🗺️ Beaches of Adjara, skiing in Gudauri and treatment in Borjomi: choosing a resort in Georgia

Georgia packs sea, mountains, and mineral springs into a small area. Choosing one resort out of fifteen is not easy. Adjara stretches along the Black Sea, while Borjomi and Svaneti sit high in the mountains. We have broken down each resort by season, beach, and transport accessibility.

For a beach summer, Batumi and Kobuleti are the right fit; for mountain treatment, Borjomi; for skiing, Gudauri and Mestia. The swimming season in Adjara opens in May and lasts until early November (as of 09/2026, Georgia tourism portal). Below you will find a short description of each place and can decide where you should go.

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How to choose a resort in Georgia

💡 In short:

Decide what matters more: the sea, treatment, or the mountains.
Check the season: you can swim in Adjara from May to early November, and ski from December to April.
Resort access and infrastructure: 09/2026, verified on the official Adjara guide.

Trip purpose	Resorts
Beach and nightlife	Batumi, Kobuleti
Quiet beach with kids	Ureki, Sarpi, Chakvi
Treatment and mineral waters	Borjomi, Ureki
Mountains and trekking	Stepantsminda, Mestia
Skiing in winter	Gudauri, Mestia

Adjara is small, and the road from Batumi to the Turkish border is short. You can stay in a quiet village and drive into the city every evening. The beaches here are pebbly, the water is clean, and the infrastructure varies noticeably from one village to another.

Mountain resorts run on a different calendar. Borjomi and Stepantsminda welcome guests year-round. Gudauri and Mestia are busy in winter. If you are planning a trip in December or January, book accommodation in advance: the options in Svaneti and near Kazbek are fewer than on the coast.

1. Batumi

Old Batumi street with cars and passersby

Batumi has long been considered the country's main year-round resort. The swimming season in the capital of Adjara starts in May and lasts until early November, and then the rains begin. The city beach, Batumi Beach, is made of pebbles. Walking barefoot on the stones is uncomfortable, but the entry into the water is gentle, and the water near the shore is warm.

At Batumi Beach you will find sun lounger and umbrella rentals, showers, changing cabins, and cafes. Kids enjoy the water attractions: tubes, bananas, catamarans, and parasailing behind a boat. The Batumi Dolphinarium on Rustaveli Street 51 operates year-round (as of 09/2026, Batumi page on the Georgia tourism portal).

In the off-season swimming is no longer possible, but the subtropical climate allows you to stroll among evergreen camellias. Take the Argo cable car up to the green hill. Guests with skin, respiratory, and vascular conditions take courses at sanatoriums and guesthouses.

Who it's for: those who want an urban vacation and a long season.
Not for: fans of sandy beaches; the shore here is pebbly.
The catch: pebbles and rain from November onward.
Hotels in Batumi on Trip.com

2. Kvariati

Kvariati received resort status relatively recently. The village sits in two zones at once: Upper Kvariati lies in the mountains, while Lower Kvariati is on the Black Sea coast. It used to be a restricted area accessible only with permits. Batumi is just 15 km away (as of 09/2026, Adjara guide), so in the evening you can easily reach the nightlife.

A highway runs close to the northern part of the beach. It is better to settle on the other side of the coast, where it is quieter. There are few vacationers, and the sea is always clean. The infrastructure is still developing: there are small cafes, shops, sun lounger rentals, and children's slides. There are also plenty of rafts and scooters.

Accommodation is offered by the private sector and small hotels. Check the address: if the house sits high in the mountains, daily climbs with a stroller are tough. Kvariati has a diving center.

Who it's for: couples and families who want a quiet beach near Batumi.
The catch: the infrastructure is weaker than in the city, and some accommodation is at elevation.
Hotels in Kvariati on Trip.com

3. Kobuleti

This is the second largest city in Adjara after Batumi. The beach stretches for 10 km, and the surface varies: fine and coarse pebbles, with sand in some spots. Mineral springs bubble up 2 km from the city (as of 09/2026, official tourism portal of Georgia).

