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Kvariati — Georgia's Original Diving Beach
A small pebble cove near the Turkish border, Kvariati pairs calm, forest-framed water with Georgia's first diving center — sunken ships, rock reefs, and a quieter alternative to Batumi's busier beaches.
Overview
Wedged between the villages of Gonio and Sarpi, just a few kilometers from the Georgian-Turkish border, Kvariati is the antidote to Batumi's busier beach strips — a small pebble cove backed by forested hills, still small enough to feel like it belongs to the village behind it.
It's best known as home to Georgia's original diving center, where instructors take swimmers 10–20 meters down over intentionally sunken ships and rock formations that now serve as artificial reefs — a rarity on the rest of the Georgian coast.
The proximity to Turkey adds its own texture: from the beach you can see across the border, hear the call to prayer from a Sarpi mosque, and — if curious — walk across the land crossing at Sarpi for a short visit into Turkish territory.
Beaches & Nearby Sights
Kvariati Beach
A pebble cove framed by forested hills, calm and family-friendly.
Batumi Diving Center
Georgia's original diving school, exploring sunken ships and reefs.
Gonio Fortress (Apsaros)
One of Georgia's best-preserved Roman-era fortifications, 3.3 km away.
Sarpi Border Beach
A pebble beach right at the Georgian-Turkish land crossing, 3 km south.
Church of Saint Andrew the First-Called
A church in Sarpi opposite the sea, near a small waterfall of the same name.
Cliff Jumping Spot
A rocky outcrop popular with local youth for jumping into the sea.
Sunken Shipwreck Dive Site
Intentionally sunk vessels serving as artificial reefs off Sarpi.
Georgia-Turkey Border Crossing
A walkable land border at Sarpi, into the Turkish side of the village.
Gonio Village Boulevard
A lively seaside promenade a short walk north of Kvariati.
Forested Hillside Village
Kvariati's upper half, with hillside guesthouses and sea views.
Distance & Connectivity
Local bus No. 16 and marshrutkas marked "Sarpi" run from Batumi roughly every 30 minutes; taxis take about 20–25 GEL. Batumi International Airport is the nearest gateway.
Book Transfer with Legend TravelAccommodation
Beachfront Hotels & Bungalows
Small hotels directly on the Kvariati coastline.
Hillside Guesthouses
Family-run stays on the slopes above the beach, with sea views.
Hostels
Budget-friendly stays popular with divers and backpackers.
Gastronomy & Local Cuisine
Kvariati's proximity to Turkey adds a cross-border influence to its otherwise classic Adjaran menus.
Khachapuri Acharuli
Adjara's boat-shaped khachapuri with egg and butter.
Grilled Black Sea Fish
Fresh catch served at beachfront restaurants.
Turkish-Influenced Dishes
Cross-border specialties available at nearby Sarpi restaurants.
Sulguni Cheese
A brined cheese used throughout Adjaran cooking.
Mchadi
Cornbread served alongside cheese and stews.
Khinkali
Dumplings served at the village's small restaurants.
Adjaran Wine
Regional wine served at beach restaurants.
Lobio
A hearty bean stew, common on local menus.
Churchkhela
Nut-and-grape-must candy sold near the beach.
Local Tea
Grown on Adjara's nearby coastal plantations.
Useful Information & Travel Tips
Currency
Georgian Lari (₾); Turkish lira also accepted in some Sarpi shops.
Language
Georgian; some Turkish and English near the border.
Power Outlets
Type C and F (220V / 50Hz).
Emergency Number
112 for all emergency services.
Best Time to Visit
June – September, for calm seas and reliable sunshine.
Border Note
Bring a passport if planning to cross into Turkey at Sarpi.