The incredible seaside city that’s like a ‘mini Las Vegas’ | Travel News | Travel

Georgia, nestled in the Caucasus region between Europe and Asia, is home to a bustling city just 14 hours from the UK, packed with casinos and palm trees, which tourists have dubbed a “mini Las Vegas”.

With its roots firmly planted on the historic Silk Road that once connected China with the Mediterranean, Georgia boasts a rich cultural heritage, but with most travellers making a bee-line for its capital, Tbilisi, Batumi remains under-discovered.

Most round-trips to Batumi come in at around £400 with Turkish airlines, but do require a layover with a total 14 hour travel time. It is also a five hour drive or car journey from Tiblisi for those wanting to tack it onto a longer trip.

For a trip with a view there’s an overnight train departing from Yerevan in Armenia via Tbilisi, which is longer but has its own unique charm. Alternatively, one can opt for a local minivan, known as a marshrutka, that frequently departs from Tbilisi at a bargain price of around 10 euros (£8.42), although the journey takes about six hours.

The glitzy sea-side city of Batumi, the “Las Vegas of the Black Sea” is famed for its casinos and neon lights,and is a hit with tourists. The outline of Batumi’s modern cityscape contrast to much of the gloomy soviet buildings in the rest of the region. Many tourists say making the trip from Tiblisi to Batumi, feels like crossing into another country.

The city offers a stunning blend of nature, with palm trees, the sea and snow-capped Caucasus mountains all within view. Its modern architecture, dolphinarium, and miles of beaches add to its appeal.

Batumi is a popular destination for Turks who enjoy the city’s casinos, and Armenians seeking sun and sea. However, it remains relatively unknown globally. The eclipse casino is a fan favourite, with free food a bar and drinks served amongst lines of slot machines.

Another hot-spot is Casino Batumi. One visitor commented: “100 per cent recommend you to visit this place. This is my 5th visit, and every time they pleasantly surprise me. Great food 24/7, very professional and kind staff and live performances by singers from all over the world.”

Visitors are advised to rent a city bike to explore the extensive coastline, with numerous rental stations and a long cycle track available among the banana trees and exotic plants. Come prepared with a hat and sunnies, as temperatures can soar in Batumi in the summer months. 

Batumi, which is currently undergoing some restoration, is however a little rough around the edges. Damaged pavements and old communist-era buildings are scattered throughout, but even the Soviet structures are adorned with flashes of colour. But, the old town, seafront and piers is renovated, with several modern high-rise buildings and numerous hotels emerging, and from the beach you can see the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains.

Other sights included laundry drying in the open air, the Black Sea, the Botanic gardens, and colourfully lit palm trees in the Old Town.

The true spectacle of colours begins after sundown. Almost every palm tree is lit with a different hue, the lights on the buildings shift colours every few seconds. The dancing fountains are also a popular spot where families gather in the evenings to enjoy the show.

Another notable sight is the “statue of love” – two moving statues that literally pass through each other, rotate, and repeat the process.