Discover Poti: Architecture, Coast and Kolkheti National Park

Poti combines a historic centre with the Black Sea coast and Kolkheti National Park. The city is considered Georgia’s maritime gateway and is a seaside resort from May to October. If you are looking for a hotel in Poti, you can plan your stay around whether architecture, activities on the water or nature watching is your priority.

Historic Centre and City History

Much of Poti’s architectural heritage is concentrated in the historic centre. Sights include the Niko Nikoladze Tower, the Resurrection Cathedral, built in 1907, buildings in the European modernist style, the Museum of Colchian Culture and a preserved synagogue dating from 1903. These buildings provide several distinct historical and architectural points of interest in the centre.

The city’s planned layout is also worth exploring on a walk: Poti was designed with Parisian-style boulevards, elegant houses, spacious courtyards and pronounced symmetry. This offers a chance to broaden your view from individual buildings to the layout of the urban space. Poti Lighthouse adds a clear historical point of reference to this architectural perspective. It was built by the British company Easton Amos and Son; its light was first lit in 1864.

The Poti Museum of Colchian Culture has more than 20,000 exhibits. The periods represented include the 3rd century BC and the 6th century AD. Those interested in the region’s history will find a different perspective here than in the buildings of the city centre.

Coast and Activities on the Water

The waters of the Black Sea near Poti are considered shallow and warm. Maltakva Beach is an option for families with small children. Activities available in Poti include water skiing, jet skiing and sailing. Lake Paliastomi offers another way to get out on the water: boating is possible there. These activities offer different options, from sailing and water sports on the coast to boating on the lake.

Lake Paliastomi is located southeast of Poti and within Kolkheti National Park. Sport fishing is permitted in the park; a permit from the park administration is required to fish at Lake Paliastomi. If you plan to focus on this activity, obtaining the permit is part of the necessary preparations.

Kolkheti National Park and Birdwatching

The Kolkheti National Park visitor centre is located in the Maltakva district. The park is known for its unique wetlands and Colchian forests. Birdwatching and environmental education tours can be arranged in the national park. The park also offers overnight stays in cottages right by the water.

Birds migrate through the Paliastomi area in early spring and late autumn. These periods are particularly relevant for birdwatching. This means there are different seasonal considerations to bear in mind: Poti is a seaside resort from May to October, while bird migration in the Paliastomi area takes place mainly in spring and autumn. For nature enthusiasts, the lake’s location is also worth noting: it lies both southeast of Poti and within the national park.

Discover more destinations: Anaklia, Chakvinji, Mestia, Zugdidi, Kirovi.

Return to the regional travel overview: Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti.