The Georgian town of Ureki is a little fishing community on the coast of the Black Sea. It’s similar enough to Shekvetili that many people confuse the two. However, that is not the case. Travel time from Batumi is around an hour, while from Kutaisi it’s almost twice as long. And on our cross-country road trip, we had the opportunity to go.
Actually, I wasn’t expecting much. I believed it would be tough to locate a beach to like on the Black Sea after going to Turkey and viewing hundreds of its gorgeous blue beaches. A few days at Ureki’s beach were a welcome respite, nevertheless. For its curative effects, if you know what I mean.
The black magnetic sand in Ureki is well-known for its curative powers; it helps people with infertility, as well as those with joint and neurological system disorders. Ureki is reported to have the greatest concentration of magnetic sand of all of Georgia’s therapeutic beaches.
Joseph Stalin ordered the building of hotels and beach areas in Ureki to be started around the middle of the twentieth century.
The discovery of volcanic sand at that time was purely coincidental. The research of Ureki’s seashore therapeutic abilities was inspired by the experience of having inmates labour on the land and watching many of them recover from a variety of maladies. Within a short time after the discovery, the town had become a destination for people seeking medical treatment for a wide range of illnesses from all across the former Soviet Union.
Ureki Beach is now the only beach in Georgia that is entirely sandy. Every season, visitors from all over the nation (and the world) flock here in search of therapy or just curiosity.
So that we could see for ourselves, we came. Only Batumi and the Ajara area of Georgia were accessible to us during our first stay in the country. However, we chose to visit Ureki, Guria, and other locations along Georgia’s Black Sea coast this time around, including the remarkable magnetic sand there.
It wouldn’t hurt to do few research about this sleepy town if a trip there is in your future. Even if you don’t need medical care, you should still check it out. It’s money well spent.
Brief Overview of the History of the Town of Ureki, Georgia
In the dead of winter
Ureki is a typical Georgian tourist town in that it lacks a significant historical legacy. The area was originally inhabited by Georgians and Azerbaijanis, but once the wetlands were drained, a new village sprang up there. Ureki didn’t start attracting visitors until the middle of the twentieth century, when Soviet authorities ordered the construction of many big sanatoriums and boarding houses.
After Georgia achieved its independence, the state-run asylums around the nation were allowed to deteriorate. Officials ceased helping them, and by the turn of the century, business at the resort had dried up. The middle of the 2000s saw a resurgence in Ureki’s status as Guria’s (Adjara’s neighbour) primary tourist destination. One factor in Ureki’s meteoric rise to fame is the magnetic anomaly that was detected there in 2014.
Location: Ureki Beach and Sea
When it comes to natural phenomena, black sands aren’t all that rare. Many Pacific islands, including Hawaii, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and the Philippines, have beaches of this dark hue. Black sand may also be found in resorts in the south of Ukraine, Kamchatka, and Bulgaria. What makes Ureki special, however, is not only the black sand, but the fact that it also has healing capabilities. And not just in Georgia; it’s one of a kind everywhere.
Ureki is home to highly magnetised sands, with a magnetization rate of up to 70%. The beach is a natural sanatorium because its magnetic field affects chemical and biological processes in the human body.
In addition to its other benefits, black sand is anti-inflammatory, relieves pain, boosts the immune system, and promotes cell regeneration. A trip to Ureki is also suggested for those in need of medical treatment for a variety of wounds.
However, there are also some warnings against using magnetic sand. You shouldn’t lay on magnetic sands if you have TB, asthma, a blood disorder, or a tumour. Do not put your health at danger by exposing yourself to magnets; doing so will only make matters worse. You should see a doctor before beginning any lengthy “procedures.”
The Seaside’s Remarkable Appeal
Ureki has a broad, 5-kilometer-long beach. The park is rather large, yet during the height of the summer, it is crowded to capacity. Hotels and guesthouses there are likely less expensive than in Kobuleti, Batumi, or Kvariati, which contributes to the city’s popularity.
Moreover, sandy beaches are unusual in Georgia. And since the water is shallow and easy to get into, it’s a favourite among families. Water temperature is often two to three degrees warmer than in Batumi’s beaches due to the shallow depth.
Almost the whole length of the beach has a shallow entry into the ocean. Only around waist-deep for the first 20 metres out from shore. Ureki beach is ideal if you are not a strong swimmer or if you are travelling with young children.
During the busiest segment of the year, the area south of the main street tends to be less crowded. Sun loungers with umbrellas, children’s water slides, scooters, and banana boats may all be rented throughout the summer. On the other side of the beach from the parking lot, you’ll find a restroom with a shower and a grove of evergreen trees.
Even though the ocean is pristine, the black sand makes the water seem murky rather than clear. It is not uncommon to find natural rubbish. It’s easy to see sticks and leaves on the dark sand and in the water thanks to the nearby pine forest.
Ureki, Japan, on one of the more tranquil alleys lined with hotels.
There are a few drawbacks to visiting Ureki that you should be aware of. Mosquitoes are one example of this. Ureki is home to a swarm of pesky mosquitoes during the warmer months of the year because to the marshes that were drained. Despite the fact that we were there towards the end of June and didn’t see any throughout the day.
Another one (widespread across whole of Georgia) involves sick-looking strays that frequent the seashore. If you sit down to eat, they will inevitably approach you in an attempt to beg.
