-date information on timetables and fares.

Have you been to Kobuleti? What were your impressions? Do you have any other Kobuleti travel tips to share?

Georgia essentials

Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend for Georgia. Check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Search for affordable flights to Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance (get 5% off when you book with my link).

SIM CARD: Magti is my preferred provider, with prices starting from 9 GEL/week for unlimited data. See this guide for all the details about buying a Georgian SIM card .

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Most flights into Georgia arrive in the early hours. For ease, pre-book a private transfer from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel (from $17) or from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi (from $90) with my partners at GoTrip.ge.

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is the most widely used platform in Georgia. Use it to find family guesthouses, private apartments, hostels and hotels around the country.

CAR HIRE: Find a great deal on a rental car in Georgia – use the Local Rent website to book through a local agent (prices start from $20/day).

DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Use Viator or Get Your Guide to browse a range of day trips and city tours. For off-beat programs, I recommend Friendly.ge (use the promocode wanderlush for 10% off). For in-depth day trips to Georgia’s wine regions, I recommend Eat This! Tours (use the promo code wanderlush for 5% off).

PRIVATE TRANSFERS: GoTrip.ge is a terrific service for booking a private professional driver and car for the day. Use it for A-to-B transfers, a customised round-trip itinerary, or a multi-day trip. You can stop wherever you like for as long as you like without the fixed price going up.

NEED SOME HELP?: Need feedback on your itinerary or personalised travel tips? I offer a one-on-one consultation call service for Tbilisi and Georgia. More information and bookings here .

You might also be interested in…

• The ultimate Georgia itinerary : Four detailed & custom-designed itineraries
• Georgia Travel Guide : All of my 200+ posts plus my top travel tips
• Georgia travel tips : 25 essential things to know before you go
• Places to visit in Georgia : 50+ unique & underrated destinations around the country
• The best things to do in Tbilisi : Favourites, hidden gems & local picks
• 35+ best restaurants in Tbilisi : Where to eat Georgian food
• 15 best day trips from Tbilisi : With detailed transport instructions
• The best time to visit Georgia : Month-by-month guide to weather, festivals & events

Bald and bankrupt made a video in Kabouleti at the abandoned hotel. ‘Worst fisherwoman in Georgia’ I think it was called

I hadn’t seen that, thanks for the tip!

Great post Emily, Hope to add Kobuketi to my visit next year, or at least a day trip from Batumi. I’ll be there in summer and don’t mind sharing the sea with lots of holiday makers.

Great to hear that Cindy! It has a very different feel/energy in summer – I’m sure it will be a lot of fun!

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18 Things to Do in Kobuleti: Swamps, Empty Mansions & Fort

If you want a less bustling town on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, consider visiting Kobuleti. This small city, located about 27 km from Batumi, surprisingly has a fair share of attractions for its visitors. This complete things to do in Kobuleti guide provides a comprehensive list of sites, day trip ideas, cafes to eat, and essential travel tips to help you plan. 

While Kobuleti is one of the largest cities on the Black Sea coast, unlike Batumi, it becomes a sleepy town during the off-season and comes back to life during the summer months. 

Like many Georgians, I’ll admit that I thought there were only a few things to do in Kobuleti besides being a more affordable summer holiday destination than Batumi. However, I decided to debunk the myth and spend a few days playing tourist to rediscover the city. 

My visit was at the beginning of September, a ‘velvet season’ as locals call it, meaning that it’s not as crowded as in summer, but the weather is still nice to swim in the Black Sea and enjoy sun rays while wandering its streets. 

Kobuleti is the gateway to the Kobuleti Managed Reserve, part of Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands, enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage. Within this reserve lies the Ispani bog, an ecosystem of immense ecological importance and one of a kind in the whole of Georiga, making it one of the country’s most unique places to visit .

This post includes affiliate links to products, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to fund my blog and bring more authentic articles to you 🙂   Learn more

Why visit Kobuleti?

Kobuleti, an idyllic coastal town, transforms dramatically during the summer when a rolling wave of tourists come here for holidays in July and August. 

The rich history of Kobuleti spans many centuries and goes back to the Bronze Age, when nearby Tsikhisdziri and Bobokvati, now encompassed within the borders of Kobuleti Municipality, were territories of the Kingdom of Colchis, colonized by Greek settlements. 

Mere kilometers away from the city, the Petra Fortress is tangible evidence of Ancient Lazica, representing one of Georgia’s most vital Roman-era archaeological sites.

In feudal times, the city was part of the Guria principality and was the largest slave trade market, where Turkish merchants from nearby coastal towns would come to buy enslaved people. 

From the end of the 18th century, when Russia and the Ottoman Empires signed a Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, Lower Guria and Kobuleti became part of the Ottoman Empire and were renamed Çürüksu, meaning ‘rotten water.’ 

After the Russo-Turkish War (1877-78), Kobuleti and the entire Adjara region became part of the Russian Empire and slowly became a resort town for the elite and aristocrats. 

Tsar Alexander II gave prime seafront land to high-ranking military commanders as tokens of appreciation for their pivotal roles in defeating the Turks, who began developing the Kobuleti coastal strip with luxurious country houses. 

