georgia country best places to visit

The Top 10 Places to Visit in the Country of Georgia

This tiny country is Europe's best-kept secret

When you think of "Georgia," you probabably think of Atlanta, peach trees and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport , the hub of Delta Air Lines. Georgia is also home to ancient citadels, ornate Eastern Orthodox Cathedrals, a budding wine culture and some of the tallest mountains in the world. The other Georgia, anyway.

With all due respect to the home of the Brave(s), the country of Georgia (known in the Georgian language as "Sakartvelo") offers a richness of experience for travelers with which the state just can't participate. The country of Georgia may be much farther away than the state, but it's well worth a visit. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Georgia.

Narikala Fortress

Emad Aljumah/Getty Images

Tbilisi's Narikala Fortress isn't technically ancient, even though it occupies a very old site. The 13th century church that originally sat perched above Tbilisi's Old City burned down, and most of what currently exists was built in the late 1990s. Still, this is a must-see when you come to Georgia, if only because of the panorama it offers of Tbilisi's city center and the Kura River, which snakes through town. If you don't feel like hiking up to the fortress, which takes about 15-20 minutes, ride the cable car inside.

Sameba Cathedral

Nutexles/Getty Images

One of the most conspicuous Tbilisi attractions you can see from Narikala is the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, known colloquially as Sameba. Whether you see it from afar or close up, it's most beautiful at night, when it lights up in a bright golden color that beautiful contrasts it from the more dim tones of the surrounding neighborhood. Sameba is the world's third-largest Eastern Orthodox church as of 2018, and is one of the largest religious structure on the planet in general.

Stepantsminda and Mount Kazbeg

Emad Aljumah/Getty Images 

Georgia is a treasure trove of Orthodox architecture, it so happens, with another beautiful example being the hilltop 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church, located in the Caucasus Mountains a few hours north of Tbilisi. From the town of Stepantsminda, the nearest settlement to the church, it's about 90-minutes on foot at a brisk pace on a relatively steep incline. On a clear day, you can spot Mount Kazbeg (one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus Mountains) towering above the church from many points in the town, including the Rooms Hotel.

Davit Gareja Cliff Monastery

Juergen Rittenbach/Getty Images

Want to see an amazing religious site in Georgia, but can't devote an entire day and night to visiting Kazbegi? Another option would be to take a day trip from Tbilisi to Davit Gareja, a massive monastery complex a couple of hours from the city that's literally carved into a mountainside. Tour buses to Davit Gareja, which dates back to the 6th century, leave from Tbilisi's Freedom Square every morning.

Batumi's Black Sea Coast

Ihar Paulau/Getty Images

Not in a religious mood and aren't a mountain person? Not to worry. Though relatively short in length, Georgia's Black Sea coast is idyllic, and the city of Batumi has some lovely beaches to visit. One of the things many visitors to Georgia love about the city beach in Batumi is the fact that it's made of rocks, not sand. This means not only that the water is clearer, but that you won't get sand everywhere when you sunbathe!

Kakheti's Wineries

 Anna Bogush/Getty Images

Among the many reasons Georgia is rising to mainstream prominence? The country's long-secret wine scene (the Caucasus region is arguably where the modern wine tradition was born) is gaining more and more positive press, from the honey-sweet white wine Tvishi to fruity Aguna rosé. Popular wineries in the Kakheti region southeast of Tbilisi include Pheasant's Tears and Shumi Winery Khaketi.

Historical Sighnaghi

Sebastiano Garilli/Getty Images

Like Narikala in Tbilisi, much of the town of Sighnaghi (which, like the wineries listed above, is also located in the Kakheti region of Georgia) is significantly re-built. However, if you can overlook this fact, this is sure to be one of your favorite Georgia destinations. Notable Sighnaghi attractions include the Bobde Monastery, which sits just outside the town center, and eighth-century Kvelatsminda Church. A day or two in Sighnaghi town pairs perfectly (pun very much intended) with a trip to one or more of the Georgia wineries listed above.

Stalin's Hometown

Epics/Getty Images

Although Joseph Stalin and his mythology are mostly associated with Russia, he actually hails from Georgia (which was, to be fair, a Soviet Republic, albeit a reluctant one). Apart from the massive Stalin Statue and extensive Stalin Museum that sits in the center of Gori Town, you can visit the ancient Gori Fortress or Uplistsikhe, an architectural site that dates back to the Iron Age. Keep in mind that while locals here are proud of the fact that Stalin hails from here, it's probably not a good idea to confuse them as being Russian, or to refer to them as such.

Affordable Ski Resorts: Bakuriana and Pasanauri

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

Thrifty European skiers have long known Georgia as an affordable alternative to the slopes of France and Switzerland, and a beautiful one as well. The country's Caucasus mountains are every bit as beautiful as the Alps, and their comparative lack of development makes them arguably more charming. While some would-be Georgia skiers might feel doubtful about their decision after video footage of a recent mishap circulated online , resorts like Bakuriani and Pasanauri are generally very safe, and are always an incredible value.

Tbilisi's Rustaveli Avenue

 Emad Aljumah/Getty Images

Tbilisi is not only where Georgia begins for most travelers, but also where it tends to end, being the location of the country's main international airport. Presuming you follow the advice on this list and devote the first part of your Georgia trip to seeing Tbilisi's ancient sites, spend your last day or two in the country walking up and down cosmopolitan Rustaveli Avenue. Whether you enjoy high-end shopping, having a coffee or cocktail in trendy cafés that evoke Western Europe or simply watching the sunset over Freedom Square, you're sure to have a lovely time in Tbilisi.

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15 Amazing and Unique Places to Visit in Georgia

Wondering what to see in Georgia and where to go in this beautiful country in the Caucasus?  After spending almost one year here (and returning for more visits), I made a list of the 15 best and most beautiful places to visit in Georgia.

Georgia , a land of rock and stone, medieval fortresses and monasteries, green hills, majestic mountains, deep caves, and rocky beaches. A country where culture and history lovers will have the feeling they’ve been transported to the past while walking through the villages and towns.

Outdoor lovers will be amazed by the stunning landscapes of the mountains and every traveler will experience the incredible hospitality of the people and will be treated to a feast of delicious food  and  wine  (and the additional hangover). 

I spent almost one year in Georgia and I’m grateful that I had the chance to discover so many beautiful regions and unique places. 

3 Fantastic Itineraries to see the best of Georgia

It was hard to make a selection of the most beautiful places to visit in Georgia as there are so many of them, but here are the top 15 places and the best cities to visit in Georgia, the country!

Tip: See my  Georgia Travel Page  for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Georgia!

Discover Georgia’s Highlights or go on a unique Georgia Trekking Adventure to Tusheti , Racha , Vardzia , Katskhi and Chiatura on one of my Georgia Adventure Tours !

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Plan your trip to Georgia

• 19 important things to know before traveling to Georgia
• 15 Best Places to visit in Georgia
• 3 Fantastic Georgia Travel Itineraries
• Tours & Experiences: Adventure Tours in Georgia – Georgia City Tours
• Rent a car in Georgia
• Travel insurance for Georgia
• Book your stay in Georgia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The best places to visit in Georgia

Tbilisi is the capital city and one of the best cities in Georgia to visit! Tbilisi lies on the banks of the Mtkvari (also known as the Kura) river and is surrounded by hills and mountains.

It has been the capital of Georgia since the 6th century and its diverse architecture reflects its long and complicated history.

One of the best ways to appreciate this unique place is to wander its streets, especially in the colorful Old Town.

During your walk in the city you’ll come across over-renovated and hyper-modern buildings but you’ll also find yourself in a warren of backstreets surrounded by ramshackle buildings that are beautiful in their own unique way.

Make sure you walk (or take the cable car) to the Narikala Fortress where you can enjoy the stunning panorama over the city.

Top Things to do in Tbilisi:

• Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral
• Go for a stroll in the old town of Tbilisi
• Take the cable car to Narikala Fortress and meet Kartlis Deda, “mother of Georgia”
• Enjoy the delicious Georgian food in one of the many traditional restaurants
• Visit the  Chronicle of Georgia, Tbilisi’s hidden gem

Recommended Tbilisi City Tours

There are many lovely guided walking tours you can take in Tbilisi to learn more about the history of the city while visiting its main points of interest.

Here’s a guided walking tour I highly recommend:

How to get to Tbilisi:

Just like all the roads in Europe lead to Rome, all the roads in Georgia lead to Tbilisi! You can easily get there by plane (the main airport of Georgia is located in this city), by train, by bus, by mini-bus and by hitchhiking !

Read more about traveling by public transportation in Georgia and Tbilisi here .

Where to stay in Tbilisi :

You can pay as much or as little as you want to stay in Tbilisi. You can find a bed in a hostel starting from €7 (10 GEL) per night or you can spend a few nights in a lovely guesthouse for only €12 per night. 

• Bude Hostel
• Tiflisi Hostel
• Boutique Fantaisie
• Luxury inn in Old Tbilisi
• Citadel Narikala Hotel in Old Tbilisi
• Stamba Hotel

Top Things to Do in Tbilisi – The Travel Guide to Georgia’s Capital City

2. Mtskheta

Mtskheta is the religious capital, the spiritual heart, and therefore the most important city of Georgia. It used to be the capital city before King Gorgasali changed his base to Tbilisi.

It’s also one of the oldest cities in Georgia, where 4000-year-old traces of human settlements were found. Mtskheta is home to three of Georgia’s most important churches: Svetitskhoveli (try to say this 3x in a row…), Jvari and Samtavro Monastery.

Saint Nino lived in this city. She’s known as the Enlightener of Georgia, is one of the most important saints in this country (many girls are named after her). She’s the woman who preached Christianity in Georgia and the reason why this religion was adopted as the state religion in the year 330.

Important Note : if you want to enter the churches, dress appropriately! Men aren’t allowed to wear shorts or hats while women have to wear a long skirt and cover their hair with a scarf.

Places to visit in Mtskheta:

• Jvari Monastery
• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
• Shio-Mgvime Monastery
• Old Mtskheta
• Bebristsikhe Fortress

Guided tours to Mtskheta:

Mtskheta is definitely worth visiting with a knowledgeable guide while visiting the most ancient and holy places of Georgia!

I highly recommend going on a guided (half-) day tour from Tbilisi to Mtskheta you’ll get a thorough tour and background info of all the important monasteries and churches.

How to get to Mtskheta:

If you prefer to visit Mtskheta independently, it’s a 30-minute drive from Tbilisi. You can easily hitchhike there from the Tbilisi Mall (take minibus nr. 50 to get there) or take a minibus (mashrutka) all the way to Mtskheta for only 1 GEL. Here’s a very detailed guide on how to go from Tbilisi to Mtskheta .

Vardzia is a spectacular cave monastery near Aspindza in southern Georgia. It looks like one of the movie sets of Lord of the Rings, although it wasn’t the home of dwarves but of many monks.

This underground monastery was built in the 12th Century, under the reign of King Tamar, the first woman that was ever crowned as a king (not a queen!) in Georgian history. It used to be completely hidden until a severe earthquake exposed and destroyed the cave monastery. 

Things to do in Vardzia:

Read my Travel Guide to Vardzia for a complete overview of how to visit all the highlights of Vardzia.

Guided Tours to Vardzia:

It’s a bit of a journey to get to Vardzia independently. Taking a tour to Vardzia , maybe combined with a visit to Akhaltsikhe and Borjomi, might give you a more enjoyable experience and you’ll learn a lot about the cultural and historical background of these wonderful places!

How to get to Vardzia:

You can take a mashrutka from Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia. The ride takes one hour, it costs 7 GEL and they operate 3 times a day.

The first mashrutka leaves at 10.30 am, the last one from Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia leaves at 1.20 pm. The last mashrutka is at 3 pm from Vardzia to Akhaltsikhe where you can still catch another one to Tbilisi (if you want to return the same day).

You can also take a taxi to Vardzia but that will cost you at least 50 GEL (unless you’re with a group, then you can share the costs and stop along the way at the Khertvisi Fortress).

The Complete Guide to Vardzia, Georgia’s ancient cave monastery.

4. Uplistsikhe

Uplistsikhe is located in eastern Georgia, about 100 km from Tbilisi. It literally means “Lord’s Fortress” and it’s an abandoned rock-hewn town that is more than 3000 years old. 

It was founded around 1000 BC and was continuously inhabited until the 13th century AD. At one point Uplistsikhe even had 20000 inhabitants!

The cave city covers an area of almost 40.000 m2 and used to have a pharmacy, a bakery, an amphitheater and even a prison. All the structures are connected by tunnels.

On top of the whole complex is a church that was built in the 9th century. This colorful building sticks out against the gray and sober caves.

tours to Uplistsikhe:

You can opt for taking a day tour from Tbilisi to Uplistsikhe, combined with a visit to Mtskheta (see above) and Gori (I used to live there!).

There are many day tours to Uplistikhe from Tbilisi offered by local travel companies . I highly recommend the following:

How to get to Uplistsikhe:

The cheapest way to get from Tbilisi to Uplistsikhe is by taking a shared taxi (5GEL) or a mashrutka (3GEL) from Didube station to Gori. There you can take another mashrutka to the nearby village Kvakhvreli for 1 GEL. You can also negotiate with the driver and he’ll take you to Uplistsikhe for 1 extra GEL.

If you’re with a group, you can share a taxi that will cost you around 20 GEL. Entrance fee for Uplistsikhe: 15 GEL.

Visit the best places in Georgia with these 3 Georgia itineraries!

5. Katskhi Pillar

Georgia doesn’t only have unique places on the ground or in the mountains, but also in the air. Take the Katskhi Pillar, for example, a 40-meter high limestone monolith that is also known as “the Pillar of Life”.

Around the 4th century, this rock became a place of seclusion for the ‘Stylites’, a religious group who had a “slight” obsession with sitting on top of narrow pillars to come closer to God. How they got up on the Katskhi Pillar and were able to build a church on top of there is still a big mystery!

It was only in 1945 that the first researchers were able to climb it. Oh, and the most extraordinary thing: a monk has been living on top of that remote pillar for 20 years!

Day tour to Katskhi Pillar

You can go on a day tour from Tbilisi to Katskhi Pillar , combined with a visit to Chiatura (see below).

Here’s the day tour I recommend:

How to get to the Katskhi Pillar:

From Tbilisi to the Katskhi Pillar: take a mashrutka from Didube Station to Chiatura. The earliest leaves at 8 am and after that nearly every hour. The ride takes about 3 hours and costs 6 GEL.

In Chiatura take a taxi to the Katskhi Pillar, which shouldn’t cost much as it’s only 20 km away or you can hitchhike like I did.

From Kutaisi to Katskhi Pillar : take a mashrutka from Kutaisi bus station to Chiatura. It costs 6 GEL and the journey lasts an hour and a half. Once in Chiatura, you can hitchhike or take a taxi to the Katskhi Pillar.

Katskhi Pillar, the most incredible cliff church in the world!

6. Chiatura

Another point of interest in Georgia is Chiatura, a small town nestled between steep valleys and deep gorges.

Chiatura was founded in the late 1800s as a mining colony. In 1954 the Stalinist government installed a system of cable cars, also referred to as a “rope road” to get the workers more quickly to the mines, instead of them walking to the sites on the steep cliffs.

Every corner of the town was connected with the mines through these cable cars and Chiatura became known as “the cable car city”.

Most of these cable cars have rusted away but there are still some of these “air tramways” functioning today as a form of (free) public transportation.

It’s truly an amazing (and a little frightening) experience to step into these rusty flying cabins that are known as the “death-defying metal coffins”. Chiatura is a strange and charming city where you can still feel the ghost of the Soviet Empire.

Day tour to Chiatura & Katskhi Pillar:

Combine a visit to Chiatura with the Katskhi Pillar (see above) on this guided day tour from Tbilisi :

How to get to Chiatura:

From Tbilisi to Chiatura : take a mashrutka from Didube Station to Chiatura. The earliest leaves at 8 am and after that nearly every hour. The ride takes about 3 hours and costs 6 GEL.

From Kutaisi to Chiatura : take a mashrutka from the Kutaisi bus station (near McDonald’s) to Chiatura. It costs 6 GEL and the journey lasts 1,5 hours.

Where to stay in Chiatura:

When I first visited Chiatura in 2017, there was one guesthouse. Nowadays you can find about 10!

Here are my recommendations:

• Butichi Guesthouse
• Hotel in Chiatura
• Family Hotel

Visiting the ghosts of the past in Chiatura.

Batumi is a modern city on the coast of the Black Sea. It’s the second biggest city in Georgia and honestly, it doesn’t really feel like you’re in Georgia. One moment you can hear the church bells ringing, and the next you hear the muezzin’s call to prayer coming from the mosques (Batumi is right near the border with Turkey).

The architecture is a combination of European and Asian styles, often mixed with fairy-tale-like towers, statues and buildings created by some hallucinating architects. This is especially visible at night when the majority of the building is lit up and bathing in the colors of the rainbow.

Batumi is a ‘glamorous’ city, designed to attract tourists and gamblers to play in one of its many casinos. You love it or you hate it but I absolutely enjoyed living there for three months when there were barely any tourists around.

How to get to Batumi:

You can get from Tbilisi to Batumi by mashrutka, which also stops in Kutaisi. It takes about 4,5 hours and costs 15 GEL. Shared taxis or buses are also possible but will cost you at least double the price.

I would suggest you take the train from Tbilisi to Batumi , which is very comfortable and cheap (18 GEL). The journey lasts about 5 hours and will take you along some beautiful landscapes.

Where to stay in Batumi:

• Homestay Seaside by Manuchar
• Hostel in Batumi
• Orbi City Sea View
• The Admiral Hotel
• Best Western Premier Batumi
• Beach Resort in Batumi New Orbi

Top Things to do in Batumi – The Complete City Guide to Georgia’s Las Vegas

8. Ushguli & other villages in Svaneti

Located in northwestern Georgia and locked in the heart of the Caucasus mountains lies the historic province of Svaneti . The only way to get there is by driving from Zugdidi to Mestia along steep windy roads looking over beautiful gorges, wild rivers, and majestic mountains.

Svaneti consists of several small villages, built on the slopes of the snow-covered mountains and surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of alpine meadows.

Walking around in these picturesque villages that are dominated by tower houses, gives you the feeling that you’re thrown back into the European Middle Ages.

One village truly mesmerized me: Ushguli. This village is part of one of the highest inhabited settlements in Europe, at about 2200m above sea level.

It is very remote, the only road to get there is very rough and bumpy but oh so beautiful! The inhabitants live a remote and unique life. They ride on horses through the cobblestone streets while pigs, dogs, cows and goats walk next to them on the little paths. It feels like time stood still there!

Unfortunately, it’s also the most touristic village in the area (Mestia not included) but there are plenty of other villages in the area that not many tourists visit.

Tours to Svaneti

Svaneti is a beautiful region with a very unique history. It could be interesting to travel there on a guided tour.

On this 4-day tour , you travel into the Caucasian Mountains to visit Svaneti, Mestia, Hatsvali and Ushguli. You’ll visit a typical Svan house and get a taste of the local unique cuisine and folkloric music.

You can also go on a 4-day guided trekking tour to Svaneti ! You will be hiking along the beautiful trails to the Chalaadi Glacier, the Shkhara Glacier, and the Ushba waterfalls while also visiting Mestia and Ushguli where you get to learn more about the Svan history and culture, and maybe even participate in Georgian folk dances.

How to get from Tbilisi to Mestia:

Mestia is the central village of Svaneti.

You can go from Tbilisi to Zugdidi by train and you can opt for the night train (8 hours) or day train (5,5 hours) – check the schedule here . Tickets cost between 16 and 21GEL.

You can also take a mashrutka from Tbilisi to Zugdidi, which departs every day from “Vagzali” bus station (in front of Tbilisi Central building). Look for the platform with the sign ‘Mestia’. The bus departs at 7 AM, tickets cost 30 GEL and the journey will take about 9 hours.

From Zugdidi to Mestia : catch a mashrutka at the Zugdidi train station (look for the sign Mestia). They leave every time the bus is full, a ticket costs 20 GEL and the ride takes between 3 – 4 hours.

How to get From Mestia to Ushguli:

You’ve got three options to get to Ushguli: 1) Hitchhike like I did. I was told that it was nearly impossible to hitchhike there but I got very lucky that day and caught a ride within 2 minutes!

2) Walk from Mestia to Ushguli. This hike takes about 3 to 4 days and you’ll walk along the majestic valleys and meadows of the Caucasus. More about this hike here .

3) Take a shared taxi. The drivers know that this is your only way to go to Ushguli and back so they’ll easily charge USD $100. Your best option is to share the taxi with other people.

Where to stay in Mestia and Ushguli:

You’ll have plenty of space to camp in Svaneti and it’s definitely worthwhile! You can also find many guesthouses in Mestia starting from $20/night for 2 people.

• Travel Inn House Mestia
• Eka’s Guesthouse
• Nino Ratiani’s Guesthouse
• Hotel Elite-House Mestia
• Hotel Old House Mestia
• Beko’s Garden Inn

Ushguli has also facilities to accommodate guests if you’d like to spend the night in this little village. Here are my top 3 recommendations for homestays and guesthouses in Ushguli:

• Nizharadze’s Tower
• Old Tower Ushguli

21 Top Things to do in Svaneti, the Wild Heart of the Caucasus

9. Omalo & other villages in Tusheti

Tusheti is one of the most beautiful and fascinating regions of Georgia. It’s located in northeast Georgia, on the northern slopes of the Great Caucasus Mountains.

There is only one road that goes to the area over the treacherous 2900m Abano Pass. It’s a beautiful mountain pass but it’s also considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world.

You need a 4×4 vehicle and nerves of steel to cross the pass but it is definitely worth it! The road to Tusheti is only open for 5 months (late May to early October).

The inhabitants, the Tushs or Tushetians, nowadays only go up there during summer to graze their cattle, organize traditional festivals, provide accommodation and tours for tourists and reconnect with their roots.  In winter they live in the lowland villages of Alvani and Akhmeta in Kakheti.

Tours to Tusheti

As Tusheti is so remote and hard to access, I’d highly recommend taking a tour there unless you have your own vehicle and are an experienced off-road driver.

I highly recommend my own Adventure Tours in Georgia as both tours have Tusheti on the itinerary!

How to get from Tbilisi to Tusheti

It’s quite hard to get to Tusheti by public transport. Even if you’re renting a car , you have to be very cautious as it’s a very dangerous road!

Take a mashrutka from Tbilisi to Alvani. Get off in the towns of Zemo-Alvani or Kvemo-Alvani. From there you will find Delica’s (4×4 Mitsubishi mini-van) going to Omalo. It costs around 40/50 GEL per person (around $20) one way and the Delica leaves once it’s full.

The ride takes at least 5 hours so make sure to arrive in the morning in Alvani. The cars mostly leave from the central crossroads which is impossible to miss.

Another possibility is to book a private transfer from Tbilisi to Tusheti . More info & prices here .

How to visit Tusheti, one of Georgia’s most remote regions

10. Sighnaghi

Georgia has its share of big cities and tourist attractions but what’s really special about the country are the small towns. Sighnaghi is one of them.

Some of the best food & wine in Georgia, beautiful tiny streets and houses with colorful wooden balconies, breathtaking views over the Alazani valley, the smell coming from the bakeries, a variety of fancy castles and small family-owned wine cellars and vineyards.

Day trips to Sighnaghi :

Sighnaghi is known for having some of the best wine producers in Georgia. Going on a day tour from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi will not only allow you to see the highlights of this beautiful town but you’ll also get to taste some of the best wines in Georgia (and you’ll arrive safely back in Tbilisi afterward):

How to get to Sighnaghi:

It’s quite easy to get to Sighnaghi from Tbilisi by public transport. Take the minibus to Sighnaghi at the Samgori Metro Station in Tbilisi. The ride takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and it costs 6 GEL.

Where to stay in Sighnaghi:

There are many lovely guesthouses in Sighnaghi . You can already find a room for $15/night for 2 people. If you travel by yourself, you can find a bed in a dorm for $8/night:

• Zandarashvili Guest House
• Nana’s Guest House
• Boutique Hotel BelleVue
• Villa Royal
• Lost Ridge Inn, Brewery & Ranch

11. Shatili Khevsureti 

Shatili Khevsureti is a mysterious medieval fortress village, surrounded by huge green mountains. Be sure that the diversity of the scenery will amaze any traveler and inspire incurable travel lust in everyone. 

Modern life hasn’t penetrated this region in Georgia yet. Locals put all of their efforts into pleasing their guests, assuring that they are always comfortable and happy.

During important feasts, the local people put on their folk costumes and go to the church where ancient pagan traditions, mixed with Christian beliefs, are still being practiced.

Hiking Tour to Shatili

Shatili is a destination for outdoor and hiking lovers! As it’s not so easy to get there and navigate the trails by yourself, I’d recommend going on a hiking tour with a professional guide.

On my 14-day Best of Georgia Trekking Adventure , you’ll visit the highlights of the Khevsureti region (including Shatili) and Tusheti (see above). You’ll go on off-the-beaten-path hikes in both regions. It’s a tour that gets highly rated!

How to get to Shatili:

Shatili is about 140 km north of Tbilisi. Because of the snow, the road is only accessible from May to October.

Since you have to cross the Datvijvari pass, I highly recommend taking a minibus from Didube Metro station (it costs about $15), or renting a 4X4 car with an experienced local driver , because the road is unpaved and dangerous.

Where to stay in Shatili:

There are currently just a couple of guesthouses in Shatili. Check their availability here . There are also plenty of camping areas close to the river.

Juta is the most peaceful and green place in Georgia and one of the most popular climbing and trekking areas among professional climbers. There are also many equally pleasant walks to be done around the village.

Day Tour to Juta

The easiest way to reach Juta is by going on a guided day tour from Tbilisi or Kazbegi . Here are two tours I recommend:

From Tbilisi to Juta:

From Kazbegi to Juta:

How to get to Juta:

There are no buses going directly from Tbilisi to Juta.

You can take a minibus from Didube Station in Tbilisi to Stepantsminda for only 10 GEL ($4 – $5). The journey takes around 3 hours. Once you’re in Stepantsminda you can rent a Delica or any other 4×4 car to reach Juta, which is 24 km away. This will cost around 80 GEL.

Where to stay in Juta:

Whether you’re looking for a nice camping spot or a beautiful wooden guest house to stay at, Juta will suit all your needs. Check their prices and availability here .

13. Kazbegi (Stepandsminda)

Kazbegi is really an amazing travel spot for every taste and budget. From luxury lovers to hitchhikers, everyone can find something here to his or her liking.

There are plenty of walks through the amazing valleys and one will lead you to the Gergeti Trinity Church, located at an altitude of 2170m.

On the way from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, along the Military Highway, you’ll pass the Ananuri Castle, the Jinvaly water reservoir, the Sto Head sculptures and the Russia-Georgia friendship monument.

How to get to Kazbegi:

You can take a minibus from Didube Station in Tbilisi to Stepantsminda for only 10 GEL ($4 – $5). The journey takes around 3 hours.

You can also go on a day tour from Tbilisi to Kazbegi and visit all the main sights in one day:

Where to stay in Kazbegi

You can put up your tent facing the stunningly beautiful Mount Kazbek (5047 m) and enjoy nature’s grand surroundings. If this is not your thing, there are plenty of guesthouses where you can book a room for 2 people starting from €20/night.

Here are my recommendations for Kazbegi:

• Anano Guesthouse (prices starting from €8 p.p.)
• Giorgi’s Guesthouse (starting from €18 p.p.)
• Wooden Hotel Kazbegi (starting from €30 p.p.)

14. Martvili Canyon

Martvili is located in the Samegrelo region in the western part of Georgia, about 280km from Tbilisi. Despite its remote location, it’s one of the more popular places to visit in Georgia.

The Martvili Canyon is a little oasis of emerald green mossy trees, 70-meters high rock walls, cascading waterfalls and turquoise-blue natural pools.

The Canyon used to serve as the bathing place for the Dadiani Family, Georgian nobles who used to rule over Samegrelo.

You can take a boat ride down the 300-meter long river through the canyon (for USD $15 per person) or follow the 700-meter long walking path leading to limestone bridges and viewing decks where you can see the waterfalls up close.

Martvili Canyon is a National Park of Protected Area so you can only visit it during opening hours (from 10 am until 6 pm). The entrance fee is 17,5 Gel (around USD $6).

You can also book the following day trip from Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi to the Martvili Canyon:

How to get to Martvili Canyon from Tbilisi:

Minibusses leave every day from Tbilisi Didube bus station to Martvili (20 GEL).

Where to stay in Martvili:

Here are my 2 top recommendations for Martvili:

• Novel House
• Karma Hostel

15. The Tea Route in Guria

Guria is one of the least-visited regions of Georgia, famous for its rich culture and natural wonders, including mineral waters, alpine meadows, green forests, and sandy beaches.

Here you can feel the real vibes of rural Georgia, catch a glimpse of the sun setting on the Black Sea, enjoy magnificent views, pick berries and mushrooms in the forest, and cuddle up by the campfire, wake to the faint hint of the early morning sunlight and enjoy the sweet sounds of nature.

Guria is also known for its tea fields . Plump wild blueberries hang like treasure in Guria’s mountains from July until September.

Oceans of wild blueberry bushes blanket the slopes. Each spring, families from mountainous villages across Western Georgia head into the forests and hillsides to pluck the young leaves of these bushes, as generations before them.

They hand roll the leaves to make wild blueberry leaf tea, a delicious tea that tastes like black tea with notes of blueberry.

If you decide to visit Guria, I highly recommend following its newly introduced Tea Route ! I also recommend reading t h i s in-depth travel guide to Guria .

Book a Tea tour in Guria

I highly recommend booking the guided day tour to Guria to follow the Tea Route and learn about the interesting history and tea culture in Georgia:

How to get to Guria

The best place to get to Guria is Ozurgeti, the main municipality of the region.

There’s a train from Tbilisi to Ozurgeti, which departs in the early morning (check the train schedule here ). It takes about 9 hours to get to Ozurgeti as it’s an old slow train (but worth the journey and experience!) Tickets cost between 10 to 35 GEL and can be bought online or at the station.

You can also take a marshrutka (minivan) from every major town and city in Georgia to Ozurget. From Tbilisi, the journey takes around 6 hours.

Where to stay in Guria:

You can find many nice guesthouses in the region of Guria. Here are some I recommend:

• Menabde Winery
• Dumbo Eco Parc

A Guide to Georgian Tea – From Past to Present

Are there any places you would add to this list? Are you having plans to travel to Georgia? Let me know in the comments!

