The port city at the mouth of the Rioni River traces its history back to ancient times. I am telling you why Poti is not very popular with tourists. Find out where it is better to swim, what to see in the city itself and its environs, as well as prices for vacations.
Resort experience
Poti is rarely included in travel guides to Georgia's seaside resorts, and in vain! The Georgian port city is located in the Colchis lowland, only 0.8-2 m above sea level. Nearby is Lake Paliastomi - a wonderful place for migrating and wintering birds to rest.
There are no high-rise buildings in Poti. Most of the buildings are old, but there are several new futuristic buildings in the center, such as the House of Justice and the Poti police. The Georgian city is so cozy and simple that while walking along Poti we got the feeling that we got home.
mariranant: "Most of all I remember the noisy bazaar, I have never seen anything like it, and the Rioni River is the largest of the rivers of Transcaucasia, which in ancient times was known as Phasis and was mentioned by Virgil and Socrates."
What sea and beaches
According to tourists, there are no places for a beach holiday in Poti itself. The shore is covered with stones, and the descent to the water is inconvenient. Local residents and vacationers go swimming in the neighboring villages - Maltakvu and Grigoleti. There is gray sand, the entrance to the water is shallow, but there is little infrastructure on the beaches.
Valeriy: "We came to see the Poti lighthouse. It is open, if you wish, you can climb up and see the surroundings. On the shore near the lighthouse, if you're lucky, dolphins hunt. The place is wonderful. I recommend."
Hotels in Poti
There are not many tourists in Poti, therefore the hotel base is several times smaller than in other sea resorts in Georgia. Most of the hotels in this city have no stars. We did not find all-inclusive offers in Poti. A double room in a guest house costs 1200 rubles per day, and in a 3 * hotel - from 2000 rubles. Look for hotels in Poti on Hotelluk, the best according to the reviews of tourists:
- temuriRoom - from 1113 ₽ / day
- Maltakva - from 1236 ₽ / day
- Window to the Sea - from 2102 ₽ / day.
Alex: Prime is a good hotel. Expectations met, clean, friendly staff, comfortable bed, Good breakfast. Covered parking is available. Near a park with a large beautiful cathedral. Within walking distance on the main street - restaurants, shops. "
Food prices
In Poti, food is tasty and inexpensive. There are not as many cafes and restaurants as in Batumi, but you will always find a place where you can have a snack or a hearty lunch. The average bill for two people without alcohol is 20-30 GEL. Adjarian khachapuri boats cost 4-8 GEL, chicken tobacco - 17 GEL, chikapuli - 11 GEL, a glass of Georgian wine - 5 GEL, and 50 ml of chacha - 4 GEL.
Find out what to try in Georgia.
What to see and do
One of the main attractions of Poti is the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called. A large beautiful temple was built at the beginning of the last century. The entrance is free.
In the very center of the city you can see interesting monuments - the mother of Kolkheti, the writer Alexander Dumas and the Georgian prince Tsotne Dadiani, who lived in the 13th century. We liked the old Poti tower, where the memorial museum of the first mayor of Poti - Niko Nikoladze is located.
See archaeological finds at the Museum of Colchis Culture and visit the colorful Poti market. We bought Svan salt and Georgian spices there! The picturesque Lake Paliastomi, which is part of the Kolkheti National Park, is located near the city. A wonderful place for nature lovers, fishing and birdwatching!
Leonid: "The cathedral, of course, impressed. A stunning structure. Very beautiful. The area around the temple is also very pleasant."
Tamara: "Lake Paliastomi serves as a resting place for many birds flying from Eurasia and Africa. About a hundred species of fish are found in its waters. The reserve has an ancient tropical forest that was formed millions of years ago and was not destroyed during the Ice Age."
Vacation with children
It is interesting to come to Poti with children on an excursion. Staying here for a whole vacation is not worth it, because there are no children's entertainment and beaches in the city.
Lena: "We lived with the whole family for a week. The guys went fishing, they liked it very much."
When is the best time to go
If you do not focus on a beach holiday in Georgia, you can come to Poti at any time of the year. For excursions and active tourism, spring or autumn are more suitable when there is no extreme heat. If you want to combine educational tourism with swimming in the sea, come from the end of May to the end of October. The warmest sea water is in July, August and early September. However, it is better to swim not in Poti itself, but in Maltakva and Grigoleti, where there are good beaches and convenient entry into the water.
Is it worth going
Poti can hardly be called a full-fledged resort, but Sakartvelo's sea gate is a memorable and pleasant place. Rest here is suitable for everyone who wants to see the real Georgia, and not a postcard option for tourists. It is convenient to live in the city and travel to the sights of Poti and its surroundings. For beach activities, you will have to go to Maltakwa and Grigoleti.