Kobuleti’s healthy climate even made the headlines of the local newspaper Kavkazi, where doctors talked about the healing properties of air in Kobuleti. 

When the Soviet government was established in Georgia, the aristocrats’ lavish houses came under the government’s ownership. Kobuleti became a climatic-balneological resort in 1923 with plenty of sanatoriums, new hotels, and boarding houses, mirroring the grandeur of Tskaltubo , most belonging to the Ministry of Defense.

This brought locals for vacation and the annual ‘right to rest’ according to Soviet Law. Those with non-tuberculous respiratory, nervous, and cardiovascular system diseases also came here for treatments. 

During the Soviet period, Kobuleti had cotton weaving, canning, tea factories (read about Georgian tea), and various cattle and agricultural farms. 

After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the devastating War in Abkhazia from 1992 to 1993, several thousand internally displaced persons (IDPs) temporarily found refuge in the newly abandoned hotels of Kobuleti. 

Consequently, both Batumi and Kobuleti emerged as alternative beach destinations to Sokhumi, Gagra, and Pitsunda and continue to be immensely popular among locals and tourists from neighboring countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. 

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The best time to visit Kobuleti

Choosing the perfect time to visit Kobuleti can significantly influence your experience. If you desire to bask in Kobuleti’s vibrant ‘beach resort’ ambiance, then the summer months, stretching from July through the first two weeks of September, are your prime opportunity. 

During this period, the city springs to life as the bustling beachfront promenades and lively beach bars are at their peak. 

However, if you want to visit Kobuleti in its peaceful times, the off-season is your best bet – spring or autumn. However, note that this time of year has occasional rain and brisk winds. And while most residents stay here year-round, many hotels and guesthouses close, as do dozens of cafes and restaurants.   

Things to do in Kobuleti Map

Here is a detailed Google Maps list of all the spots and locations mentioned in this guide. You can save the list and refer to it whenever needed. 

18 best things to do in Kobuleti

Kobuleti’s rich history offers many activities to entertain the curious traveler – from a few Soviet sanatoriums to intricate mosaics, from local museums to natural wonders. Spending one full day in the city is enough, but if you want to explore neighboring sites, you may want to add a day or two to your plans.  

Kobuleti is a very walkable flat city. However, most attractions are spread out within its two main roads parallel to the coast. Local taxis are everywhere if you need one; the Bolt taxi app also works here. And there’s Bus No.1 that goes along Aghmashenebeli Str. 

We walked everywhere and only ordered a taxi to take us to the far ends of the city. 

While I plan on updating this guide as needed, if you find any information provided here changed, I’d appreciate it if you reached out and left a comment below. 

Visit the tiny Kobuleti Museum

One of the things to do in Kobuleti is to venture to the heart of Kobuleti for a visit to the local history museum. This modest exhibition offers a window into the city’s rich heritage with a collection of archaeological artifacts, clay amphorae, and coins, to name a few. 

Go downstairs from the main exhibition hall to see the remnants of the basreliefs and the ethnographical corner. Upstairs is another space dedicated to the Soviet era with many posters, paintings, flags, a desk, and a stationary. 

• Opening hours : Tue-Sun 10 am – 6 pm; C losed on Mondays
• Entrance fee : adults – 5 GEL; both locals and foreigners

Explore the Kobuleti Managed Reserve

Stepping away from the sea lies the mysterious Kobuleti Managed Reserve, where marshy wetlands take center stage, weaving a fascinating landscape.

With 770 hectares of natural wonder, the national park is a vital sanctuary for the region’s biodiversity, safeguarded by the Ramsar Treaty as a ‘wetland of international importance’ from 1971. 

In 2021, Kobuleti Managed Reserve became a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands, along with Kolkheti National Park in Poti , Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve, and Mtirala National Park. 

One of the most unique places to visit in Georgia , Kobuleti Managed Reserve is home to the ecosystem tracing its origins to the Quaternary period’s Ice Age. The reserve is particularly renowned for its lush peat mosses, predominantly showcasing a captivating variety of sphagnum species, which gracefully adorn this unique landscape.

Here, the peat moss remains uncovered by water, serving as a natural sponge that can absorb rainwater and expand to 25 times its weight. 

During my very first visit to the Kobuleti Managed Reserve a few years ago, I was accompanied by staff members who, to demonstrate its unique characteristics, pulled out the moss and squeezed it in front of me, adding that once you place this moss back, it will regenerate itself. 

When squeezed, the moss produces the purest, cleanest water, unveiling its remarkable filtration capabilities. Perhaps even more astonishing is this unique environment’s role in protecting Kobuleti from flooding during heavy rainfall.

To explore the rare peat moss landscapes of Ispani I and Ispani II, a well-laid path and a brief elevated boardwalk guide you through the reserve’s heart. As you traverse this picturesque route, it leads you to a lookout tower that offers the perfect vantage point for capturing breathtaking aerial photographs of this enchanting landscape.

• Opening hours : always
• Entrance fee : FREE

How to visit Kobuleti Managed Reserve: 

Take a taxi, Bus No.1, from Agmashenebeli Ave., or walk towards the intersection of Aghmashenebeli and Baratashvili (the exact spot is included on my Google Maps list). Then, follow the signs for a few minutes to the park entrance. 

