Batumi's beach runs the full length of the seaside boulevard — a long, narrow ribbon of grey pebbles between the promenade and the Black Sea. It is not a soft-sand beach: the stones are smooth but small, and most people use a mat or a rented lounger. The water shelves quickly, the surf is usually mild, and the swimming season runs from late May to early October.
There are several distinct stretches. The central section, opposite the hotels and the Ferris wheel, is the busiest. The southern section near the dancing fountains is quieter. The northern section is the most local, with cafes and barbecue spots set into the boulevard. Showers, changing rooms, and rental umbrellas are scattered along the whole length.