The city is called "budget Batumi": hotels, cafes, and restaurants here are cheaper than in the capital of Adjara. The healing water is used for drinking, baths, and treating stomach, liver, and vascular conditions. At sanatoriums, you'll get a treatment plan and guidance on how much water to drink per day.

The beach opens onto Naberezhnaya Street. The city has just three parallel streets. A pine forest begins in the northern part, where several sanatoriums have been built. Families with children and young people vacation here, with nightclubs catering to the younger crowd.

It's best to book accommodation in advance. The private sector in Kobuleti is called guesthouses, and demand for them is high.

Who it's for: families with children and those looking for a budget beach vacation.
The catch: the beach surface is uneven, with coarse pebbles in places.
Hotels in Kobuleti on Trip.com

4. Sarpi

White building on the Black Sea coast near Sarpi

Sarpi lies at the southern border of Batumi. The local beach, 600 m long, is covered with fine pebbles and is considered the cleanest in Adjara (as of 09/2026, official Adjara guide). The infrastructure is almost like Batumi Beach, but with noticeably fewer visitors.

There's little in the way of entertainment: almost no attractions and no amusement venues either. But a tall cliff hangs over the sea, and thrill-seekers jump into the water from it. A breakwater was recently built nearby, which shortened the beach and made such jumps more difficult.

The village has guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants. Lodging here is cheaper than at the larger resorts. The highway to the Turkish border runs nearby; it's easier to cross it on foot because cars line up in queues.

The best season runs from July through late September. Air temperatures stay around +27 °C, water around +26 °C, and there are almost no rainy days (as of 09/2026, Adjara page on the tourism portal). From Batumi you can get there by bus or marshrutka.

Who it's for: those who value clean water and quiet.
Not for: those who need excursions and nightlife.
The catch: few entertainment options and attractions.
Hotels in Sarpi on Trip.com

5. Gonio

Stone wall of Gonio Fortress with tourists

Gonio sits 10 km from Batumi and grows every year: new hotels appear and the beach area expands (as of 09/2026, Georgia tourism website). The water here is always clean because the mouth of the Chorokhi River with its clay stays off to the side.

The shore is covered with coarse pebbles, so water shoes make walking easier. A gentle entry into the water is in the southern part of the beach. Entry is free, and you rent loungers and umbrellas from the rental service. The beach has toilets, showers, cafes, and restaurants under thatched roofs.

A road runs through the center of the village. So check the address of your accommodation in advance and look at the map, especially if you're traveling with children. In the evening, take a stroll along the local promenade with its palm tree alley; nearby there are playgrounds, a trampoline, and bicycle rentals.

You can walk to the main attraction, a Roman-era fortress. If you're staying in Batumi, take public transport from the cable car station to get to the beach.

Who it's for: families who want a clean beach near Batumi.
The catch: a road runs through the village, so it's worth confirming the accommodation address.
Hotels in Gonio on Trip.com

6. Tsikhisdziri

Rocky coast of Tsikhisdziri and a hotel on the cape

Tsikhisdziri translates as "under the rock" or "under the fortress." The village sits between Batumi and Kobuleti, and the easiest way to get here is by taxi. The name comes from the ruins of Petra Fortress, built by the Byzantines under Emperor Justinian.

Higher up the slope there are stepped terraces covered in ivy. You can camp here, wander the green hills, and breathe the pine-scented air. Cliff diving and swimming in the warm waves are also easy to do here.

You can stay in private-sector cottages or at the Castello Mare Hotel & Wellness Resort on a high cliff. The hotel has cafes, pools, bathhouses, a cinema, and a tennis hall. The path down to the beach under the cliffs runs along a steep slope.

The beach is divided into northern and southern sections. The northern part has a gentle entry, while the southern part, with its greater depth, is favored by divers. This is the most "wild" beach among those closest to Batumi, so bring comfortable footwear.