Drink coffee at Livi Coffee & Bar

To kick-start your day with a delicious cup of specialty coffee, head to Livi Coffee & Bar on Aghmashenebeli Street. 

This minimalist place offers classics, flat white and raf coffee, and cold drinks such as espresso tonic or banana latte, to name a few. They also have matcha latte, cocoa, tea, and other non-caffeine drinks. 

Even though they don’t have a food menu, they do offer cakes, snacks, cookies, and pre-packaged sandwiches and salads. 

Enjoy a relaxing walk on the coast

Kobuleti’s extensive beachfront with black pebbles and rugged rocks stretches around 10 km and has a sandy coast in some parts.

One of the best things to do in Kobuleti, either in the morning or evening, is to enjoy a long leisurely walk here as it offers sweeping vistas that extend to Tsikhisdziri, Mtsvane Kontskhi, or ‘Green Cape,’ and the cityscape of Kobuleti itself. 

Kobuleti Boulevard, relatively new and carefully designed, meanders along the waterfront with broad sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and artistic sculptures. There are staircases along the way, giving access to the shoreline below. 

The Boulevard leads to Kobuleti Central Park and the iconic pier, which sadly misses a few flooring sections. While we saw some people walking on the dock, it looked unsafe from Boulevard, so we didn’t risk it. 

See the former sanatorium

Unlike Tskaltubo , almost all the sanatoriums in Kobuleti vanished over the years, giving space to new buildings. There are heavy development and construction projects, so many long-standing abandoned buildings are fenced off or demolished. 

We could only find one abandoned building while walking on the Boulevard. The ten-story hotel standing right at the coast is emptied out. The external staircase is intriguing, with a few graffiti adorning its walls, while the entrance from Aghmashenebeli Street still features some mosaics (see below). 

Find a few remaining Soviet mosaics

You might already know that Soviet-era mosaics are my weak spot, so I am always on the lookout when visiting cities in Georgia. They are the relics of a bygone era of grandeur and artistic expression. 

Much like the abandoned sanatoriums and hotels, many mosaics I have previously seen and knew about were absent on my last visit in September 2023. I could only find a handful of them that I included in my Kobuleti travel guide list on Google Maps above. 

The Kobuleti Central Park is home to a gorgeous seaworld-themed massive fountain showcasing different three-dimensional fish, octopus, and crab. Unfortunately, I found only information about its author – Ilia Pesvianidze – the date is unknown. 

At the entrance of the above-mentioned abandoned hotel is another sealife-themed mosaic standing intact; however, the overgrown plants are taking over and covering half of it. Sadly, both the author and the date are unknown. 

The courtyard of the Marshal Resort also hides a panoramic mosaic accessible from the main street. There will be a guard, but if you tell him you want to look at the mosaic, he’ll let you in. 

The mosaic isn’t in good shape, with scenery barely visible. It clearly shows a coastal town with a girl and a boy in the center, dancing dolphins coming out of the sea waves on one side and a town on the other, while a yacht sails away in the background. 

North of Kobuleti towards Shekvetili, we found another Soviet-era mosaic adorning a bus stop. There was a guy with a bucket full of water inside the bus stop that I hadn’t paid attention to. When I took photos of it, he came up and showed the picture of the mosaic a few hours before my arrival. Apparently, it was covered in posters, and he cleaned it as much as possible. 

On our way to the Kobuleti Market, we also found a building with Soviet-era bas-relief (the exact pin is on the Google Maps list).

Have breakfast at Smith’s Bar

Only a handful of places offer breakfast in Kobuleti, probably because it has never been a Georgian culture to go out for breakfast (which is now changing with younger generations). And most of the places that do offer breakfast open slightly late in the morning. 

We found Smith’s Bar to offer two versions of the breakfast menu – one with omelet roll and another with boiled eggs. The plates came with cheese, croutons, olives, and slices of cucumber and tomato. 

Buy local produce at the market

One of the things to do in Kobuleti is to browse the market stalls for fresh produce of regional delicacies, churchkhela , Georgian tea, pickles, honey, spices, and jams, along with fresh fruit and vegetables. 

We found our favorite imported Turkish black and green olives, a five-litter tin box of olive oil, and pickled chilies for much more reasonable prices than in Tbilisi. 

Don’t forget to try Iakhni

Adjarian cuisine boasts a splendid culinary tradition that resonates with abundant dairy products and is influenced by Ottoman heritage. Kobuleti, in particular, takes pride in its culinary masterpiece, the flavorful dish iakhni . 

This rich beef stew seasoned with a flavorful blend of ground walnuts, onion, garlic, and spices is reminiscent of the renowned Megrelian kharcho , but has a different flavor profile that sets it apart.

Traditionally considered a dish for celebrations and weddings, you can now savor iakhni at restaurants in Kobuleti and Adjara regions. 

Try it either at Chero restaurant or Sakalmakhe (see below). 

Dine at Afra

Afra is one of the best restaurants in Kobuleti, and we loved dining at it. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the food was delicious. 

The restaurant is located on Aghmashenebeli Str. and boasts a diverse menu with fish, salads, hot meals, pizza, Khachapuri, and appetizers. 

