Площа П’яцца в італійському стилі – символ сучасного Батумі
Photos: © GNTA Batumi Adjara, Batumi Tourism Agency / Gobatumi.com
The symbol of modern Batumi its Piazza – a square done in Italian style
У клубах уздовж Батумі-Біч нічне життя вирує на повну The discos on Batumi Beach bustle with partygoers
Batumi by Night
Batumi is wonderful at any time, but at night it really turns on the charm. The historic and modern buildings are illuminated, giving the city a special ambience, and as you wander, at almost every step, cosy little cafés offer a wide variety of local cuisine and an impressive wine selection. You should definitely try Georgian khachapuri and the local wines: Mukuzani, Khvanchkara, and Kindzmarauli. Don’t overlook elardzhi, corn porridge with suluguni cheese, and turkey in satsivi sauce with walnuts. Try hashi – soup generously seasoned with garlic, entrails, and cow hooves, which is considered the perfect remedy for a hangover. And for dessert, order “Georgian Snickers”, churchella (nuts in dried grape juice). After eating, clubbers go to one of the many beach discos on Batumi Beach – Tarabua Beach Club, Prozak, VOX, Coordinate 41/41 – where you can often find the world’s best DJs spinning the turntables. If you do not fancy heavy bass-lines, take an evening promenade along the shore. Walk barefoot along the surf line and breathe in the salty air; feel the Black Sea lapping at your feet and watch reflected light playing on the water surface. Pause for a while, you might not have the backing tracks provided by the clubs, but this is definitely music for the soul.
For music of a more tangible kind, find time to contemplate a dancing fountain and enjoy a spectacular performance. The bright lighting, relaxing music, and unique threedimensional laser show put on by French Fountain will impress even experienced travellers. If you’d like to warm up before you explore Batumi by night, welcome to Chacha Tower. Located near the observation wheel (on which it is also highly recommended to take a ride), this 25-metre fountain tower is an inexhaustible source of the traditional Georgian grape vodka, chacha. Daily at 19.00, from the four fountain pools of the tower springs forth chacha – you just have to dip in your glass to sample drink. Charming Batumi lit with a thousand lights and a drink of chacha is sure to put you in a romantic mood. But just remember! The fine in Georgia for kissing in public is GEL 50 (about $30). Sometimes, however, the kiss may be worth it! So it’s all up to you…
Wine in the Mountains
Another stop on your tour should be the Adjarian Wine House, perched on the slopes above Acharistkali town, 20 kilometres from Batumi. It’s a hybrid of museum, cellar, and restaurant with national cuisine. Those interested in the history and technology of winemaking will be able
PANORAMA № 5 / 2014 / 21