Who it's for: those who want a secluded beach under the cliffs.
The catch: a steep path leads down to the sea.
Hotels in Tsikhisdziri on Trip.com

7. Ureki

Ureki from above: pines, hotels and the sea

Ureki is known for its black magnetic sand. The sand formed from the mineral magnetite, carried down from the mountains by rivers. The magnetic field here is higher than usual, so the beach provides natural magnetotherapy.

Resting on the black sand helps with musculoskeletal, heart, and vascular conditions. It is recommended for restoring immunity and children's health (as of 09/2026, Ureki page on the Georgia tourism portal). The sea stays shallow for a long way out, so it's calm here with little ones.

Kids enjoy splashing near the shore, playing in the sand, and riding the amusement attractions. For lodging, private-sector homes, hotels at various price points, and sanatoriums all work well. You can combine beach time with treatment procedures right in the village.

Batumi is 50 km away, about an hour by car or commuter train (as of 09/2026, official Georgia tourism portal).

Who it's for: families with children and those coming for treatment.
The catch: the water stays shallow near the shore for a long way, so adult swimmers have to walk out further.
Hotels in Ureki on Trip.com

8. Tbilisi

Tbilisi panorama with the Mtkvari River and the Bridge of Peace

Tbilisi sits on the Kura River among the mountains. The warm climate, sulfur springs, and old town make it a year-round destination. A stay here costs less than at many European resorts, and you don't have to sleep in a tent or cheap private-sector lodging.

You can book a room at the Tbilisi Balneological Resort or at BIOLI, a wellness resort with pools and restaurants. Local spas offer mud baths, mineral water, massage, and modern diagnostics.

While strolling through the old town, stop by the sulfur baths. According to legend, the city itself came into being because of this quarter with its hot springs. The spring water is warm, so bathing here doubles as a health treatment. After the baths, you can wander the narrow streets and viewpoints.

Who it's for: those who want to combine city life and treatment.
Hotels in Tbilisi on Trip.com

9. Chakvi

Sunset over the Black Sea near the railroad

Chakvi is nestled in greenery between Batumi and Kobuleti. The village has long been famous for its tea plantations and its title as the tea capital of Georgia. The first local varieties were developed by the Chinese master Lao Jan Jau, whose house has been preserved and is now a local landmark.

The village received resort status only recently. People come here for quiet among the eucalyptus groves along the coast. The infrastructure improves every year: modern hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and well-kept beaches keep appearing. The beach area of the local hotel is considered the cleanest.

The main beach stretches from the cliffs of the Botanical Garden to Petra Fortress. There is always open space. You rent loungers and umbrellas from the rental service, and cafes and restaurants operate nearby. In the northern part, a concrete promenade has been built with views of the surroundings.

For families with children, there is a gentle and safe entry into the water, fine pebbles, and patches of sand. A camping area is set up near the shore.

Who it's for: families and fans of a quiet, green resort.
Hotels in Chakvi on Trip.com

10. Makhinjauri

View through foliage of mountains and sea in Makhinjauri

Makhinjauri lies 6 km from the center of Batumi (as of 09/2026, Adjara tourism portal). The town sits between the sea and mountain peaks. One of them, Mtirala, is known as the "Weeping Mountain". According to meteorologists, this is the rainiest zone in Europe.

The catch here is just one thing: frequent rain. In return, you pay less for accommodation than in central Batumi. The town has now become part of the city, so the attractions, beaches, and entertainment of the big resort are very close by.

The wide coastal strip has beaches and all the necessary infrastructure. The gentle entry into the water is safe for children, and water activities are available to everyone. The healing air and sulfur baths help with respiratory, heart, and vascular conditions.

Who it's for: those who want to live cheaper but still close to Batumi.
The catch: frequent rain.
Hotels in Makhinjauri on Trip.com

11. Shekvetili

Shekvetili lies between Kobuleti and Ureki. Translated from Georgian, the name means "ordered", as if the place was made to order. The town belonged to the Ottoman Empire and only began developing as a resort in recent years.