Related Posts:

How to visit Tusheti National Park in 2024, Georgia’s most beautiful and remote region

Georgia Itinerary – 3 Great Travel Itineraries to see the best of Georgia (country) in 2024

The Complete Svaneti Georgia Travel Guide – 21 Things to do in the Wild Heart of the Caucasus Mountains

How to get to the Chronicles of Georgia in Tbilisi

The Complete Georgia Travel Guide: 19 Useful Things you should know for backpacking in Georgia in 2024

10 Beautiful Historical Places in Georgia (country)

More georgia travel resources.

• Guide to Tbilisi , Georgia’s capital city
• Visit the 15 most beautiful and unique places in Georgia
• Plan your trip with these 3 awesome Georgia travel itineraries
• Discover the Chronicle of Georgia , Tbilisi’s hidden gem
• Guide to Batumi, Georgia’s most quirky beach city
• Hiking in Georgia: 7 beautiful off-the-beaten path hikes
• Visiting ghosts of the past in Chiatura, the cable car city of Georgia
• Visit Katskhi Pillar , the most incredible cliff church in the world
• Travel Guide to Vardzia , the ancient cave city of Georgia
• Visit Svaneti , the wild heart of Georgia
• Visit Tusheti , Georgia’s most remote region
• Visit these 10 beautiful historical places in Georgia
• Everything you need to know about skiing in Georgia
• 10 Georgian dishes you absolutely have to try
• Georgia, motherland of wine
• From Past to Present, a guide to Georgian Tea

92 thoughts on “15 Amazing and Unique Places to Visit in Georgia”

Hi Dear, We are planning our visit in the upcoming month of October ( end of October around 25th Oct) and will be there for a week. Can you tell us the must-cover places and also what would be weather out there? I and my husband are visiting and we would love to see the village, nature, its culture, wine history etc

Hi Pooja, if you have a week, I would highly recommend visiting Svaneti as it will be beautiful in autumn. It’s hard to predict the weather but definitely bring warm clothes for the evenings. For wine history, you should visit Telavi and Sighnaghi in the Kakheti region.

Thanks, Cynthia, We were thinking of covering Kazbegi and Juta in the mountain region instead of Svaneti, what do you suggest among the two?

If you want to go to a less-visited mountainous area, then Juta will be nice. Svaneti is stunning with its tower houses and the mountains there are also very beautiful but more touristy.

Hi this is an excellent post…I’m planning to visit Georgia around Middle of March for around 6 to 7 days..Could you please suggest a good itinerary…would love to have a village stay n visit some important places..thank you

Hi Santosh, I’m happy to refer you to my Georgia Itinerary Post . Check out the backpacker’s route and cultural route for itinerary inspiration. Hope this helps!

I am visiting Georgia for 4 days in first week of May.

Could you please let me know what are the places I can cover. (mostly by public transport)

Also if you can share me a map with all the public transport route. That would be appreciated.

Hi Souvik, this itinerary might help you: https://www.journalofnomads.com/georgia-itinerary/

Hello Cynthia,

I would like to ask you for help. Me and my partner are planning to visit Georgia by july 2023 for 10 days, may you please recommend us some towns or cities to visit that include historical places, bridges, natural, restaurants and shopping places. Thank You for your help

Hello Mariam,

Please see my Georgia Itinerary as this guide will give you lots of ideas and recommendations on what to do in Georgia for 10 days! If anything isn’t clear, let me know 🙂 Best wishes, Cynthia

Hi dear we are visiting Georgia in December month end. Do you have any recommendation of city to spend on? We have 7 nights.

What would you mainly like to see and do? Are you more interested in big cities, small towns or nature? Depending on your preferences, I can give you recommendations 🙂

nice article…is it possible to visit all these places during December? or any places to avoid during this month?

Thank you! Not all these places are accessible during December, like Tusheti and certain villages in Svaneti, due to snowfall.

Hi, I am planning to visit georgia in the month of noenjoyvember for 7 to 9 days with wife and 2 daughters (5 yrs and 8 month old).We are looking for calm short vaccation,so we would like to stay at places were we can enjoy the nature peacefully.can you suggest some places, thank you.

Hi Ajmal, have a look at this post: https://www.journalofnomads.com/georgia-travel-itinerary/ It includes 3 itineraries with places that you’ll enjoy! On the top of my head, I’d suggest Kazbegi and Sighnaghi.

Thanks a lot This post is really helpful Was planning to put a schedule for the last few days & find it difficult But your review make the life easy

Happy to hear this Aalaa!!

Hii I am also planning to travel georgia in the month of July. Will I be able to see Ice and I have only 4 days and places are more. What best I can do in this short span visit. Can you suggest.

Hi Ruchika, to answer your question, it depends on what you’d like to see/do. I’m not sure if you’re still going to be able to see ice and snow as it probably will all have melted by July. Would you like to go to the mountains, do you want to see historic places and/or cities,…? Let me know and I can give you suggestions 🙂

Just tripped over this and I love the info. Well done! I’m a “young” active 65 year old looking to start traveling alone to places more intriguing than Paris or Rome( which I love ,but…)

Tbilisi is a great and safe city to visit by yourself Sourab! 🙂

Hi Cynthia, Thanks for this list!! My husband and I are planning to spend 6 weeks in Georgia this summer, and we’re looking for a home-base that will provide a balance of culture and nature. Preferably a historic town or village, with restaurants within walking distance, where we can work from home and which will be a good base for weekend hiking adventures. We love good food, (we REALLY love Georgian wine), and we love hard hikes in high altitude. There are so many interesting places in Georgia, we are having a hard time narrowing our search. We’d appreciate your recommendation!

Hi Aubrey, I’m happy to hear this post was useful! What I would recommend in your situation is to spend 2 weeks in a different region. F.eg. 2 weeks in Sighnaghi (you’ll love it there as a wine lover ;)), 2 weeks in Kazbegi and 2 weeks in Mestia (Svaneti). I’d highly recommend Omalo in Tusheti for the hiking opportunities but I assume you need internet for your work? There should be a decent enough wifi connection in the 3 towns I recommended (except if you’re an online teacher, then I’d recommend Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi to have fast internet :)). I hope this helps? Let me know if you’d have more questions!

THANK YOU Cynthia!! XOXO Aubrey

Great article! Traveling is awesome in Georgia! I lived in Batumi for several months and visited Tbilisi often, too. Only 5 hours by train, super easy! 🙂 It seems like – long-term – these are two most popular cities to live, or would you recommend another city where it is fun to stay for a few months? thanks a lot!

Hi Lana, glad to hear you enjoyed my article! I think that Tbilisi and Batumi are probably the most fun cities to live for expats who like social activities and events. It really depends on what you’re looking for of course. Sighnaghi is beautiful and, as I’m an outdoor lover, I wouldn’t mind living for a while in f.eg. Mestia (Svaneti) as I’d be so close to the mountains!:)

We have visited Georgia last year and rented a 4×4 Toyota 4Runner at GSS Car Rental. It’s a local company and they have a lot of other 4×4 SUV’s available for rent. I can recommend GSS as they have a really good service…

Thank you for your suggestion Viktor!

Just want to say thanks, this website Inspired my travels to Georgia last year. I used these details base from my travels and went to 10 of the 15 places recommended (they were amazing). Some prices had gone up slightly but most of the information was still relevant. Not many websites have practical details on how to get around and expected prices to pay which was useful. thanks 🙂

Hi Kim, I’m so happy to hear this! I’m very glad that my website inspired your travels and super happy you had a great time there!

thanks for this topic

You’re welcome 🙂

Hello! Great blog post – Very informative. What is the weather in Georgia (mainly Tbilisi) like in April? I have read different accounts online, but since you live there, I thought you’d have a very localized perspective. Thank you!!

Hi Mikhail, we currently don’t live in Georgia anymore but we’ll return there this April 😀 There will still be snow in the mountains in April but the weather should be nice in Tbilisi. Some showers, soft temperatures around 15 degrees Celcius,… Of course we’re not weathermen and lately, the climate has been very unusual so we can’t predict how the weather will be this year 😉

I had never been to Georgia. But after reading this article I would love to go and visit destinations you have mentioned above.

Hi John, this is really great to hear! Georgia is a destination we definitely recommend as we had a fantastic time there visiting all these beautiful and unique places!

Hey, great post! Just one correction. Tbilisi was established in the 5th century but there wasn’t a Georgia to be capital of. It’s been a capital of Georgia since 12th century (1122). It would be great if you corrected that. And one question, how is the weather for visiting in early May?

Hi, can I ask for the source of this info please? From the resources I found is that Tbilisi was the capital of Iberia (present-day eastern Georgia) at the beginning of the 6th century, so according to my sources, this info is correct 🙂

The weather in early May is nice, it will still be chilly in the mountains but it will be nice and soft in Tbilisi, Batumi,…

How is March 15-30 , in terms of travelling to Georgia? Will it be very cold and will most places be inaccessible?

It will still be cold in Georgia in March but most places should be accessible, with the exception of Tusheti and maybe Racha.

Hi! we are traveling to Poti, Georgia to visit family. We want to stop in Tbilisi as well. Are there any cities that you would recommend visiting in between Poti and Tbilisi?

Depending on how much time you have, you could visit Kutaisi, Chatura, the Katskhi Pillar, Borjomi and Mtskheta.

Wishing you a great trip!

The list is amazing and awesome, It is just wonderful getting knowledge about these beautiful places and will definitely add it in my bucket list. All these places and pictures look amazing!

Thank you 🙂 Georgia is definitely worthy of your bucket list 😉

A chic country with amazing nature and very hospitable people. Food, wine, music … Thanks for your story. Very beautiful photos.

Hi Tori, glad to hear you enjoyed my photos and article. And yes, Georgia is such a great country. We’re going to return soon!

Hi Cynthia & niko Amazing post with Detials , going through your post I am confused where to go, I need your suggestion, I want to stay in nature (green fields ) and star gaze at night, where do you suggest.? I am planning to go on November for maximum 7 days

Hi Wahdawi, thank you! I’m glad to hear you enjoy this post!

If you want nature, go to Kazbegi or Svaneti. The road towards these places will still be accessible in November and you’ll see plenty of green fields and stars there! Enjoy your trip!!

I also enjoyed myself while I was visiting this kind of places.

Happy to hear Marckel!

addendum to Susie & Katie last query– we are now actually wondering if yo could advise us on our dream itinerary, with the intent of knowing if it is realistic for us to think we can drive a 4WD and not do marshrutki (of course we know that some smaller roads will be closed if there are blizzards and/or avalanches) Day 1: Arrive Tblisi Day 2 & 3: in Tblisi Day 4: Drive to Vardzia cave city Day 6: drive to Kutaisa Day 7: to Ushguli Day 9: to Kazbegi Day 13: to Tblisi, seeing Mtskheta en route Day 14:Tblisi Day 15: day trip Davit Gareja Day 17: home from Tblisi

Hi Susie & Katie, it might be possible that the road from Mestia to Ushguli won’t be accessible during December and January. You’ll be able to drive to Mestia and ask around in the town if the road to Ushguli is open. Same counts for Kazbegi. Just take your time to drive there as it might be very slippery and dangerous on the windy roads. If you’re not sure about the road conditions, ask the locals. They’ll be able to tell you whether it’s safe or not to go.

Wishing you happy and safe travels in Georgia! It will be beautiful and magical in winter!

hello! we are planing a trip to Georgia this December/January and we are finding your website very interesting indeed! We have one question– we take a lot of trips and love to rent a car to have the freedom to come and go as we please. We think this will be fine on the big main roads in Georgia with a 4-WD . However we would like to know if you can tell us about the smaller roads and a 4WD. For example, we would like to spend a few days in Tblisi then rent a car and go to Vardzia cave monastery. It looks like the road would be find for 4WD to Akhaltsihe but from there to Vardzia? We see there is a marshrutka f or that last leg but that would mean getting there intme for that or spending another day. So in short, can you say anything about driving on Georgia roads in winter with a 4WD? Thanks, Susie & Katie

Hi Susie & Katie,

You’ll be fine driving on most roads in Georgia during the winter. The main thing you’ll have to watch out for are the other drivers 😉 :D. The Georgians can drive a bit crazy on the roads (they love speeding and overtaking in the most impossible places) but it should be fine for you to drive. If you’re planning on going into the mountains, just make sure you have snow tires and be careful for slippery roads. Wishing you a great trip!!

I’m getting prepared for running the marathon in Erbil in October. On the way there I’ll need to train. Where do you recommend to run in Georgia? My idea for my 20 km training was Batumi. What do you think?

Hi Diana, I’m not familiar with the marathon in Erbil so I’m not sure on which terrain you have to run there. But the boulevard in Batumi is definitely a nice place for running! Niko often went for a morning run when we were living there so I’d say you’ll enjoy your training there. Wishing you all the best with the marathon!!

Really very nice !

Thank you Hussain! 🙂

Name of the river in Tbilisi is MTKVARI not kura !!!!

Hi Natia, as you can read, I’ve mentioned that the river in Tbilisi is called Mtkvari and that it’s also known as the Kura river.

KURA it is in russian language and thats why I said so Mtkvari it is in Georgian language. thanks for your reply and attention.

Tbilisi is one of the best places to visit in Georgia middle in the country nice place, I have been there the food is very much delicious and you will find new and unique recipes I might advice do try if you love food.

Yes, we totally agree with you Kanika! The food in Georgia and Tbilisi is finger-licking-delicious!! Tbilisi is also a really fun city to explore! It sounds like you had a great time there :)!

What a fabulous list, just thinking about the landscape and the food of Georgia wants me to go back!

Thank you Sarah! Yes, those are definitely two great reasons to return to Georgia! Ever since our stay there, we always look out for a Georgian restaurant, haha!

There’s a Korean program called “Wizard of Nowhere” that sent six celebrities to Georgia to meet the people while trying their homemade wine and cheese. Watching that show is what eventually led me to your site. Maybe someday I’ll be able to visit these beautiful places.

Hi Jenny, I never heard about this Korean program but I suppose it must be very entertaining to watch! 😀 I hope you get the chance to visit Georgia one day as it’s an absolutely beautiful destination!! We’ll return one day, that’s for sure!

I am surprised you did not put info on Prometheus Cave – I thought it is gorgeous ;)…

Hi Rati, we also visited the Prometheus Cave and it’s indeed very beautiful! We’ve seen similar caves like this one in other countries and this list is about the unique places that you can only find in Georgia 🙂 But you’re right, the Prometheus Cave is also worth a visit!

We had a project in Social Studies about Asia, and my assigned country happens to be Georgia, it was a total help and made me more interested with this country! Thanks a lot 🙂

Hi Jenel, oh, that’s really cool! When are you going to Georgia and what is your project about?

Sorry to interrupt you . But Georgia is thought to be Europe or else the gate between Europe and Asia it;s not Asia <3

I love mtskheta and I find it very beautiful, especially because of the cuisine.

Hi Denis, Mtskheta is indeed a very special place! What was your favorite dish there? Any recommendations for other travelers where they can enjoy the local cuisine in Mtskheta?

Hey guys ! Thank you for sharing these amazing tips . It definitely made our research easier and provided us with some sort of confidence in pulling this through. Just about to plan a little 5 day escapade to Georgia 😍… its not long but we’re hoping to enjoy the scenery, green sights , some good long hikes and in general nature with a splash of monuments and hystorical sights on the way . My Bf and I are planning to rent a 4×4 and drive through . Maybe get a guesthouse for a bit of comfort at some point but otherwise car attached 😁. I saw u had an itinerary you were planning to post a link for .. any chance you can share that ? Thanks again and happy safe travels ahead of you !

Hi Carmen, it’s great to hear from you and I’m very happy to hear you enjoyed this article! Traveling in Georgia by car is a fun way to explore the country but be careful, not for the windy roads but for the other drivers 😉 Here’s the link to the itineraries, you’ll be able to pick out the places you want to see in those 5 days you’re there: https://www.journalofnomads.com/travel-itineraries-georgia/ Have a beautiful trip and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have more questions!

Very nice article. Come back to see Racha! Should be the 16th if not before on the list 🙂

Thank you Teo and yes, we’d love to go back to Georgia! There are still so many amazing places we have to visit there!

Awesome post. Can’t wait now to explore this beautiful place. I will definitely like to plan a trip this vacation so that even my family can enjoy it.Keep sharing such useful posts.

Thank you Monica! I’m currently working on several travel itineraries for Georgia which I’ll publish in the coming week. Georgia is a wonderful country and there are so many things to see and do there! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as Niko and I did 🙂 Happy travels!!

Good to see Indian Replying and reading articles.

I think you’ve got just about everything covered here. I can’t think of any place to add! Maybe hiking in Lagodekhi? Or something about wine harvest…

Thanks, great to hear that 🙂 Oh yes, Lagodekhi looks very beautiful! We’ll visit that area in the coming month before leaving Georgia. Maybe we’ll call this article ’16 amazing places’ 😉

Great article. We’ve been meaning to return to Georgia and you’ve just given us 11 new reasons why. 😉

Thanks Tim! Haha, glad to hear that. Did you already book your trip? 😉

Really wonderful article! Thank you all for loving and appreciating my country. In rhe beginning of this article , there was mentioned that in Georgia there are many beautiful and amazing places and it’s true! I would add to this list “Prometheus Cave” which is located in Imereti Region, near Tzkaltubo. Also in Samegrelo Region you must visit lake “Tobavarchkhili”. And of course Tusheti Region! Tusheti is the Eastern Caucasus, at 900 – 4 800 meters above sea leveland it is one of the biggest and high altitude parks on the territory of Europe. This is the places which suddenly came in my mind. But believe me there are also many wonderful places to visit. Best wishes 😉

Thank you Tamar! <3 There are so many wonderful places in Georgia that it was hard to make a selection for a post and not write a book 😉 Thank you for your recommendations Tamar! We heard about Tusheti but haven't made it there yet. We hope to visit the area before leaving Georgia!!

Really awesome practical info and great pics! Can’t wait to get back to Georgia and see more of the country!

Thank you Megan! When did you visit Georgia? Did you go to any of the places that are mentioned in the post?

Super useful stuff. Will definitely try to visit all of these once we’re back in Georgia. Thanks a lot!

Thanks guys! Are you planning on returning to Georgia soon? I’m sure you’ll love Chiatura (watch out with the chacha this time 😉 )!

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Top 21 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Georgia

Gorgeous Georgia is mostly known for being home to charming historic cities filled with leafy squares and oak-lined streets, sprawling farmlands, towering mountains, and lashings of Southern charm. It sure is a tough task, but I’ve managed to narrow down my favorite places I would recommend exploring…

1. Savannah

Constantly ranked amongst one of the “friendliest cities in the world”, Savannah’s colorful history attracts millions of visitors every year. Situated along the bubbling Savannah River, this strategic port city is Georgia’s fifth-largest city.

With a history of almost 300 years, the cobbled and oak-lined streets, beautiful parks, and archaic buildings, the host city retains its essence.

I would recommend walking down the historic 22 parklike squares in downtown Savannah or getting intrigued with the Telfair’s Academy of Arts and Sciences, South’s first public museum, this charming city is full of antique hallmarks.

A pretty and sophisticated city with funky nightlife and delicious food, this place exudes natural beauty and beautiful locales.

I would suggest heading to Savannah’s Historic District and visiting the beautiful public green space complete with shaded green spaces Forsyth Park, the Mercer Williams House Museum, the famous Bonaventure Cemetery (which was featured in the 1994 novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt), the Wormsloe Historic Site and the Olde Pink House is popular for fine dining in the city.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Savannah, GA 31401
• Peak times to visit: From March to July

My must-do highlights…

• Have a go at Savannah’s Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour to discover the city
• Take a riverboat sightseeing cruise to learn about intriguing tales and historical facts
• Visit the charming Savannah Historic District where you’ll find museums, churches, monuments and famous forts of the Revolutionary and Civil War eras 

2. Jekyll Island 

In my opinion, this beautiful 5,500-acre island is just a dream and is just a short drive from Savannah. It’s also been the filming location for X-Men First Class, the Legend of Baggar Vance, and The Walking Dead.

Jekyll Island, one of the Golden Isles of Georgia barrier islands, is home to more than 10 miles of unspoilt beaches, including the iconic and very photogenic Driftwood Beach. It also has a sea turtle rescue centre, acres of pristine protected land, a historic landmark, a district, leisure facilities, and over 20 miles of bike paths.

Other highlights include collecting fine historical homes, year-round events, and family-friendly activities. Some excellent hotels, resorts, self-catering cottages, and campsites are perfect for short breaks or longer vacations.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 901 Downing Musgrove Cswy, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
• Peak times to visit: During Fall from September to November
• Capture the best sunset on the picturesque Driftwood Beach
• Educate yourself at Georgia Sea Turtle Center to understand more about sea turtles
• Try Jekyll Island Trail System where you can explore the area on a bike

3. Tallulah Falls State Park

Get drenched in the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern US. The gorgeous Tallulah Gorge, two miles long and neatly 1,000 feet deep, is where the Tallulah River flows through the rugged terrain with five distinct waterfalls.

I recommend hiking along the Hurricane Falls and Sliding Rock Trail, braving the suspension bridge 80ft above the rocky bottom, or kayaking in the sparkling waters with spectacular views!

• Visitor’s Center Address: Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
• Peak times to visit: between March to June and September to November
• Visit Tallulah Gorge State Park for a peaceful walk and scenery
• Explore the beautiful falls such as Panther Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
• Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center is a well-equipped visitor center where you’ll find all the information you need about Tallulah Gorge State Park

4. Providence Canyon

Often called “Little Grand Canyon”, Providence Canyon is a must-see beautiful destination in Georgia. The unusual geological formations with colorful ravines and towering sandstones make the ever-evolving landscape a perfect spot for exploration and photography.

The massive gullies caused by poor agricultural practices during the 1800s today make up for the prettiest vista. The canyon’s hued soils make for natural painting in this quaint park. You’ll find a thin layer of water along the soft-bedded, sandy hiking trails.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815
• Peak times to visit: From May to September
• Perfect place to take a hike and enjoy the beautiful nature
• Have a picnic surrounded by canyons
• Enjoy a camping experience with lots of facilities

5. St Simons Island

This is the largest island of the Golden Isles located off the Georgia Coast, made famous in the poem Marches of the Glynn by Sidney Lanier.

It’s a laid-back and tranquil place with quaint streets lined with moss-draped oaks, miles of beautiful unspoilt beaches, an iconic lighthouse (St. Simon’s Island Lighthouse has been a working lighthouse since 1872), a charming pier, gorgeous scenery, golf courses, museums and a great collection of shops, restaurants, biking trails, and annual events.

There are many things to do here, including tours, kayaking, walking, and biking, and there are also a variety of accommodations available for a beautiful spring, summer, fall, or winter Georgia vacation or a short break.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 529 Beachview Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522
• Peak times to visit: From June to August
• Have fun doing outdoor activities including hiking.
• Have a day out exploring Neptune Park
• Relax on the beautiful East Beach

Located about 85 miles southeast of Atlanta, Macon is the perfect destination for Southern adventure. A pretty city with a rich history, incredible architecture, and music heritage, Macon is “Where Soul Lives”.

Hike to the area’s 17,000-year heritage at Ocmulgee National Monument, which includes a reconstructed earthen lodge, or stroll down the streets and discover the state’s largest collection of African-American art in Tubman Museum .

You’ll discover the untold stories of the Civil War at every landmark. Pay tribute to Macon’s native son, Otis Redding, at his life-size statue along the spacious avenues with art galleries and antique boutiques. Macon is a proud home to diverse cultures and architecture, and that’s why I’m such a huge fan! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 450 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Macon, GA 31201
• Peak times to visit: May, October and November
• Visit Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park which offers 17,000 years’ worth of history
• Go to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a neo-Gothic church from the 19th century
• Watch a show at the majestic Grand Opera House

7. Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain is a wonderful and striking mountain ridge in the state’s northwest corner. It offers truly stunning views and beautiful surroundings and is also the place where you can view the most states at once.

Located 25 miles from three different states, when the skies are clear (and with a good set of binoculars handy), you can see up to seven different states if you try hard enough – visit and see for yourself! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
• Peak times to visit: From August to November
• Fall in love with the 7 surrounding states to the Civil War site
• Pay a visit to the Battles for Chattanooga Museum
• Have a Hike to Sunset Rock

This attractive city in northeast Georgia is known for its antebellum architecture and for being the start of the Antebellum Trail of historic Civil War towns. It’s also a great destination for unique annual festivals, events, shopping, restaurants, and live music.

Highlights of this fine city include the Greek Revival mansion the Taylor Grady House , the 19th-century Church-Waddel-Brumby House, and the well-preserved T.R.R. Cobb House, the mansion of a mid-19th-century lawyer where you can see historic period furniture and exhibits.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 300 N Thomas St, Athens, GA 30601
• Peak times to visit: between March and May and from September to November
• Spend the afternoon at the lovely State Botanical Garden of Georgia
• Check out Downtown Athens which offers lots of restaurants and diverse shops

9. Lake Allatoona

Situated on the Etowah River, beautiful Lake Allatoona is a popular spot for campers, anglers, boaters, kayakers, and hikers seeking fun and adventure away from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. The Army Corps manages Allatoona Lake.

With majestic vistas and starry nights, this place is full of things you’ll love to explore. Soak in some sun at Bartow Beach, nestled in a cove, or hike the Iron Hill trail on Red Top Mountain State Park along the shores of Allatoona Lake. There’s so much variety of options to fulfil your adventurous desire.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 1138 GA-20 Spur, Cartersville, GA 30121
• Peak times to visit: April and October
• Camp at this beautiful site that offers well-equipped 32 campsites
• Enjoy a swim at the secluded  Bartow Beach
• go for a walk at the popular Red Top Mountain State Park

Helen is a gorgeous and unique mountain town and a popular vacation spot in Northeast Georgia. It is next door to the popular Unicoi State Park.

It’s home to charming Bavarian-style buildings, over 200 speciality shops, vineyards, many mountains and forest trails, and a nearby attractive lake, waterfalls, and campsites. Popular things to do here include river tubing, wine tasting, and the fun Georgia Mountain Coaster .

• Visitor’s Center Address: 726 Brucken Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
• Peak times to visit: April
• Go for a peaceful walk in the surrounding areas of Anna Ruby Falls
• Wander around the great Unicoi State Park
• Have fun by river tubing on the Chattahoochee River

11. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Apart from stunning landscapes and attractions, Gainesville is a new destination for connecting beauty with the natural world. Founded in 1976, the garden has developed a robust horticulture program and one of the largest conservation nurseries.

With an informative visitor centre, outdoor gardens, a model train garden, and an amphitheatre, it hosts exciting events, art exhibitions, and educational programs. It is also home to the Canopy Walk, a 600-foot-long skywalk that provides a scenic view of the gardens below.

Also, make time to explore the rest of the city and other awesome things to do in Atalanta, including the Museum of High Museum of Art, beautiful Piedmont Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, and Oakland Cemetery, the final resting place of famous city residents.

Family-friendly attractions in the city include the popular Six Flags over Georgia and the Fernbank Museum, 3D Theater, and Forest.

• Visitor’s Center Address: Atlanta, GA 30309
• Peak times to visit: From March until May (weekdays are better)
• Treat yourself to admire a rare collection of orchids
• Experience great Exhibitions tailored for all 
• Attend classes to learn more about gardening 

12. Northeast Georgia Mountains

Often referred to as the Georgia Mountains, the Northeast Georgia Mountains’ picturesque beauty, countryside, tumbling waterfalls, and gentle mountains provide a much-needed escape from the bustling city. One of the oldest mountain chains that ends in Georgia is the Blue Ridge.

Tucked in Chattahoochee National Forest, Blue Ridge offers excellent hiking, scenic drives, and farm-fresh produce. Brasstown Bald, the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is known to display the season’s first fall colors.

Hike to the top for a panoramic 360-degree view and witness the four states from the visitor center. The Brasstown Bald offers a secluded retreat with sublime views and lush forests.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 152 Orvin Lance Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
• Peak times to visit: From April to May and from mid-September to November
• Discover Château Élan a premier place that offers a golf course, a winery and so much more
• Visit the folk art gallery Rocky’s Place where you will find paintings from self-taught artists
• Pay a visit to The Farmhouse Co where you will find anything from antiques to pet products

13. Lake Lanier and Lanier Islands

Located in the foothills of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, this is a popular beauty and vacation and weekend destination in Georgia. People go swimming, boating, and relaxing here on its gorgeous shores.

Lanier Islands is a huge vacation resort complex in the middle of Lake Lanier, which is reachable by road from the mainland. It offers accommodation, leisure and adventure activities, event venues, and plenty of spectacular lake scenery.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 1050 Buford Dam Rd. Buford GA 30518
• Peak times to visit: From September to December
• Have a ball at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Water Park, ideal for families
• Go crazy and try Paranoia Quest Escape the room, a cool indoor activity
• Have a go at Legacy Golf Course which offers 12 holes and beautiful greenery

14. Amicalola Falls State Park

Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, northeast of Dawsonville is Georgia’s most visited State Park. The beautiful Amicalola Falls State Park spills down a towering bluff, falling 720 feet into a mossy forest.

Also known as “tumbling waters” in the Cherokee language, this Georgia state park was established in 1940.

Relax in the confinement of nature or hike along the most popular trails through the park. Amicalola Falls’ mesmerizing vistas and spectacular sunsets offer a friendly mountain getaway. Play, explore, and discover various fun-filled activities at the Amicalola Falls Visitors Center.  

• Visitor’s Center Address: 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
• Have a family adventure by trying ziplines and suspension bridges
• Take the perfect shot from the top of the  Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the tallest mountains in Georgia
• Enjoy the majestic Amicalola Falls 

15. Tybee Island

Probably the closest beach to Savannah, pretty Tybee Island is one of the top-rated beaches in the US. Bursting with history and fun in the sun, Tybee Island has beautiful sandy beaches perfect for water sports and swimming.

An answer to the perfect beach vacation, a nature lover’s paradise, and the biggest catch for fishing enthusiasts, this barrier island has got you covered.

Travel back in time with the historically preserved Tybee Lighthouse and Museum . Paddle over the pristine, uninhabited Little Tybee Island for quaint camping and kayaking.

