Forbes Russia names Batumi a top autumn holiday spot

Georgia’s Black Sea resort city Batumi has been named among the 10 most popular autumn holiday destinations by the Russian edition of Forbes magazine.

The magazine worked with online Russian hotel search engine RoomGuru.ru to determine the most popular autumn holiday destinations that offered a great variety of entertainment for guests.

Beach holidays were the most popular search, with people wanting to visit somewhere that was still warm despite it being autumn.

Forbes Russia said this time of year was an ideal time to enjoy a beach holiday because:

• Prices were going down;
• Ultraviolet (sun) light was less aggressive; and
• Water temperatures were still high.

Forbes Russia also calculated how much it would cost two people for a week-long holiday in each destination, including return plane tickets from Moscow and hotel costs.

Georgia's Black Sea resort city Batumi. Photo by Lukas Sniolis.

Batumi fared well in these two comparisons, with Forbes Russia suggesting Batumi was an attractive place to visit because it had an enjoyable beach as well as a vast, rich history.

The magazine suggested it would cost about 39,000 Rubles (about $600 USD) for two people for a return trip from Moscow to Batumi, and about 32,000 rubles (about $500 USD) to spend a week in a comfortable hotel in Batumi.

Georgia's Black Sea resort city Batumi. Photo by Lukas Sniolis.

The magazine said Batumi was an attractive place to visit because it had lovely beaches and plenty of things to do, and named several historical sites located near Batumi that were worth a visit. This included the ruins of Gonio Fortress, Vardzia cave monastery complex, Gelati Monastery and more.

"To feel the atmosphere of the country, it is necessary to try the local cuisine in restaurants and visit the colourful markets and wine shops,” said Forbes Russia.

The article noted Batumi also offered a wide variety of activities this autumn including film festivals and music festivals.

Alongside Batumi, other top autumn holiday spots recommended by Forbes Russia were Italy, Spain and Greece.