We had red mullet, which came in a huge pan, and Ojakhuri with mushrooms. We also ordered their specialty Afra bread, which resembled a thin pita or nan bread. 

Ride a roller coaster at Tsitsinatela Amusement Park

For a dose of adrenaline and family-friendly fun, head over to Tsitsinatela Amusement Park. This park has thrilling roller coasters and whimsical carousels to enjoy near Kobuleti.

Whether you’re traveling with kids or love such parks, Tsitsinatela is the perfect place to have fun. 

Once here, you can also pop into Georgia in Miniature Park to see the historically and culturally significant sites in their petite forms. 

Admire wooden mosques of Adjara

If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do in Kobuleti, visiting the wooden mosques of Adjara should be right up your alley. They hold a unique and significant place in the region’s cultural and architectural heritage. 

These exquisite structures, crafted from wood with masterful artistry, are architectural marvels and sacred spaces that have played an important role in the local Muslim community.

While most of these gorgeous mosques are scattered in the highland villages of Upper Ajara, I found one near Kobuleti, in the village of Kvirike, around 10km away. 

This two-story religious building was constructed by Laz artisans in 1865- 1866, making it one of the oldest wooden mosques in the region. From the outside, it looks like a typical Adjarian residential house, while from the inside, it has traces of ‘Darbazuli’ layout (native to the Samtskhe-Javakheti region) with its dome-like ceiling. 

Various parts of the mosque (door, pillars, railings, etc) have traces of Georgian ecclesiastical and vernacular architecture. The carvings, both on the door and pillars, are absolutely stunning. 

It differs significantly from the other wooden mosques I have seen in Ghorkomi, Tago, and Khulo. 

Sadly, the mosque was locked during my visit, and I could only peek inside from a tiny window. My taxi driver and a young man waiting for the bus near the mosque told me that it is usually open for Friday prayers, making it the only day to see it from the inside (obviously outside Friday prayer times).   

Eat fresh fish at Sakalmakhe

Sakalmakhe is a Georgian word for ‘trout farm’. The venue, south of Kobuleti towards Batumi direction, is a local favorite to eat fresh fish right from the pool. 

Their diverse menu offers a wide choice of fish and other Georgian meals. They have salmon, trout, red mullet, seabas, dorado, and saurels. The price for your fish is determined by the kilograms. While they will try to catch a small one, they won’t cut it to the exact weight. 

We ordered grilled salmon on our visit, and it was plenty for two. The total weight was slightly over 2kgs. 

Wander through the mysterious Petra Fortress

Step back in time at the iconic Petra Fortress perched on a rocky hill overlooking the Black Sea. This ancient marvel proves Georgia’s rich history and dates back to the 6th century, witnessing centuries of battles and conquests. 

As you explore its well-preserved ruins, climb to the area’s highest point for panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. The history and views alone make Petra Fortress one of the top things to do in Kobuleti.

To visit Petra Fortress, hop on Batumi-bound marshrutka and tell the driver to stop at Petra. The price should be 3 GEL. 

• Opening hours : every day, 10 am – 6 pm
• Entrance fe e: 5 GEL

Hunt down abandoned mansions in Tsikhisdziri

Venture a short distance from Kobuleti, and you’ll stumble upon Tsikhistsiri, a town that feels like it’s been frozen in time. 

Tsikhisdziri is home to a collection of abandoned mansions, each with its unique architecture, most likely been there since Tsar Alexander II ordered to give the coastal strip of Kobuleti to the best commanders-in-chief who distinguished themselves during the Russo-Turkish War of the 19th century. 

Some of these mansions are undergoing renovations and are fenced off, with guards and workers not letting anyone venture in. 

Luckily, on our visit, no one was at these mansions, and we managed to walk through admiring the beautiful architecture I had no idea Tsikhisdziri had. 

Some even have private property signs saying ‘no transpassing.’ The locations and pins of the mansions we visited are on my Google Maps list.  

Unfortunately, I could not find much information on these lavish buildings, but simply wandering the premises is worth a journey. 

As you walk through the overgrown gardens and peep through windows and doors, you’ll catch glimpses of a forgotten era when these mansions embodied luxury. 

Small favor : If you also venture into Tsikhisdziri in search of these mansions and find a different situation, I will be grateful if you reach out to me (either on social channels or comment below) before I update this post with more relevant information. 

Similar to Petra Fortress, to get to Tsikhisdziri from Kobuleti, you must take a marshrutka to Batumi and hop off near the entrance turn of Castelo Mare Hotel (see the exact spot with a note on my map above). 

Spend an afternoon at Shukura 

After the hunt of these mansions, it’s time to relax, enjoy, and dine at Shukura – a multifunctional space with a restaurant and an open-air pool in Tsikhisdziri. 

Housed in a former sanatorium of the same name, Shukura is another brand child of the Adjara Group (owners of the Rooms Hotel chain, including Kokhta Bakuriani , Fabrika Tbilisi , Stamba Hotel & Cafe , Udabno regenerative farming, etc). 

During our visit, the pool area was already closed for the season, and I could only peep inside to take a few photos. In its peak season, there’s a poolside bar for the visitors. In 2024, the management plans to renovate the sanatorium’s old rooms into hotel rooms. 