It is quiet and peaceful here, and the air smells of Pitsunda pine. The beach is covered with black magnetic sand, and the healing sea air is complemented by the pine. You can stroll through a large grove by the sea with little ones in a stroller. The gentle entry into the water lets children splash around safely near the shore.

You can stay in the town's new hotels or in private guesthouses. The local market always has fresh produce and fruit. The Tsitsinatela amusement park with children's rides is nearby. Getting here is easy on regular minibuses.

Who it's for: families who want a quiet pine resort.
Hotels in Shekvetili on Trip.com

12. Borjomi

Borjomi railway station against a backdrop of wooded mountains

Borjomi sits in a mountain gorge of the Kura River at an altitude of about 800 m (as of 09/2026, Borjomi page on the Georgia tourism portal). The name comes from the words "borj", meaning fortress wall, and "omi". The Caucasus Mountains protected it during wars.

The resort is known for its mineral water, which is now sold in 32 countries (as of 09/2026, official Borjomi guide). The natural mineralization helps with metabolic and stomach conditions. Several sanatoriums welcome guests, and modern hotels have been built. Mineral water treatments are offered everywhere.

Besides treatment, Borjomi is a base for excursions to medieval churches, fortresses, and monasteries in the gorge. The mild climate and walks along pine-covered slopes make a holiday here calm and unhurried.

Who it's for: those traveling for treatment and mineral water.
Hotels in Borjomi on Trip.com

13. Stepantsminda

Panorama of Stepantsminda village against the snowy Caucasus Mountains

Stepantsminda, often called Kazbegi, sits at the foot of Mount Kazbek on the Georgian Military Road (as of 09/2026, Stepantsminda page on the Georgia tourism portal). Here, treatment, wellness, and trekking along the trails of Kazbegi National Park come together.

People come here for mountaineering, climbing Kazbek, and hiking to the glaciers. Paragliding has also become popular. Regular tourists admire the mountains as passengers, from the viewpoint on the old road.

Plenty of sun, clean air, and mineral waters have created good conditions for treating respiratory conditions. Children's camps, tourist lodges, and sanatoriums have long operated here, and you can book a room.

Routes to Dariali Gorge, Gveleti Waterfall, Archvebistba Lake, and Bethlehem Cave start from the village. Along the way, you'll see true alpine meadows.

Who it's for: mountain hikes, paragliding, and respiratory treatment.
Hotels in Stepantsminda on Trip.com

14. Gudauri

Snowy slopes and hotels of Gudauri ski resort

Gudauri sits high in the Caucasus Mountains and ranks among Europe's top high-altitude ski resorts. The slopes run down Mount Kudebi next to the ski village, where hotels, cafes, and restaurants are located.

Trails of varying difficulty stretch for dozens of kilometers, and the season lasts from December through April. There are runs for beginners and pros, as well as off-piste freeride terrain. Deep snow and the absence of rocks make skiing safe.

In winter, lifts and a snow park operate, and there's a tubing run. In summer, the resort welcomes fans of mountain hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and fishing. From Tbilisi, you can get there by car or marshrutka.

Who it's for: skiers and mountain getaway lovers year-round.
Hotels in Gudauri on Trip.com

15. Mestia

Night view of Mestia with Svan towers in fog

Mestia lies high in Svaneti, in northwestern Georgia. It's a young ski resort, with runs laid out on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus. Frequent fresh snow draws both locals and visitors here.

You can get there by public transport from Tbilisi or Kutaisi. Hotels, guesthouses, and family-run lodgings are available for your stay. The resort has restaurants, bars, and shops, but the selection of goods is limited.

The town and its surroundings are known for stone houses, Svan towers, ice caves, and waterfalls. Hiking routes lead to the Adishi and Chalaadi glaciers, Koruldi Lake, and the "round dance stone." The ski area climbs high into the mountains, with red and blue runs and a separate beginner zone.