There are some great hotels on the island, so I recommend kicking back and relaxing. Tybee Island is a gorgeous, tranquil getaway for Savannah residents.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 802 1st St, Tybee Island, GA 31328
• Peak times to visit: From April to May, and from September to November
• Visit Georgia’s tallest and oldest lighthouse – Light Station
• Hire a kayak and adventure yourself through the island
• Enjoy the island’s favorite ice cream spot – The Sugar Shack

16. Callaway Gardens

A true National Natural landmark, Callaway Gardens was established in 1952. Located along the Pine Mountains, it connects visitors to nature with a beautiful collection of fauna and flora.

Featuring a variety of recreational activities, Callaway Gardens is Georgia’s authentic destination for beautiful gardens, golf, lodging, dining, and much more. Soak up some sun at Robin Lake Beach or hike along the Pine Mountain trail. This place is full of seasonal events.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
• Peak times to visit: From March to May
• Re-energize yourself with the garden’s fresh air and its stunning surroundings 
• Visit during Christmas to see the Fantasy in Lights and the Christmas Village
• Have a stroll through the natural world that the garden has to offer

17. Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Also known as the Appalachian Trail or A.T., this marked hiking trail extends from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. It extends about 2,200 miles, but its exact length is rerouted or modified over time.

The hike along this trail traverses scenic woods, pastoral lands, and wildlands of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Established in 1937, the trail is today managed by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and numerous state agencies.

Passing through 14 states and eight national forests, hiking the entire trail takes five to seven months.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512
• Peak times to visit: From March to May and from September to December

My must-do highlights

• Discover the great scenery throughout the states
• Enjoy unlimited hiking opportunities

18. Madison

The pretty historic district of Madison is located just an hour from Atlanta. Spared from the destruction of the Civil War, Madison is a true gem along the Antebellum Trail.

Today, as many as 100 antebellum homes have been restored. Designated as one of the state’s “Historic Heartland Cities,” this town is one of the most picturesque villages you’ll encounter.

The historical society monitors the pristine antebellum homes. Heritage Hall, Rogers House, and Rose Cottage will introduce you to Madison’s historical amenities.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 115 E Jefferson St, Madison, GA 30650
• Peak times to visit: March to May
• Check out Heritage Hall, a beautiful landmark with history
• Explore Rogers House and Rose Cottage, a historical site built in the 19th century
• Go to The Madison Flea Market an indoor market with an array of products to buy

19. Okefenokee Swamp

This magnificent area covers over 440,000 acres and is the largest blackwater swamp in North America. It borders Florida and Georgia, and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Okefenokee Wilderness protect most of the shallow peat-filled wetland.

It was also famously home to the alligator ‘Okefenokee Joe, ‘who sadly recently passed away at 80 years of age. The scenery here consists of cypress and black gum trees, upland pine forests, and scenic freshwater lakes.

There are plenty of guided boat tours, kayaking, and an AutoRoute here so you can fully explore the area. If you want to stay overnight, there are cottages and camping accommodations, too.

• Peak times to visit: May to June
• Check out events and exhibitions that take place throughout the year
• Hire boats or bikes to tour around
• Learn about snakes and alligators in a live setting

20. Cumberland Island

A ferry ride of about 45 minutes from St. Mary’s will take you to Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, Cumberland Island. This island covers approximately 36,000 acres and is part of a national park and seashore. It features unspoiled beaches, wide marshes, white sands, and a variety of wildlife.

Little Cumberland Island is connected to the main island by a marsh. With a deep history of the inhabitants and settlements, you can glimpse the Ruins of Dungeness and Greyfield Inn.

It’s also a great place if you’re an animal lover—this place is home to a band of beautiful feral horses that live and wander free on the island, which I loved! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 113 St Marys St W, St Marys, GA 31558
• For an indoor activity, visit the Ice House Museum which is housed in an original ice house
• Watch the wildlife including ponies and feral horses
• For a distinctive pastime pay a visit to the Greene-Miller Cemetery, an ancient cemetery

21. Brunswick

This is a great city to explore due to its scenic location on the Southeast coast, its charming architecture, its Victorian-era Old Town Historic District, the large centuries-old Lover’s Oaktree, and its links to the four barrier islands known as the Golden Isles.

Popular things include visiting the attractive marina, the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, and the Historic Glynn County Courthouse.

There are also plenty of attractions here for nature lovers, and the area is filled with abundant wildlife and scenic natural areas. The Intracoastal Waterway is famous for its pods of dolphins, and the Colonial Coast Birding Trail is perfect for twitchers! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 40 W Potomac St, Brunswick, MD 21716
• Peak times to visit: From July to September
• Have a day out at the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation to understand more about Georgia’s rice coast.
• Go for a rum tasting at Georgia’s only rum distillery – Richland Rum
• For beer lovers go for the Silver Bluff Brewing Co. to try delicious beers and yummy food

1 thought on “Top 21 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Georgia”

Great list. Cumberland Island is such a relatively unknown island that I almost hate for you to let the secret out. 🙂 I love how pristine it is with only a small number of tourists visiting.

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15 Best Places to Visit in Georgia — From Charming Mountain Towns to Sandy Beaches

The best places to visit in Georgia range from bustling college towns to barrier islands with wild horses and unspoiled beaches.

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While the state of Georgia may be synonymous with peaches and resounding chants of “Go Dawgs,” it’s also a region filled with history, charming small towns , bustling cities, and an incredible amount of biodiversity. There’s a high chance you’ve found yourself passing through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — it is the busiest airport in the world , after all — but you’ll need to make your way outside of the terminals in order to experience the quaint bookstores of Savannah and the adrenaline-pumping hikes in Tallulah Gorge. During the hot, muggy summer months, nothing beats a dip in Lake Oconee or an oceanfront breeze on Tybee Island . 

With so many amazing places within Georgia’s nearly 60,000 square miles, it can be hard to narrow down your must-see list — so we did it for you. From the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains to the picturesque beaches of the Golden Isles, here are the best places to visit in Georgia.

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Famous for its highly walkable Historic Landmark District, Savannah is one of those rare cities that’s just as beautiful in person as it is in stylized, perfectly lit pictures. Its cobbled streets, tree-lined squares and parks, and gorgeous 18th and 19th-century buildings make it one of the South’s most photogenic cities — not to mention, its culinary scene is one of the best in the region. Be sure to grab an espresso from The Paris Market Cafe , pick up a new novel from E Shaver Booksellers , go on a ghost tour , and tuck into a meal at Chef Mashama Bailey’s The Grey .

You don’t need to be a die-hard University of Georgia fan to visit Athens, although we wouldn’t recommend going during football season if you’re rooting for the other team. Outside of sports, the college town has a lively music scene, numerous craft breweries, and a variety of family-friendly activities, including the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and Bear Hollow Zoo .

Lake Oconee

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A boat day is the perfect antidote to Georgia’s humid summers, and you’ll find plenty of respite from the oppressive heat on Lake Oconee. Halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, the man-made lake offers opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, and water sports. It’s also the backdrop for the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee , which hosts the Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival every year.

Cumberland Island

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Accessible only by ferry or boat (although public docking is temporarily prohibited), Cumberland Island is one of the most majestic places on the East Coast . Wild horses, historic ruins, long stretches of untouched beaches, marshes, and maritime forests can be found on the 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated wilderness. Its remoteness and sheer beauty were, no doubt, two of the reasons it served as John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s wedding locale in 1996.

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It’ll take more than just one trip to hit all of Atlanta’s hot spots, so return visits are recommended if you want to see everything the capital city has to offer. First-timers, however, should make sure to reserve tickets to the Georgia Aquarium (the largest aquarium in the United States), have a meal at Ponce City Market , check out a Braves game at Truist Park, and stop by the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park , which includes the home where the Civil Rights leader was born, the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the resting place of both King and his wife, Coretta Scott King.

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You’ll only need to drive about an hour north of Atlanta to make it to Dahlonega, the site of America’s first gold rush and the setting of quite a few Christmas movies . The small town lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its charm leaks into every aspect of the area — from its art galleries and boutiques to its various wineries and vineyards. Dahlonega is also in the heart of Georgia’s wine country, boasting incredible spots like Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery , Wolf Mountain , and Montaluce Winery & Restaurant .

Each of Georgia’s Golden Isles has a distinct personality, and Sea Island is, by far, the grandest of the four. Resort reservations are required to get past the gates (unless you’re a Sea Island Club member), but once you do, you’ll find complete paradise. The Cloister at Sea Island is probably the most recognizable sight on the 5-mile-long island, but there are also pristine beaches, championship golf courses, a tennis club, and a world-class clay shooting school.

Jekyll Island

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In the winter months of the Industrial Age, the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Vanderbilts (among other wealthy families) ventured to Jekyll Island . Today, its draw is still strong, thanks to its stunning landscape, culinary feats, and concerted effort to preserve the land. Whether you’re staying at the storied Jekyll Island Club Resort or pitching a tent at the Jekyll Island Campground , the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the otherworldly Driftwood Beach deserve spots on your itinerary.

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When the mountains are calling, a trip to Blue Ridge, Georgia just might be the answer. Like many mountain towns, Blue Ridge has a thriving arts scene as well as seemingly endless outdoor activities. If you’d prefer to explore the area by train, hop on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway at the historic depot downtown for an out-and-back adventure along the Toccoa River.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

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Georgia’s mountains refuse to be overshadowed by its spectacular beaches, so it’s no wonder millions of travelers make their way to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest every year. Encompassing nearly 867,00 acres, the national forest is home to miles of freshwater streams and rivers, waterfalls, numerous campgrounds, and plenty of space to hike and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Every spring, fans of the “greatest game ever played” descend upon the city of Augusta and, more specifically, the Augusta National Golf Club. Washing down one of the famous pimento cheese sandwiches with an Azalea cocktail is basically a requirement of attending the Masters, but you can also find quintessential Southern cuisine outside of the golf club. Frog Hollow Tavern , Beck’s , and Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar frequently make the “best of” Augusta restaurant lists.

Tybee Island

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A 20-minute drive will take you from Savannah to Tybee Island, one of the best beach towns in the South . Here, you’ll find miles of bike-friendly beaches, unparalleled sunsets, and Georgia’s tallest (and oldest) lighthouse. House rentals are easy to find, but if you’re just visiting for the weekend, book a room at the historic, recently renovated 17th Street Inn .

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Gorge State Park is rife with heart-pumping activities, including hiking along the two-mile Tallulah Gorge. One of the most popular trails includes a staircase descent to an 80-foot suspension bridge crossing over the Tallulah River. If you’re there in the autumn, your views of the powerful river and waterfalls will be accented by the colorful foliage that covers the region.

25 miles of shoreline outline Georgia’s Lake Rabun, an isolated body of water surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. While the phrase “stepping back in time” may be clichéd, it’s also accurate — especially if you take into account the flotilla of vintage wooden boats that traverse the lake.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

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Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southeastern corner of Georgia, just north of Florida. The 680-square-mile wilderness can be explored by foot or by boat (guests can rent canoes and kayaks), but no inch of the refuge is the same. No matter which area you choose to visit — the forested cypress swamps or the wet "prairies" — you’ll probably see at least one of the 15,000 alligators who call the Okefenokee Swamp home.

The 30 Best Things To Do In Georgia (The Country)

You know the saying good things come in small packages? Well this is certainly true for the little country of Georgia.

Tucked away in eastern Europe, dominated by the lofty peaks of the Caucasus, is the supremely charming country of Georgia. This former Soviet State has an incredible history, a diverse culture and beautiful landscape to explore.

Ever since my first visit to Georgia in 2015 it has remained one of my all-time favourite countries.

In this travel guide, I outline the best thin gs to do in Georgia by discussing all the top Georgian destinations. Travel to Georgia (the country, not the state) is a must for anyone who likes big mountains, a varied history, intriguing culture, over-indulgent food and great wine . 

Disclaimer:  Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps cover the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support!

Travel to Georgia, Europe

Sometimes I arrive in a country and it just feels right. I arrived in Georgia on a cold November afternoon from Azerbaijan and instantly fell in love with the country and its people. We stayed that night in a homestay and were introduced to the infamous Georgian hospitality.

We were served deliciously rich food, most of which included cheese, and were provided with an endless supply of very drinkable red wine. I was in heaven!

In 2018 I returned to Georgia twice more with different overland tour groups, and both times it didn’t disappoint. Then in Winter 2022 my boyfriend and I drove our converted campervan to Georgia and explored the Caucasus in all of their snowy glory. As a result I’ve been lucky enough to see many different parts of this former Soviet country in all the different seasons.

Whether you are looking for an active adventure in the mountains, are intrigued by the fascinating history or are wanting to learn about the distinctive wine making process, Georgia has something to offer.

For a guide to driving in Georgia, take a look at this post.

Georgia Travel Tips

In Tbilisi, English is widely spoken and trips to all parts of the country can be easily arranged. For those travelling independently, Marshrutkas (public minibus) provide cheap transport to all major Georgian destinations.

Guesthouses or homestays are readily available and provide B&B or half board packages. These provide a great opportunity to sample delicious Georgian homestyle cooking.

During three of my visits to Georgia I was accompanied a by a guide, which certainly provided a more enriching experience when visiting historical and religious sites. However, it is a very easy country to visit independently and a guide is not required.

Georgia has four distinct seasons and travel is possible all year around. However, the mountains do receive snow in the winter so access to these areas can be limited during winter months.

Popularity and prices have risen over the last 5 years but Georgia still offers great value for travellers, particularly away from the tourist hot-spots.

It is also visa-free unlike most of the neighbouring countries and therefore, somewhat of a hotspot for Digital Nomads.

So with that brief introduction complete, here are my favourite destinations in this small but intriguing country. I’ve split the top things to to do in Georgia by region for convenience. 

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

For the best deals on travel insurance, check out Safety Wing.

Safety Wing is a great option for Digital Nomads

The 30 Best Places To Visit In Georgia

Despite being a very small country, Georgia is jam packed with beautiful and interesting things to see. So for ease of use I’ve organised these 30 top Georgian destinations into their regions/administrative divisions.

ADJARA REGION

1. batumi – visit the las vegas of georgia.

Batumi is Georgia’s biggest Black Sea resort. On the outside these modern, brightly light buildings give an impression of a party city, however the cobbled back streets of the old town offer a much more laid back affair.

Take a ride on the cable car for great views of the city, ride the old ferris wheel for views out over the harbour and don’t miss the romantic moving sculpture of Ali and Nino.

SVANETI REGION

2. mestia – explore the unique guard towers.

Nestled high up in the Northwest corner of Georgia sits the mountain townlet of Mestia. It is the main regional centre for Upper Svaneti and has become the starting point for many hikes into the Caucasus mountains.

Svaneti is known for its guard towers which are dotted all around the villages. In Mestia it’s possible to tour these guard towers and in the Mestia Museum you can learn more about their history.

On your visit enjoy a half day hike through the forest to Chalaadi glacier or for the more adventurous, embark on a hike to Koruldi Lakes. For all the top things to do in Mestia, see this guide .

If you need a place to stay in Mestia I can highly recommend Nino Ratiani Guesthouse , with modern airy rooms and delicious home cooked food. Don’t forget to try the Kubdari meat pies, which are specific to this region.

3. Ushguli – Venture to the highest ancient settlement on Earth

If you’re a keen hiker then Svaneti is one of the best places to visit in Georgia. The most popular multi-day hike is the 4 day hike to Ushguli . At 2400m, Ushguli is considered to be the highest continually inhabited settlement in the world. The 200 people strong village is also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ushguli is 45km from Mestia so if you don’t fancy walking all that way you could hire a driver and a 4×4 . The bumpy journey will take around 3 hours one way. Admire the beauty and tranquility of this mountain paradise before heading back to Mestia, or stay a couple of nights and enjoy more trekking from there.

A popular option is to trek to Shkhara Glacier and gaze upon the highest mountain in Georgia. 

4. Tetnuldi or Hatsvali – Have ski slopes all to yourself

If you visit Mestia in Winter be sure to venture up to Tetnuldi Ski Resort. The road will be covered in snow and will require a 4×4 vehicle but believe me the journey is worth it. Views from the top of the resort will take your breath away (if the altitude doesn’t get you first!) and the remoteness of this ski resort will mean you get to enjoy the slopes mostly to yourself.

If the journey to Tetnuldi doesn’t sound too appealing opt instead for Hatsvali, which is located on the outskirts of Mestia town. This is a small resort with only four lifts however, the picturesque tree-lined runs will keep you entertained for a day, even if views of the surrounding snowy peaks don’t.

5. Nokalakevi Geothermal Park – See the “Boiling Shower”

The hot springs at Nokalakevi Geothermal Park were an unplanned visit for us on our campervan tour of Georgia, however they were very much a pleasant surprise.

There are building remains and old taps here so I’m guessing it was once an official hot spring centre. However, it has since been abandoned and left to nature. So don’t expect changing facilities or toilets at this stop.

There are two stone pools close to the river and a fascinating white cascade where the water flows over the river bank. The water at this point is seriously hot and for this reason has been named the boiling shower.

Would you take shower here?!

IMERETI REGION

6. kutaisi – admire frescos at a medieval monastery.

As Georgia’s second largest city there are a few highlights here to add to your Georgia bucket list. The Green Bazaar was the best market we visited in Georgia, Bagrati Cathedral offers fine views over the city and the Gelati Monastery is UNESCO listed for very good reason. The frescos inside this medieval Monastery are very impressive.

If you don’t have your own transport, this 3-hour tour will cover the main highlights around the city.

Kutasi is also a good base from which to explore some of the other highlights of the Imereti region. (Read on below) You also have the excuse of eating Imereti Khachapuri everyday you spend here! Maybe even learn how to make the perfect Khachapuri for yourself in a culinary masterclass? .

7. Prometheus Caves – Wonder at the other-worldly cave formations

If stalactites and stalagmites get you hot under the collar then head out west beyond the city of Kutaisi. A visit through the caves is via a compulsory guided tour included in the cost of the ticket.

The caves are colourfully lit to highlight the various underground formations. If the water levels are right you can enjoy a fun exit from the caves by taking a small boat trip.

8. Okatse Canyon – Walk the treetop platforms

In this lush region of Georgia there are several river canyons to investigate. At 14km in length, Okatse Canyon is one of Georgia’s top tourist attractions. A series of wooden walkways and viewing platforms allow visitors the opportunity to peer down into canyon below. 

If you’d prefer to get down to river level, then instead head to nearby Martvili Canyon where you can explore the river by kayak .

9. Katskhi Pillar – Marvel at the “Pillar of Life”

This incredulous monastery was constructed around the 4th century in an attempt by Stylites to get closer to God. The small matter of how they managed to build a church on top of 40 meter high pillar is still a mystery, but these days there is a rather large ladder that clings to the rock. 

There is one inhabitant of the monastery. A monk by the name of Maxime, who has been living a life of solitude on the pillar for over 25 years. Sadly, no tourists are allowed to climb to the top (imagine the risk assessment!) but you can visit the monastery at the base.

Katskhi Pillar isn’t really  enroute to other destinations but it can be combined with a visit to nearby Chiatura .

10. Chiatura – Ride the cable cars

Chiatura is a dilapidated old mining town located in a deep trench along the Kvirila. The city boomed in the Soviet era as one of the largest manganese mining areas in the world. Cable cars were used to transport ore and workers from the valley to mines in the surrounding hills.

Today most of the old cable cars (aka Stalin’s Rope Roads or Death Coffins) are out of use but modern ones have been built to replace them. They are still used by locals as a means of public transport.

Known as the Chernobyl of Georgia, Chiatura maybe an unconventional but intriguing visit to add to your Georgia itinerary. 

11. Tskaltubo – Explore abandoned sanatoria

Another unconventional stop in the Imereti region is the spa town of Tskaltubo. Fuelled by the natural hot mineral springs, this town came to life in the Soviet Era as a destination for Right to Rest vacations. Nineteen sanatoria were built to house the plethora of workers that visited the town during their respites.

Today most of the sanatoria are abandoned and have been left to decay, although a few bathhouses inside the town park still operate. Some of the abandoned sanatoria are being used to house refugees but the empty ones provide opportunities for urbex photography and exploration of a by-gone era.

SAMTSKHE-JAVAKHETI REGION

12. vardzia – get lost in this vast cave monastery.

Vardzia is the first of two cave settlements on this list and by far the biggest in Georgia. This complex system of caves was originally completely hidden from view, until an earthquake caused the front of the hill to collapse and reveal the chambers behind.

An audio guide can help lead you around this large site which can easily take several hours to explore. The chapel is still active and if the monks are present they can allow access to this fresco covered grotto. A trip to Vardzia is best undertaken from Akhaltsikhe or Borjomi.

13. Akhaltsikhe – Explore Rabati Fortress

Akhaltsikhe is a small city located in Southwestern Georgia. If you plan to explore Eastern Turkey, then crossing the nearby Turkish border is a good option. Alternatively, if you plan to head onto Armenia, then there are good transport links to Yerevan.

The main reason to visit Akhaltsikhe is explore Rabati Castle. This large fortress originally dates back to the 9th century but has seen extensive renovations which makes it look disappointingly new. Inside the fortress you can find mosques, watch towers and well maintained gardens. In the Summer the castle stage hosts concerns which would be fun to attend. 

I found the people in Akhaltiskhe and this whole region to be particularly friendly and welcoming. If you plan to stay the night here, I highly recommend Hotel Julia , located a stones throw from the Rabati Castle entrance. The friendliest hosts you’ll likely ever meet!

14. Sapara Monastery – Discover this tiny hillside monastery

Just outside Akhaltsikhe, along a windy, mountainous road you can find Sapara Monastery. The oldest church within the Monastery complex is thought to date back to the 10th century and for centuries it played an important role in Georgian history.

The picturesque drive and peaceful setting of this monastery make it a popular side trip from Akhaltsikhe. It’s an active monastery but the monks will happily open the church to let you view the beautiful frescoes inside.

15. Borjomi – Stock up on the healing spring water

Borjomi is another Georgian spa town that gained popularity thanks to its natural mineral hot springs. The water here is said to have healing properties that range from curing digestive issues to diabetes. Bottled Borjomi mineral water has been one of Georgia’s biggest exports for years.

The main area to explore on a trip to Borjomi is Borjomi Central Park. Here you can find open air thermal baths, a cable car, the Prometheus Monument and Ekterina’s Spring. This spring is where you can sample the natural healing waters of Borjomi for yourself.

Travel tip : The spring water is warm and tastes very metallic. However, once it has cooled the taste (and smell) diminishes and is not too displeasing. I can’t say I noticed any discernible improvements in my health though!

SHIDA KARTLI REGION

16. uplistsikhe cave houses – step back in time at this ancient settlement.

Perched near the banks of Mtkvari River lies the rock-cut town of Uplistsikhe. This is Georgia’s answer to Cappadocia in neighbouring Turkey. Dating back to the Early Iron Age, this fortress is one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia.

Much of the site has been destroyed over the years but you can still see intricate rock carvings and explore secret passageways. The site also includes a comparatively new 9th century Christian basilica. Uplistsikhe can be visited on a day trip from Tbilisi in combination with the Stalin museum, in nearby Gori.

17. Gori – Visit the birthplace of Stalin

Along with Chiatura and Tskaltubo, Gori perhaps falls into the category of Dark Tourism . In the small town of Gori you can find a museum dedicated to the memory of an unlikely hero. 

Joseph Stalin was leader of the Soviet Union for a quarter of a century. It’s thought that over 20 million Soviets died during Stalin’s regime, making him one of the most murderous dictators in history.

However, this museum somewhat brushes over this fact and focuses more on Stalin as a man.

In the gift shop you can even buy Stalin-themed souvenirs to purchase for friends and family back home!

After touring the museum visitors can take a look inside Stalin’s train carriage, which is now parked in the museum grounds.

MTSKHETA REGION

18. mtskheta – visit svetitskhoveli cathedral.

Mtskheta was the old capital of Georgia and is a great town to visit en route to Kazbegi. The main attraction in Mtskheta is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. You may see a lot of churches and cathedrals in Georgia but this one holds particular importance.

It was here, during the Kartli Kingdom, that Christianity was first adopted. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral also claims to have part of Jesus Christs’ crucifix. The Cathedral is the tallest in Georgia and inside has some impressive colourful frescos.

During one visit to Georgia we were lucky enough to see a traditional Georgian wedding taking place at this cathedral.

19. Jvari Monastery – enjoy expansive views at this 6th century Monastery

Jvari Monastery was the first church to use the cross shape which later became commonplace in Christianity. This sixth century Monastery is also surprisingly intact for a religious building of this age.

However, one of the main reasons to visit Jvari is to admire the views its position on the hillside offers over Mtskheta and the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers below. 

20. Georgian Military Highway – Take a driving adventure along this ancient route

If you’re a confident driver, then one of the adventurous things to do in Georgia is drive the Georgian Military Highway. There are numerous places to stop along the way from ancient fortresses to colourful travertines.

For a complete guide to driving the Georgian Military Highway, take a look at this post .

21. Ananuri Fortress – See the intricate carvings at the Mother of God Church

This fortress is a mish-mash of architectural styles dating back to the 17th century. Consisting of two castles and three churches, Ananuri has witnessed many battles and much bloodshed throughout its history .

Take time to explore the Church of the Mother of God within the fortress. The church façade is decorated with intricate carvings and there are remains of some impressive frescos inside.

For the best views over the complex overall, walk out to the bridge further back along the highway. When water levels are low you will also be able to see the old Military Highway which was flooded when the dam was built.

22. Gudauri – Ski or paraglide at Georgia’s largest Ski Resort

Gudauri is Georgia’s most popular Ski Resort and a great stop on your tour of the Military Highway. If you like skiing or snowboarding, then be sure to visit during the snowy winter months.

Gudauri isn’t just a winter stop though as the chairlifts also operate in the summer months. A series of chairlifts provide access to Sadzeli Peak. At 3628 meters high, the panoramic views from on top are seriously incredible.

If you’re partial to an adrenaline rush you can also take a tandem paragliding trip. A flight typically lasts around 10 minutes and costs 300 GEL. Instructors wait at the chairlifts for their next unsuspecting victims!

For everything you need to know about skiing in Gudauri , see this complete guide!

23. Sno and Juta Valley – See the carved heads and embark on a hike

Just 4km off the Georgian Military Highway is the small village of Sno. Sno is home to a collection of single stone, carved heads. Although they make look ancient, these carvings are actually quite modern and are the work of a local sculptor.

Further on from Sno travellers enter the Juta Valley, a stunning mountain region known as the Dolomites of Georgia. One of the popular hikes in this area is Chaukhi Valley to Chaukhi Pass. There are also multi day hikes to pursue in this area.

The  Fifth Season Cabin  offers food and accommodation to day trippers and multi-day hikers alike.

24. Kazbegi – Visit Gergeti Trinity Church

I associate a visit to Stepantsminda (unofficially called Kazbegi) with a beautiful hike to Gergeti Trinity Church and copious amounts of cha cha drunk from the horn of a goat!

I’m not recommending copious amounts of cha cha. Neither did I ever particularly enjoy it. However the very jolly host at our Kazbegi homestay was always quite insistent! Travel to Georgia is always a fun but often rather painful event (on account of all the hangovers!).

But I digress. 

Kazbegi is home to the 5000m peak of Mt Kazbek (Mt Kazbegi). At the base of Mt Kazbegi sits the picturesque Gergeti Trinity Church. A hike from town to the church takes around two hours to complete and offers pretty views of the mountains en route.

There is a road to the church so it is also possible to rent a jeep for the church visit. Jeep drivers congregate where the highway passes through the town and charge around 15 GEL per person.

For a complete guide to visiting Kazbegi, read this guide.

25. Gveleti Waterfalls – Cool off at two beautiful waterfalls

A little further north out of Kazbegi, there is a left turn for the small hamlet of Gveleti. A relatively short hike from the carpark brings you to an intersection for two trails.

The trail to the left is around 300m and leads to a smaller and less busy waterfall. The trail to the right is around 600m and leads to a larger, more impressive waterfall. The waterfalls are delightfully cool in summer and in winter they freeze over and become an ice climbers paradise.

TBILISI REGION

26. tbilisi – take time to explore this vibrant capital.

I’m generally never a fan of capital cities. I find them mostly over-rated. Tbilisi however, is the exception to this rule . It is a city of old versus new. Where crumbling old buildings on one side of the river contrast with curvy spaceship like architecture on the other.

Tbilisi has embraced its checkered past and flung itself forward as a cosmopolitan European city. Travelling in Georgia is not complete without having several days to visit Tbilisi.

Wandering the cobblestone windy streets of Tbilisi’s Old Town is a joy in itself, but there are many other sights to keep you occupied. You can take a cable car to the top of the city to enjoy panoramic views and explore the 4th century Narikala Fortress.

Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi for its impressive bell tower, take a sulphuric dip in one of the dome roofed bathhouses and dine at Gorgasali for more deliciously rich food, accompanied by traditional Georgian dancing.

After dinner join the hipsters and head to Fabrika, where a former sewing factory has been converted to an urban space, which includes a courtyard surrounded by a selection of eclectic bars.

If you happen to travel to Tbilisi in May as I once did, you will be lucky enough to catch the wine festival that takes place in Mtasminda Park. The funicular is the easy route to the top where upon you will find hundreds of stalls from which to enjoy free tastings. A fun and cheap way to spend the day!

27. The Chronicle of Georgia – See the monument that was never finished

On the northern outskirts of Tbilisi there is a huge monument that looms over the Tbilisi sea. There are 16 pillars, the lower parts of which depict the life of Christ, with the upper parts chronicling the history of Georgia.

The Chronicle of Georgia was built in 1985 by Zurab Tserteli however it was never finished. Therefore some of the pillars have missing panels. With its out of town location this monument is much less busy than the popular sites of Tbilisi old town.

KAKHETI REGION

28. telavi – learn about traditional wine making techniques.

Wine tasting in Telavi is an absolute must for any trip to Georgia. Well, unless you don’t like wine that is!

Kakheti is the main wine producing region in Georgia and a great place to learn about traditional wine making techniques.

Claiming to be the inventor of wine, traditionally Georgian grapes are fermented along with their skins and seeds and stored underground in a clay pot called a qvevri . This is what gives Georgian wine its typical dark colour.

This 8000 year old practice is even registered by UNESCO!

Schumanns is a beautiful vineyard to visit and Twins Old Cellar has a good museum explaining all about how Georgian wine is made. Whilst you are out and about seeing the vineyards, pay a visit to Alaverdi Church, where the monks make organic honey vodka. Hiccup.

29. Lagodekhi National Park – Hike the biodiverse landscape

Kakheti might be famed for its wine production but there are also more active options to enjoy in this region.