The Shukura cafe is separate from the pool area, located down the stairs leading to the Black Sea coast. The seating area and the kitchen are spread inside the former sanatorium’s staff member buildings. The open kitchen with the massive brick oven is something to behold. I loved staring at chefs prepping the meals.  

This seasonal cozy eatery is extremely popular during summer, whipping up flavorful regional and continental staples, such as Adjaruli Khachapuri, muscles in Thai sauce, Foccasia, salads, and appetizers. Their cocktails are also quite delicious. 

Even though it was a rainy day on our visit in September, the warm and welcoming atmosphere added an extra layer of charm to the place.

If you follow the stairs down to the coast and then follow the banana tree line, you’ll find the so-called Tsikhisdziri hidden beach, also part of Shukura that has sun lounges on the platform over the huge rocks. Two stairs on the opposite sides have direct access to the sea. 

See the abandoned house of a Chinese tea grower

In the small coastal town of Chakvi, you’ll find remains of an abandoned house that once belonged to the legendary Chinese tea grower Lau Dzhen Dzhau from Zhejiang province. 

This house is not just a neglected structure; it’s a piece of history that carries the legacy of the man who played a pivotal role in introducing and assisting in tea production on the lush terrains of Georgia. See my guide to Georgian tea to learn more about him and the tea industry. 

Read also : Renegade Tea Farm – how a company resorted Soviet tea farm, restarting the tea production and offering tours to the visitors.

The abandoned house nestled at the Black Sea coast has an idyllic scenery and gorgeous views of the sea in front. The castle-like building now stands empty without a door or windows and is covered by overgrown plants. 

Inside is full of trash and cow excrement. Everything that was once valuable is gone; only the traces of the fireplace exist, and even the staircase leading to the second floor is gone.

One very symbolic item adorns the floor of the house – a triple tea leaf – which, according to George Bitadze from the Tea Museum in Tbilisi , was added afterward and is not original. 

Several years ago, some funding was allocated to restore the house and turn it into a social space. The renovation works are visible today; however, for whatever reason, it was paused, leaving this cultural relic abandoned once more. 

From Kobuleti to Chakvi, take a Batumi-bound marshrutka and stop it once you notice the building on the main highway. 

Don’t miss the former palace of Romanovs

A few meters from Lau Dzhen Dzhau’s house, you’ll find a former royal palace that belonged to the Romanovs. This is where Georgian tea was produced specifically for the Russian Imperial family. 

While I believed it was abandoned based on the photos I saw on Google Maps, upon walking up close, we realized that someone had bought it and lived there. It is almost fully renovated, with at least dozens of surveillance cameras on its facade. 

This red brick and white stone building has intricate details and glass-covered hallways we call shushabandi. The creeping plant adds another appeal to its overall beauty. 

Other day trips from Kobuleti

The location of Kobuleti enables you to explore the neighboring Guria region or do a bit longer day trips to explore other parts of Adjara. Here are a few more suggestions: 

Shekvetili : located around 10km from Kobuleti, Shekvetili boasts magnetic sandy beaches, an intriguing Musicians Park with statues of Georgian and international artists, and a Dendrological Park. 

Batumi : while you should definitely spend more time in Batumi rather than make a day trip from Kobuleti, I am still including it as an option for those who don’t have much time and would love to see the quirky, unusual, and fascinating town in the Black Sea. Refer to all my Batumi guides for more information. 

Poti : located about 55-minute drive from Kobuleti, Poti is the town in Samegrelo known mainly for its seaport and mosquitos among locals. However, there’s much more to the city, including being the first ever city in Georgia developed based on a plan mirroring Parisian layout, gorgeous neo-Gothic architecture, and Kolkheti National Park (also part of UNESCO World Heritage Site). It barely gets any visitors, making it a perfect off-the-beaten-path destination. For more information, refer to my Poti travel guide . 

Where to stay in Kobuleti

Kobuleti offers many lodging options, so finding a place to stay should be easy. However, if your visit falls within the summer months, between June and September, it’s advisable to book well in advance, ensuring you secure the perfect accommodation for your coastal escape.

Marshal Resort : with unique architecture and a beautiful green garden, the hotel offers rooms at a prime location right on the seafront. The rooms are simple yet quite spacious. With its terrace overlooking the sea, you can enjoy gorgeous sunsets. 

Magnolia Hotel Agmashenebeli : located just 200 meters from Kobuleti Beach, the hotel offers a range of amenities, including a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace. 

Georgia Palace Hotel & Spa Kobuleti : this contemporary hotel boasts a vast outdoor pool, an open-air restaurant, and rooms with balconies that offer breathtaking vistas of the Black Sea or the scenic Ajarian Mountains.

The elegantly designed, air-conditioned rooms are equipped with modern amenities to enhance your comfort.

Bamboo Garden : this stylish hotel is a mere 800 meters from Kobuleti Beach, featuring a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and non-smoking rooms all set amidst a peaceful garden. Additionally, it also has a private beach area. The well-appointed rooms in pastel colors include private balconies with beautiful sea views. 

→ None of them suit your needs? See more hotels in Kobuleti here . 

