Batumi Botanical Garden

Batumi Botanical Garden – Georgia‘s Subtropical Paradise on the Green Cape

Overview

Located on the Green Cape (Mtsvane Kontskhi), just 9 kilometers north of Batumi, the Batumi Botanical Garden is one of the largest and most diverse botanical gardens in the former Soviet Union. Founded in 1912 by the renowned botanist and geographer Professor Andrey Krasnov, this 108-hectare living museum stretches along the Black Sea coast, rising from sea level to an elevation of 220 meters. Divided into nine distinct phytogeographic sectors representing different climatic zones of the world—from the Himalayas to South America, from Mexico to Japan—the garden offers visitors a unique opportunity to travel the globe on foot, immersing themselves in dense bamboo groves, subtropical forests, and flowering Mediterranean shrublands, all while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the sea.

Location & Contact

Operating Hours & Admission

Opening Hours

Ticket Prices (2026)

💡 Holiday exceptions: Free admission on New Year‘s Day and Georgia‘s Independence Day.

The Nine Floristic Sectors

The garden is divided into nine distinct phytogeographic sectors, allowing visitors to experience the flora of different continents in a single walk:

💡 The collection comprises over 2,037 taxonomic units of woody plants, including more than 100 species native to the Caucasus.

Notable Plant Collections

Bamboo Grove

One of the garden‘s most photogenic spots, the bamboo grove transports visitors to East Asia. The bamboo species Phyllostachys pubescens, which typically reaches only 7 meters in Central Europe, grows up to 20 meters in Batumi‘s subtropical climate.

Japanese Camellias

The garden boasts an impressive collection of over 80 species and varieties of Japanese camellias, making it the second-largest camellia collection in the world, behind only the California Botanical Garden.

Sequoias

Giant sequoias (100–150 years old) from North America grow impressively on the Black Sea coast, offering visitors the rare opportunity to touch these majestic trees outside their native habitat.

Eucalyptus Collection

With 60 different species of eucalyptus, the garden holds one of the most extensive eucalyptus collections in the region.

Other Exotic Species

• Hovenia dulcis (Japanese raisin tree)
• Sapindus (soapberry)
• Metasequoia (dawn redwood)
• Araucarias (monkey puzzle trees)
• Fatsia japonica (Japanese paper tree)
• Umbrella pine (Pinus pinea)
• Colchic rhododendrons (Rhododendron ungernii, Rhododendron ponticum)
• Evergreen oaks
• Avocado

History: A Garden Born from European Vision

Early Beginnings (1881–1892)

The garden‘s roots trace back to 1881, when M. D‘Alphonse performed early plant introduction work on the Black Sea coast. In 1892, geographer, botanist, and traveler P. Tatarinov created the so-called "Climatization Garden" on a 10-hectare piece of land—now known as the Upper Park.

Official Founding (1912)

The Batumi Botanical Garden was officially founded on November 3, 1912, through the initiative of Professor Andrey Krasnov, a renowned botanist and geographer. Initially covering 71 hectares, the garden later expanded to include previously built park areas.

Soviet Era (1950–2006)

In 1950, the garden was transferred to the administrative oversight of the Academy of Sciences of Georgia, a status it maintained until 2006.

Walking Trails & Navigation

The garden features an extensive network of paths:

Getting Around

• Electric shuttle bus – Runs from one end to the other (one way: 10–15 GEL)
• On foot – The entire garden cannot be covered in a single day; follow the Main Road signs for the highlights
• Bicycle – The garden allows bicycles; rent a Batumvelo bike in the city and ride to the garden

💡 Tip for tired legs: Take the electric shuttle to the top (Upper Park), then walk downhill back to the entrance.

Viewpoints & The Black Sea

The garden‘s location on a steep cliff offers spectacular panoramic views of the Black Sea from multiple observation decks:

• Seaside Panorama – One of the most photographed vistas in Adjara
• Upper Park – Elevated views over the bay and Batumi‘s port

"Walking along the paths, you will constantly hear the sound of the surf and will be able to admire the coast from the observation platforms." – Visitor review

Green Cape Beach: The Secret Exit

After exploring the garden, visitors can use the lower exit (near the seaside) to reach the Green Cape beach—a quiet, pebble beach with some of the cleanest water on the coast.

Beach Access Points

💡 Perfect day trip plan: Start at the main entrance, hike uphill to the viewpoints, explore the sectors, then descend to the beach for a refreshing swim before returning to Batumi.

Wildlife & Nature

Beyond the plants, the garden is home to diverse wildlife:

💡 Birdwatching tip: Take side paths away from the main road for calmer bird encounters.

Facilities & Amenities

⚠️ Note: The garden has very limited café options. It is strongly recommended to bring your own water and snacks, especially on hot days.

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit

• Spring – Azaleas, rhododendrons, and cherry blossoms in full bloom
• Early summer – Camellias, roses, and subtropical flowers at their peak
• Autumn – Striking foliage of maples, ginkgos, and liquidambar
• Early morning – Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, best light for photography

What to Bring

• Comfortable sneakers/hiking shoes – The terrain is hilly and extensive
• Water bottle – Limited drinking water inside the garden
• Camera – Countless photo opportunities at every turn
• Swimsuit & towel – For the Green Cape beach after your walk
• Sun protection – Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Cash – Some services may not accept cards

What to Wear

• Layers – The microclimate can vary between shaded forest paths and exposed viewpoints
• Breathable fabrics – Humidity is high in this subtropical zone

Mobility Considerations

• The garden is hilly and extensive—not fully accessible for wheelchairs
• Electric shuttle buses are available for those who cannot walk long distances

Prohibited Activities

• Do not feed the animals
• Stay on marked paths
• No smoking in forested areas (fire risk)

How to Get There

The garden is located 9 km north of central Batumi.

By Public Transport

By Taxi

• Bolt taxi – 7–20 GEL (~$3–7) from city center
• Negotiate price before departing

By Car

• Free parking available at the main entrance
• The garden is accessible via the coastal highway

By Bicycle

• The garden allows bicycles
• Rent a Batumvelo bike in the city and ride the coastal route

💡 Best route for first-time visitors: Take marshrutka #31 to the main entrance, explore the garden, then exit through the lower (seaside) entrance to reach the beach. Return by walking back to the main entrance for marshrutka #31, or take bus #10A from the middle entrance.

Why You Should Go

Whether you‘re seeking:

• A global botanical tour – Walk from Mexican cacti to Japanese bamboo groves to Himalayan forests in a single morning
• Breathtaking sea views – Panoramic cliffs overlooking the Black Sea
• A peaceful nature escape – Shaded paths, singing birds, and the sound of the surf
• A unique day trip – Combine garden exploration with a swim at Green Cape beach
• Photography opportunities – From colorful camellias to towering sequoias and coastal vistas

The Batumi Botanical Garden offers one of Georgia‘s most unforgettable natural experiences—a lush, living paradise where the world‘s flora meets the Black Sea.

Getting There

The Batumi Botanical Garden is located on the Green Cape (Mtsvane Kontskhi), approximately 9 km north of central Batumi. The most convenient way to reach the garden from the city center is by marshrutka #31 (2 GEL, every 10–15 minutes), which stops at the main entrance. Alternatively, visitors can take bus #10A to the middle entrance or marshrutka #40 to the upper entrance near Chakvi. By taxi, expect to pay 7–20 GEL ($3–7) from central Batumi. The garden is also accessible by bicycle (Batumvelo rental) or private car with free parking at the main entrance.