Climb through Petra Fortress above the Black Sea

Petra is a 6th-century Byzantine fortress built to control the Black Sea coastal road. The walls are only part of the visit: the route climbs terraces past the remains of a basilica and service buildings, with the sea appearing between the ruins. Allow 1–1.5 hours on site.

The fortress is in Tsikhisdziri, about 20–25 km north of Batumi. A car or taxi takes roughly 35–50 minutes. On a bus or marshrutka toward Kobuleti, ask in advance to stop at Petra Fortress; there is still a walk from the highway to the entrance. It combines well with Tsikhisdziri beach, but paths to the small coves are steep. If the beach is part of the plan, choose a mapped access point instead of taking the first downhill trail.