Makhinjauri – beach, infrastructure, attractions. How to top up a bus pass?

Makhinjauri is a quiet neighborhood, a former urban-type settlement in the Khelvanchauri Municipality of Georgia. On January 1, 2013, it became part of Batumi. The village is home to a train station, formerly the city's main railway station.

This village is the most convenient route to the botanical garden, which is just a few minutes' drive away by bus or minibus.

We were hosted by a very hospitable family. We asked where we could feed the baby, and in the evening, a table set with a variety of dishes awaited us: first course, second course, shashlik, chadi, and much more. We were checked into a beautiful apartment with brand new furniture and a perfect shower.

Sightseeing tour of Makhinjauri

This village is located near a busy highway, easily accessible from Batumi and heading towards Ureki, Tbilisi, and Kutaisi. A railway runs along the road. If you cross it, you can reach the sea.

Getting to Makhinjauri is very easy, for example, by minibuses 21, 31, and 40, or by bus 10, which also goes to the botanical garden and the green cape.

Construction is currently underway on a large five-star apartment. This will be a very interesting project, featuring a private beach with a bridge over the railway. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the next 2-3 years.

We are very fortunate that there is a sidewalk here that takes you to the village center. We visited the private sector, where there are multi-story buildings, playgrounds, sports fields, cafes, and parks. In the center of the village, we found two supermarkets and a beauty salon.

On the way back, we decided to top up our bus cards. The process is standard: select English, tap your card, insert the money into the machine, and then pay and top up. The bus card balance is displayed on the receipt.

We walked to an old abandoned train stop and explored the surrounding area, then headed to the beach. There's a cafe on the coast. From there, our route led from the center to the streets. The terrain there isn't particularly hilly. There are a lot of cottages in the green area.

The advantages of Makhinjauri

1. Accommodation in Makhinjauri is much cheaper than in Batumi. Prices vary by season. Some guesthouses offer meals for an additional fee. Tip: When booking, check the location of the house on a map, as if it's located near a road, the noise of waves and traffic will greatly interfere with your stay.
2. Location.
3. Mahinjauri is located near Batumi, just 5 kilometers from the city center. Public transportation is excellent. You can reach the city in 10-15 minutes by bus or minibus. However, traffic jams are common entering and exiting Batumi, and public transportation can be completely overcrowded. Remember: during the peak tourist season, travel times increase two to three times.
4. Infrastructure.
5. Mahinjauri has minimarkets and shops, as well as pharmacies and beauty salons. Vegetables, fruits, wine, and virtually any grocery item are sold here. But if that's not enough, you can take a minibus to the fish market or Batumi's central market. You can buy meat, seafood, and any other goods there.
6. Even in summer, the beach is uncrowded. There are a few private houses along the coastline, while the rest are across the road from the beach. Some buildings are located on the hillside, where the air is very nice and fresh.
7. Makhinjauri is a great place to live for a long term. The interior of the village is especially atmospheric. It was simply amazing how quiet, peaceful, green, and beautiful it was.

Now let's talk about the cons:

1. Makhinjauri is not suitable for a beach holiday. The beach evokes a feeling of decay, disorganization, and insecurity. Ugly iron poles jut out of the water, and there are signs prohibiting swimming.
2. The need to cross a busy road is a heroic act, because Makhinjauri, especially in the center of the village, has a very wide road with no traffic lights, which is very uncomfortable. You can cross it a couple of times, but on a regular basis it becomes annoying.
3. There are no places for walking, no proper boulevards or promenades, like in Batumi, for example. And the rocks make it uncomfortable to spend long periods on the beach. It's sometimes dangerous to walk along this endless stream of cars.
4. There are few cafes in the village. Yes, there is one white building here, which is a very good old restaurant. There are several others, but we weren't particularly impressed.

So, let's sum it up.

1. Makhinjauri is a great place to wait for a train. You can make a stop in the village.
2. The wild nature, abundant greenery, and clean air give this place a cozy, mysterious, and atmospheric feel.
3. From my own experience, I can say that this area is the most convenient for getting to the botanical garden.
4. Makhinjauri is worth staying in if you're looking for affordable accommodation.