Translating as “Deep Forest”, Ureki is a Georgian resort town overlooking the Black Sea between Poti and Batumi. It’s renowned for its magnetic black sands that are said to have curative properties and is on the doorstep of an arboretum where trees from five continents grow.
Things to do in Ureki
Spend your days relaxing on Ureki Beach, where its black sands have magnetic properties that have been sought after for treating cardiovascular issues. The shallows waters of the Black Sea are ideal for swimming and there are several eateries backing the beach where you can dine throughout the day, such as SeaSide, Retro and Sazandari.
A short drive south of Ureki Beach is Shekvetili Dendrological Park, which is home to a tranquil bamboo forest and around 200 specimens of giant trees from around the globe. As you approach the trees, a sensor audio guide informs you of their scientific names, sizes and interesting features. Sprawling across 60 hectares and centred around an artificial lake, this natural wonderland also provides habitat for pink flamingos, pelicans and storks.
Travelling with kids? They’ll love spending a day at the Tsitsinatela Amusement Park, where you’ll find more than 30 rides that will appeal to all ages. Get your thrills on the roller coaster and enjoy the leisurely river ride or soak up the views across the park from the Ferris wheel. Once you’ve built up an appetite, there is a pizzeria and a cafe offering drinks and snacks.
Getting around Ureki
Ureki is around 30 minutes’ drive from Poti and one hour from Alexander Kartveli Batumi International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. Regular trains connect to the Ureki railway station and the town is small enough to explore on foot.