# Ureki > gtour.ge — G Tour, Gateway to Georgia. Cite as: GTour desk, gtour.ge. - Canonical: https://gtour.ge/georgia/ureki/ - Author: Mariam Lomidze (GTour desk, Tbilisi) - Published: 2026-09-15 - Updated: 2026-10-17 - Language: en - Russian edition: https://gtour.ge/ru/georgia/ureki/ By [Mariam Lomidze](https://gtour.ge/author/mariam-lomidze/), GTour desk · Fact-checked against the sources listed · Last checked 17 October 2026 · [Editorial policy](https://gtour.ge/standards/editorial-policy/) ### Overview Ureki is a seaside village on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, in Lanchkhuti Municipality in the region of [Guria](/georgia/). It sits on the low, marshy Kolkheti plain between the resort town of Kobuleti to the south and the port city of Poti to the north, roughly 55 minutes by car from Batumi and 1 hour 40 minutes from Kutaisi. The village is best known across Georgia and beyond for its dark, fine-grained sand, which contains a high concentration of magnetite and has long been credited locally with therapeutic properties, giving Ureki a dual identity as both a beach resort and a health destination. Ureki matters to travellers because it represents a different side of the Georgian Black Sea coast from Batumi’s urban promenade: a flatter, quieter shoreline backed by pine groves, wetlands and small family-run guesthouses, alongside newer large-scale resort investment. It is a convenient stop for anyone travelling the coastal road between Batumi, Kobuleti and Poti, and it works well as a one- or two-night addition to a western Georgia itinerary that also takes in Gelati, Kutaisi and the Guria wine villages. GTour includes Ureki in private [tours](/tours/) on request, combined with nearby hotels, wineries and the other destinations listed below. ### History The Kolkheti lowland in which Ureki lies was part of the ancient region of Colchis, known from classical sources and associated with the legend of the Golden Fleece, long before the modern village took shape as a fishing settlement. Guria itself emerged as a distinct principality in the late medieval period after the fragmentation of the unified Kingdom of Georgia, and the coastal strip around Ureki remained a sparsely populated zone of marsh, forest and fishing hamlets for centuries. Ureki’s reputation as a health resort dates mainly to the Soviet period, when the magnetic qualities of its black sand attracted interest from medical researchers and the village was developed with sanatoriums offering sand and mud treatments for joint and nervous-system complaints, a tradition described in general accounts of the settlement. Like much of Georgia’s Soviet-era resort infrastructure, many of these sanatoriums fell into disrepair after 1991, and the following decade saw slow, informal tourism built around small guesthouses. Since the 2010s, renewed investment along this stretch of coast — including large hotel and resort complexes near neighbouring Shekvetili — has brought new construction to Ureki while the older sanatorium buildings and pine-backed beach remain part of its character. The nearby Kolkheti wetlands, which include parts of the Ispani mire system, are protected within Kolkheti National Park, reflecting the ecological significance of this coastal plain. ### What to see #### Ureki black sand beach The main draw is the long, flat beach of dark, magnetite-rich sand, backed by pine and eucalyptus trees that give shade close to the shore. The sea here shelves gently, making it popular with families, and the sand is noticeably warmer underfoot than lighter sand elsewhere on the coast. Visitors are advised to remove metal jewellery and watches before lying on the sand, since its magnetic pull is strong enough to be felt. #### Kolkheti National Park and the Ispani wetlands South and inland of Ureki, the Kolkheti lowlands include peat bogs, lakes and reed marshes that form part of Kolkheti National Park, managed by Georgia’s Agency of Protected Areas. The wetlands support wintering and migratory birds and are of recognised international importance for conservation. Short excursions and birdwatching trips into the park can be arranged with advance notice. #### Shekvetili coastline and resorts A few kilometres north, the village of Shekvetili has become a hub for larger-scale coastal development, including spa resorts and a dendrological park created by transplanting mature trees from across Georgia. It makes an easy half-day add-on to a stay in Ureki, reached along the same coastal road. #### Guria’s rural hinterland Inland from the coast, the hills of Guria rise toward villages known for wine and dairy traditions distinct from eastern Georgia. Combining a beach morning in Ureki with an afternoon visit to a local winery or cheese producer gives a fuller picture of the region than the coast alone. ### Getting there From Tbilisi, Ureki is about 4 hours 30 minutes by car via the Tbilisi–Senaki–Leselidze international road (E60) and then south along the coastal road through Kobuleti direction; marshrutkas (shared minivans) run from Tbilisi’s Didube station toward Batumi or Kobuleti, from where a local marshrutka or taxi continues to Ureki. Georgian Railway operates trains from Tbilisi toward the western coast; travellers can take a train to Kobuleti or Natanebi station and finish the last stretch by taxi, a journey of roughly 10–15 minutes from either station. From Kutaisi, Ureki is about 1 hour 40 minutes by road via Samtredia, a route also served by marshrutka. From Batumi, it is the shortest approach, about 55 minutes along the