Lagodekhi is a biodiverse protected area with lots of hikes on offer. A scenic 8km walk takes you along the river to Ninoskhevi waterfall. Or for a multi-day hike try the 42km hike to Black Rocks Lake.

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit this park with all the trees donning their colourful orange plumage. 

30. Sighnaghi – Visit the City of Love

Last but by no means least is Sighnaghi, the stone-walled city of love. The balconied cobble streets of this little mountain town are a joy to wander around and the high wall ramparts offer stunning views of the Alazani valley and snow capped Caucasus.

The modern Sighnaghi museum is worth a visit and be sure to wine and dine yourself on the best that Kakheti has to offer.

When To Visit Georgia

As a country that is surrounded by high alpine mountains you might have guessed that Georgia gets pretty cold in the winter months between November to March.

During this time there will be snow in the Greater and Lesser Caucasus regions. So if you want to avoid the snow and cold temperatures, it’s best to visit between April and October. July and August are the busiest months for tourists.

For a guide to the best time to visit Georgia, take a look at this post.

How To Get Around Georgia

1. private car/taxi.

The easiest option by far will be hiring a car with a driver (hopefully one who speaks your language). Check out  GoTrip  for a hassle free option with no haggling. It is also easy to find a driver around the old town in Tbilisi. Taxis are fairly cost effective for local journeys.

For short trips around Georgian cities it is probably worth downloading a taxi app.    Bolt is perhaps the easiest one for foreigners and also YandexGo.

2. Car Rental

Self-drive hire cars can be booked with relative ease. It’s a good idea to opt for fully comprehensive insurance as the roads and the  driving in Georgia  is likely to be very different from home. 

If you are looking for the best car rental service, here it is! Localrent is an international car rental booking service that is present worldwide. With Localrent you will definitely find the perfect car for your trip in Georgia

3. Marshrutka

Marshrutka  are local minibus (Shared taxi) services which run both in cities and beyond and are a very cost effective way to get about. They link up all the villages in rural areas as well as the cities. Be prepared for a potentially long and cramped trip.

From one of the 2 bus stations in Tbilisi there are regular Marshrutka services to Gudauri for example. Marshrutka’s can now be booked online through  Allbus  which can be displayed in English. Prices are a little cheaper if you simply turn up at the bus station, however pre-booking does allow you to plan your journey with confidence.

Rail services link up the lowland areas of country pretty well. Whilst not the easiest services to understand or book, travelling by train in Georgia would make for an interesting little adventure on its own.  

Check the train timetable and book online here . You can also buy tickets at the train station.

Internal flights may be a convenient option also, with flights possible from Tbilisi and Kutasi to difficult to reach regions like Mestia. Vanilla Sky offer these passenger flights to Mestia and you can check their timetable here .

Be warned though that due to weather conditions these flights are often cancelled and as a result tickets get booked up fast.

A Brief Introduction To Georgian Food

Georgian food is delicious and makes the most of seasonal local produce. It’s worth trying out a range of dishes, here is a list of some to consider:

• Khachapuri: This is a kind of cheesy bread found everywhere. It comes in a few different regional variations, even one with an egg on top. Basically if you had to live on bread and cheese, this is the answer, it’s delicious.
• Khinkali: Considered by some to be a national dish, these are Georgian dumplings and come with a variety of fillings, often lamb or beef in a broth which spills out when you bite into them. They tend to be rather large and very filling. 
• Shkmeruli is a traditional roast chicken dish with garlic sauce and is hugely popular in Georgia.
• Lobio is a bean soup/stew served in a clay pot. It’s delicious although it can get a bit windy afterwards!
• Mtsvadi is a Georgian Shish kebab often of pork, beef or lamb.

And the list goes on and on. It’s all delicious. Don’t expect to loose weight on a trip to Georgia!

Vegetarians will find Georgia a little bit more of a challenge, however there is a pretty good selection of meat-free options.

Try this popular starter on your visit:

• Badrijani Nigvzit is roasted eggplant with walnut paste. Yum, yum, yum.

And Of Course, Georgian Wine

We don’t come across Georgian wine in the west much but they have been producing wine in Georgia for 8000 years. The grape varieties grown are specific to Georgia and the traditional method of   production involves fermenting the grapes in clay Queries which are set into the ground.

The process   involves using the whole grape to produce an almost black wine with a very distinct flavour. Once the wine is bottled the residue is then distilled to make Cha Cha,   a type of brandy which is popular in Georgia and is supposedly good for digestion (good for a hangover too!)

Georgia also employs more modern wine making techniques which results in a wide range of delicious world class wines.

A Summary of the Best Things to do in Georgia

Georgia is a wonderfully diverse country packed with culture and heritage. Whether you want to hike the wild Caucus mountains, taste wine in the country where it was invented or marvel at the vast array of churches and cathedrals, Georgia surely has something for every intrepid traveller.

In this guide I have outlined the best Georgian destinations that you could include on a visit to Georgia and have hopefully conveyed why I love this country so much. There are many other places you could include on your tour but these are certainly a good place to start.

Have you visited Georgia? Let me know your favourite destination in this fabulous country.

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Louise is a Mountain Leader and Snowboard Instructor from South Wales. As a former Adventure Tour Leader she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and is currently based in the UK.

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22 Wonderful and Unique Places to Visit in Georgia

Georgia, the small country in the Southern Caucasus region, is one of the most fascinating places to visit. It’s diverse, with delicious food, hospitable people, interesting history and culture, beautiful architecture and breathtaking views – the list of reasons to visit Georgia is really long and these are not even all of them!

I can’t count how many times I’ve been to Georgia but definitely many. It was love at first sight and since my first trip to Georgia, back in 2011, the country has had a special place in my heart. This trip also shaped my travel style, challenged me, and eventually changed me, and still today this was my best travel experience ever.

Since then I’ve been returning there frequently, visiting Georgia at least once a year. But even if I’ve already seen some amazing and unique places to visit in Georgia country, my list of Georgia attractions to check out is still long and I know I will be returning there over and over again to discover more of this incredible place (even right now I have two more trips to Georgia booked for future).

Today I finally have put together a guide to the best places to visit in Georgia. You will find there some must-visit places in Georgia as well as some off-the-path destinations. I also asked a fellow blogger and a friend Emily who currently lives in Georgia to add a few places she recommends so this list is more complete.

So, keep on reading to find out all the best places to visit in Georgia and plan your trip to Georgia soon!

Georgia essentials

Planning a trip to Georgia? Here are the services I always use and personally recommend:

• Accommodation : I always book a place to stay on Booking.com
• Tours: when I decide to go on a tour I either use Viator
• Get insured for your trip to Georgia with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Best time to travel to Georgia

But before we get to the core of this article you might be wondering what is the best time to visit Georgia.

I’ve been there in every season and each is beautiful and interesting in a way but my personal favorite is early autumn. The popular places are not that crowded anymore, the weather is still good, usually warm and sunny but the scenery around already changes adding soft colors and light to the world around.

Spring can be nice too when everything turns fresh green (which is especially nice in the mountains).

Summers can be hot and popular places, especially on the Black Sea coast, can be really packed with people. On the other hand, some of the more remote destinations are reachable only in the summer so you might want to consider visiting Georgia then if you would like to go hiking in the wild mountains.

Winter is always tricky everywhere, but it can be a nice time for a city break in Tbilisi – if the weather is not on your side you can use the opportunity to hide in all the cozy cafes and restaurants or warm up in the bathhouses.

Batumi promenade in autumn

Best places to visit in Georgia

Below you can find all the best places to visit in Georgia. As you can see the country really has a lot to offer and you might not be able to pack everything in your Georgia itinerary but at least you will have reasons to return to this fascinating country in the future.

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is one of the most fascinating and intriguing cities you will ever visit. I can’t count how many times I’ve been there by now (my guess is around 20) and it never gets boring, I’m always more than happy to return there and spend a few more days in Tbilisi.

With long and turbulent history (it was founded in the 4th century), it has been under the influence of different cultures for years. Still today you can see this particular mix on the streets of Tbilisi and that’s one of the things that make this place so unique.

You can wander around the winding lanes of the Old Tbilisi and peek into the gates and yards to find true wonders there, admire centuries-old churches (the oldest one is Sioni Cathedral from the 6th century), fall in love with the art nouveau architecture, find amazing Soviet remnants like mosaics or enjoy the modern face of the city with quirky buildings, great street art, and cool spots. The list of things to do in Tbilisi is really long and diverse, what you see above is just a small foretaste of what the city has to offer, and you will definitely find something for yourself.

You can also use the city as a base for some amazing day trips from Tbilisi – some of the best places to visit in Georgia are within a short drive from the capital.

Getting to Tbilisi is really easy, there are plenty of international flights serving the local airport, you can also get here overland directly from Yerevan (Armenia) or Baku (Azerbaijan) . This is the perfect starting point for your trip to Georgia.

You can read more about Tbilisi here:

• 49 Awesome Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia
• Tbilisi guide – 21 Tbilisi travel tips to make your trip easier
• 10 Beautiful Day Trips from Tbilisi, Georgia
• 55 Examples of Amazing Tbilisi Soviet Architecture
• How to get from Tbilisi to Yerevan (or Yerevan to Tbilisi) – a complete guide
• How not to visit the Chronicle of Georgia in Tbilisi
• 50 Tbilisi pictures that will make you want to visit Georgia

Find the best accommodation in Tbilisi here .

See the best Tbilisi tours here .

Located north of Tbilisi, right next to the border with Russia , Kazbegi is one of the most iconic places to visit in Georgia. You most likely have seen the photos of the small old church with the dramatic mountains in the background – that’s Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi (or Stepansminda as that’s the official name of the town).

The church dates back to the 14th century and has a separate bell tower built next to it. Inside you will see beautiful old frescoes as well as the newer addition to the interior. In the difficult times of danger, the precious relics from Mtskheta, the holy place of Georgia, were brought to Gergeti Trinity Church to keep them safe.

Gergeti Trinity Church is a beautiful example of medieval sacral architecture and one of the must-see places in Georgia, but the main reason to visit Kazbegi is the breathtaking panorama over the Caucasus mountains, including the famous Mount Kazbek. This third-highest peak in Georgia is known from mythology – it is believed that Prometheus was chained to this mountain for stealing the fire from gods and giving it to people.

Be sure to include Kazbegi in your Georgia itinerary as this is one of the most remarkable places you can see in Georgia. Not to mention the whole journey there is an unforgettable experience – the Georgian Military Highway going from Tbilisi to the Russian border is probably the most scenic road in Georgia, going through the Caucasus mountains and offering spectacular views along the way.

On the way be sure to stop at the spectacular Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument, a masterpiece of Soviet architecture located in the middle of nowhere and offering breathtaking views of the area.

You can visit Kazbegi as a day trip from Tbilisi but if you have more time I recommend spending a few days there and getting the accommodation offering the panorama of the mountains around – nothing beats waking up to this view!

Besides going up to the Gergeti Trinity Church (you can hike or get a ride there), you can go hiking in the mountains, go up to the Gergeti Glacier at 3,200 meters above sea level (it’s not an easy hike though), or visit nearby Truso and Juta Valleys. Kazbegi and its surroundings are a perfect area for an active holiday in Georgia.

Find the accommodation in Kazbegi here .

See the best Kazbegi tours here .

Ananuri, the picturesque fortress from the turn of the 16th and 17th century, is conveniently located on the way from Tbilisi to Kazbegi and is a must stop when traveling between these two places. This is one of the most important historical monuments in Georgia, over centuries numerous battles took place here and in the nearby area.

Inside the fortress, you will find two churches – the older one of the Virgin and the larger one of the Mother of God. Both date back to the 17th century, inside you can see remnants of old frescoes, a beautiful iconostasis, or the graves of some of the Dukes of Aragvi who ruled this area since the 13th century.

Be sure to climb to the tower for the best view of the fortress and the surrounding area, including the artificial Zhinvali Reservoir.

Mtskheta, located just outside Tbilisi, is a perfect day trip destination from the capital.

The place was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Iberia between the 3rd century BC and the 5th century AD. It was then that period Georgia adopted Christianity as a state religion in 334 making it one of the oldest Christian countries in the world.

Today Mtskheta is one of the most important places for Georgians and a popular tourist destination, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. You don’t want to miss it during your trip to Georgia!

The most important attraction of Mtskheta is Jvari Monastery from the 6th century, located high above the city. Not only this is a wonderful example of the early Christian Georgian architecture, but the view from up there is pretty great too, the panorama of the whole town and the confluence of Kura and Aragvi rivers is one of the most popular images of Georgia.

When visiting Mtskheta you should also see Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (built in 1010 on the site where the first church in Georgia was located), Samtavro’s Convent (where, according to the legend, St. Nino used to live), or ruins of the Bebris Tsikhe fortress. If you have some time and a car/driver you should go to even more old monasteries around the town.

Find the best Mtskheta tours here .

David Gareja monastery

David Gareja monastery, located right at the border with Azerbaijan, is one of those places that look so much better in real life than in the photos. It took me years until I finally got there, I was partly postponing it as I had thought there are better places to visit in Georgia. Of course, I was wrong, the David Gareja monastery complex is an incredible place!

The monastery was founded in the 6th century by David – one of the thirteen Assyrian monks that arrived in Georgia. Firstly, he just inhabited one of the caves on the mountainside but eventually the first monastery – Lavra – was built. Over the centuries the complex grew bigger and improved and was one of the most important religious and cultural centers in the region.

Due to its location, the place was often a target of numerous invasions and has been uninhabited for years. Now monks are back in the David Gareja monastery but only a few of them live there, looking after the complex.

Until recently it was possible to go up to the top of the mountain and actual border with Azerbaijan or even cross it to see the most important and valuable part of the complex with cave paintings. Unfortunately, the dispute over the border between the two countries left that area not accessible for tourists which is a huge pity since the views from there are simply mindblowing.

But nevertheless, the David Gareja monastery complex is a wonderful place to visit.

Read more about David Gareja in my article “Day trip to David Gareja monastery from Tbilisi”.

Find the best David Gareja tours here .

Sighnaghi is one of the smallest and cutest towns in Georgia, known also as the city of artists and lovers. Despite its size, the place is packed with attractions.

The charming old town is surrounded by the city walls from the 18th century, with 6 gates and 23 towers. From the city walls, you can admire a beautiful view of the surrounding area and the Caucasus mountains in the background.

The central part of Sighnaghi can enchant with its old, beautifully renovated houses, many of them hosting art galleries. When wandering around the town you might feel like you are in Italy and not in the Caucasus, the atmosphere of the place is a bit Mediterranean but that makes Sighnaghi unique and worth a visit.

Not far from the city (around half an hour walk) you will find Bodbe Convent – one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Georgia, with the burial place of St.Nino (who brought Christianity to Georgia). Be sure to stop there during your trip to Sighnaghi too.

Find the best accommodation in Sighnaghi here.

Kakheti region

Kakheti, the region located east of Tbilisi, is known for its wine and that’s already a good reason to visit this area. If you have one day only you can stop in Sighnaghi and then visit one of the vineyards – this should already give you the feel of this area.

But if you can, stay here longer and enjoy traveling at a slow pace – Kakheti is perfect for relaxing holidays.

You might not know that Georgia is one of the oldest wine-making places in the world, the tradition is a few thousand years old and 70% of the country’s wine production comes from Kakheti. Traditionally, the local wine is kept in kvevri – large earthenware vessels in the shape of an egg that is hidden in the ground to keep the temperature steady.

There are many family-owned vineyards in Kakheti that you can visit – there is no better place to learn more about and try Georgian wine.

Besides wine, the region has a few interesting attractions too. The already mentioned David Gareja monastery complex and Sighnaghi are the most popular ones, but you should also visit Alaverdi Monastery from the 11th century, Gremi monastery from the 16th century, or Nekresi archeological complex with the 6th-century monastery.

Uplistsikhe

Uplistsikhe is an impressive ancient cave town located not too far from Tbilisi, with the oldest buildings dating back to the 5th century BC. This is an exceptional example of the influence of rock-cut cultures from Anatolia and Iran where the pagan and Christian buildings stood next to each other. Uplistsikhe is also one of the oldest settlements in Georgia, functioning until the Late Middle Ages.

Once Mtskheta and Tbilisi became the centers of Christianity in Georgia, Uplistsikhe lost its importance and eventually was left abandoned. The further destruction came with the 1920 earthquake but what we can see now is still an impressive site.

The complex is divided into three parts – lower, central, and upper, with the old tunnel connecting them. You will find most of the houses and attractions, including the 9th-century basilica, in the central part of the town.

From the Uplistsikhe site, you can also admire the beautiful vista of the surrounding landscape with the Kura river flowing through the area.

Find the best Uplistsikhe tours here .

Gori, located only 15 km away from Uplistsikhe (so you can combine visiting these two places together), is a rather average Georgian city but it is well-known for its one important citizen – Joseph Stalin.

The evil Soviet dictator was born in Gori in 1878 and today you can visit the museum dedicated to him where, besides numerous memorabilia, you might see his personal train carriage or the house where he was born. If you are nearby it’s definitely worth stopping here, this is a bit weird yet interesting attraction.

And while you are already in the city you can also go to the Gori fortress for the great views of the surrounding area.

Borjomi is a well-known spa town, famous all over the world thanks to its popular mineral water that you can easily buy outside of Georgia too. But this is not the only reason to visit the place.

Borjomi is such a nice town, perfect for walking around and relaxing – it offers everything you need in the spa town. There are a few interesting landmarks in the town too, such as Romanov Palace, Blue Palace “Firuza” or Central Park. Don’t leave Borjomi without tasting the local mineral water as it’s much stronger than the one you can buy.

Another reason to visit Borjomi is the nearby Borjomi Kharagauli National Park with its beautiful mountainous landscape.

You might also want to take the local narrow-gauge train “Kukushka” to the nearby ski resort Bakuriani. The journey takes 2,5 hours and the railway line climbs from 820 meters above sea level to the elevation of 1700 meters above sea level. This is such a scenic ride, with a beautiful landscape of gorges and forests along the way.

Find the accommodation in Borjomi here .

See the best Borjomi tours here .

Vardzia is the third and probably most incredible caves complex you can find in Georgia, located in the southern part of the country near the border with Armenia. It was founded at the end of the 12th century and not long after, during the Mongol invasions in the Middle Ages, up to 60 thousand people could find shelter in the caves of Vardzia.

There used to be around 3000 chambers located on 13 levels and the whole town was very innovative for its period. The place is really huge and impressive – the caves are cut in a steep Erusheti Mountain and the remnants of the town stretches for around half a kilometer and has up to nineteen tiers.

Today visitors can see around 300 chambers as well as the Church of the Dormition with the 12th-century mural paintings. You need at least 2-3 hours for visiting Vardzia but you can as well spend the whole day there and you still won’t be bored.

Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes as some of the passages might be steep and narrow.

Find the best Vardzia tours here .

Chiatura is one of the craziest places to visit in Georgia and those of you who like unconventional destinations will appreciate it for sure.

The town is known for its cable cars (there are 17 of them but not all of them are working) and that’s the main reason to visit Chiatura. Because of the town’s location deep in the valley, cable cars were the core of the public transport system, transporting inhabitants between the upper and lower parts of Chiatura.

They started operating in 1954 and many of them have not been renovated ever since hence riding them is not for the faint of heart, but that’s part of the fun. And it’s definitely worth taking the cable cars as the views from the upper parts of Chaitura are amazing.

Currently, some of the cable cars are undergoing well-needed maintenance so in the future taking them should be a bit safer.

Since Chiatura is a fairly new town (at least by the Georgian standards) you will not find there many attractions. There is fine Soviet architecture (some of the buildings are abandoned and decayed though) and some remnants of the past times (like the mosaic with Lenin and Stalin) but that’s about it.

When visiting Chiatura be sure to stop at the Katskhi pillar – an impressive, 40-meters tall limestone monolith with a small church and the hermitage on top.

Read more about Chiatura in my article about the town “Chiatura, Georgia – the craziest place I’ve been to!”.

Find the best Chiatura tours here.

Kutaisi , the second-largest city in Georgia, is often overlooked by tourists who land at the local airport and head to other destinations in Georgia right away. But the city also has a lot to offer and is worth stopping in for a few days (especially if you also want to visit some great nearby places).

Kutaisi was first mentioned in the 6th-3rd century BC when it was the capital of the Colchis, the territory that is believed to lay the foundation for the Georgian state (together with the Kingdom of Iberia). What you can see today in the city is much more modern but there are a few references to the great history of Kutaisi, such as the beautiful Colchis Fountain standing in the middle of the main square.

The biggest attraction of Kutaisi is the Bagrati Cathedral from the 11th century – until 2017 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List but due to too modern renovation it was removed from the list. Still, the cathedral is a wonderful example of Georgian sacral architecture, and from in front of it, you can admire the best view of Kutaisi and beyond.

The town itself is a very pleasant and laid-back place with some beautiful art-nouveau buildings and nice green spaces, such as the botanical garden.

Read more about Kutaisi in these articles:

• Is it worth to visit Kutaisi? Best things to do in Kutaisi, Georgia
• 10 Amazing Places You Can Visit As Day Trips From Kutaisi, Georgia

Find the accommodation in Kutaisi here .

See the best Kutaisi tours here .

Tskaltubo , a popular former spa town, is located only a few kilometers away from Kutaisi and is easily reachable by public transport.

The healing waters were discovered here already in the 13th century but the peak of popularity took place after World War 2 when numerous sanatoriums and bathhouses were built here. Tskaltubo used to welcome over 100.000 people each year, including famous people like Stalin (he had his own cottage in the town and private rooms in the bathhouse).

After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the civil war in Georgia in the 1990s, Tskaltubo fell into disrepair. Most of the sanatoriums are abandoned or inhabited by IDPs from Abkhazia (therefore visit the place with respect and don’t disturb residents), the bathhouses are often in ruin too.

Only a few hotels and a bathhouse still work today so if you are looking for affordable treatment you should consider visiting Tskaltubo.

The town is a real treat for all the urbex fans who enjoy exploring abandoned places – many of the hotels are easy to enter and inside you can find some real gems of the grand architecture from the Soviet times.

Near Tskaltubo you should also visit Prometheus Cave, discovered in 1983. The cave is around 11 kilometers but the tourist route has just a bit over 1 kilometer and goes through six of 22 halls, illuminated in bright colors. At the end of the tour, you might also go for a boat ride inside the cave.

Read more about Tskaltubo in my article about the town “Visit Tskaltubo, Georgia – an abandoned playground”.

Find the accommodation in Tskaltubo here.

Gelati and Motsameta monasteries

When you are in Kutaisi be sure to visit two nearby monasteries – Gelati and Motsameta.

Gelati Monastery was founded in 1106 by King David the Builder (one of the greatest rulers in Georgian history) and is a real masterpiece of the architecture from the so-called Georgian Golden Age (the period from the late 11th to the 13th century). In the past Gelati Monastery used to be the main cultural and intellectual center of the country.

Today there are two churches that you can visit – both equally stunning, with amazing 12th-17th century frescoes. I bet you will be standing in awe, admiring their beauty. In 1994 Gelati Monastery was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding universal value.

The second monastery, Motsameta, is less spectacular but also worth visiting (especially since it’s on the way between Kutaisi and Gelati). It dates back to the 11th century and is beautifully located on the edge of the cliff above the deep valley of the Ckalcitela (“Red Water”) river.

The name of the monastery means “Place of the Martyrs” and is a way to honor two brothers from the noble Argveti family who were fighting against the Arab occupation in the 8th century. The legend says there is a secret passage connecting both monasteries, Gelati and Motsameta.

Canyons near Kutaisi

Another two great places you can find near Kutaisi are great canyons – Okatse and Martvili. Both are beautiful and worth visiting although both are different from each other.

In Okatse you will walk on the path attached to the rocks – at times it feels like you are walking in the air so if you have a fear of space and height this place might be a bit challenging for you. But it is also so much fun!

The views around are spectacular, you can admire Okatse Canyon in its full glory. At the end of the path, there is an air bridge which gives you an even better panorama of the canyon and the surrounding area. In the deepest point, Okatse Canyon reaches around 100 meters so you will feel really tiny in the comparison with the mighty nature around.

On the contrary, in Martvili Canyon you will admire its beauty mostly from the ground level. The highlight of the place is the short boat ride (not the most comfortable one but definitely worth taking) – you will through a steep canyon, surrounded by rocks and with green, crystal-clear water around. It’s pure magic!

Batumi is the most popular seaside destination in Georgia, located on the Black Sea shore and attracting thousands of visitors in the summer. And it’s great then, the city is vibrant and bustling with energy, although it can also get a bit crowded.

Batumi offseason is a completely different story and that’s when you can fully enjoy the place. Wander around the charming Old Town and find some interesting gems there, such as the beautiful art-nouveau architecture, admire the modern architecture of Batumi, enjoy the surprisingly good local street-art scene, take the cable car to the nearby Anuria Mountain for the best views of Batumi or visit the amazing botanical garden with some exotic plants.

And of course, enjoy the seaside – relax at the beach or walk along the pleasant, few-kilometers long promenade. The list of things to do in Batumi is really long and the city is definitely more than just the seaside resort.

And once you see all the attractions, feast on the local food. The regional version of khachapuri (the delicious Georgian pastry with cheese) is different than anywhere else since it includes the egg yolk that you need to mix with the butter and the pastry itself. You can’t leave Batumi without trying it!

Read more about Batumi in my articles:

• 20 Cool Things to do in Batumi, Georgia
• Reasons to visit Batumi, Georgia – more than the Black Sea resort

Find the accommodation in Batumi here.

See the best Batumi tours here.

Mtirala National Park

Not far from Batumi you will find Mtirala National Park – one of the most underrated places to visit in Georgia.

This area is simply beautiful, with pristine mountains, lush forests, wild rivers, hidden waterfalls, and stone bridges built centuries ago. Even if it is such a short ride from Batumi, it feels like a completely different world where mass tourism hasn’t got yet (although some of the places can be busy with local Georgian tourists).

If you have an extra day (or better a few) during your stay in Batumi, be sure to visit Mtirala National Park. It is such a perfect getaway from the bustling city and the remote places and beautiful views will surely leave you impressed.

Svaneti region in the north-west part of Georgia is another popular area in the Great Caucasus mountains that offers breathtaking views (I dare to say they are even better than in Kazbegi). For years it was a bit difficult to get to Svaneti but finally, a few years ago the main road was renovated making the region accessible to tourists.

The area attracts visitors with its interesting history and culture (due to being a remote location Svaneti kept its original language and traditions), a unique landscape with numerous centuries-old defensive stone towers strewn around, and of course Caucasus mountains.

The main city and a base to explore Svaneti is Mestia where you can easily get by marshrutka from Zugdidi or fly directly from Tbilisi. From there you can get to Ushguli, known as the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe ( Khinalug in Azerbaijan claims to hold this title too) where you will be really close to the highest peak of Georgia – Shkhara (5,193 meters above sea level) and its glacier.

Thanks to the architectural monuments of the region, especially its watchtowers, Upper Svaneti was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Find the accommodation in Mestia here.

Recommended by Emily

The biggest city in Western Georgia’s Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, Zugdidi is a popular departure point for Mestia and the mountains of Upper Svaneti. If you’re arriving by overnight train from Tbilisi, you might be tempted to jump straight in a van – but it’s well worth spending a couple of nights in Zugdidi along the way.

Zugdidi was the historical capital of Samegrelo, an independent principality until 1867. The legacy of the royal family, the Dadianis, lives on in Zugdidi’s major landmarks – including the Dadiani Palace, a striking castle in the center of the city that’s unlike anything else you’ll see in Georgia.

After renovations in 2015, the palace was turned into a museum and now houses a small collection of artifacts related to the Dadianis, most notably a Napoleon bronze death mask, one of only a handful in existence (the story of how it came to be in Zugdidi is quite interesting!).

Other things to do in Zugdidi include walking through the gorgeous Botanical Garden that backs onto the palace, eating Megrelian cuisine at restaurant Diaroni (don’t miss the beef and walnut Kharcho or the cheesy cornmeal Elarji), and browsing the lively undercover bazaar. Zugdidi is quite small and easy to get around on foot.

Rukhi Castle, another relic of the Dadiani dynasty set in the hills just beyond the city, is worth visiting as a short side trip. Here, you can climb the crumbling walls to get a good view of Abkhazia to the west.

Tusheti and Khevsureti

Tusheti and Khevsureti, two remote mountainous regions in north Georgia, at the border with Russia, are a bit challenging to get to but that’s also what makes them even more interesting.

This is a real off-the-path Georgia where you can experience the traditional way of living, old customs, and beliefs. In the landscape of these regions, you will also see numerous defending towers and bastions, however, those are a bit different than the towers of Svaneti.

Both Tusheti and Khevsureti are perfect for trekking in the mountains and nature lovers will definitely enjoy this area. The most recommended trail leads from Omalo (the capital of Tusheti) to Shatili village in Khevsureti (it’s a multiday hike for advanced hikers).

There is no public transport to Tusheti so your best option is hiring a driver that would take you there. The road to Omalo was once called by National Geographic one of the most dangerous and most picturesque roads in the world so the journey itself will be an unforgettable experience and a good reason to visit this remote part of Georgia.

Pankisi Valley

Located in Kakheti just north of Telavi, sandwiched between wine country and the mountains of Tusheti, Pankisi Valley is a totally unique place to visit in Georgia . Here, members of the Kist community – an ethnic group whose ancestors migrated to Georgia more than 200 years ago – live in a collection of small villages strewn across the gorge.

Unfortunately, Pankisi has suffered in the past from negative stereotypes perpetuated by the media. The community has been working hard to turn this around by welcoming tourists to the valley, and now perceptions about Pankisi are changing. The landscapes here are truly magnificent and the hospitality top-notch – it remains a bit of a hidden gem, but Pankisi gets more and more popular every year.

You can find a number of homestays in the area, including Nazy’s Guest House in Jokolo, one of the oldest and most-loved. Here is your chance to try Chechen home-cooking, visit mosques and old fortified towers, and go horse trekking in the hills with a local Kist guide. Marked hiking trails can also be found, and there is a small ethnography museum where you can learn about Kist heritage.

To get to Pankisi, you can either take a direct marshrutka from Tbilisi or transfer in Telavi or Akhmeta. The journey takes around 3 hours. If you prefer to travel by car, Nazy can organize a shared or private taxi.

Final thoughts on visiting Georgia

As you can see, Georgia is full of attractions for each taste. I don’t think I know anyone who didn’t enjoy visiting Georgia and I’m sure you will find this fascinating country a top choice for your holidays too. You can find everything there. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a city break, culinary tour, active holidays, or relaxing at the beach, if you are interested in history, culture, nature or architecture – Georgia has it all.