Electronics may also experience erratic functioning when at the beach. Do not set electronic devices (such cellphones or cameras) down on the sand due to the magnetic field.
It’s possible that off-season visitors may be disappointed to find that the resort almost empties out. In contrast to the bustling summer season when water slides and beachside eateries are open, fall and winter find these attractions shuttered. However, this is not unique to Georgia’s little coastal towns.
Ureki Psammotherapy
Ureki beach’s black sand is utilised in psammotherapy, often known as “treatment with hot sand,” for its physiotherapeutic benefits. Titanomagnetite, magnetite, ilmenite, and other rock crystals in it have been shown to be effective in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including those related to the neurological system, metabolism, trauma, and the female reproductive system, when heated. This is a great strategy to keep off the weight you lose.
However, hot sand should be applied to the body with caution and knowledge. Psammotherapy is either placing hot sand on certain areas of the body or burying the patient from head to toe.
If you really want to give sand burial a try, make sure the sand doesn’t go deeper than 2 centimetres (0.8 inches) into your stomach and leaves your chest cavity completely unblocked. Cover your face with a towel and a hat to keep the sun off your face. Don’t spend more than half an hour on the sand, and thereafter, refresh with a hot shower and some shade. Contrary to popular belief, you should not enter the chilly ocean.
After 15 treatments, which should be done every other day, you will see the full benefits of the therapy. But even a single occurrence has an impact. First and foremost, it must be done properly.
We enjoyed the sand’s warm, soft sensation on our bodies while playing in it and rolling about on it. The sensation was really extraordinary, unlike anything I’ve ever felt on a beach made of conventional sand.
And please wear a bikini that you don’t mind getting ruined. It’s hard to get the sand out of clothes because it creates stains.
If you have TB, asthma, a bleeding disorder, or a tumour, DO NOT lay on the sand.
Getting to Ureki Beach From Tbilisi, Batumi, or Kutaisi
Shekhvetili to Ureki, in a vehicle.
If you don’t have access to a vehicle, getting to Ureki is still a breeze.
You may take any marshrutka or bus heading in the direction of Kutaisi, Borjomi, Tbilisi, Poti, or Zugdidi, since it is situated immediately next to the highway connecting Batumi with these cities. The driver won’t get out of the car on his own, so don’t forget to ask him to drop you off. Tell him to drop you off at the Ureki train station or at the highway’s Magnetiti exit. There, you’ll have to cross some railroad tracks and then take any street running perpendicular to the tracks until you reach the water.
There is a major bus terminal in Batumi next to the train station from which buses depart for other destinations. There are no route numbers since almost all buses go from Adjara’s capital to Guria. Travelers headed to Kutaisi, Tbilisi, Poti, or Borjomi may come here to get minibuses and buses. They will pass past Shekvetili and Ureki, and each of them may pull over wherever is most convenient for you.
You may also get a direct minibus from Batumi’s historic bus terminal on Mayakovsky St, 1 to Ureki. It skips the middle man and arrives at seaside Ureki. Of course, there are several stop options along the route.
Get to Ureki in style by reserving a vehicle via the official local Gotrip site. There, you and the driver may decide on a car of your choosing. You won’t spend much more than you would for a standard cab journey.
Tbilisi to this hamlet is more easily accessible through rail. Don’t miss it since the train only stops for four minutes at Ureki station. You may only reserve a seat and choose your travel dates on the official Georgian Railway website. A credit card issued by any major bank will suffice as payment. 40 days before to trip, tickets and schedules become available.
When travelling between Batumi and Tbilisi or Batumi and Svaneti, or when doing a self-guided tour through Adjara-Guria, a vehicle is necessary.
And there’s a gorgeous pine grove that drops out into the water.
Location of the Finest Hotels in Ureki
The abundance of lodging options in Ureki was a pleasant surprise. Everywhere you turn in this coastal town, there’s a brand new hotel. Traveler evaluations also indicate that Ureki offers more affordable lodging options than Batumi’s posh resorts. Furthermore, the beaches in Batumi do not have any curative qualities.
The following hotels in Ureki have received high marks from previous guests:
- One of the most reasonably priced hotels with a solid reputation is the Hotel Ritsa.
- The Nodmax Hotel & Cottages is a budget-friendly option for families looking for a comfortable place to stay.
- The Ureki Residence Hotel is a trendy, moderately priced option.
- The Kolkhida Resort & Spa is a classier option with a beachfront pool.
Where Should You Go From Here If You Don’t Want to Stay in Ureki?
Village of Ureki. You should keep in mind that you are visiting a village if you plan on spending any time there during your trip. What we have here is only a reality, and it is neither good nor evil in and of itself. There is’nt much to do except relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean. However, it will be far more peaceful than Batumi.
Ureki is a great place for beachgoers and families with young children. If you have a vehicle and want to avoid tourist traps, this is a wonderful area to set your shop in.
You may drive to Batumi, another seaside town, or the nearby Guria region to learn more about the area. The mountains are just an hour and a half away, and there are some wonderful things in the area that you shouldn’t miss. Below are two images from the Miniature Park and Shekvetili (10 km from Ureki).
In sum, those who value their time and want to see more than just the beach can consider staying in Batumi. Then spend the afternoon or the day at Ureki. Those who are visiting Ureki for sand therapy should stay in the village. Unless you have a vehicle, commuting to and from Ureki every day will be quite draining.