Sarpi beach
Nestled on Georgia's picturesque west coast, just a stone's throw from the Turkish border, Sarpi Beach offers a unique blend of tranquility and convenience. A well-connected highway links the two countries, with Sarpi perched slightly higher in the mountainous terrain. Batumi, Georgia's premier resort city, is a mere fifteen-minute minibus ride away. This proximity allows visitors in Sarpi to effortlessly merge a serene beach retreat with the vibrant nightlife and diverse entertainment options of Batumi.
Photos
Beach description
Stretching almost a kilometer along the coastline, Sarpi Beach offers a comfortable seaside retreat, with its shingle-covered shore extending all the way to the Turkish border. On the right side, near the coast, two large, picturesque rocks rise majestically - a diver's paradise for all ages. As you approach the border, the beach broadens; the shingle grows finer, and amenities such as umbrellas, lounges, and showers become available (albeit at a slightly higher cost than in Batumi).
The waters of the Sarpi region are renowned for their clarity, boasting a shingle seabed that sometimes features quite large stones.
In the vicinity of the beach, visitors will find a selection of cafes and eateries. Local vendors meander along the shore, offering treats like boiled corn, ice cream, and traditional Georgian sweets.
While the beach lacks specially equipped playgrounds for active games, it compensates with a variety of entertainment options, including traditional water sports, children's inflatable slides, and trampolines.
Parking is both limited and fee-based, leading most vacationers to park their cars directly on the roadside. Adding a unique touch to the area, a military border vessel stands sentinel in the sea.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit Georgia for a beach vacation is typically during the late spring to early fall months, when the weather is warm and conducive to spending time on the coast. Here's a breakdown of the optimal periods:
- Late Spring (May to June): This is a great time to enjoy the beaches of Georgia as the temperatures are comfortable, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. The water may still be a bit cool in May, but by June it warms up nicely.
- Summer (July to August): Summer is the peak season for beachgoers. The weather is hot and sunny, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.
- Early Fall (September to October): This is an ideal time for those looking to avoid the crowds but still enjoy warm weather. The ocean remains warm enough for swimming, especially in early September, and the humidity begins to drop off.
Regardless of the time you choose, Georgia's beaches offer a delightful escape with their charming coastal towns, delicious seafood, and beautiful natural scenery. Just remember to check the local weather and water conditions before planning your trip.
Video: Beach Sarpi
Infrastructure
Tourists have two options for relaxation in Sarpi:
- The first is to settle in Batumi and visit the beach daily to enjoy the pristine sea, mountain air, and the relative silence and tranquility.
- The second is to stay in Sarpi and periodically make trips to Batumi and its surroundings, immersing themselves in the social life and vibrant entertainment (the choice depends on individual preferences).
There are many accommodations in Sarpi, with most located on the upper levels in the private sector. It is much quieter there than near the road, offering a magnificent view of the sea. However, guests must ascend a small hill each day.
Several hotels are on the front line, within walking distance from the beach - and the highway with its round-the-clock traffic. One such option is Hotel Silvia in Sarpi, a quaint three-story building right on the shore. Surrounding the hotel is a charming garden with a terrace and barbecue area, complete with an ATM and complimentary parking. The rooms feature kitchenettes and bathrooms, satellite TV, and free Internet. They are fitted with triple-glazed windows, and the facade is constructed from special sound-absorbing materials. A restaurant, shop, and cafe are conveniently located close to the hotel, with the village center just a ten-minute walk away.
Weather in Sarpi
Best hotels of Sarpi
All hotels of SarpiUseful information
Tourists staying in Sarpi have a unique opportunity to combine a quiet, relatively sparsely populated beach holiday (which is very rare for Georgia in high season) with a varied cultural program. In the vicinity of the village there are many places that deserve a must visit.
- Gonio Fortress, the oldest in Georgia, mentioned in legends about the Argonauts. On its territory there is a burial place, which is considered to be the tomb of Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Christ. Also, ancient Roman baths, an ancient Turkish mosque and buildings of the Byzantine era have survived to this day.
- Cathedral of Saint Andrew located near the Turkish border and symbolizes the unity of the Christian and Muslim peoples.
- Waterfall of St. Andrew located right next to the road a few kilometers from the border. This is perhaps one of the most easily accessible Georgian waterfalls, which will give visitors a refreshing coolness even on the hottest days.
- Makhuntseti is another picturesque waterfall, next to which is the ancient arched bridge of Queen Tamara, a symbol of Adjara.
- And of course, Batumi, with its endless Seaside Boulevard, amazing masterpieces of modern architecture, a magnificent botanical garden and many other interesting places.