The Banana Grove is a compact nature spot in the settlement of Tsikhisdziri, roughly 15–20 km north of Batumi. By car it’s about 30–40 minutes one way; the final segment is a short walk along a trail. Locals often nickname it “Georgian Bali”: large leaves, dense greenery and soft light make it ideal for an unhurried stroll and expressive photos.
Important: you must approach from above, via the road/parking. The beach route does not work here — a rock outcrop by the Castello Mare complex blocks passage. To save time, head to the parking area and follow the marked upper trail.
How to get there
Public transport. Use city bus No. 6 or minibus No. 40 to the final stop “Buknari”. Then walk 2–3 km from above (35–45 minutes, part of the way uphill). In high season departures are more frequent; in shoulder season leave earlier and check the return schedule.
Car/taxi. Drive toward Tsikhisdziri; look for signs to Castello Mare/Shukura. A convenient parking point is 41.757847, 41.749386. Private lots may charge around 3 GEL. From the parking to the grove it’s about 500 m on foot along the trail.
Excursion/transfer. Handy if you want a turnkey day: grove + beach + Petra Fortress/waterfall + lunch. You won’t have to search for the entrance or parking, and a guide will manage timing.
Best time to visit
Season. Late spring, summer and early autumn are optimal—lush greenery and a dry trail. In winter/shoulder months there are fewer people, but the path can be damp and slippery; allow more time and wear waterproof shoes.
Time of day. For photography choose morning or pre-sunset: fewer people and softer light. Midday suits a quick walk, but contrast and glare on the leaves are higher.
How much time to plan. The grove itself needs 30–40 minutes; with a detour down to the beach plan up to 1.5–2 hours. Adding Petra Fortress/a waterfall turns it into a comfortable half-day.
On site: access, safety and infrastructure
Access. The trail is narrow with some incline. After rain it’s slippery and leaves shed water onto the path. Wear grippy footwear and keep one hand free for balance.
Safety. Don’t try to “cut” down to the sea— you’ll hit rock/wave breakers and waste time. Return the same way to the parking. With children, stay on the trail and away from the edge.
Infrastructure. Entrance is free, there are no turnstiles. Cafés/shops are along the highway and closer to the beach, so bring water, especially in the heat. Parking is roadside/private; private lots are typically paid.
Photography: quick tips
A wide-angle lens emphasizes the scale of the leaves; a circular polarizer cuts glare and deepens greens. On overcast days textures render better—less highlight clipping on veins.
After rain, shoot under the canopy: the “wet gloss” and even light give rich color without heavy editing. Protect your gear—spray and droplets on the front element kill sharpness fast; keep a microfiber cloth handy.
If it’s crowded, shift half a step sideways or higher along the trail—natural occlusion (leaves, trunks, a bend in the path) will “hide” people without retouching.
FAQ
How do I get there without a car?
Bus No. 6 or minibus No. 40 to “Buknari”, then a 2–3 km walk from above. In shoulder season leave in the morning and check return services in advance.
Can I walk to the grove along the beach?
No. A rock outcrop near Castello Mare blocks the shoreline. The correct access is from above, via the road/parking.
Where can I park and how much does it cost?
Use coordinates 41.757847, 41.749386. Private lots nearby typically charge around 3 GEL. It’s about 500 m on foot from parking to the grove.