Now that you know what are the best places to visit in Georgia it’s time you book the tickets and plan your trip there.

And if you still have questions about visiting Georgia be sure to join my Facebook group about traveling in Eastern Europe and the former USSR and ask there – this friendly community of fellow travelers seems to know everything! You can join the group here.

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Georgia

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Georgia here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Georgia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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Can’t wait to begin planning our trip to Georgia—with Kami’s great help!

I’m sure you will love it there, Georgia is amazing!

Hello Kami, I am enjoying your excellent and very useful posts. Thank you so much! May I ask when you visited the Gelati monastery? I am planning to go this summer, but heard that it is under the renovation since a few years. In your photo it seems that the renovation is still going on, but do you think if it would still be worthy visiting?

Thank you! I was there before the pandemic. Best would be to contact my friend Emily from the blog https://wander-lush.org/ as she lived in Kutaisi and should have more up to date information about the renovation in Gelati

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28 Top Things to Do in Georgia

From historical sites to hot dogs, the Peach State offers something for every type of traveler.

Getty Images

Wherever your Georgia vacation takes you, you'll find incredible scenery.

Situated smack-dab in the middle of the South, Georgia boasts plenty in the way of Southern charm. But beyond its mouthwatering comfort food and warm hospitality, the Peach State offers visitors tons of attractions to explore. Spend a trip to this Southern gem visiting a recreated Bavarian village, traversing historic battlefields and sampling some of the tastiest hot dogs you can imagine. Read on to discover the top things to do in Georgia.

Centennial Olympic Park

Once host to the 1996 Summer Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park is an iconic destination in downtown Atlanta. Travelers will find playgrounds, tons of green space, Fountain of Rings Plaza, and numerous statues and commemorative markers across the park's 22 acres. Recent visitors said the area is clean and great for kids, adding that there are plenty of places to sit down and even have a picnic. Centennial Olympic Park is also conveniently located among a slew of other attractions within a half-mile, so when you've finished exploring the grounds, head to the popular museums in the Attraction District plaza or check out the College Football Hall of Fame and the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel .

Address: 265 Park Ave. W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

See more of Atlanta:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels

Callaway Resort & Gardens

Courtesy of Callaway Resort & Gardens

No matter the time of year, there's something to see at Callaway Gardens. Located about 40 miles north of Columbus in Pine Mountain, this roughly 2,500-acre destination features gardens, trails for hiking and biking, a large lake, the visitor-favorite butterfly center and more.

During the winter, the gardens draw locals and travelers alike to view the annual Fantasy in Lights display, explore a holiday village, shop for snacks at the Christmas Market and enjoy photo-ops with Santa, among other festive activities. Spring brings vibrant azalea blooms amid the Spring Flower Fest, while summer offers days at Robin Lake Beach, fireworks displays, zip lining, fragrant magnolias and a hot air balloon festival for Labor Day. With fall comes colorful foliage, blooming chrysanthemums and the Steeplechase horse races. Guests can stay right on the property in the main lodge, a cottage or an upscale villa in the woods, though some past visitors cautioned the lodge and cottages need an update.

Address: 17617 U.S. Route 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822

Andersonville National Historic Site

History buffs won't want to miss the Andersonville National Historic Site. Situated about 60 miles east of Columbus in Andersonville, the site is home to the most well-known Civil War prison camp. Travelers can listen to an hourlong self-guided audio tour while driving through the property or explore parts of the nearly 27-acre site on foot. While there, take a walk through Andersonville National Cemetery, a final resting place for U.S. soldiers who died in combat dating back to 1864. Reviewers also recommend the National Prisoner of War Museum and say hiring a guide can be helpful if you want to learn more. Nearby lodging options include Best Western and Hampton Inn outposts in the small town of Americus; a wider variety of accommodations can be found in Columbus.

Address: 496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, GA 31711

Explore the village of Helen

If you're seeking a Georgia getaway with lots of charm, look no further than the replica Bavarian village of Helen. In addition to its cobblestone streets and quaint shops, Helen offers plenty of spots to explore. Sip wine at Habersham Vineyards & Winery (one of the oldest and largest wineries in the state), hike through Unicoi State Park & Lodge, float along the Chattahoochee River and savor German food at local restaurants.

The town also hosts Oktoberfest every year in September and October. Weekdays during the festival tend to be more family-friendly, while weekends play host to college students and tour groups; Sundays offer free admission for everyone. Be sure to book your accommodations – which range from cozy cabins to quaint inns to chain hotels – early, as they do fill up. The luxurious Valhalla Resort Hotel and riverside Loreley Resort are two traveler favorites.

Staying in this tiny alpine town will also give you time to explore the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway, a 40-mile loop full of beautiful mountain views that starts just northwest of Helen and winds through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

Read: The Top Things to Do in Helen, Georgia

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Courtesy of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Atlanta's 42,000-square-foot National Center for Civil and Human Rights is conveniently located across from Centennial Olympic Park, in the same plaza as the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. This museum promises a deep dive into the U.S. civil rights movement and an overview of other human rights struggles worldwide, making it one of the most informative and impactful things to do in Georgia.

The museum is grounded in the history of Atlanta – the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. and home base of two vital civil rights organizations – and its civil rights gallery explores African Americans' fight for racial equality across the nation. Interactive exhibits on the entrance level and upper level allow you to participate in a simulated lunch counter sit-in, watch King's "I Have a Dream" speech and hear oral histories from the Freedom Riders on a reconstructed bus that was firebombed in 1961. The upper level also houses a gallery designed to walk visitors through various human rights campaigns and activists, while the lower level is dedicated to displaying King's personal artifacts and papers.

Visitors marvel at the multimedia experience of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, where news reels and other primary sources bring history to life, and recommend spending around two hours there. Travelers caution, however, that some content – indicated by signage in certain exhibits – may not be appropriate for young children.

Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30313

Stone Mountain Park

At more than 3,200 acres, Stone Mountain Park , the most-visited attraction in Georgia, offers fun for visitors of all ages, including adventure courses, the world's longest-running laser show, a 5-mile railroad excursion, two golf courses and a Swiss cable car that takes travelers to the top of the mountain. The park is particularly known for its massive Confederate Memorial Carving, a 3-acre sculpture of three Civil War figures from the South that measures larger than Mount Rushmore. Amid calls for the monument to be removed, the park board has approved the creation of an on-site museum exhibit, set for completion around 2025, to provide context about the history of the world's largest Confederate monument and its ties to the Ku Klux Klan.

Visitors say they love the park's picturesque hikes and Historic Square, a collection of original 19th-century buildings, but warned there are separate fees for entering the park and enjoying its various attractions. You will have multiple choices for lodging in or near the park, including Stone Mountain Inn, the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort or a campground, but since Stone Mountain Park is less than 20 miles northeast of Atlanta, you can also opt to stay in the city and drive to the attraction.

Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is yet another gem nestled across from Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. With more than 11 million gallons of water, this aquarium is the largest in the Western Hemisphere and home to more than 100,000 aquatic animals, including penguins, whale sharks, manta rays and more. Travelers can even get up close and personal with beluga whales during a training session or suit up to swim with sharks. The aquarium has seven permanent galleries and a 4D theater that plays films about the ocean's magnificent creatures.

Previous visitors raved about this attraction and advised reserving your place at its various shows when you arrive and allowing plenty of time for parking. The aquarium requires you to buy your tickets online in advance. To save some coin, purchase an Atlanta CityPASS and get admission to five city attractions for one set price. Additionally, several hotels offer packages that include tickets to the aquarium, including Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park, Hilton Atlanta , the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and the Hyatt Regency Atlanta .

Address: 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

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Stroll through Savannah

It's no surprise that Savannah, one of the oldest U.S. cities – and perhaps one of the most haunted – is a traveler favorite on any trip to Georgia. This quaint Southern destination is guaranteed to charm visitors with the ubiquitous landmarks and cobblestone streets of its renowned Historic District, complete with 22 park squares including the lively 30-acre Forsyth Park .

While you explore museums and restored 18th-century homes on a walking tour , you can learn about Savannah's antebellum past at North America's oldest continuous Black church or head 15 miles east of downtown to the Fort Pulaski National Monument on Cockspur Island, a former stop along the Underground Railroad. Amid absorbing all this history, take advantage of mouthwatering restaurants like Sisters of the New South, amble through the open-air City Market , stop by the Victorian-era Bonaventure Cemetery and complete your visit to Savannah with a ghost tour .

Consider staying at Andaz Savannah in bustling Ellis Square or The Cotton Sail Hotel Savannah, Tapestry Collection by Hilton , a former cotton warehouse from the 1800s. For a spookier experience, book a room at The Marshall House , a reportedly haunted inn that once housed a Civil War hospital. Past visitors appreciated the property's haunted atmosphere without finding it too creepy to enjoy, with some swearing the lights occasionally turn on and off on their own.

See more of Savannah:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels

World of Coca-Cola

Courtesy of Coca-Cola

Learn the history behind one of the world's most beloved drinks at World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta. Inside, you'll see the Coca-Cola bottling process and the vault where the secret drink recipe is stored. You can also taste Coca-Cola beverages from around the world – a perpetual visitor favorite – and buy soda-themed souvenirs in the gift shop. The museum recommends visitors purchase tickets in advance; the cost of admission increases slightly at the gate. Noteworthy hotels less than half a mile of this attraction, which is located right next to the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park, include the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown and the Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown .

Address: 121 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Sip vino in north Georgia's wine country

Did you know that Georgia has its own wine region? The northern part of the Peach State is home to acclaimed wineries like Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, which sates visitors' appetites for more than just wine with its on-site cafe and Sunday brunch buffet, and Tiger Mountain Vineyards, known for varietals like malbec, cabernet franc and viognier. Many venues – such as Cane Creek Vineyards every Friday – even host live music performances showcasing local artists.

After a wine tour that includes sipping and savoring the wines of northern Georgia, which tend to be on the sweeter side, settle into your cozy abode at Glen-Ella Springs Inn & Restaurant, located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or at Château Élan Winery & Resort , which features a spa, golf and tennis clubs, and other amenities. Visitors describe the latter as a "hidden treasure" with top-notch food and lodging.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Visit MLK's birthplace and childhood home at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in downtown Atlanta. During your visit this free park, you can see the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church – the location of King's baptism, ordainment and funeral – as well as the Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have a Dream" World Peace Rose Garden. To secure a free ranger-led tour of King's Birth Home, you'll need to arrive early in the day to sign up at the Visitor Center, which features informative exhibits, and be prepared to wait several hours. According to previous visitors, the park offers a tranquil and moving atmosphere, especially in its rose garden and by the Eternal Flame and Reflecting Pool, where the crypts of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, are located.

The best options for accommodations close to this historical park, by far one of the most poignant things to do in Georgia, are in central Atlanta. Consider bedding down at Sugar Magnolia Bed & Breakfast or the Home2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Downtown.

Address: 450 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Jekyll Island

Within the Golden Isles on the coast of Georgia lies Jekyll Island, a serene state park that's home to sea turtles, historic ruins and some of Georgia's best beaches . Driftwood Beach is a particular draw for visitors to the island, as the beach's namesake driftwood accentuates its romantic atmosphere and makes it one of the top things to do in Georgia. These gnarled tree trunks and branches create a one-of-a-kind backdrop for a picnic, a stroll along the sand or stargazing – not to mention a perfect playground for kids. The best time to go is at low tide.

Beyond Driftwood Beach you may want to stop by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to see rehabilitation in action or choose from activities such as golfing, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing and much more. History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the 240-acre grounds of the former Jekyll Island Club, now a National Historic Landmark District. You can start with Mosaic, a museum in the historic stables that takes patrons through the island's cultural and natural history, including its Native American and African American roots.

A parking pass is required to access Jekyll Island by vehicle. To wind down after a busy day touring, shopping and dining, choose from an array of accommodation options such as the family-friendly Jekyll Island Club Resort in the Historic District.

Read: The Top Weekend Getaways From Atlanta

Margaret Mitchell House

Courtesy of Atlanta History Center

Take a look inside the life of the acclaimed author of the 1936 classic "Gone With the Wind" at the Margaret Mitchell House . Located in Midtown Atlanta, this Tudor Revival mansion – which is one of several Atlanta History Center attractions – is home to the small apartment where Margaret Mitchell wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning book. The author nicknamed her first-floor abode "The Dump," but the building is now a museum featuring various exhibits about Mitchell and her famous novel. The property is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Guided tours take guests through the complex history surrounding "Gone With the Wind," including its inaccurate depictions of slavery and the Civil War. Visitors praise the Margaret Mitchell House's tour guides, saying they're both well informed and entertaining. Nearby hotels include the Hyatt Centric Midtown Atlanta and the Homewood Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown, GA.

Note: The Margaret Mitchell House was closed for renovations at the time of publication. It is expected to reopen in 2024.

Address: 979 Crescent Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Eat hot dogs at The Varsity

While vacationing in Atlanta, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a delicious hot dog and an order of onion rings at The Varsity. This family-owned local institution opened in 1928 and is considered the world's largest drive-in restaurant. Be sure to come prepared, as before you order you'll need to know the right lingo – like "Heavy Weight" (a hot dog with extra chili), "Walk a Dog" (a hot dog to go) and "Naked Dog" (a plain hot dog). Throw in a signature Varsity Orange drink, and you're all set. While there are now six Varsity locations, including two at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, head to the original restaurant on North Avenue for the authentic experience. Past visitors said this is an absolute must when in Atlanta, for both the onion rings and the nostalgia.

Address: 61 N. Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308.

Read: What to Eat in Atlanta

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Six Flags Over Georgia

Courtesy of Six Flags Over Georgia

Georgia has its share of amusement parks, but Six Flags Over Georgia may top the list. Situated about 10 miles west of Atlanta, this Six Flags location features a variety of rides with themes based on DC Comics characters like Batman and Catwoman. Patrons who want to get their blood pumping should hop on The Great American Scream Machine, a classic wooden roller coaster built in 1973, or The Riddler Mindbender, a steel roller coaster with three exhilarating loops. Six Flags Over Georgia also has a water park with a wave pool and waterslides for the warmer months, plus attractions that are suitable for young kids.

While you can purchase tickets at the gate, you'll save money and time by buying them online ahead of time. Reviewers rave about the rides but warn that lines can be long. Hotels like the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta West/Lithia Springs, the Hampton Inn & Suites ATL-Six Flags and the Comfort Inn Douglasville may offer packages with discounted park tickets.

Address: 275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell, GA 30168

Read: The Best Family Vacations in the USA

St. Simons Island

Another Golden Isles offering, St. Simons Island is the largest of Georgia's barrier islands. This classic Southern landscape, lined with moss-draped live oak trees, also boasts quaint shops, untouched beaches, top-notch fishing, multiple golf courses and an array of other outdoor adventures, so it's easy to see why it's one of the top things to do in Georgia. At Fort Frederica National Monument, archaeological remnants of a British colony tell the story of its defense against Spain, while the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum details more island history. Visitors also recommend wandering the grounds and cemetery at Christ Church, Frederica – one of the oldest churches in Georgia – which is even more beautiful in spring when the azaleas bloom.

Choose The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort for a luxurious stay or the Grey Owl Inn for a charming bed-and-breakfast experience, among many other hotel options on St. Simons Island.

Read: The Best Beaches in the U.S.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Journey about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta to visit Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, a nearly 3,000-acre preserved Civil War battleground from 1864. The park has around 20 miles of trails with monuments, historical markers and cannon emplacements, as well as a fantastic view of the Atlanta skyline from atop Kennesaw Mountain. Check out the on-site museum to peruse artifacts and exhibits related to the Battle of Kennesaw. Visitors say this park, which is open from dawn to dusk daily for a per-vehicle fee, makes for a great place to hike. For an easier trek, take the shuttle bus to the top of the mountain and then hike back down. Hotel options in the nearby city of Marietta include the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlanta–Marietta or the Hampton Inn and Suites Atlanta/Marietta, both less than 10 miles from the park.

Address: 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30152

Midtown Atlanta's Arts District

Courtesy of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best place to immerse yourself in Atlanta's art and culture offerings is in Midtown's Arts District, home to an array of attractions. The Atlanta Botanical Garden , for one, is a sprawling 30-acre site next to Piedmont Park that houses permanent artwork, various exhibitions, and weekly shows and classes alongside its indoor and outdoor plant collections. Kids will love the musical and storytelling performances of the Shows for Seedlings program on Fridays.

After traversing the Atlanta Botanical Garden, art lovers can check out the High Museum of Art less than a mile away. With more than 17,000 works of art ranging from classic to contemporary and events such as Friday jazz nights, the High Museum of Art promises to engage your inner creativity. Other great ways to experience the Arts District include performances at the landmark Fox Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Hall or visits to the Center for Puppetry Arts and the Bremen Jewish Heritage Museum.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Get out and discover Georgia's great outdoors at one of its many state parks. The scenic Cloudland Canyon State Park, which sits on the western side of Lookout Mountain in the northwest part of the state, is a prime spot to hike to the bottom of the gorge and take in magnificent waterfall and canyon views. Families may want to try out a game of disc golf in the park. For overnight stays, Cloudland Canyon offers cottages, campsites and even yurts for a glamping experience. Recent visitors praise the 64 miles of well-maintained hiking trails and recommend arriving early or coming on a weekday; parking, which costs a small fee, can fill up quickly. You'll find the park about 25 miles southwest of Chattanooga, Tennessee , and 120 miles northwest of Atlanta.

Address: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Get artsy at Howard Finster's Paradise Garden

Courtesy of Paradise Garden Foundation

For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, visit Howard Finster's Paradise Garden in Summerville, a town in northwest Georgia that sits less than 20 miles east of the Alabama-Georgia border. This quirky attraction – which features a kitschy display of sculptures, paintings and curious objects developed by its namesake, folk artist Howard Finster – is considered one of the state's top art attractions. Finster, one of the most well-known and prolific self-taught artists of the 20th century, created nearly 47,000 pieces of art in addition to the 2.5-acre Paradise Garden. Travelers describe it as fascinating, inspiring and best enjoyed with comfortable shoes. If you'd like to take the experience to the next level, book a stay at the on-site Airbnb cottage or plan your visit around the annual Finster Fest.

Address: 200 N. Lewis St., Summerville, GA 30747

Roosevelt's Little White House State Historic Site

Courtesy of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

Located in Warm Springs, the Little White House was built by former President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932, as he sought a cure for his polio in the town's spring waters. This house has been preserved alongside a museum filled with the late president's memorabilia, including his 1938 Ford convertible, his stagecoach and the unfinished portrait he was posing for when he suffered a deadly stroke. Much of this attraction is self-guided, but visitors say the staff stationed around the site to answer questions are exceptionally knowledgeable. After exploring the historic property, check out the shops and eateries lining Main Street in Warm Springs before bedding down at the Aiden by Best Western at Warm Springs Hotel and Event Center.

Address: 401 Little White House Road, Warm Springs, GA 31830

View the highly regarded Cyclorama

Cycloramas – large paintings used for a kind of three-dimensional visual storytelling – were a popular form of immersive entertainment in the 1800s. Atlanta's Cyclorama constitutes a more than 130-year-old hand-painted rendering of the 1864 Battle of Atlanta that is longer than a football field and stands almost 50 feet tall. Created in 1886, it is one of only two cycloramas in the U.S. – the other can be found in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – and has been on display in Atlanta for 130 years.

In addition to the painting, the Atlanta History Center's "Cyclorama: The Big Picture" exhibit showcases a short film alongside related artifacts and technology to examine the untold stories of the painting and the ways Civil War imagery has shaped our perspectives. Past visitors loved seeing the massive painting, describing the piece as astounding. Entry to this exhibit is included in Atlanta History Center admission.

Address: 130 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Providence Canyon State Park

Known as Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon," Providence Canyon State Park is colored by pink, orange, red and purple soil. Giant gullies caused by 19th-century farming practices also further the canyon's photogenic appeal today. Popular for both hiking and camping, the park has nine campsites and more than 10 miles of trails, including the 2.5-mile Canyon Loop Trail.

The most popular of the nine canyons are Nos. 4 and 5. Providence Canyon comes alive in July and August when its plumleaf azaleas (a species that only grows in this region) are in full bloom. Keep in mind, though, that the park's daytime temperatures often climb into the 90s in the summer months and make the canyon floor very hot. Daily parking costs a small fee. Providence Canyon State Park is located about 40 miles south of Columbus on the western side of Georgia.

Address: 8930 Canyon Road, Lumpkin, GA 31815

See: The Best Places for National Park Camping

Historic Oakland Cemetery

As Atlanta's oldest public park, the historic Oakland Cemetery is where many of the city's most prominent residents – including author Margaret Mitchell, golfer Bobby Jones and Bishop Wesley John Gaines, who founded Morris Brown College – are laid to rest. The cemetery consists of several distinct areas, including the Jewish Flat, the African American Grounds and the burial grounds for roughly 7,000 Confederate soldiers. Around a mile from downtown, Oakland Cemetery spans 48 acres and also houses gardens with sculptures and majestic oak trees and magnolias. Past visitors highly recommend a visit, noting the interesting tombstones and vast history.

Address: 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Rock City Gardens

Courtesy of Rock City, Inc.

Atop Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia you'll find the natural wonders of Rock City Gardens , a one-of-a-kind attraction just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga. The 4,100-foot Enchanted Trail spotlights ancient rock formations, breathtaking panoramic views, a cascading waterfall and the famous Swing-A-Long Bridge. Visitors will enjoy the valley views from Lover's Leap, where you can dine on the mountain and try to spot seven states with binoculars, or the nursery rhyme dioramas at Mother Goose Village inside Fairyland Caverns.

In addition to more than 400 native plant species, the gardens also feature several art installations inspired by the trail's natural beauty. Rock City charms travelers year-round with music weekends in the summer, the autumn Rocktoberfest, the Enchanted Garden of Lights for the winter holidays and a spring flower festival, among other events. Recent visitors recommend going to Rock City early so you can take your time and your pictures without too much of a crowd.

Address: 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

Cumberland Island

Perhaps best known as the island where John F. Kennedy Jr. wed Carolyn Bessette in a secret ceremony, Cumberland Island boasts more than 17 miles of white sand beaches off the southeastern coast of mainland Georgia. This destination is accessible only by ferry, which departs from the small mainland town of St. Marys, and reservations are recommended. Cumberland Island offers a range of things to do, from tours of the former Carnegie family home and other mansion ruins to outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, swimming, fishing and stargazing.

Visitors suggest biking as one of the best ways to explore the island, as much of the northern half is too far to reach by foot. You can bring your own bike or rent one from the Camden Bicycle Center in St. Marys after calling 24 hours in advance to check availability. Note that bringing a bike on the ferry costs extra, and space is limited so it's best to reserve your spot. If you'd like to stay overnight on the island, you can choose between a campsite and a room at the historic Greyfield Inn, with its antique furnishings and candlelit dinners.

See: The Top Beach Camping Spots in the U.S.

Lake Lanier

As one of Georgia's most popular lakes – and the largest one available in the state – Lake Lanier has 76 recreational areas and spans almost 700 miles of shoreline. The lake, located about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, boasts shores that are home to Don Carter State Park, a more than 1,300-acre state park with beautiful hiking trails, well-maintained campsites and an array of water-related activities, according to previous visitors. Plus, the lake is where you'll find Lanier Islands, a lakefront resort complex that features a water park, a spa and even snow tubing during the winter months.

For lodging amid all this lakefront leisure, stay in one of the resort's upscale guest rooms at Legacy Lodge or Legacy Villas. If you'd rather get the full outdoor experience while visiting one of the top things to do in Georgia, take advantage of the area's abundant campsites or hang out at Lanier Islands' Margaritaville RV Resort, which offers both cabins and sites for recreational vehicles.

See: Top Lake Vacations in the U.S.

Strike it rich at Dahlonega

Courtesy of Georgia Department of Natural Resources

The town of Dahlonega sits on what once were the largest gold deposits east of the Mississippi River. In fact, the site was so rich in the valuable metal it caused a gold rush in the early 1800s, bringing 15,000 miners to the area. In present-day Dahlonega, you can tour a gold mine, pan for gold in the area's creeks and rivers, and visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site, which displays artifacts such as rare coins and a hydraulic cannon used for mining. While the museum may be small, most previous visitors appreciated the informative displays and suggest watching the short film. For accommodations, consider the Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard, a relaxation-focused property with a wine garden and a spa, or the Hall House Hotel, which dates back to 1881.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in Georgia
• The Top Things to Do in Blue Ridge, Georgia
• The Top Things to Do in Augusta, Georgia
• The Top Romantic Getaways in Georgia
• The Top Water Parks in Georgia

Tags: Travel , US Vacations , Southeast Vacations , Georgia Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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The 10 Best Places To Visit In Georgia (Country)

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in georgia, a country located on the edge of europe and asia, you’re in the right place. with almost 30 trips there since 2012, i’ve been to every corner of the country and still find it fascinating. despite its small size, there are many amazing things to do in georgia, from visiting picturesque cities and historic fortresses to vineyards and ski resorts..

Located on the edge of Europe and Asia, the country of Georgia borders Russia to the north, Turkey , and Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the east, and the Black Sea to the west.

Even though most people are not familiar with the country, it’s becoming a popular destination in the past few years. Several airlines have started operating new direct flights to Tbilisi and Kutaisi, especially from Europe and the Middle East.

Best Time To Travel To Georgia

The country of Georgia is a year-round destination. Despite that, spring and fall/autumn are the best times to visit.

Summers in Georgia are very hot, with the capital experiencing temperatures around 86 F (30 C) to 95 F (35 C). This is when the beaches on the Black Sea coast attract locals and visitors from Russia, Ukraine, and neighboring countries. Hotel rooms are also more expensive during this time. During summer, there are also several music festivals around the country, especially in the coastal cities of Batumi and Kobuleti.

Winters are not too cold, especially in larger cities. Winter temperatures in Tbilisi and Batumi, with temperatures in these cities ranging from 32 F (0 C) to 46 F (8 C). It rarely snows in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. On the mountains, however, the temperatures can reach -4 F (-20 C), making it perfect for winter sports.

Georgia’s ski resorts have a good infrastructure, especially Gudauri, the biggest of them all. If you’re traveling to Georgia in winter, make sure to book your accommodation in Gudauri and Bakuriani in advance, to get the best rates.

Georgia Visa Requirements

Visiting georgia visa free.

Georgia’s visa requirements are among the most generous in the world. That’s the reason it’s been attracting a large number of digital nomads from all over the world. Georgia’s visa-free policy offers nationals of several countries the chance to stay for 360 days in the country.

Georgia e-Visa

The Georgian e-visa is offered to citizens of 65 countries, including Indians and Pakistanis. Depending on your nationality, the e-visa allows you to stay in the country between 30 and 90 days at a time.

You will also have to present different documents – again, depending on your nationality. Here you can read more about the Georgia e-via scheme.

The Best Places To Visit in Georgia (Europe)

There are some really amazing places to visit in Georgia and I could write a 100-place-long list. But to be more concise and realistic about what people would do on a first trip to the country, I will show you the most beautiful places that you’re bound to visit in Georgia.

Despite the fact that many believe the country is an adventure or budget travel destination, there are many things to do in Georgia. From mountaineering, skiing, and paragliding to wine tasting, sunbathing on the beach, or just immersing into the country’s rich and unique culture.

1- Tbilisi, The Most Visited City in Georgia

What’s the number one tourist attraction in Georgia? It may be a bit obvious, but let’s start with the capital. But if you were to visit one single place in the country, Tbilisi would be that place.

The Georgian capital is a city that blends historic and modern architecture in such a way that they seem to complement each other. The city was born close to the Mtkvari river, where the sulfur bath district is.

Among the places to visit in Georgia’s capital, you can’t miss the buzzy Rustaveli Avenue, with its large neo-classic and art-nouveau buildings, the parliament, and the Opera House. Ride the cable car to visit Narikala Fortress, nestled atop a hill with fantastic views of the city. Have a drink at Fabrika, a multi-purpose place that includes a cool hostel, bars, restaurants, and lots of street art. For more places to visit in the city, check out this post .

Tbilisi also has a good selection of great accommodation, you can see some of the best in this article . You can also follow my 2-day Tbilisi itinerary and check out the city’s best restaurants .

Also: Transport from Tbilisi Airport to the city center

2- Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

The small town of Kazbegi is surrounded by mountains and is one of the best places to visit in Georgia any time of the year.

Located 96 miles (155 kilometers) from Tbilisi, at the final part of the Georgian Military Road , which connects the capital to Russia, the town offers great hikes in the surrounding mountains in spring and summer. The town is popular with tourists on day trips from Tbilisi , but it deserves at least one full day and night.

The main attraction in Kazbegi is its setting. The mountain views are spectacular. Especially if you have a hotel room with views of the Gergeti Church and the majestic Mount Kazbegi, the second tallest mountain in Georgia. You can also hike or ride a 4×4 to see the church. From there, you’ll also be amazed by the beautiful views of the valley with the small town down below.

3- Mtskheta, The Old Georgian Capital

Mtskheta is another small town worth visiting when in Georgia . Located 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) from Tbilisi city center, it’s an easy morning or afternoon trip that I highly recommend.

Mtskheta is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage sites in Georgia. In fact, the town is the main religious destination in the whole of Georgia, with many Georgian couples choosing to have their wedding ceremony at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The cathedral is home to many important relics and was built on a site selected by St Nino.

Apart from the cathedral, you can also drive up to the Jvari Monastery, perched atop a hill with fantastic views over the city. Seeing Jvari from the road or from Mtskheta itself is already a special sight. There is also a small market near the cathedral selling paintings and handicrafts by local artists, local snacks, and plenty of restaurants.

4- Ananuri Fortress

Ananuri Fortress is another attraction on the Georgian Military Highway, 27 miles (44 kilometers) from Mtskheta. It was the castle of the Duchy of Aragvis, built in the 6th century.

It’s often visited as a stopover between Tbilisi and Kazbegi but deserves a visit in its own right. The setting, by a dam on the Aragvi River , makes it the perfect postcard picture. So much so, that Lonely Planet used it as the cover of one of its travel guides.

5- Gudauri, The Main Ski Resort

Also located along the Georgian Military Highway, Gudauri is more famous as Georgia’s largest ski resort. In the winter season, it becomes a lively place with skiers from Georgia and neighboring countries enjoying the snow and the ski pistes.