How to get to Kobuleti

Kobuleti enjoys excellent connectivity with neighboring cities along the Black Sea coast, making it easily accessible for travelers. If you plan on visiting Kobuleti and western Georgia, I recommend renting a car at LocalRent for affordable prices and flexibility. Alternatively, you can opt-in for a private transfer with GoTrip for unlimited stops along the way, which is more affordable than it sounds. 

And in case you want to use public transport, here’s a breakdown of how to reach Kobuleti from key locations:

Tbilisi to Kobuleti : For travelers coming from Tbilisi, you can hop on the fast train to Batumi, which makes a stop at Kobuleti Railway Station. There are multiple daily departures, with a second-class ticket priced at 35 GEL. The railway station in Kobuleti is a 15-20 minute walk from the town’s city center. Direct marshrutkas to Kobuleti from Didube Bus Station (Okriba) takes around 5:30 to 6 hours. Tickets cost 30 GEL.

Batumi to Kobuleti : To travel from Batumi to Kobuleti, go to the Church of the Holy Spirit and take a marshrutka to Kobuleti. The price is 3 GEL, and the journey takes around 40-45 minutes. 

Kutaisi to Kobuleti : If you’re starting your trip from Kutaisi, head to the Kutaisi Central Bus Station. From there, take a bus bound for Batumi, departing every hour between 9 am and 5 pm. Inform the driver that you’d like to disembark in Kobuleti. The trip takes a little over two hours, and the fare is 15 GEL.

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Kobuleti, Georgia

Tourist’s guide to the beach city of Kobuleti, Georgia and what to see

Municipality of Kobuleti, Georgia, is a district in Adjara, here the seashore is located for 23 km, of which about 10 km are located directly on the territory of the city. The area of ​​Kobuleti can be described quite simply – a densely built-up area by the sea and mysteriously deserted mountains with a gorgeous nature reserve.

The resort includes only parallel 2 streets, each has a length of 9 km. The pearl of the city is a long coast with a sandy and pebble beach, for the sake of which tourists come here mainly. The main advantage of the resort town is the absence of a large number of people on the beach. Here you can at any time find a cozy place for solitude or just a relaxing holiday.

Despite the small flow of tourists, the resort of Kobuleti has a rather highly developed infrastructure. In the town you can find a large number of hotels, guesthouses, various cafes and restaurants. Since Georgia is quite compact, it is not difficult for guests of the country to visit a large number of sights of the country by car or even just go to neighboring Turkey. The most popular among travelers are the Botanical Garden and the nearby Makhinjauri, where you can treat various diseases with the help of mineral waters.

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The beach is the best advantage of the town

The real highlight of Kobuleti is the beach. Since it relates directly to the city, the city authorities monitor its cleanliness. On the beach of the city, trash still needs to be searched. The coastline is carefully cleaned both early in the morning and late in the evening.

While on vacation, you can simply lie on a deck chair under the warm rays of the sun, plunge into the clear sea, rent a small boat, a yacht, a catamaran or a sea scooter. After sea relaxation, you can visit the local cafe and enjoy a cup of delicious Georgian tea. The evening program should include visits to local restaurants and various cafes, where you can taste the world famous Georgian cuisine and delicious wine.

Tourists need to visit the picturesque seaside park, which is buried in exotic trees. Literally at every step there are recreation areas, from where you can see a unique view of the sea coast.

Climate Kobuleti

Thanks to the subtropical climate, the rest here is simply fabulous. You can come to this town at any time of the year and the weather in Kobuleti will almost certainly please you. In summer, you will find air temperature within 25-28C, and in winter the thermometer will show the temperature in the region + 5C. In rare cases, the temperature may drop below.

Extreme rarity for the seaside town is not only snow, but also sweltering heat. Winter in the town is usually very mild.

Due to the proximity of the sea, you do not feel the sultry heat. Every evening a light mountain freshness descends on the city and its clean forest air supplements it. If you feel the desire to climb the mountains, be sure to bring warm clothes with you, as the weather in Kobuleti in the highlands changes with space speed.

People open the bathing season, usually in May, and close at the end of October. The water temperature during the high tourist period is at around + 25C.

Wellness Resort

Mineral springs are located just 2 kilometers from Kobuleti, photos and more detailed information can be found on the Internet.

This mineral water belongs to the saline chloride-sodium thermal waters.

Healing water is recommended for the treatment of chronic diseases of the digestive tract, gall bladder, metabolic disorders, diseases of the kidneys, liver and others.

Water is also suitable for bathing. They help in the presence of diseases of the osteoarticular systems, impaired blood circulation, disorders of the central nervous system, chronic form of pyelonephritis and other diseases.

How to get to the resort

How to get from Batumi to Kobuleti? As easy as pie! You can arrive by minibus or high-speed train. There are 4 such trains per day during the tourist season. The exact schedule and cost of tickets can be found on the Georgian railway website www.railway.ge (available in Russian).

These trains are considered high-speed, travel time takes about half an hour. They go daily. The fare is 22 or 40 GEL, depending on the chosen class. Children receive a 50% discount.