A chairlift takes skiers to the top. Since 2016, a resort on the slopes of Mount Tetnuldi has been operating with views of the Main Caucasian Ridge.

The catch: shops with a limited selection of goods.
Hotels in Mestia on Trip.com

Resorts of Georgia on the map

All fifteen resorts are marked on the map below. Open it in full size and plot a route between points. That way you'll quickly see how long the trip between the sea and the mountains will take.

Resorts of Georgia

Places on the map

1Batumi The main year-round resort, pebbly Batumi Beach, season from May to November
2Kvariati Upper and Lower villages by the sea 15 km from Batumi, the only diving center
3Kobuleti Adjara's second-largest city, a 10 km beach and mineral springs
4Sarpi Adjara's cleanest beach near the Turkish border, 600 m long
5Gonio A growing resort 10 km from Batumi, coarse pebbles, a Roman-era fortress
6Tsikhisdziri A village under a cliff between Batumi and Kobuleti, ruins of Petra fortress
7Ureki Black magnetic sand, natural magnetotherapy, shallow sea for children
8Chakvi Georgia's tea capital, quiet among eucalyptus groves by the shore
9Makhinjauri 6 km from the center of Batumi, Europe's rainiest area, cheaper housing
10Shekvetili Between Kobuleti and Ureki, black sand and a pine grove, Tsitsinatela park
11Borjomi A mountain gorge of the Kura river, mineral water exported to 32 countries, sanatoriums

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which resort in Georgia should I choose for a vacation with kids?

For families with children, Ureki, Sarpi, and Chakvi are good options. In Ureki, the sea stays shallow for a long time, and the sand is magnetic. In Sarpi, the beach is covered with fine pebbles, and the water is considered the cleanest in Adjara. In Chakvi, the entry into the sea is gentle and safe, and there are sandy patches nearby.

When is the best time to go to the sea in Adjara?

The swimming season opens in May and lasts until early November. The warmest period falls in July and August, and in Sarpi the best time is considered to be from July through late September. In November, rains begin, but accommodation prices drop. In the off-season, you can stroll along the promenade and get treatments at sanatoriums.

Where can I ski in Georgia?

In winter, Gudauri and Mestia are open. Gudauri has dozens of kilometers of groomed runs, freeride terrain, and beginner slopes. Mestia's ski area is smaller, but Svan towers and hiking routes are nearby. The season lasts from December through April, so book accommodation in advance.

How much does a vacation at Georgia's resorts cost?

Prices vary widely. Kobuleti is the most budget-friendly: hotels, cafes, and restaurants here are cheaper than in Batumi. In Sarpi, Chakvi, and Makhinjauri, the private sector also costs less. Treatments in Borjomi and stays in Tbilisi are pricier, but you get sanatoriums, wellness resorts, and mineral springs.

What do they treat at Georgia's resorts?

In Ureki, the black magnetic sand helps with musculoskeletal, heart, and vascular conditions. In Borjomi, mineral water is used for metabolic and stomach disorders. In Batumi, sanatoriums welcome guests with skin, respiratory, and vascular issues. Many resorts combine treatment with a beach vacation.

How do I get to Georgia's resorts?

Planes fly to Batumi, and trains and marshrutkas run from Tbilisi. Between coastal towns, it's convenient to travel by bus and taxi. To Borjomi, Gudauri, and Stepantsminda, tourists usually take marshrutkas or transfers. The road into the mountains takes longer than a trip along the coast.

In short: what's worth booking

If you're after beaches and nightlife, choose Batumi or Kobuleti. For a quiet vacation with kids, Ureki, Sarpi, and Chakvi are good fits. Look for treatments in Borjomi and Ureki, mountain hikes in Stepantsminda and Mestia, and skiing in Gudauri.

Plan your trip in advance: accommodation in Svaneti and near Kazbek gets booked up quickly, and prices rise in high season. Start with hotels on the coast, and leave the mountain part for the second stage of your trip.

Browse hotels on Trip.com

Where to go in Georgia: 15 resorts for sea, mountains and treatment