coastal highway through Kobuleti. Road conditions on the coastal stretch can be affected by seasonal works or weather; current conditions can be checked via GTour’s [road status](/road-status/) page before departure. GTour arranges private transfers and guided day trips with an English-speaking driver-guide from any of the three cities. ### When to go The swimming season runs from roughly June to September, with July and August the warmest and busiest months, particularly around weekends when Georgian families visit for sand treatments as well as the beach. Spring and early autumn (May, late September) bring milder temperatures, thinner crowds and lower accommodation rates, while still allowing short walks on the sand; this period also suits birdwatching in the nearby wetlands. Winters are mild but wet and largely off-season, with many smaller guesthouses closed. ### Where to stay and eat Ureki and the adjoining Shekvetili coastline have a range of accommodation from simple guesthouses to large resort hotels. Among verified options are [Hotel Laguna Resort](https://gtour.ge/georgia-places/place-hotel-laguna-resort/), [Hotel Argo](https://gtour.ge/georgia-places/place-hotel-argo/), [Ritsa Resort](https://gtour.ge/georgia-places/place-ritsa-resort/), [Magnika Resort Villas](https://gtour.ge/georgia-places/place-magnika-resort/) and [Magnika Resort](https://gtour.ge/georgia-places/place-magnika-resort-1/), as well as the larger [Paragraph Resort & Spa Shekvetili](https://gtour.ge/georgia-places/place-paragraph-resort-spa-shekvetili/) a short drive north. For food and wine, [Kakhetian Wine Cellar](https://gtour.ge/georgia-places/place-kakhetian-wine-cellar/) and [Lekura Wines](https://gtour.ge/georgia-places/place-lekura-wines/) are listed nearby for those wanting a wine stop alongside the beach visit. GTour’s verified register lists further hotels, guesthouses and restaurants in the area; see the [Guria region hub](/georgia/) and [best-of guides](/best-of/) for more options. ### Practical notes The beach is public and free to access; sun loungers and umbrellas are typically available for rent in season from the larger resorts. Mobile coverage is reliable along the coast, and most hotels and restaurants accept Georgian lari in cash, with cards increasingly accepted at larger establishments. Because the coastline sits on a low wetland plain, mosquitoes can be noticeable in the warmer months, and insect repellent is worth packing. Swimmers should note that the sea near Ureki is generally shallow and calm, but conditions can change with wind, so posted flags or lifeguard advice should be followed where present. ### Questions travellers ask #### Is Ureki’s sand really magnetic? Yes, the sand contains a notable concentration of magnetite, a naturally magnetic iron oxide, which is why small metal objects can be attracted to it. This property is the basis for Ureki’s long-standing reputation as a health resort. #### Is Ureki good for families with children? The beach’s shallow, gently sloping sea floor and soft sand make it generally suitable for families, and several resorts offer playgrounds and children’s pools. Shade from pine trees close to the shore is an added advantage in midsummer. #### How does Ureki compare with Batumi? Ureki is quieter, flatter and less built-up than Batumi, with a village rather than city atmosphere and fewer restaurants and nightlife options. Batumi offers a livelier promenade, more dining choice and direct flight access, while Ureki suits travellers seeking a calmer beach stay. #### Can Ureki be visited as a day trip from Batumi? Yes, at about 55 minutes by road, Ureki works well as a half-day or full-day excursion from Batumi, especially combined with a stop in Kobuleti or Shekvetili. #### What is the best time of year to visit for swimming? June through September offers the warmest sea temperatures, with July and August the peak and busiest months. Late May and September provide a quieter alternative with still-comfortable weather. #### Are there direct trains to Ureki? There is no train station directly in Ureki; travellers can take a Georgian Railway train toward the western coast and get off at Kobuleti or Natanebi, then continue by taxi for the final short stretch. #### Is it possible to visit Kolkheti National Park from Ureki? Yes, the wetlands of Kolkheti National Park lie within easy reach of Ureki, and short excursions or birdwatching visits can be arranged, ideally booked in advance through a local operator or guide. #### What should visitors know about the magnetic sand before lying on it? It is advisable to remove watches, jewellery and other metal items before sitting or lying directly on the sand, as its magnetic pull is strong enough to attract small objects. Some visitors with medical devices such as pacemakers are advised to seek medical guidance beforehand. #### Does GTour arrange private tours to Ureki? Yes, GTour organises private transfers and guided day trips or multi-day itineraries to Ureki from Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi, combining the beach with nearby wineries, Kolkheti National Park and other Guria destinations; details are available through GTour’s [tours](/tours/) page. ### Sources - [Georgian National Tourism Administration — Guria region](https://georgia.travel/regions/guria) Plan your Georgia Want Ureki on a private itinerary with a driver who knows the road? A GTour travel expert designs the route and calls you back. [Start planning](/contact/)   [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/995577416314)