Kobuleti Hotels and Accommodation Prices

Holidays in Georgia are not cheap and Kobuleti is no exception. The cost of living in a hotel in a middle class room starts from 110 GEL. 10 minutes transportation to the beach on a scooter will cost you 50 GEL. The only relatively cheap thing at the resort is food.

The best hotels in the city, judging by the reviews and photos, include:

• Hotel Georgia Palace (from 150 GEL);
• guesthouse Family Belgrad (from 85 GEL);
• Hotel Savane (from 70 GEL).

Food in Kobuleti

If you plan not to think about where to eat, then you should choose a hotel with the all-inclusive option, but most vacationers prefer to choose their preferred food on their own. Fortunately, the availability of restaurants and cafes allows you to do this.

The portions in Georgian establishments are quite large, a dinner for two will cost about 25-30 GEL. Do not give preference to one institution. Everywhere they cook deliciously and according to various recipes.

Having been in Georgia, you should definitely try the real Georgian kebab, the famous khachapuri, delicious kharcho, juicy khinkali, and, of course, world-famous wine.

The cost of fruit is more than acceptable. Peaches cost about 1.50 GEL per kg, watermelons – 0.60 GEL per kg.

The main feature of local cuisine is environmentally friendly products. Whatever product you buy, you can be absolutely sure that there are no harmful additives in it.

You can spend time with interest not only on the coast, but also walking among the forests in silence and coolness. A little away from the coast, you will find numerous villages scattered in a chaotic manner on the hills of local forests. Between these houses flows crystal clear, stormy mountain rivers with large, medium and small waterfalls. Even in such picturesque places you can find small restaurants, and the chef in such an institution is often an ordinary amateur. Holidays in Georgia will be remembered by you including delicious food.

Crystal clear air, freshly picked fruits and vegetables, a mountain river, iced wine, freshly prepared meat – so in brief we can characterize the charismatic Kobuleti (Georgia).

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• Why Georgia
• Destinations
• Things To Do
• Nature & Adventure
• Useful Info

Kobuleti had already become an elite resort area by the 19th century. The Russian Emperor had given the seaside to his high-ranking military officers, and they immediately started building dachas (private manors) there. 

Kobuleti’ reputation for rejuvenation began to spread around the world, and soon vacationers were making their way to the seaside for recreation and healing. By 1944, Kobuleti had grown into a fully-fledged city.

Five rivers flow through Kobuleti, giving it a great diversity of flora and fauna, as well as an astounding variety of landscapes that includes alpine lakes, meadows alive with wildflowers, dense forests, and towering waterfalls.

Visitors are drawn to the national parks of Kobuleti, Kintrishi, and Tikeri, as well as the Tbikeli and Sidzerdzali lakes, all of which boast untamed, unspoiled wilderness just begging to be explored by itinerant hikers.

Cultural Monuments

In addition to its natural beauty, Kobuleti is home to a number of ancient monuments that speak to its rich history. These include Petra Fortress , Mamuka Fortress, Khinotsminda Church, and Tskhemvani Bridge, as well as a number of churches, mosques, and museums inside the city proper.

Entertainment

Kobuleti is especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts drawn to hiking, birdwatching, and camping in its impenetrable forests. Watersports are also popular in both the Black Sea and the rivers and lakes that surround the city, with Mtirala National Park home to some especially gorgeous riverine landscapes.

And, of course, no visit would be complete without sampling local delicacies such as beef stew with walnuts, iakhni, and fondue-like borano, which aren’t readily available elsewhere in Georgia.

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, why not plan a weekend away in the subtropical beauty of Kobuleti?

Kobuleti is a charming coastal town located in the southwestern part of Georgia's Ajara region. The town is situated along the Black Sea coast, surrounded by beautiful beaches and lush green forests. The history of Kobuleti dates back to the ancient times, and it has played an important role in the region's political and cultural life. Visitors can explore the town's rich history and cultural heritage by visiting its numerous landmarks and historical sites, including the ancient fortress of Petra, the 19th-century Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, and the Museum of Local Lore.

Geographically, Kobuleti is located approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) north of the city of Batumi. The town covers an area of approximately 16 square kilometers (6.2 square miles) and sits at an altitude of 5 meters (16.4 feet) above sea level. The town's coastal location provides a warm and humid climate, making it an ideal destination for beachgoers and sunseekers. The Black Sea waters are also rich in marine life, making Kobuleti a popular destination for fishing and water sports.

Kobuleti is also known for its health resorts, with numerous sanatoriums and wellness centers located throughout the town. Visitors can enjoy a variety of treatments and therapies, including mud baths, mineral water treatments, and massages. The town is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, which features a variety of fresh seafood, locally grown fruits and vegetables, and traditional Georgian dishes.

Overall, Kobuleti is a unique and exciting destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and modern amenities. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach holiday or an immersive cultural experience, Kobuleti is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Georgia.

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Kobuleti Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: June - September Read More

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"Coastal Relaxation in Kobuleti"

Kobuleti tourism.

Kobuleti is a coastal city in Georgia located on the Black Sea. It is a popular destination for beach lovers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike. The city is full of sandy beaches, historical monuments, and lush nature reserves.