While in winter, the hotel rooms in Gudauri get booked up fast, in the rest of the year there are fewer tourists around. Those who do come will enjoy mountain hikes, horseback riding, and paragliding. Don’t miss out on a stop at the iconic Monument to the Georgian and Russian Friendship, built in the early 1980s. The views from there are also second to none.

6- Kutaisi, The Alternative Gateway To Georgia

The third biggest city in the country, Kutaisi has become one of the main ports of entry to Georgia, with low-cost flights from all over Europe and the Middle East. Although many travelers just use the city as a point of arrival and departure, don’t let yourself be fooled. Kutaisi is one of the top places to visit in Georgia.

The city center is dominated by old charming houses, but the main attraction in Kutaisi is the beautiful Prometheus Caves, located 13.5 miles (21.6 kilometers) away. The many stalactites and stalagmites are enhanced by smart lighting that makes exploring the caves even more interesting.

Other places worth visiting are the Bagrati Cathedral, the Gelati Monastery complex, the futuristic Georgian Parliament Building, and the local vegetables market.

7- Batumi, Georgia’s Must-Visit Beach Resort

Batumi is the second most visited city in Georgia, l ocated on the Black Sea shores.  This is where local and international tourists come to spend the summer months, with accommodation in Batumi going at a premium this time of the year.

There are people sunbathing on the pebble beach, cycling along the New Boulevard, or gambling in one of the many casinos. Yes, Batumi is kind of a Las Vegas of the Black Sea but has ambitions of being the region’s Dubai.

The city’s skyline is filled with skyscrapers and there are also plans to construct a smaller version of Dubai’s The Palm complex. But the city also has a small historic area in the city center, with many large houses and mansions that give you an idea of what it used to look like in the old days.

It’s located 233 miles (375 kilometers) from the capital and here I show you how to get to Batumi from Tbilisi and back.

8- Sighnaghi, One of the Prettiest Places in Georgia

Also known as The City of Love, Signhaghi is located in the Kakheti region, also known as the main wine-producing region in Georgia.

What is the prettiest place in Georgia? Some people dare say that it’s Sighnaghi. With its cobblestone streets, restored old houses with colorful wooden balconies, ancient fortress, and valley views, the city is another popular day trip destination.

The Bobde Monastery is located just over one mile (1.6 kilometers) from the town center and is also worth visiting. Don’t forget to try some great local wine , especially the one produced by Pheasant’s Tears winery.

9- David Gareja Monastery

David Gareja Monastery is among the places to visit in Georgia that you can’t miss. Also located in the Kakheti region, a visit to the monastery can be combined with a vineyard tour.

Situated 62 miles (100 kilometers) from Tbilisi, this rock-hewn Orthodox monastery was built in the 6th century. The complex includes many chapels, churches, cells, chapels, and sleeping quarters. Some of the small cells have ancient frescoes, some of which are very well preserved.

Part of the monastery is right on the Georgia-Azerbaijan border and you can stand right on the small markings with one foot in each country.

See Also: The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Israel

Gori is a small city located 53.5 miles (86 kilometers) from Tbilisi. The city’s historical part has been recently renovated, bringing back the beauty of the old houses and wood-carved balconies. The city also has a medieval fortress on the hilltop.

What makes it one of the best places to visit in Georgia, however, is its main attraction, the (in)famous Stalin Museum . This is where Joseph Stalin, the ruthless Soviet ruler was born. In the museum patio, you will see the small house where Ioseb Dzhugashvili (his original Georgian name) was born and lived, as well as his personal train carriage, which he used from 1941 onwards on trips that included those to the Yalta and Tehran Conferences. and where he traveled from Moscow.

As I mentioned, there are many things to do in Georgia and I could go on and on. The country is becoming an ever so popular destination, so I highly recommend you to.

Pedro has travelled to almost 120 countries and has made his nest in London. He has also lived in Spain, Australia, the US, Georgia and Turkey. A former hotel management professional, he loves exploring local cultures, is now learning his 8th language and has a soft spot for the Middle East and the CIS countries.

Home » Travel Guides » Georgia (Country) » 15 Best Places to Visit in Georgia

15 Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Unmatched in its mountain scenery, undeterred by its tumultuous past, the nation of Georgia is now seriously on the up, attracting travelers from both Europe and Asia (continents it straddles neatly on the Caucasus Mountains) and touting everything from the snow-tipped peaks of Svaneti to shimmering beaches on the Black Sea. Here, we take a look at the spots every visitor to Georgia should be sure to have on their bucket list. Enjoy.

1. Tusheti National Park

Cascading down the northern edges of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, right on the cusp of Russia and Chechnya, the Tusheti National Park is the historic home of the eponymous Tush peoples. It’s also breathtaking in the extreme; big on relief and made up largely of soaring peaks and grass-clad hills.

There are few roads in sight, and the villages that can be found nestled amidst the misty mountaintops are historic, brick-built affairs like Dartlo, which can be seen protruding almost organically from the Georgian lands, encompassed in rural sheep farms (the region is particularly famous for its wool and cheeses) and swathes of spruce forests to boot.

The great up-and-coming capital of this up-and-coming country, Tbilisi is the nerve centre of Georgia’s drive towards modernity. It’s also a town steeped in history, making it a great place to explore the republic’s fine balance of the old and the new. The city sprawls out along the ridges that bubble about the banks of the Mtkvari River.

The district of Old Tbilisi forms its heart; a medley of mysterious Byzantine churches, timber balconies and the occasional piece of striking modern art (check out Sioni Street). Above, draped over the hills, the mighty precipices, cathedral tops and bulwarks of Narikala stand firm, while well-to-do Vake district babbles with public fountains and pretty parks.

While Borjomi may still be best known as the source of its namesake mineral water – a salty, uber-frizzante concoction that was beloved by Georgia’s onetime Soviet masters – the city of today has plenty more to offer than just its sulphuric, volcanic springs. For one, the setting is magnificent, with the town plugged neatly between the ridges of the Borjomi Gorge. Then there’s the elegant faces of Russian imperial architecture, painted in pretty yellows an ochres and abutting neatly up to the fountains and grassy lawns of the city park.

What’s more, the mysterious Green Monastery lurks just on the edge of town, encompassed by primeval forests and oozing with dark tales of monkish massacres from the Middle Ages.

Cut and carved meticulously into the sandy rock faces that rise like phalanxes against the meanders of the Mtkvari River in the deep Georgian south, Vardzia remains without question one of the most dramatic sights to behold in the country. It’s estimated that the various tiers of monolith churches, caves and shrines seen here were inhabited from at least the middle of the 12th century, when the dynatstic kings of the Bagrationi are thought to have commissioned the first constructions on the sheer-cut edge of Mount Erusheti.

The real must-see, however, remains the glorious Church of the Dormition; a rock-carved shrine which displays an enthralling montage of murals and iconostasis that fuse Oriental, Byzantine and Romanesque styles alike.

5. Mtskheta

Situated just a short ride out of the capital of Tbilisi, UNESCO-attested Mtskheta clutches the low-lying banks of the Aragvi River confluence. Hailed for its countless Christian sites and importance as one of the nerve centres of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the town draws huge crowds throughout the year.

They come to see the beautiful rises and magnificent frescoes of the great Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which stands as one of the finest examples of medieval Georgian religious architecture and a revered pilgrimage site for Georgians right across the country, or the Jvari Monastery on the hill, soaring high above Mtskheta – a curious mix of tetraconch architecture, Hellenistic, Byzantine and Georgian styles hidden between its apses.

Shrouded by the snow-mantled peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, deep in the legendary lands of Svaneti, the various hamlets and dabas (small historic towns) of Mestia rarely fail to draw a gasp. They are instantly recognisable thanks to their stone-clad, square-cut Svan towers, which rise majestically from between the groves of chestnut and birch here, oozing with centuries of Georgian history and culture.

Today, this ancient cluster of UNESCO-tagged villages is really on the up, with a new airport bringing new guesthouses and more and more people weaving between the striking architectural pieces of Lekhtagi and Lagami (two of the most attractive small centres). Others come to hit the Chalaadi glacier and hike the trails to massive Mountain Ushba in the distance.

Set more than 2,000 meters above the low valleys that carve their way through the heart of the Greater Caucasus range on the edge of northern Georgia, Gudauri has risen and risen in recent years to establish itself as the country’s prime winter sports destination and also a fine alternative to the bustling ski fields of the Alps. Skiers and boarders here enjoy a relatively snow-sure set of pistes that range from 22 kilometers of blue beginner runs to a welcome 10 kilometers of challenging black runs.

What’s more, the season runs well into April and new investments mean the lifts are all speedy Doppelmayr ones. The resort is also hailed as one of the world centres for Heliskiing – if that’s your sort of thing!

8. Lake Ritsa

First-time travelers to Georgia could be forgiven for thinking that the shimmering waters of Lake Ritsa, set deep in a valley of the Caucasus Mountains and surrounded by verdant dashes of buxus and Nordman firs, had been plucked straight from the Austrian Alps or the Rockies of British Columbia. But no, this picture-perfect alpine retreat between the mountains of Abkhazia (a separatist section of the country that buts up to the Black Sea in the north-west) really is in Georgia.

The lake and the surrounding forests are great for hikers looking to delve into one of the less-trodden natural reaches here, while boating and wild swimming in the icy waters are also favourite pastimes.

The kingpin of the Georgian east makes its home between the sloping foothills of the Tsiv-Gombori. Boasting a history of more than 2,000 years, Telavi was shaped by the Romans, the Kakheti kings, the Georgian monarchs and the Russian tsars alike. That means a unique array of architectural pieces to discover, going from the formidable bulwarks of the Dzveli Galavani, left over from the region’s dynastic rulers in the 9th century, to the Batonis Tsikhe, a testimony to the late medieval period that blossomed here.

Other travelers will wonder at the 45-meter high sycamore tree, whose sinewy 900-year-old trunk really is a sight to behold, and the Alaverdi Monastery, sat between the mountains just on the edge of the town.

10. Stepantsminda

The icy tendrils and muscular ridges of Mount Kazbek dominate the horizon around breathtaking Stepantsminda; a town at once remote and wild that can be found nestled deep between the Caucasus ridges in Mtskheta-Mtianeti.

Along the massifs of Kazbek just above the city, it’s possible to spy out the glistening caps of the Kuru and Shino glaciers, two of the natural wonders that have helped to catapult Stepantsminda to the forefront of Georgia’s ecotourist and adventure travel boom. Expect hiking opportunities aplenty, along with a whole host of other adrenaline-pumping pursuits, from hang-gliding over the tips of the great Holy Trinity Church to rafting and rock climbing.

11. Zugdidi

A fine stepping stone for further explorations in Svaneti, the Samegrelo region, the Georgian Black Sea coast and the autonomous region of Abkhazia, Zugdidi is shrouded by the serrated ridges of the Greater Caucasus just south of where the mountains claim the land.

A relatively new town (at least as Georgia’s wealth of ancient and medieval centres goes), this regional capital is home to the elegant facades and enthralling architectural exhibitions of the Dadiani Palace, which rises in beautiful crenulations against the flowing waters of the Chkhoushi River right in the heart of the centre. Others will come to seek a spot of adventure in the Martvili Canyon, or hit the famous hot springs that lurk in the hinterlands close to the city.

12. Ushguli

A string of five villages deep in the heart of the majestically beautiful Svaneti region, Ushguli bears its UNESCO tag with pride. Set between fields of cattle and crooked farmsteads more than 2,000 meters above sea level, the site encompasses towns like Zhibiani and Chazhashi, which pepper the grass plains below the shimmering ice of the Shkhara glacier like ancient relics strewn haphazardly amidst the Georgian highlands.

The spot is also home one fascinating ethnography museum, and is known as the place where Georgia’s national treasures were hidden away during times of national conflict and strife.

13. Sighnaghi

Dressed like a Tuscan hilltop town above the verdant reaches of the Alazani valley, Sighnaghi really does live up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful towns in the country. A sea of cascading red-tiled roofs are what mark it out against the Caucasus glaciers on the horizon, while winding streets of cobblestone and painted timber bungalows showcase the traditional 19th-century Georgian style that continues to flourish here.

Be sure to tour the bulwarks of the crumbling town wall and its 23 towers, wonder at the stupa-like spire of the St Giorgi church and discover the revered pilgrimage sites of the Bodbe Convent.

Neon lights and bustling seaside promenades, soaring high-rises and the pulse of modernity are what set Batumi of the Black Sea firmly apart from Georgia’s wealth of ancient and medieval towns. But despite its stylish edge, Batumi is actually one of the oldest cities in the country, with roots going back to the age of ancient Greek colonialism.

Relics of that long-gone history still do lurk here, at spots like the Gonio-Apsarosi Fortress and between the rooms of the archaeology museum, though only amidst a shiny, steely new dash of condos and industry that’s come with Batumi’s place as the Georgian port city elect. Of course, nightlife is big, coalescing in Georgian wine bars and cafes along the beachside Boulevard.

15. Uplistsikhe

Remote and lonely on the hills of Shida Kartli, Uplistsikhe is thought to have once been one of the major political and economic centres of the Kingdom of Kartli, which dominated the heartlands of the Caucasus around the year zero. Today, and visitors who come here can discover an almost organic protrusion of the beige-brown hills Uplistsikhe is settled on; a series of monolith cave dwellings and winding staircases hewn deep into the rock.

Crowning the site is a somewhat anachronistic cathedral complex, which dates from the 10th century (after the Christianisation of Georgia) and commands sweeping views of the eastern plains.

15 Best Places to Visit in Georgia:

• Tusheti National Park
• Stepantsminda
• Uplistsikhe

©Maya Karkalicheva/Getty Images

Having gone from backpacker secret to mainstream darling in just a decade, Georgia today is by far the most visited country in the South Caucasus, and it’s easy to see why: its rich culture and astonishingly diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for anyone loving history and nature on the grandest of scales.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Gelati Monastery

Western Georgia

This Unesco World Heritage–listed monastery complex, on a wooded hillside 8km northeast of Kutaisi, is an outstanding example of Golden Age architecture…

Udabno Monastery

Davit Gareja

Less of a monastery than a series of cave-hewn chapels, Udabno runs along a steep escarpment looking down to grassy plains in Azerbaijan. While many caves…

The remarkable cave city of Vardzia is both a cultural symbol and a spectacular natural phenomenon with a special place in Georgian hearts. King Giorgi…

Tsminda Sameba Church

Stepantsminda

This 14th-century church 2200m above Stepantsminda has become almost a symbol of Georgia for its incomparably photogenic hilltop setting with mighty Mt…

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Southern Georgia

This extraordinary (and for its time, enormous) building dates from the 11th century, early in the golden age of Georgian church architecture. It has an…

Shatili Old Town

Great Caucasus

This magnificent agglomeration of koshkebi (defensive watchtowers) and atmospheric slate houses packed tightly together on a steep hillside to create one…

Uplistsikhe

This once enormous cave city sits 10km east of Gori above the north side of the Mtkvari River. Between the 6th century BC and 1st century AD, Uplistsikhe…

Stalin Museum

This impressively designed museum makes no serious attempt to present a balanced account of Stalin's career or deeds. It remains, much as when it opened…

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Georgia and beyond

10 must-see places when you visit Georgia

Georgia on your mind?

If you’re looking for something extra-special, look no further. From the peaks of the Caucasus mountains to Kakheti’s rolling semi-deserts, the stony Black Sea coastline to Imereti’s lush inland forests, there’s a landscape and a slew of activities that go with it to suit just about every taste.

Add to this a vivid history of kingdoms and conquest, plus a progressive arts and food scene, and there’s a serious case to be made for Georgia’s towns and cities, too.

It’s true: In this traveller’s humble opinion, Georgia might just be the perfect all-rounder. To help you experience the best of what the country has to offer, here are 10 essential spots to you need to explore.

Discover our Georgia Trips

The top 10 places to visit in Georgia

Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi, is a hybrid of different influences. The religion, the culture, the food, the vernacular architecture and the very way of life here is all fundamentally Georgian. If you have no idea what that means, you’ll have a wonderful time finding out.

The tumbledown courtyards and elegant balconies of the old town. Abanotubani’s Turkish-style domed baths and right next door, Betlemi Street, Tbilisi’s Jewish quarter. Provocative street art, and a fashion and electronic music scene that is coming into its own. From Bangkok-style food markets to Parisian-style boulevards, Georgia’s biggest city offers up an enticing blend of East and West. Spend at least a few days getting to know Tbilisi, an up-and-coming capital to keep an eye on.

RELATED: 8 MUST-TRY GEORGIAN DISHES TO EAT IN TBILISI

Just three hours north of Tbilisi via the spectacular Georgian Military Highway, Kazbegi (also known by its new name, Stepantsminda) has long been a popular high-altitude retreat. If you’re on a tight timeline, it’s the perfect place to get a taste for Georgia’s dramatic mountain scenery without straying too far from the city.

The small town of Kazbegi is encircled by the surreal, perennially snow-capped Greater Caucasus mountains. Gergeti Trinity Church – perched over Kazbegi at 2,000m above sea level – is a must-see. Outside of winter, you can reach the church on a two-hour climb through alpine meadows. For the more intrepid, there are plenty of single and multi-day hikes that push deeper into the mountains and glaciers along the Russian border.

Back in town, relax at a homestay or treat yourself to a suite at Rooms Kazbegi, a former Soviet spa that has been transformed into Georgia’s premier boutique hotel.

In case you didn’t know, wine is kind of a big deal in Georgia – one of the first countries in the world to pioneer viniculture. Georgian wine is made by fermenting whole grapes (stems, skins and all) in an underground clay vessel called a qvevri . After a few days in Kakheti, Georgian wine country, you’ll be very familiar indeed with this unusual technique and the distinctive vino it yields.

Base yourself in historic Sighnaghi, a charming town protected by high stone walls and watchtowers. Organise a driver and trace your way between dozens of wineries and cellar doors, including favourites Kindzmarauli and Shumi. The impressive Khareba winery consists of a series of long tunnels cut into a mountainside. It was supposed to be a bomb shelter; turns out the natural climate control creates the perfect conditions for storing wine!

Wine and worship go hand in hand in Kakheti. The area is also famous for its churches perched proudly on mountain tops, including Gremi and Nekresi Monastery.

Lagodekhi Protected Areas

Located at the tripoint of Georgia’s Kakheti region, Azerbaijan and Dagestan (Russia), the Lagodekhi Protected Areas cover 24,000-hectares of pristine forest and prime hiking territory.

Georgia’s oldest nature reserve includes beech forests and alpine zones and is home to East Caucasian tur and brown bears. Of the four hiking trails (Black Grouse Waterfall, Ninoskhevi Waterfall, Machi Fortress and Black Rock Lake), the latter is the park’s main drawcard. The 50km circuit can be completed in three days, sleeping in shelters along the way. The lake itself is shared between Georgia and Russia; you don’t need a visa, but you will need to carry your passport in case you’re approached by border patrol. All trails are weather dependent so make sure you do your research and check in with the visitor centre in Lagodekhi before setting off.

Georgia’s position at the crossroads of Asia and Europe has meant living under the constant threat of invasion. In centuries past, Georgians looked to cloisters and hidden settlements for protection – none of them more impressive than Vardzia, a colossal self-sufficient ‘cave village’ in the country’s south.

Set on the slopes of Erusheti Mountain, Vardzia was constructed in the 12 th century by locals seeking sanctuary from invading Mongols. In its heyday, Vardzia stretched for 500m and was 13 tiers high, boasting more than 6,000 individual grotto apartments, an irrigation system, a church, and a throne room for Queen Tamar, the monarch who decreed this incredible feat of engineering. Most of the complex was destroyed by an earthquake less than a century after it was finished, but much of the stone architecture can still be seen and appreciated today.

If you’re not one to shy away from dark tourism, pay a visit to the hometown of one of Georgia’s most notorious exports, Joseph Stalin. The infamous leader of the Soviet Union was born and raised in Gori, less than 100km east of Tbilisi. Unlike just about everywhere else in Georgia, in Gori, the former dictator is not entirely hated.

One of the first things you see after arriving in Gori is a massive Stalin poster advertising the local grocery store. The eponymous main avenue still bears Stalin’s name, as does the city park and a number of civic buildings. The zenith of Gori’s Stalin subculture is the Joseph Stalin Museum, an institution wholly dedicated to preserving his memory through photographs, documents and memorabilia. On the grounds of the Museum is the wooden house where Stalin was born and the personal armoured train carriage he used later in life. Tour guides do a suspiciously good job of glossing over the gory aspects of Stalin’s reign in favour of portraying him as a benevolent leader.

RELATED:  5 NEW UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES WORTH A VISIT 

Another blast from Georgia’s Soviet past, Chiatura was once a thriving industrial town where 60% of the world’s manganese was mined. Now a shadow of its former self, Chiatura is a wonderfully off-beat destination that you won’t find listed in your Lonely Planet.

Its main attraction is the network of ancient cable cars that crisscross the deep valley. ‘Stalin’s ropeway’ as it’s sometimes called was constructed on the leader’s orders in 1954 to improve productivity in the mines. Seventeen separate cable cars linked Chiatura’s colourful apartment buildings and marketplace with mines set high above the town. Incredibly, a handful of the original cars are still running today. The rusted cables may inspire fear in the most seasoned of travellers, but if you can muster the courage, a jaunt on Stalin’s ropeway is an unforgettable experience (ride at your own risk!).

Chiatura is best visited as a day trip from Kutaisi. If travelling by marshrutka (public minibus), ask the driver to stop at Katskhi pillar on the way so you can take a look at this most unusual monastery.

Martvili Canyon

The lush, forested landscapes of Georgia’s western Imereti, Adjara and Svaneti regions are a sharp contrast to the country’s east. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the waterfalls, caves and canyons around Kutaisi.

Okatse Canyon is famous for its ropewalk that rises 140 meters above the valley floor. The nearby Martvili Canyon is lesser-known but every bit as impressive. Mossy and overgrown, this exquisite landscape of countless shades of green was once revered as a site of Pagan worship, and later used as private baths for the noble Dadiani family. Today you can tour Martvili by foot on the paths and pretty bridges that interlace over the canyon – or better still, jump in a canoe and paddle down the waterway for a closer look at the rock formations and trickling waterfalls.

Batumi, Georgia’s Black Sea resort town and the capital of the autonomous Adjara region, is commonly thought of as a mecca for gamblers and sun worshippers. Much more ostentatious than other parts of the country, it’s not for everyone; but Batumi has its own peculiar charm.

The architecture is imaginative and downright whacky – from Alphabet Tower, an homage to the Georgian mother tongue, to a world-famous McDonalds and the Disneyland-esque Europe Square with its belle époque facades. Batumi is home to the stunning Orta Jame mosque (around 30% of Adjarians are Muslim), a great international restaurant scene, two lively local markets and the world’s second-largest botanical garden. One of the best things to do is rent a bicycle and cycle along the promenade. If you’re up for a challenge, you can negotiate the 16km water-front ride all the way down to the Turkish border crossing at Sarpi.

The ancestral home of the Svans – an ethnic group who have dwelled in Georgia’s mountains since time immemorial – Svaneti is where you’ll encounter some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery and unique cultural experiences.

Set in sheltered valleys, Svaneti’s remote hamlets are characterised by their stone towers. These aren’t fortresses but in fact family homes, a few of which are still occupied today. Mestia, Svaneti’s main centre, has great tourist infrastructure and a delightful ethnography museum. From here, you can embark on hikes around the region, including a popular three-to-four-day trek to Ushguli – by some measures, the highest village in Europe. The perilous cliff road that connects Mestia and Ushgul is not for the faint hearted, but when open, makes it possible to visit Ushguli as a day trip.

Ready to eperience Georgia’s highlights for yourself? You need an  Intrepid small group adventure ! 

Words and images by  Emily Lush , you can follow her travels at  @emily_lush

Feature image: Shutterstock 

Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Emily left her job as a magazine journalist in 2015 with the dream of travelling and living overseas for as long as possible. In between stints working for NGOs in Thailand, Cambodia and now Vietnam, she likes to travel to unusual and off-beat destinations. Emily has a passion for learning about different cultures through textiles, crafts and handmade objects, and often writes stories on these topics for her own website, wander-lush.org.

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14 Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Written by Bryan Dearsley Apr 15, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The Peach State, as Georgia's affectionately known, is home to some of the best places to visit in the South. From its larger cities , like Atlanta, Columbus, and Augusta, to its many picturesque small towns , there's no end of fun travel experiences to include on your Georgia travel itinerary.

Whether you're visiting for a day trip from out of state or are here for a weekend getaway , there are so many destinations worthy of a visit that it can be a little difficult figuring out where to start.

One surefire way of making the most of your time in Georgia is to use one of the top destinations featured in our list below as a base from which to explore. Atlanta is certainly a good choice for tackling the North Georgia Mountains , while Savannah is perfect for those wanting to explore the Georgia coastal area. And those wanting to explore central Georgia would do well to visit Athens or Macon, both of which are featured on our list.

To help you plan your visit to the Peach State, here's our list of the best places to visit in Georgia.

1. Savannah

3. blue ridge, 4. tybee island, 6. jekyll island, 7. columbus, 10. chattahoochee river national recreation area, 11. augusta, 12. st. simons island, 13. ellijay, 14. tallulah gorge state park, map of places to visit in georgia.

Located on Georgia's east coast, where the Savannah River spills into the Atlantic, the city of Savannah offers plenty of fun things to do for visitors. If it's your first time visiting what's widely regarded as one of the prettiest cities in the South if not the USA, you'll want to start your adventure at the riverfront.

The area was already impressive before the recent opening of the Plant Riverside District , which has nearly doubled the footprint of the River Street historic area. Here, you'll find everything from charming Savannah resorts and hotels in exquisitely preserved old warehouses to boutique shops and galleries and a wide variety of restaurants in which to enjoy great Southern dishes.

Once you're finished exploring the riverfront, head a few blocks south to the Savannah Historic District , the biggest National Historic Landmark District in the US . Here, you'll easily spend a few hours exploring more than 20 blocks chock-full of preserved churches, fascinating museums and art galleries, and those famous Savannah city squares.

And a word to the wise: while you can get this city covered in a day, try to allow more time if you can, as there's just so much to see here. But if you are pressed for time, consider purchasing the handy Savannah Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour , which takes in most of the city's top tourist attractions, at least from the outside.

Georgia's capital city, Atlanta is a perfect destination for those who enjoy world-class attractions. And it's a big city. With a population of nearly 500,000, locals and visitors alike have a vast array of places to visit and points of interest to explore.

A good place to start is Pemberton Place . This 20-acre site is an easy 20-minute stroll from downtown Atlanta and features a number of top attractions in one handy location. Here, you'll find the must-visit Georgia Aquarium, home to one of the world's largest tanks; the World of Coca Cola; and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Directly opposite this important urban hub is Centennial Olympic Park . Site of Atlanta's Summer Olympic Games in 1996, this 22-acre public park is also fun to wander. Highlights include enjoying the spectacle of the park's dancing fountain, the Fountain of Rings. Watching this colorful display of water spouts synchronized to music is definitely one of the top things to do in Atlanta at night. Also fun at night is riding the SkyView Ferris wheel, a 20-story ride that offers superb views over the city.

Atlanta is also famous as the home town of Martin Luther King Jr ., who grew up here. You'll want to visit the Center for Nonviolent Social Change, dedicated to his memory and work for the civil rights movement.

Another influential figure with a presence here is US President Jimmy Carter. The Carter Center is not only set in an extremely attractive garden-like setting, it pays tribute to the former president's tenure in office.

Those wanting to get a taste of life in the beautiful Georgia Mountains couldn't do much better than pay a visit to the community of Blue Ridge. Named for its location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this small town has proven to be a big draw for day trippers, vacationers, and a large seasonal population, all here for the same reasons: the stunning scenery and mountain country living.

Whether you're here for a few hours or a few days, one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery is aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway . More than 800,000 passengers descend upon the town each year to partake in the views from its carriages as they travel along 26 miles of track. If you're riding in early spring or late fall, both good times to see the surrounding countryside, opt for the enclosed cabin upgrade for additional comfort.

The railway's station is located in the heart of the town, between West and East Main Streets, so be sure to allow time to explore the downtown core before or after your trip.

Blue Ridge is also considered a great place for a romantic weekend getaway in Georgia. If that sounds like you, you couldn't do much better than booking a night or two at the historic Blue Ridge Inn . Built for the railway's founder in the 1800s, this charming bed and breakfast features classy rooms just a stroll away from the downtown area.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Blue Ridge, GA

Less than 30 minutes' drive from the historic center of Savannah, Tybee Island is one of the best places to visit in Georgia for those seeking an ocean-side day trip, weekend getaway, or even a longer vacation at a family-friendly resort. Tucked away in the state's northeastern corner, Tybee Island boasts over three miles of clean, sandy beaches with shallow water that are perfect for younger kids.

Adding to the list of fun things to do on Tybee Island are wildlife-spotting trips to the nearby marshes, and dolphin watching cruises guaranteed to thrill all ages. Other popular outdoor activities include kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as surfing, swimming, and fishing.

Notable attractions on Tybee Island include Cockspur Island Lighthouse and old Fort Screven. For great views over the area, make the climb to the top of the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum.

Home to the state's university, Athens is definitely one of the best places to visit in Georgia for its cultural activities. Many of the top cultural attractions here are associated with the university, including the Georgia Museum of Art and the Georgia Museum of Natural History.

These and other attractions, such as Sanford Stadium, can be explored as part of a great walking tour of the university. You can actually start your self-guided sightseeing tour from the University of Georgia Visitor Center, taking in the campus sights and even walking along a series of nature trails.

If you're not done walking, head to Downtown Athens. While a 40-minute walk, you'll have a chance to see the first buildings erected when the university was founded in the early 1800s. The downtown area is also where you'll find the city's best shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as numerous surviving examples of classic Antebellum architecture.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Athens, GA

Jekyll Island, in the southeastern corner of the state, is another coastal destination that's well worth including on your list of places to visit in Georgia. It's an especially popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, especially kayakers.

If that sounds like you, head for 4-H Tidelands Nature Center. Located next door to Summer Waves water park, which is also fun to visit, this popular attraction offers a variety of fun kayak tours suitable for all levels of experience. The Sea Turtle Center, which focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating turtles and other marine species, is also well worth a visit.

Stretching along some 10 miles of coastline, the seven excellent Jekyll Island beaches are also a big draw. The most popular spots are Driftwood Beach; Glory Beach; and for birders, St. Andrew's Beach Park.

