Georgia's Black Sea Coast stretches from the Russian border in the north to the frontier with Turkey in the South. The northern coast in the republic of Abkhazia, is a spectacular riviera with a warm climate, subtropical vegetation and high mountains reaching right down to the sea. Unfortunately this part is at present firmly out of bounds due to Abkhaz separatists claiming independence from Georgia. Once open again for tourism the most attractive resorts to visit in this area include Sukhumi, Pitsunda and Gagra. Lake Ritsa where Stalin had his summer-house is just a short drive inland.
At the southern end of Georgia's Black Sea Coastline lies the seaside resort of Batumi, the capital of the province of Adjara, the warmest and wettest place in Georgia. Under Turkish rule in the 17th Century, Batumi was famous for its slave market, while in the 19th century under the Russians it was a free port. Today, apart from the commercial port area, there is a wide beachfront, the old town, rundown mansions and wooden houses, shady avenues, parks and outdoor cafes. A pleasant place for a one or two night stop. There are some lovely coastal drives outside Batumi, with citrus and tea plantations, and subtropical vegetation .