The town's most alluring feature is its stunning beaches, which draw sunseekers and water enthusiasts from around the world. With its mild subtropical climate, Kobuleti is a year-round paradise for beach lovers. The Black Sea's calm waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, making it a haven for those looking to unwind in a serene coastal setting. Kobuleti's picturesque seaside promenade is a hub of activity, lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops that offer a delightful opportunity to savor the local cuisine and shop for souvenirs. The town's culinary scene is a tantalizing fusion of Georgian and Turkish influences, with dishes like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (dumplings), and fresh seafood reflecting the coastal lifestyle. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the Kobuleti Botanical Garden, a vast expanse that shelters a diverse array of plant species. The garden's lush greenery and well-maintained pathways make it an ideal place for leisurely walks and moments of tranquility amidst nature. While in Kobuleti, history buffs can explore the town's heritage through old churches and 19th-century architectural gems that tell the story of its past. This harmonious coexistence of the old and the new gives Kobuleti a unique, charming, and vibrant character.

Must Know Before You Travel to Kobuleti

• Visitors should come prepared with sunscreen and water, as the heat and humidity can be especially strong in the summer months. 
• Visitors should also be aware of safety and security concerns, as the city is located close to the Russian border.

Top Hotels In Kobuleti

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Discover Chateau Kvirike’s Wedding Spaces: Create unforgettable moments on your big day in our indoor and outdoor settings. Capture beautiful memories at our vineyard, pool area, vintage car park, ethnographic museum, or Kiwi and Nut Alleys. We’re here to make your dream wedding a reality. Contact us for more information.

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Conferences at Chateau Kvirike Kobuleti: Our complex features a well-equipped conference hall. Enjoy a tranquil setting, breathtaking nature, and delectable cuisine that elevates productivity. Chateau Kvirike Kobuleti is the perfect choice for combining business and relaxation.

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We’ve created numerous photo session zones at Chateau Kvirike to ensure your special moments are beautifully captured and transformed into something truly divine. Explore our vintage car park, ethnographic museum, vineyard, cellar, and enchanting alleys, each offering a unique backdrop for your photography needs. Your important days will be expertly and gorgeously portrayed.

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You can partake in engaging activities without ever leaving our complex. Among these are tours specially made for you, we offer a total of 5 tours:  – the wine road. – culinary. – time travel. – photo session tour. – dinner in the vineyard.

Important moments

Deserve to be beautiful.

Discover Chateau Kvirike’s Wedding Spaces: Create unforgettable moments on your big day in our indoor and outdoor settings. Capture beautiful memories at our vineyard, pool area, vintage car park, ethnographic museum, or Kiwi and Nut Alleys. We’re here to make your dream wedding a reality. Contact us for more information.

perfectly combined

The best days.

We’ve created numerous photo session zones at Chateau Kvirike to ensure your special moments are beautifully captured and transformed into something truly divine. Explore our vintage car park, ethnographic museum, vineyard, cellar, and enchanting alleys, each offering a unique backdrop for your photography needs. Your important days will be expertly and gorgeously portrayed.

You can partake in engaging activities without ever leaving our complex. Among these are tours specially made for you, we offer a total of 5 tours:

• The wine road
• Time travel
• Photo session tour
• Dinner in the vineyard

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Kldiashvili N2, Kobuleti Adjara, Georgia

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Kobuleti National Park

attraction passes

• how to get there
• nature and culture
• eat and sleep
• things to buy

While visiting Kobuleti Protected Areas, you will discover yourself in a different world. Kobuleti Protected Areas is located in 2 km away from the seashore. Territory includes Ispani 1 and Ispani 2 Sphagnum peat, where the trails for educational and scientific tours can be arranged. Visitors have a chance to enjoy marsh skiing on the area.

operating hours

Fees and passes.

Student Pass

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Kobuleti National Park is the best place to spend free time with family members and friends, to

see beautiful nature of Georgia and to hike.

Available at following parks

• Birdwatching

If you eager to spend free time in nature and observe inhabiting and migratory birds, then visit Kobuleti National Park. You are able to hire binocular on place.

things to see

Around park objects.

Tersoni Church is 5 km far from Kobuleti, it is located in village Khutsubni’s territory. According to the history, it was a caravan road of Khino-Kobuleti. It was a main highway between Georgia and Byzantium. 

There are more than 4 500 exponents in Kobuleti Museum. There are historical and archeological patterns. There are earthiness materials that were discovered 9 000 years ago. After the Stone Age there are Bronze Age patterns. There are found ceramic ware, antic jewellery and Colchic money. There are relict tombs as well, that are discovered by sculptor Vazha Verulidze. 

Arch Bridges – There are discovered arch bridges in Kintrishi Valley. The bridges are dated with middle centuries. The bridge of village Kobuleti is dated with 19th century. There is 15-20 kilometres distance from Kobuleti to Arch Bridges.  

see nearby parks

Kintrishi National Park

Kolkheti National Park

Martvili Canyon

Machaklhela National Park

Mtirala National Park

Okatse Canyon

Prometheus Cave

Okatse (Kinchkha) Waterfall

Navenakhevi Cave

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You are able to practice payable eco-tourist services at the National Parks of Georgia.

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Kobuleti Museum

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Kobuleti Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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