Located two-hour's drive south of Atlanta, the city of Columbus possesses what must be one of the most impressive riverfronts in Georgia. It starts at the Columbus Riverfront Industrial Historic District to the north of the downtown core and connects with the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Fort Benning to the south. Walking or biking this 15-mile paved Chattahoochee RiverWalk route is certainly a memorable experience.

The Chattahoochee River is quite rugged in places, adding to the scenic splendor, and can also be enjoyed by kayakers and rafters. If you don't have your own kayak or raft, fret not. Rentals are available from RushSouth Whitewater Park and White Water Adventure , both located just steps away from the river. Options are available for all levels of experience, as well as for gentler tubing experiences.

It's also easy to get to the downtown area from the river walk. Referred to by the trendy name of Uptown Columbus , it's here you'll enjoy great shopping and dining experiences, along with entertainment options at historic Springer Opera House and the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Columbus, GA

Come springtime, Macon features one of the most colorful displays of blossoms in the South. Located in central Georgia, Macon is home to well over 350,000 cherry trees, which erupt with spectacular displays of color each March.

This incredible sight is celebrated with the International Cherry Blossom Festival , held in mid-March in the city's downtown area. While much of the action centers on Carolyn Crayton Park , including live music, food trucks, and numerous vendors, it's easy to walk to the downtown core just a 15-minute stroll away to enjoy even more activities. It's certainly a pretty spot, and features so many examples of heritage buildings that the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Sites .

Whatever time of year you visit, you'll want to experience some of the city's other top things to do . Highlights include Tubman Museum , with its displays of artworks by African American artists, and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. The park is the site of ancient burial grounds, and offers plenty of great walking trails.

The small town of Helen is where Georgia residents travel when the urge to see a little bit of Europe strikes. Although established in 1913, the town, facing lean times, completely reinvented itself a few decades later, literally transforming itself into a unique Bavarian-themed village.

It turned out to be a savvy move. Today, Helen is one of the most popular places to visit in Georgia for fun day trips and weekend getaways, drawing especially large crowds for its Oktoberfest and Christmas celebrations.

Much of the action focuses on the downtown core, known as the "Alpine Village." Here, you'll be able to sample Bavarian sweet treats and chocolate at the Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen and authentic German food at restaurants like Bodensee , and buy traditional European made goods from the many souvenir shops.

Nature lovers also enjoy a visit to Helen. Highlights for outdoor enthusiasts include Anna Ruby Falls , a unique double waterfall fed by two creeks that's just 15 minutes away. It's part of the vast Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, a major destination in Georgia for hikers.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Helen, GA

Since its foundation in 1978, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has become one of the most-visited riverside nature preserves in Georgia. Following the Chattahoochee River for 48 miles from Atlanta to Lake Sidney Lanier, this important recreational area is as popular with casual outdoor enthusiasts as it is hardcore adventurers.

Popular activities include everything from kayaking to paddleboarding and tubing during the warmer months (rentals are available on-site), to year-round hiking and wildlife spotting opportunities. Fishing is also popular, with the river featuring no less than 23 different species of game fish plus abundant trout stocks, providing year-round excitement for those with a license.

For those who prefer a gentler experience, a three-mile section of trail in Cochran Shoals offers a level trail that's a gentle walk and is wheelchair accessible.

Address: 1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, Georgia

Official site: www.nps.gov/chat/index.htm

Its strategic location as the westernmost port on the Savannah River gave the city of Augusta an incredible boost after its founding in 1736. Its rise to prominence as a major industrial and transportation hub was later cemented with the creation of the Augusta Canal. Built to allow navigation past unnavigable portions of the river, it also served as an important source of water and energy for the city.

Today, the canal can be explored along the fun Augusta Canal Trail. This seven-mile-long trail follows the canal's old towpath, as well as sections of the Savannah River. Cruises are available with admission to the Augusta Canal Discovery Center , set in a former mill. You can also enjoy displays relating to the canal's construction, along with original machinery.

Other things to do in Augusta include walking the city's Riverwalk path, enjoying a kayak or rafting adventure at Savannah Rapids Visitor Center, or visiting during the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.

Located just a short distance from Jekyll Island and only an hours' drive from Jacksonville, Florida , St. Simons Island is a fun place to visit for those looking for an east coast Georgia escape.

Many of the best things to do in St. Simons Island involve outdoor fun, including ocean kayaking and deep-sea fishing. Gentler outdoor activities include sunbathing and beach walks; sightseeing at the historic St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum, which dates from 1872; and golf.

Another must-visit is the Georgia Sea Turtle Center . Not only is this wildlife attraction a good cause, as it rescues and later releases numerous turtles, it also offers fun hands-on activities that teach young and old alike about their care, their natural environment, and the need for conservation.

For those wanting to see more of northwestern Georgia, the attractive small town of Ellijay could be just the ticket. A 90-minute drive north of Atlanta, Ellijay has earned a reputation as the "Apple Capital of Georgia," a title it celebrates each and every year with the Georgia Apple Festival .

Held each October over two weekends, the festival attracts upwards of 20,000 visitors a day to the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds to sample the region's bountiful apple harvest. Plenty of fun things to do can also be enjoyed at the 11 commercial orchards located in Ellijay, from apple picking to picnics and farm tours. More than 300 vendors also turn up, selling everything from arts and crafts to unique food and drink products.

But don't think you should only visit Ellijay in the fall. Its pleasant main street is a year-round shopping destination, and the town is home to worthwhile attractions and things to do , including historic homes, art galleries, and a civil war museum.

Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque places to visit in Georgia, Tallulah Gorge State Park is a must-visit for those who appreciate stunning vistas and waterfalls — and stunning vistas of waterfalls.

Located in northeastern Georgia, the gorge was so popular a tourist spot by the late 19th century that a town was established to handle the needs of these first sightseers. In addition to the views over the gorge from the viewing platforms and suspension bridges, the spectacular waterfalls are among the most impressive in a region well-known for its beautiful falls.

You can get up close to what are in fact two waterfalls, plunging some 1,000 feet, that share the same pool at their base through a network of surprisingly easy trails. There are, of course, a variety of fun activities for hardcore sports enthusiasts, including white water rafting and kayaking through the rapids along the gorge.

More on Georgia

Wander-Lush

50 Unique Places to Visit in Georgia: The Ultimate List (Updated for 2024)

The ultimate list of unique places to visit in Georgia (the country) – from cities and essential places to go, to alternative and obscure destinations, as recommended by an expat. Includes the best things to do in Georgia, transport instructions and insider tips.

She may be small in size and still relatively obscure on the world tourism stage, but let me tell you: There is a heck of a lot to see and do in Georgia .

John Steinbeck’s “kind of second heaven” – the sliver of planet earth that God supposedly decided to set aside for himself – Georgia really is as beautiful and diverse and wonderful as people make it out to be.

In the north, the dramatic peaks of the Greater Caucasus form a natural land border with Russia, giving way to the fertile Alazani Valley and a semi-desert moonscape of rainbow hills and mud volcanoes in the south. And that’s just Eastern Georgia.

On the western side, clutches of tea bushels and swathes of ancient Colchic forest thrive on mineral-rich soils and humid air, cascading down to the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus and the dark-sand beaches on the Black Sea coast.

From the ‘Georgian Arctic’ to the ‘Georgian Dolomites’ and the ‘Riviera of the Caucasus’, there’s a little bit of everything in Georgia.

On top of that, Georgia is the steward of eons of history, many chapters of which you’ve likely never heard about before. A coveted bridge between East and West, when Georgia wasn’t being invaded, she was being nourished by influences from all four corners of the globe, adding layers to the already rich Georgian culture.

Long before the days of the Old Silk Road , Georgia cultivated the first murmurs of Christianity and nurtured what is believed to be the oldest wine-making tradition anywhere on earth.

If this all sounds a bit romantic, that’s because I consider Georgia my soul mate. Having lived in the country for a year now and travelled from top to toe several times over, I’ve seen and experienced almost everything this country has to offer (almost!). 

This list brings together my favourite Georgia destinations , including must-sees and unique places to visit in Georgia. These are all places I’ve been to myself and would personally recommend.

The list currently sits at 50, but it’s a work in progress – I’ll be adding more as I continue to explore Georgia over the coming months and years.

You’ll find links to my in-depth destination guides for most of the locations mentioned throughout.

Where you’re planning to visit Georgia soon or you’re just curious about the little country in the Caucasus whose name seems to be on everyone’s lips right now, I hope this guide gives you some inspiration.

For more practical advice about visiting Georgia, check out my Georgia Travel Guide and my Georgia Travel Itinerary , both of which contain detailed information about transport and logistics.

Looking for even more Georgia inspiration? Sign up here to get a free copy of my 25-page ebook, ‘365 Things to Do in Georgia’:

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Many of the places on this list are featured in my video, ‘Two Years in Georgia’. I made this compilation back in February 2022 to celebrate my two-year Georgia anniversary.

Travel Georgia Like a Pro

Planning a trip to Georgia? Here are 5 essential resources that I recommend you check out.

• For private transfers in Georgia: GoTrip.ge . Find a professional, English-speaking driver. Prices are locked in when you book & you can stop wherever you want.
• For hiring a car in Georgia: Local Rent . Save money when you rent directly from a local agent. Pick-up & drop-off are available from any address in Georgia.
• For finding accommodations: Booking.com . This website has the biggest selection of properties in Georgia, including guesthouses in rural areas.
• For Tbilisi tours & day trips: Friendly.ge . Friendly.ge has knowledgeable guides, safe drivers & creative itineraries. I especially like their off-road tour to David Gareja.
• For tailored advice: Book a call with me! My Georgia Travel Consultation service is perfect if you need feedback on your itinerary or personalised travel tips.

Map of places to visit in Georgia

Click the map of Georgia below to open an interactive version in Google Maps. You can then click on any city or place and find the link to my corresponding blog post.

Cities in Georgia

Georgia’s regional capitals each offer visitors something unique – be it a window onto local history and traditions or a taste of distinct regional cuisine. Here are 10 of my favourite cities in Georgia and the top things to see, do and eat for each.

1. Tbilisi, Georgia’s captivating capital city

When visiting Georgia, it’s mandatory to spend at least a couple of days in Tbilisi, the nation’s capital and hub for the arts, culture and food. Tbilisi’s history dates back to at least the 6th century and its position at the geographical and figurative crossroads of East and West has meant it’s always found a way to incorporate the best of both worlds.

Tbilisi lies in a valley ringed by mountains, each with a soaring cable car or funicular at the ready to whisk you away towards magnificent views. The medieval Narikala Fortress and Soviet-embellished Mtatsminda face off from opposing hills, standing guard over ancient churches, the domed bathhouses of Abanotubani , and modern marvels including the Bridge of Peace and Rike Concert Hall .

Tbilisi is a symphony of different religions, cultures and traditions . Synagogues, Orthodox cathedrals , Armenian churches and a mosque are all within shouting distance of each other, while old bazaars and merchant’s mansions allude to the city’s history as a trading hub.

Tbilisi is a city of details, so after a broad overview from afar, it’s time to take the streets with a magnifying glass. Hours can be spent examining the heritage buildings in the Old Town and in Sololaki , Tbilisi’s oldest neighbourhood .

Rove the vibrant Dezerter Bazaar for spices and churchkhela and the iconic Dry Bridge Market for vintage trinkets. Brush up on your history by visiting a few of Georgia’s most important museums and galleries , starting with the Soviet Occupation Hall at the National Museum, the Folklore Museum, and the Open Air Museum of Ethnography .

Tbilisi’s wine bars and Georgian restaurants showcase the best of the country’s fresh produce, regional cuisines and organic winemaking techniques. And beautiful boutiques and studios trade in handmade lurji supra blue tablecloths, cloisonne enamel and other beautiful objects to satisfy all your earthly desires.

Don’t miss: A soak and scrub at the sulfur baths, a Tbilisi institution. For etiquette tips and the best bathhouses in the city, read my guide .

Where to stay in Tbilisi: Communal Plekhanovi is a gorgeous boutique hotel set in one of my favourite neighbourhoods, and with an onsite Levantine restaurant, wine bar and craft shop. For more ideas, see my full guide to Tbilisi’s best districts and accommodations .

Further reading: The best things to do in Tbilisi .

2. Kutaisi, the cultural heart of Georgia

Smaller than Tbilisi and with a completely different feel, Georgia’s fourth-biggest city tends to get skipped over. Those who only visit Kutaisi airport are making a terrible mistake: This is Georgia’s most charming city , in my eyes anyway!

It’s also one of Europe’s oldest. Inhabited since the 6th century BC, Kutaisi served as the political centre of the Kingdom of Colchis in the Middle Ages. Later it became Georgia’s cultural capital – the stomping ground of countless poets, musicians and scholars – until Soviet times, when Kutaisi was retrofitted for industry and her skyline remoulded.

I’m told she lost some of her charm in the process, but with all the cute restaurants and vintage tea houses that dot the town today, you wouldn’t know it. There are lots of mosaics, Brutalist buildings and other hidden gems to be uncovered .

Browse the Green Bazaar , ride the cable car over the roaring Rioni river, and step inside Kutaisi’s synagogue, one of the most beautiful in the region. On the outskirts of Kutaisi you’ll find the UNESCO-Listed Gelati Monastery and pretty Motsameta Monastery , linked together by a forest hiking trail. Bagrati Cathedral is the city’s best sunset spot.

Kutaisi is the gateway to Imereti region , the lush western portion of Georgia known for its canyons, waterfalls, caves and wineries . There are plenty more must-sees within a day trip’s distance of Kutaisi that I’ll get to later.

Don’t miss: Lunch at Bikentina’s Kebabery, one of Kutaisi’s best budget eats. For more foodie inspiration, see my Kutaisi restaurant guide .

Where to stay in Kutaisi: Hotel Memoire is a lovely boutique hotel in the city centre with its own wine bar and retro Kutaisi vibes.

Further reading: My essential guide to Kutaisi and recommended itinerary .

3. Batumi, the biggest city on Georgia’s Black Sea Coast

Georgia’s biggest Black Sea resort city has a reputation for being ‘the Las Vegas of the Caucasus’. But now that Batumi is undergoing something of a renaissance , my perception has totally changed . Living in Batumi showed me a different side of the city and I now consider it one of my favourite places in Georgia.

Batumi still centres on the same old stretch of sand (or should I say, pebbles) that has been attracting summer tourists for centuries. But away from the shoreline, Batumi has a slew of cool cafes, creative spaces and an excellent street art scene .

Love it or hate it, the outlandish modern architecture is a highlight, and the Old Town is full of surprises. Add a wonderful produce market, a scenic aerial cableway, some great urban hikes, and access to some of Western Georgia’s best national parks to the mix, and you have an all-round excellent destination.

Another perk of visiting Batumi is getting acquainted with distinctive Adjarian culture and cuisine. This is the birthplace of the famous Adjaruli Khachapuri and a range of other indulgent delicacies, including my personal favourite, Borano (melted cheese smothered in hot butter).

Walk or cycle Batumi Boulevard , an idyllic pathway that stretches along the seafront. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can cycle all the way to the Turkish border . Batumi is an ever-evolving city that has so much to offer beyond the beach.

Don’t miss: Batumi Botanical Garden , a gorgeous green space on the coast north of the city, with easy hiking trails and panoramic Black Sea views.

Where to stay in Batumi: Kartuli Hotel is one of the coolest accommodations in Georgia and my go-to in Batumi. Located on the 37th floor of an apartment building, the sea and sunset views are gob-smacking.

Further reading: My complete guide to Batumi covers all the best things to do in the city plus my restaurant and cafe recommendations and my guide to the 10 best Batumi day tips shows you where to go beyond the city.

4. Mtskheta, the old capital

One of the oldest cities in Georgia and the old kingdom’s capital for almost a millennium, Mtskheta is located just 20km from Tbilisi and is a popular day trip destination . It’s easy to reach by marshrutka or taxi in under an hour, and can be combined with a visit to Gori or used as a stopover on your way from east to west.

Mtskheta played a pivotal role in the evolution of Christianity in Georgia, and the small city is packed with important churches as a result. One of the nation’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites , the Historical Monuments of Mtskheta , is located here and comprises a set of monasteries noted for their frescoes and inscriptions in an early version of the Georgian alphabet.

The 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral sits proudly in the middle of the city and gives Mtskheta its overall structure. Georgia’s second-largest religious building behind Sameba in Tbilisi , the location for the monumental structure is said to have been chosen by one of Georgia’s patron saints, St. Nino , herself. Georgia’s answer to Westminster, this is where kings were coronated and later laid to rest. At least 10 monarchs enjoy their eternal slumber beneath the heavy stone floor.

Jvari Monastery , built in the 6th century on a hill above Mtskheta, is a must-visit in Georgia. The church itself is quite modest inside, but the view from the churchyard – a stunning panorama of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers , one blue and the other emerald – is simply breathtaking.

Don’t miss: The view of Jvari Monastery from the yard at Mtskheta Antioch.

Where to stay in Mtskheta: If you decide to stay in Mtskheta overnight rather than visiting as a day trip , check out Jewelberry Glamping geodesic domes just outside the city.

Further reading: 10 things to do on a Mtskheta day trip .

5. Gori, a city of surprises

The birthplace of Joseph Stalin and home to the Stalin Museum , Gori has a reputation for being Georgia’s premier dark tourism destination . Visiting the museum – which includes Stalin’s birth house and armoured train carriage – is a trip to say the least, especially when you take the guided tour, which I highly recommend you do.

Stalin is certainly the city’s main claim to fame, but there’s a lot more to Gori than that . Once a pitstop on the Silk Road, Gori sits at the foot of a massive hill crowned with a distinctive stone fortress that cascades down towards the river’s edge.

Climb to the top of the fortress for views over the plains of Shida Kartli region – or for even better views, venture further to Gori Jvari church , a short taxi ride or hike from town on the opposite bank of the river.

Gori is a peaceful city with lots of parks, tidy streets, and trellises covered in vines dripping with grapes. The main street is lined with cafes and ice cream shops. Gori’s old town features some interesting brick architecture and backs onto a wonderful undercover produce market .

Set aside some time to visit the Great Patriotic War Museum , which documents the 2008 conflict that unfolded just a few dozen kilometres away and impacted the city profoundly.

Don’t miss: A meal at Shin da Gori, an atmospheric restaurant run by local actress and entrepreneur Keta Lortkipanidze.

Where to stay in Gori: Guest House Nitsa is a typical Georgian homestay run by the lovely Lia. Expect lots of old-fashioned hospitality and lots and lots of homemade wine.

Further reading: Things to do in Gori beyond the Stalin Museum .

6. Telavi, hub of the wine region

Telavi is the biggest city and main transport hub in Kakheti, Georgia’s humongous eastern region. It’s position in the Alazani Valley makes it a great base for travelling the Wine Route and visiting the many medieval monasteries, churches and castles that stud the Kakhetian countryside.

Telavi was the capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti from the 10th-12th centuries, and again in the 17th century. Historians often refer to it as the most ‘medieval’ city in Georgia because it’s the only place where monuments from four historical periods stand intact side by side. Put simply, Telavi is a history lover’s delight .

Telavi itself is a very pleasant, walkable city, with a cobbled Old Town featuring restored Kakhetian balconies and a buzzing undercover bazaar . One of the main attractions is the Giant Plane Tree , a 900-year-old specimen that’s the pride and joy of Telavi.

The mammoth Alaverdi Cathedral lies just outside Telavi’s city limits along with the ruins of the Ikalto Academy where Georgian literary hero, Shota Rustaveli, studied. Gremi , the former capital of Kakheti, is another point of interest.

Telavi has lots and lots of restaurants, wine bars and family run cellars to indulge in as well. It’s not as charming as Sighnaghi (the other hub in Kakheti which I’ll get to later), but it’s a convenient starting point for exploring all this region has to offer.

Don’t miss: Tsinandali Estate and gardens, the former home of the noble Chavchavadze family – now a house museum and winery. If you fancy a splurge, there’s an outstanding Radisson Collection hotel on the property.

Where to stay in Telavi: Back in town, Seventeen Rooms is a beautifully furnished boutique hotel with excellent views. For a budget guesthouse option, I highly recommend Guest House Lilia . Find more Kakheti accommodations here .

Further reading: My Telavi City Guide .

7. Zugdidi, the heart of Samegrelo

The biggest city in Georgia’s Western Samegrelo region, Zugdidi is the place to immerse yourself in Megrelian culture and cuisine . Most people stop here for a few hours on the way up to Svaneti, but it’s worthwhile spending a night or two in Zugdidi to break the journey – even if it’s just to eat at Diaroni , one of Georgia’s best restaurants. The specialty here is of course Megrelian food: Rich Kharcho , stringy Elarji and creamy Gebzhalia .

In Zugdidi you can learn about the legacy of the Dadiani family , Samegrelo’s old rulers. The immaculate Dadiani Palace and its private gardens (now the city Botanical Gardens ) is unlike anything else you’ll see in Georgia. It’s worth the museum ticket price to see the eerie bronze Napoleon Death Mask inside (the French connection is totally unexpected and fascinating!).

Other things to do in Zugdidi include a side trip to Rukhi Castle for a view of Abkhazia, watching master potters make black-smoked ceramics at Orkol Studio , seeking out the Soviet-era mosaics in the area, photographing the UAZ ambulance graveyard , and roaming the undercover market for authentic Adjika , a delicious spice blend that has its roots in the west.

Don’t miss: Folk House for a home-cooked meal and a private piano performance from the wonderful Besiki Tshitanava, a devotee of safeguarding Megrelian culture.

Where to stay in Zugdidi: Casa de Khasia is a comfortable family-run guesthouse in Zugdidi with homely rooms, an outdoor terrace and a traditional detached kitchen.

Further reading: 15 things to do in Zugdidi .

8. Akhaltsikhe, the city built around a castle

Located in south-western Georgia just shy of the Turkish border, Akhaltsikhe is a small city of under 50,000 people. With direct buses to Gyumri and Yerevan in Armenia, it’s a convenient place to depart for the border crossing at Bavra – and a good base for visiting the cave city of Vardzia too.

The main city in Samtskhe-Javakheti region, Akhaltsikhe is small but very multicultural and with a long history that spans Ottoman, Mongol and Iranian rule. The name Akhaltsikhe means ‘New Fortress’, which gives you a clue to the city’s heritage and fighting spirit.

The main attraction is Akhaltsikhe Castle (AKA Rabati Castle), a massive hilltop fortress. Established in the 9th century as Lomisa Castle, it received a mosque and madrasa during the Ottoman period and was gradually added to over the intervening years to become an ad-hoc complex of watch towers, fountains, domed buildings and gardens.

In 2011, it underwent extensive renovations – some say a little too extensive – and now it feels a lot like the set for an off-script episode of Game of Thrones .

Also in the area, Sapara Monastery and Khertvisi Fortress are worth checking out. The latter is particularly impressive when viewed from afar, from the opposite side of the gorge.

Don’t miss: The view of Rabati Castle from St. Marine’s Church further up the hill.

Where to stay in Akhaltsikhe: Old Street offers comfortable rooms behind a heritage facade on the main street leading up to the castle. The owners are extremely kind and can help with organising transport to Vardzia and elsewhere. Breakfast comes included.

Further reading: 17 things to do in Akhaltsikhe .

9. Rustavi, a former Soviet monotown

Under an hour from Tbilisi, Rustavi is Georgia’s third-biggest city and an alternative day trip from the capital. Founded in its current form as a ‘Soviet monotown’, the entire city was built up around the Rustavi Metallurgy Plant , which opened in 1948 as one of the region’s biggest steel producers.

As you might expect from an industrial city, Rustavi is a treasure trove of Soviet-era throwbacks . The newer part of town is dominated by concrete apartment blocks divided into micro districts. On the opposite side of the Mtkvari River, a different style of Stalinist Empire architecture prevails. Highlights include the Mayor’s Office, Drama Theatre, Musical School and Railway Station.

Like the plant in Zestafoni, the Rustavi Metallurgy Plant is still operational today. I have heard some reports of visitors being allowed inside – I wasn’t so lucky, but I will keep trying! Admire the bas-reliefs on the monumental facade , and find the preserved mosaic. More stunning mosaics can be found inside the Rustavi swimming pool.

Rustavi’s history goes back much further than the Soviet period: Learn about its ancient foundations at the small local museum , which also contains a fascinating exhibition on the steelworks. A stroll through the massive Park of Culture and Rest leads you to the ruins of Rustavi Fortress , a great place to watch the sunset over the lake .

Don’t miss: Lunch or dinner at Cafune , a trendy social enterprise cafe on the river in Rustavi that serves incredibly delicious food (the panko chicken with Georgian bazhe walnut sauce is my top pick!).

Where to stay in Rustavi: The Soviet-era Hotel Rustavi is a blast from the past. Behind the monumental facade and very 80s lobby, rooms are surprisingly tidy and comfortable.

Further reading: 12 things to do in Rustavi .

10. Poti, ‘Little Paris’ on the Black Sea

Otherwise known as Georgia’s ‘Little Paris’, Poti is a fascinating and underrated city on Georgia’s Black Sea Coast. It is known for being home to the country’s deepest sea port and is connected to Tbilisi by Georgia’s oldest railway line .

City mayor Niko Nikoladze is considered the founding father of Poti. At the turn of the 20th century, he oversaw the design of the small city by German architect Edmund Frick. Unlike most other places in Georgia, Poti is very tidy, with symmetrical blocks and parallel streets that radiate out from a central park .

Inaugurated in 1864 as the first navigational facility of its kind in Georgia, the Poti Lighthouse beckons visitors to climb its candy-striped steps for a sea and city panorama. Poti is pancake flat, so you can see all the way down to Kolkheti National Park , an incredible landscape (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) that offers boat trips along the Paliastomi Lake and the marshy wetlands.

The streets of Poti are filled with heritage Art Nouveau homes , lion statues fringed by palm fronds, and yes, more mosaics and street art murals . To learn the history of Jason and the Argonauts , who apparently made landfall at Poti before making their way up the Rioni River to Kutaisi and Vani, visit the Kolkheti Culture Museum .

Don’t miss: Okros Tba (‘Golden Lake’) is a long, narrow lake sandwiched between Paliastomi Lake and the coast. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset.

Where to stay in Poti: Express Inn is a modern boutique guesthouse close to the lighthouse. Rooms are very stylish and comfortable, and host Nika is easygoing and helpful.

Further reading: Complete guide to visiting Poti .

Essential destinations in Georgia: Mountains, monasteries & wine

11. sighnaghi & kakheti wine region.

The walled city of Sighnaghi is the beating heart of Kakheti, Georgia’s most productive wine region . This is far from the only place where grapes grow (I’ll cover some of the alternative wine regions later), but it’s definitely the most popular place to do a wine tasting in Georgia , especially since it’s so close to Tbilisi .

Marketed as ‘the city of love’, charming little Sighnaghi is encased in stone city walls and ramparts that you can climb for stunning views over the valley, hemmed in by the Caucasus mountains beyond. The small museum with works by national painter Pirosmani who was born near Sighnaghi is also worth a look in.

Beyond the town, dozens of traditional cellars and commercial wineries of varying sizes beckon visitors for guided tours and degustations. Qvevri wine , a traditional Georgian method that involves fermenting grapes in clay vessels buried underground, and more contemporary European wine-making techniques are both practiced. Join a day tour to visit a selection of popular wineries or hire a car and driver to cover the lesser-known gems on the Wine Route .

If you don’t drink, the Alazani Valley is still one of the best places in Georgia to immerse yourself in local history and religion. For every winery, there’s also a monastery – some with spectacular hilltop locations, others sunken into the deepest depths of caves.

Don’t miss: Bodbe Monastery, my favourite monastery in Georgia, is located walking distance from Sighnaghi. It’s included in most organised day tours from Tbilisi .

Where to stay in Sighnaghi: Zandarashvili Guest House is a popular choice for budget and mid-range travellers. The family are old-hands at hosting tourists and can help with everything from tours and transport to supra feasts. For something more luxurious, Lost Ridge Inn on the outskirts of town has a brewery and ranch onsite.

Further reading: How to spend 72 hours in Sighnaghi and Kakheti wine region .

12. Kazbegi & Gergeti Trinity Church

Kazbegi (also known by its new name, Stepantsminda) is an alpine town in the Greater Caucasus, due north of Tbilisi and very close to the border with Russia. Perched on a hill above the town in the shadow of mighty Mount Kazbek sits Gergeti Trinity Church , the country’s most iconic cathedral and the poster child for Georgia tourism .

The high-altitude walled chapel is a sight to behold, especially when seen from afar against a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped, jagged peaks. You can hike up to the church from the town in around an hour via an ambling path (just make sure you follow the correct trail – see here for directions ).

As the closest mountain region to Tbilisi (just under a 3-hour drive via the Georgian Military Highway), Kazbegi is an easy addition to even a short Georgia itinerary .

Easy hikes to waterfalls, more beautiful monastery complexes ( Dariali is particularly impressive) and the open-air thermal pools at Pansheti are also accessible from Kazbegi , while the town itself has some terrific restaurants that serve typical mountain fare .

Don’t miss: Rooms Kazbegi , a gorgeous design hotel set inside a renovated sanatorium. Even if you don’t spend the night, you can drop in for lunch or dinner on the terrace.

Where to stay in Kazbegi: If it’s within your budget, a night or two at Rooms Kazbegi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For mid-range travellers I recommend Hotel Stancia – a budget version of Rooms near the bus station (the onsite restaurant is also terrific) or Red Stone Guest House , a very pleasant family-run place near the trailhead for Gergeti. See my full Kazbegi accommodation guide for more options.

Essential reading: 21 things to know before you visit Kazbegi .

13. The Georgian Military Highway

Whoever said it’s all about the journey rather than the final destination must have been referring to the trip up to Kazbegi from Tbilisi. As grand as Gergeti Trinity is, it’s really just a small taste of the landscapes you see along the Georgian Military Highway .

This mighty arterial is currently the only thoroughfare connecting Tbilisi and Russia. An attraction in itself, the Military Road is more than worthy of a place on your Georgia wish-list.

There are lots of places to stop along the way , including Ananuri Fortress , the mosaic-laced Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument at Gudauri, various mineral water springs, curious stone head sculptures and mountain viewpoints.

In wintertime, Gudauri turns into Georgia’s poshest ski resort. There are some cute cottages and bungalows here but I recommend passing through Gudauri and staying in Kazbegi instead (unless you want to do some skiing or snowboarding).

Make a full day of it by hiring a car and driver via GoTrip and winding your way up the Georgian Military Highway nice and slow. It’s the ride of a lifetime.

Don’t miss: Lunch in Pasanauri, a small village on the highway that’s considered the birthplace of khinkali. I highly recommend Restaurant Korbuda for delicious dumplings and khachapuri.

Further reading: 9 places to stop on the Georgian Military Highway .

14. Svaneti (Mestia & Ushguli)

After Kazbegi, Zemo Svaneti Planned National Park is the most popular mountain area in Georgia . Located in the far north-west, the region’s biggest town of Mestia is accessible year-round by road or via a short flight.

Mestia is well-equipped to handle the many hundreds of tourists that visit Svaneti each year, with a good range of guesthouses and restaurants. A meal of Kubdari (Svanetian meat pie) and Mtsvadi BBQ sprinkled with Svanetian spiced salt at Laila on the main square is just the thing after the long and nail-biting marshrutka ride up.

Hiking is the thing to do in Svaneti. Mountain trails range from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks, the most popular being to Koruldi Lakes , Chaladi Glacier and for the daring, Mount Ushba.

As beautiful as the landscape is, the local culture here is equally entrancing. This is the ancestral home of the Svans, known for being fierce fighters who lived in fortified tower houses . These stone towers, known as Koshki in Georgian, can be seen all across the northern regions and over the border in Chechnya – but Svaneti’s towers are acclaimed for being both numerous and well-preserved.

Ushguli is the most well-known of the upper villages in Svaneti and can be visited as a day trip by van from Mestia or as the end point of the popular Mestia to Ushguli multi-day hike. Ushguli is considered to be one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe and because of its abundance of towers (there are more than 200 in Chazhashi, one of Ushguli’s villages, alone), it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Don’t miss: The Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography in Mestia, a world-class museum that catalogues Svan traditions.

Where to stay in Svaneti: I recommend staying in Mestia, where there are plenty of guesthouses, restaurants and good transport connections. Manoni’s Guesthouse is warm and comfortable, and the food is great.

15. Vardzia Cave City

Georgia is home to a number of ‘cave cities’ and ‘cave monasteries’ – vast complexes of chambers and grottoes hewn from rocky slopes in the southern part of the country. Vardzia is the largest and best-known among them.

Located near the town of Aspindza, not far from Akhaltsikhe, the Vardzia complex consists of a 500-metre-long sheer rock wall puckered with more than 640 separate chambers spread over 13 levels. Incredibly, this is just one section of a much-larger cave city that was partially destroyed by an earthquake.

Built to house a community of monks and shelter townsfolk from invading forces, Vardzia was a self-contained city with its own kitchens, gardens, vineyards, apothecaries, and an elaborate irrigation system. A self-guided walking tour of Vardiza’s stone galleries reveals evidence of copper pipes and bread ovens.

There’s also a beautiful chapel containing a rare fresco of King (Queen) Tamar , who ruled this part of Georgia at the time of Vardzia’s construction.

Rather than attempting to visit Vardzia in a day from Tbilisi (a long journey and rushed experience), I highly recommend visiting from Akhaltsikhe or Borjomi – that way you’ll have more time to enjoy the site.

Where to stay near Vardzia: There are a number of accommodation options scattered around Vardzia and on the opposite side of the river. I recommend Guest House Aleksandre in the nearby village of Tmogvi or Vardzia Resort , which is walking distance from the caves.

Further reading: My detailed guide to visiting Vardzia , including transport instructions.

16. Borjomi & Bakuriani

Sitting almost smack-bang in the centre of the country, the town of Borjomi has long been a favourite summer retreat in Georgia. Blessed with fresh mountain air and natural spring waters , there’s not a whole lot to do here except relax and sip on Borjomi mineral water , one of Georgia’s most popular beverages and biggest exports.

People have been imbibing, bathing in and bottling Borjomi’s curative waters since medieval times. But it was in the 1840s when the Russian Viceroy brought his daughter to Borjomi for health treatment that things really started to take off.

By the 1860s, the resort town was booming, and many members of the Imperial aristocracy built their summer residences in the area. Under Communism, these mansions were turned into sanatoria for the party elite.

Today, Borjomi is still a popular warm-weather destination that’s always buzzing with families in the summer months. The small town revolves around Borjomi Central Park and Ekaterina’s Spring (the original water spring named after the Viceroy’s daughter). BYO drinking bottle and fill up on Borjomi water straight from the source. There’s also open-air thermal baths and a cable car you can ride up to a scenic plateau.

The nearby resort town of Bakuriani is located at a higher elevation and is accessible from Borjomi via the Kukushka, Georgia’s only scenic railway . There are a number of lodges in Bakuriani that cater to tourists during ski season, including the new Rooms Kokhta .

Other things to see in the area include Tabatskuri Lake near Bakuriani and the Romanov Summer Palace (currently closed for renovations) down the road from Borjomi at Likani. There are a number of hiking trails behind the palace for those who want to venture into Borjomi National Park .

Don’t miss: A meal at Cafe Iggy, one of my favourite restaurants in Georgia.

Where to stay in Borjomi: Guest House Besarioni (on the hill above the main street) and Borjomi Cottages (near the park) are both excellent mid-range choices. If you can afford it, splurge on Golden Tulip on the edge of the park in Borjomi or better still, Rooms Kokhta in Bakuriani.

Further reading: My essential guide to Borjomi .

17. Okatse Canyon & Martvili Canyon

Georgia’s western Imereti and Samegrelo regions are lush and overgrown, with a multitude of river canyons and waterfalls to explore. Most people choose to visit Okatse Canyon and Martvili Canyon , along with nearby Khichka Waterfall, as a day trip from Kutaisi. It’s not my favourite day trip option by any means, but it’s still a nice experience.

The 14km-long Okatse Canyon is the most developed for tourism and features a suspended treetop walkway and glass viewing platforms . Pretty Martvili Canyon is a fairytale landscape of emerald pools shaded by thick forest that visitors can explore by kayak .

Okatse, Martvili and Khinchka all fall under Georgia’s equivalent of the national parks service and thus there are entrance fees involved. For a less-touristy (and free) alternative, head to nearby Balda Canyon instead.

Where to stay near Martvili Canyon: Karma Hostel in Martvili is the ideal base for exploring this part of Georgia.

Further reading: 12 things to know before you visit Martvili Canyon .

18. David Gareja Cave Monastery

Another of Georgia’s popular cave monasteries, David Gareja (Davit Gareji) is my personal favourite. It’s located at the southern end of Kakheti region, right on the border with Azerbaijan , around 2.5 hours’ by car from Tbilisi.

Named after a religious figure who sought refuge in this part of Georgia with his band of devotees, the David Gareja Monasteries (plural) are a series of cave dwellings and cloisters of various sizes scattered around the semi-desert landscape – some on the Georgian side of the border and some in Azerbaijani territory. The most well-known is Lavra and Udabno , twin monasteries that incorporate cave chambers, underground chapels and rock niches painted with beautiful frescoes.

I was lucky enough to visit David Gareja in 2017 when the entire complex was open and you could still walk a ridge-top track for a view of Azerbaijan. On my return visit, I learned that part of the complex is now closed off due to an ongoing border dispute. You can still visit David Gareja and see parts of Lavra Monastery – I update this guide frequently to include the latest information about closures and safety.

There is no public transport to David Gareja, so the best option is to join one of several day trip options from Tbilisi . Or you can use the Gareji Line , a minivan transfer service from Tbilisi that operates every day in the high season (starting from May 1, 2023; 40 GEL per person).

Where to stay near David Gareja: Udabno is the closest population centre to David Gareja. I recommend staying at Oasis Club , a Polish-run hostel and bungalows. They also offer delicious meals for walk-ins.

Further reading: My detailed guide to visiting David Gareja , including information about the closures.

19. Uplistsikhe Cave City

Georgia’s third prominent cave monastery, Uplistsikhe , is located just outside the city of Gori. It’s the most accessible of the three cave monasteries and sees a lot of foot traffic as a result.

Uplistsikhe is older than Vardzia and David Gareja, with some structures dating back to the Early Iron Age . Compared to the other two, Uplistsikhe has a very different profile – it’s spread out along a rocky river bank and more horizontal than vertical.

The moon-like landscape of grottos and caves enveloped in folds of rock is really fun to explore on foot. It’s well sign-posted too. From the higher parts of the complex you get amazing panoramic views of the Mtkvari river valley.

It’s best to visit Uplistsikhe from Gori using either the local bus or a taxi to transit (see the link below for full instructions). I recommend going as early as possible because it does get very hot.

Further reading: My detailed guide to visiting Uplistsikhe Cave City , including instructions for how to get there from Gori.

20. Tskaltubo spa town

An alternative day trip from Kutaisi, Tskaltubo is a spa resort town just 20 minutes by local bus from the city centre. It’s famous for its radon-carbonate mineral springs – the ‘Waters of Immortality’ – which bubble up from the ground at a pleasant 33-35 degrees Celsius.

Much like Borjomi, Tskaltubo rose to prominence in the Soviet era as a destination for state-mandated workers’ respite. During the 1950s, more than 120,000 people visited the balneology resort and its 19 sanatoria every year, and there was even a direct train service from Moscow to Tskaltubo.

The small town is built up around an overgrown park with a series of small bathhouses hidden inside. Around the edge of the park, there are a dozen large, elaborate resort buildings – each with grand entrance halls and ballrooms, collanaded terraces, spiralling staircases and domed atriums.

Most (but not all) of the sanatoria were abandoned after the fall of the Soviet Union and stripped of anything valuable (tiles, pipes, plasterwork). Nature eventually took over, turning these once-grand buildings into a playground for photographers and urbexers .

Tskaltubo has become a popular place to get your wedding photos taken, and you’ll often see large groups here posing for family snaps! In 2022/3, many of the buildings were auctioned off and restoration works started. Tskaltubo is changing fast.

In the 1990s, several of the larger sanatoria were used to house IDPs who fled from Abkhazia during the war. Many families still live here today , and it’s important to be mindful of this when exploring – take care not to accidentally walk into someone’s home, and don’t attempt to enter any buildings that are cordoned off (some have been sold to developers).

There are restaurants, cafes and shops in Tskaltubo, and a few of the bathhouses inside the park are still operating – including Bathhouse No. 9, which houses Stalin’s private bath .

Don’t miss: A home-cooked meal and bottle of wine at the delightful Otia’s Ezo .

Where to stay in Tskaltubo: Spend a night at Tskaltubo Spa Resort , the former Military sanatorium and only renovated Soviet-era hotel in Tskaltubo.

Further reading: Comprehensive guide to Tskaltubo and the sanatoriums .

Alternative & unique places to visit in Georgia

21. big shiraki, an abandoned soviet military airbase.

A playground for urbexers and photographers, Shiraki is not one to miss if you’re interested in Soviet history and abandoned places . Built in 1950, this former military airfield in far south-eastern Kakheti was a home base for the 178th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, who flew out from Shiraki to Afghanistan during the Soviet–Afghan War

Big Shiraki’s labyrinth of concrete airstrips, airplane hangars, barracks and ancillary buildings were abandoned long ago, now used only by local farmers to graze cattle and store feed and grain. A single bomber plane whose engine wouldn’t start during the evacuation was left behind and is now hiding in the tall grass.

The most interesting part of Shiraki is the 50-odd aircraft hangars , all dome-shaped with turf roofs and heavy metal doors. Each one is numbered and has a unique patina of rust . Some are even inscribed with old Russian writing, apparently messages dedicated to Lenin. Below ground, locals say there is probably a system of bunkers lurking out of sight.

Big Shiraki is located outside Dedoplistskaro, en route to the Vashlovani Protected Areas.

How to get to Big Shiraki: The entrance to the airfield is located 40 kilometres from the town of Dedoplistskaro. The roads are in poor condition, so a 4WD is recommended. It is not advisable to visit the area after heavy rain.

Where to stay in Dedoplistskaro: Temo, the owner of Guest House Savanna , is a professional photographer with expert knowledge of the area. His family offers both rooms and self-contained cottages, with full (home-cooked) board available.

Further reading: Full guide to visiting Big Shiraki .

22. Chiatura, the town of cable cars

Located in Imereti Region north of Kutaisi, Chiatura is a small city that attracts urbexers, photographers, and travellers who are interested in Soviet history. Some call it Georgia’s Chernobyl .

When Georgia was part of the USSR, Chiatura was a thriving community purpose-built around some of the world’s most productive manganese mines . When the state collapsed, so did the mines, and most families left. Many people still live in Chiatura today – but the city has a time-capsule, blast-from-the-past feel that piques many people’s curiosity.

The popular thing to do in Chiatura is ride on ‘Stalin’s Rope Roads’ , a network of 17 cable cars that was erected over the valley in the 1950s to shorten travel times and boost productivity. The ancient infrastructure was still in use as recently as a few years ago (I went for a nail-biting spin on my first visit in 2017). In September 2021, the old cable cars were replaced with four new gondolas .

Aside from the cable cars, you’ll find awesome Brutalist architecture , Socialist-style apartment blocks and other treats. It’s not uncommon to spot a hammer-and-sickle insignia above a doorway in Chiatura. The now-abandoned Pioneers Palace is particularly cool.

Though not quite as off-the-beaten-path as it used to be (a few companies even run day tours from Tbilisi to cater to intrepid travellers), Chiatura is still an unconventional destination in Georgia. While you’re in the area, also visit Katskhi Column , a striking monastery perched atop a tall limestone pillar.

How to get to Chiatura: Visit as a day trip from Kutaisi by taking a marshrutka van from the main bus station. Transfers are also available from Tbilisi .

Further reading: How to visit Chiatura & Katskhi Column as a day trip from Kutaisi (full transport instructions and travel tips).

23. Menji, one of the most unique places to visit in Georgia

Of a similar ilk to Tskaltubo and Chiatura, Menji is a much smaller and lesser-known former health retreat with several neoclassical sanatoriums built atop natural mineral springs.

Unlike Tskaltubo, Menji is fully abandoned . I can almost guarantee you that won’t see any other tourists here, and definitely no wedding shoots as has become voguish in Tskaltubo! When I visited Menji, there wasn’t another soul around – save for the cow who was grazing in one of the spa’s overgrown atriums.

There are at least two beautiful sanatoriums in Menji that now lay in almost complete ruin. The most impressive is the Roman-style sanatorium adjacent to the small town’s railway tracks. It features a huge atrium with a domed ceiling and ornate plasterwork , much of which has somehow stood the test of time.

Unlike the spas in Tskaltubo, which were completely stripped of their tiles, pipes, plasterwork and anything else of value, there’s enough detail left in Menji so that you can really picture what it was like in its heyday when workers descended on the town for their summer holidays.

Rows of small private bathrooms, each with an original ceramic tub – but all with a huge chunk missing – open up off two parallel hallways. Geometric and floral tiles are still stuck to some of the walls, and beneath a thick layer of dirt, you can just see a stunning mosaic floor that appears to be completely intact.

How to get to Menji: Menji is located in Western Georgia’s Samegrelo region, roughly 40 minutes from Zugdidi by road. To get there, hire a driver, which should cost around 100 GEL when combined with nearby Khobi and Sujuna, two more totally unique places to visit in Georgia.

Further reading: Menji, Sujuna and Khobi – the perfect offbeat day trip in Samegrelo (coming soon!).

24. Abastumani, dachas & a mountain observatory

Another of Georgia’s spa resorts, Abastumani’s modern history goes back to the days of the Tsar. In the final years before the revolution, Grand Duke George Alexandrovich Romanov – the younger brother of the last emperor, Nicholas II – was sent to live here after being diagnosed with TB. Members of the Russian elite diligently followed their prince and built beautiful summer houses along the main street, taking full advantage of the clean air and healing thermal waters .

Many of Abastumani’s most handsome houses have been restored and repainted as part of a project to breathe new life into the old resort. They can now be counted among the finest examples of heritage architecture in Georgia .

The old Romanov Palaces (where Duke George lived) and the Tsar’s Bathhouse are now receiving the same TLC. During the Soviet period, a number of sanatoriums were built in Abastumani along with a public sulfur bath house that’s still functioning today. 

Abastumani’s crowning glory is the Astrophysical Observatory on Mount Kanobili. Built in 1932, this was the first mountain observatory in the USSR. Using telescopes to cast their eyes towards the clear skies above Abastumani, scientists made a number of important discoveries here before the observatory was shuttered. It too recently reopened and can be visited on a guided tour . You can either drive up, or take the Soviet-era cable car .

How to get to Abastumani: Abastumani can be reached in around 45 minutes by paved road from Akhaltsikhe. There is also a mountain road from Kutaisi (via Sairme and the Zekari Pass), but it requires a car with high clearance.

Where to stay in Abastumani: Options are limited in Abastumani – I recommend either an Airbnb or a room at the popular Hotel Iveria .

Further reading: 12 things to do in Abastumani .

25. Pankisi Valley, a unique cultural experience in Georgia

Pankisi Valley (or Pankisi Gorge) is a special place that’s very close to my heart. I’ve spent a lot of time here over the years and consider Nazy – the young woman who has spearheaded responsible tourism in the community – a friend.

Not so long ago, travel to Pankisi was considered a no-no . Now the community is fighting to overcome negative stereotypes and prove to the world that Pankisi is both a safe and desirable destination.

There are several small villages in Pankisi dotted along a verdant river valley between Telavi and Tusheti. The families who live here are Kists , an ethnic group whose ancestors emigrated to Georgia from Chechnya 200 years ago. The opportunity to learn about Kist language, traditions and cuisine makes this one of the most interesting parts of Georgia to visit.

There are several homestays in Pankisi managed by local women (Nazy’s Guest House is one of the oldest-running and most well-established). There are mosques to visit, traditional handicrafts including felting to observe, a small folklore museum , and hilltop watchtowers and church ruins to explore. Try to visit on a Friday so you can sit in on the women’s zikr , a fascinating Sufi ritual that takes place once a week in the Old Mosque in Duisi.

There are newly marked hiking trails in the hills, while dirt biking, horse trekking and guided cultural walks of the village can all be organised through your homestay.

How to get to Pankisi: Pankisi is located an hour’s drive north of Telavi. Regular marshrutka vans and taxis are available from Telavi, and there are several direct departures from Tbilisi every day. Some vans transit through Akhmeta, the nearest city to Pankisi.

Where to stay in Pankisi: Nazy’s Guest House , one of my favourite accommodations in Georgia, offers comfortable rooms and space for camping. Home-cooked meals are provided, and Nazy can help with organising tours, transport and anything else you need.

Further reading: Learn more about Nazy’s Guest House and the Pankisi Valley Tourism and Development Association , which is helping to create new opportunities for Pankisi residents and change the way the area is portrayed in the media. Discover 21 memorable things to do in Pankisi for culture, history and nature.

26. Asureti (Elisabethtal), a former German colony

Asureti, formerly known as Elisabethtal, is an old German colony in southern Georgia’s Kvemo Kartli region . One of three such villages in the area, it’s one of the most unique places in the country and a living reminder of Georgia’s little-documented German community who settled here in the early 1800s.

Asureti is a tiny town by any measure but absolutely delightful for a stroll. The biggest attraction is the grand Lutheran church , which sits proudly at the top of the main street. Built in 1871 and restored in 2020, it sits empty as a powerful reminder of the 72 German families who settled Asureti – and the tragic fate they met during WWII.

Dual-language street signs in Georgian and German adorn every front fence. Beyond, you can see many original Fachwerk half-timbered houses with tidy gardens and deep cellars beneath their foundations. Be sure to stop for lunch at Bahnhof Station , a German-style beer hall set inside one of the town’s historic buildings.

Other places to visit in the area include Trialeti (Alexandershilf) and Bolnisi (Katharinefeld), two more German villages, plus the canyons and fortresses at Samshvilde and Birtvisi .

How to get to Asureti: It’s best to visit this part of Georgia with your own car. Asureti is a short drive from Tbilisi via good highways. If you prefer to join a day tour, I recommend this itinerary with Friendly.ge , which focuses on the German villages and Dashbashi Canyon. If you’re interested in booking, use the code wanderlush to get 10% off the price of the tour.

Further reading: My full guide to Kvemo Kartli region .

27. Gorelovka, a colourful Doukhobor village

Located in Samtskhe-Javakheti region adjacent to the Javakheti Protected Areas, Gorelovka is a tiny village that’s home to just a few dozen families. What makes this place special and a unique destination in Georgia is the distinctive blue-and-white vernacular architecture – and more so, the story behind it.

Gorelovka was settled in the early 19th century by families from the Doukhobor community , a spiritual sect that fled persecution in their native Russia. They have unique beliefs and traditions, especially around the Sacrament and marriage, and their defining characteristic is that they’re Pacificts . Just a handful of people still live in Gorelovka and continue these traditions today. 

For a window onto Doukhobor life, visit the ‘Blue House’ , a gorgeous two-story wooden house with intricate fretwork and hand-painted floral emblems finished in a shade of bright turquoise. It’s part of a larger private complex which also includes a Doukhobor community hall and a prayer house. 

The Blue House was built as an orphanage for the many children who arrived in Georgia without their parents after the Doukhobors’ arduous journey south. It’s beautifully maintained – on my last visit, everyone was busy repainting the facades and trimming the hedges. Visitors are welcome to look around as long as someone is present to open the gates.

How to get to Gorelovka: Gorelovka is located 3 hours’ drive west of Tbilisi, close to the border with Armenia. Public transport is limited, so it’s best to go with your own vehicle, ideally when visiting the Javakheti Protected Areas. It’s also possible to visit from Borjomi or Akhaltsikhe.

28. Racha (Oni & Shovi), an alternative mountain getaway

Racha is by no means an unusual destination among Georgians – the mountainous region sandwiched between Svaneti and South Ossetia is a firm favourite local vacation spot and has a reputation for being something of a Garden of Eden . However, Racha sees far fewer foreign faces than super-popular Svaneti or Kazbegi – mostly because it’s more remote and difficult to reach without a car.

Part of Racha-Lechkhumi region, Racha is divided into lower and upper parts. Lower Racha is home to the city of Ambrolauri and the popular Shaori Lake . Nearby Nikortsminda Cathedral is probably my favourite church in all of Georgia – the frescoes and stone carvings are magnificent.

Racha is known across Georgia for its distinct cuisine (principally Rachan cured ham and Shkmeruli , a rich garlic chicken dish) and a special variety of wine that’s made from grapes grown in Lower Racha. A Khvanchkara tasting with a grazing plate of ham and other local delicacies is a must in Racha, and there are plenty of families that welcome guests for just that.

Upper Racha is more rugged and isolated. The biggest town, Oni is an extremely special place, once home to a large Jewish community. The few Jewish families that remain tend to a stunning synagogue – it’s honestly one of the most magnificent buildings in the whole country.

Just up the road, the village of Shovi was a Soviet summer retreat and is home to another iconic building, the so-called ‘Stalin’s Dacha’ . According to my host, the dictator never set foot in Shovi, but the moniker adds to the dilapidated wooden house’s mystique.

If you have a 4WD, you can press further on to more remote mountain villages such as Ghebi , which offer hiking and homestays.

How to get to Racha: There are marshrutka vans to Oni from Tbilisi (4 hours) and Kutaisi (3-4 hours), but it’s preferable to drive yourself. A 4WD is mandatory if you want to visit Shovi or any of the upper villages.

Where to stay in Racha: Oni is the ideal place to base yourself in Racha. Guest House Gallery is the leading accommodation in town – put in a request to stay in the self-contained room above the family’s wine cellar. The ancestral wooden house is pure magic.

Further reading: Things to do in Oni and Racha .

29. Zestafoni, industrial history & mosaics

Located just outside Kutaisi on the main highway that crosses Georgia, Zestafoni (Zestaphoni) is an industrial city that most travellers (and locals) don’t give a second thought. A true hidden gem in Georgia, Zestafoni is a hotbed of Soviet history and a must-visit for anyone who is interested in mosaics and Brutalist architecture .

The entire city revolves around the Zestafoni Ferroalloy Plant , a massive factory built to process raw material from the mines in Chiatura, Tkibuli and elsewhere. The plant started operating in 1933 and has been working 24/7 ever since. I recently got to tour the factory and let me tell you, it’s a blast from the past.

Beyond the factory, Zestafoni is home to some of Georgia’s finest Soviet-era mosaics . Most are the work of one man, artist Demur Basheleishvili. You can find incredible mosaics scattered around downtown amongst bas-reliefs, Socialist-style statues and memorials .

The piece de resistance is the ‘Swimming Pool Mosaic’ , which has recently been restored by the Ribirabo Foundation as part of the new Path of Mosaics tourism initiative. Created in the early 1980s by Nugzar Medzmariashvili and Demur Basheleishvili, it is quite simply the most impressive mosaic in Georgia.

Spend an afternoon walking around Zestafoni to discover a former Pioneer’s Palace , a small local museum , and a retro railway station .

Don’t miss: Zestafoni’s massive undercover bazaar was built in 2015 and is a cornucopia of local produce. The lighting is spectacular: The sun filters in through the glass roof, and you can climb onto the mezzanine for views of the market floor. It’s a photographer’s paradise.

Where to stay in Zestafoni: Guest House Zedafoni offers five rooms and a home-cooked breakfast.

Further reading: 10 things to do in Zestafoni .

30. Guria Region, Georgia’s tea trail

Everyone knows Georgia has a wine route – but did you also know there’s a tea route ? In Soviet times, Georgia was the biggest producer of tea in the Union. The industry was mostly wiped out in the 1990s (and the tea bushes ran wild), but its legacy lives on in Guria’s family-run tea estates .

Guria is located in Western Georgia, north of Adjara. The interior is hilly, lush and humid – perfect conditions for growing tea – and the region also has a healthy sliver of Black Sea coastline. Ozurgeti , the biggest city in Guria, is small and quiet (don’t miss the local market) but offers a good base for exploring the tea fields in Anaseuli . Granted these days you’re more likely to see vast fields of hazelnut trees – many families have planted this more profitable crop in the place of tea.

Stay at Komli , where you can learn about Georgia’s tea heritage and Gurian culture, which boasts its own dialect, peculiar traditions and yes, another delicious cuisine. Khachapuri Gureli , a regional pie filled with cheese and boiled eggs, is a must-eat.

Keep an eye out for the skeletons of disused tea factories as you venture into the upper villages such as Shroma to admire stunning Soviet-era architecture and impressive mosaics . The rest of the territory is dotted with important monasteries and small nostalgic towns, all wrapped in perpetual green.

How to get to Guria: Guria is well and truly off the beaten tourist track, yet it’s still relatively easy to get to from Tbilisi using the overnight train to Ozurgeti. Again, it’s advantageous to travel with your own car if you want to explore further afield. But a few nights at Komli on the outskirts of Ozurgeti is enough if you don’t have your own wheels. Make sure you organise a ride up to Gomismta one evening (see the next section for more).

Where to stay in Guria: Komli Farmhouse is my accommodation of choice in Guria. Choose between private rooms in the family’s 200-year-old wooden cottage or cosy up inside a converted Diogenes barrel!

Further reading: My full guide to Ozurgeti and Guria .

31. Dedoplistskaro, a hidden gem in Kakheti

Located in southeastern Kakheti, Dedoplistskaro is the gateway to the Vashlovani Protected Areas and Big Shiraki airfield, which are both also mentioned on this list. The town itself is a bit of a hidden gem with a magnificent hilltop monastery, a fascinating WWII memorial, art studios and wineries on its doorstep.

Dedoplistskaro is situated in historic Kiziki , one of the most culturally rich corners of Georgia. Founded by entrepreneur Nino Bakhutashvili, Pesvebi preserves Kizikian carpet-weaving traditions by reviving ancestral designs and plant-dyeing techniques. Her art studio in Dedoplistskaro is open to visitors – and shoppers!

Another highlight of Dedoplistskaro town is the local WWII memorial . Built in 1985, it stands at the top of Memorial Park and depicts a woman flanked by two giant concrete lions. Other Soviet-era monuments can be found scattered throughout the town.

There are several excellent places to visit on the outskirts of Dedoplistskaro. Eagle Gorge Natural Monument , a 1.7-kilometre river canyon carved from limestone, has walking trails where you can observe some of the 60 species of birds that nest and feed here. Khornabuji Castle AKA the Fortress of Tamar is an impressive stone ruin set on a limestone massif, and the 6th-century St. Elia’s Church can be submitted for a view of the plains.

How to get to Dedoplistskaro: Public transport (marshrutka vans) to Dedoplistskaro is available from Telavi, Sighnaghi or Tsnori.

Where to stay in Dedoplistskaro: Guest House Savanna is my top choice, with comfortable cabins and cottages, home-cooked meals, and a terrific resource in owner, Temo, who is a professional wildlife photographer and fountain of knowledge on the area.

Further reading: Things to do in Dedoplistskaro .

32. Sarpi, last port of call before Turkiye

Under normal circumstances, a land border immigration checkpoint is not the sort of place you’d want to linger. But Sarpi, the small town where Georgia meets Turkey, is worthy of a detour even if you’re not passing through.

Sarpi is home to one of the country’s most distinct modern buildings, the Sarpi Checkpoint . Built in 2011 and designed by J. Mayer H. Architects, the spirited wave-shaped tower on the beach is striking and very photogenic.

It’s worth visiting Sarpi just to see this unique piece of architecture. If you’re coming from Batumi, you can make a day of it by enjoying the nice bicycle ride down the coast via Gonio and some of Adjara’s loveliest secluded beaches .

As an Australian, I get a kick out of land borders, and the view of Turkey is pretty cool. Climb one of the steep streets above the checkpoint for a priceless panorama of the bell tower of Orthodox St. Andrew’s church, the spire of the nearest Turkish mosque and the checkpoint building all in the one frame.

Sarpi is also known for being home to the Laz , an ethnic group famed for their boat-making skills. There is a small ethnographic museum in Sarpi where you can learn more about their traditions.

How to get to Sarpi: Cycle from Batumi or take a local city bus.

Further reading: My full guide to biking to Sarpi from Batumi , including directions and points of interest to see along the way.

33. Chobareti Meskhetian House, a must-visit in Georgia for foodies

Traditional recipes from ancient Meskheti region have enriched Georgian cuisine with a bevy of unique textures and tastes. With salt, dough and fat as your basic ingredients, it’s hard to go wrong! This is also the home of lokokina or Georgian escargot . Snails are thought to have been introduced as a delicacy by Capuchin missionaries.

One of the best places to indulge in regional cooking is Meskhetian House in the small village of Chobareti. Entrepreneur Aluda Jvaridze, his wife Natia and their family offer tourists masterclasses and generous Meskhetian feasts .

The star of the show is tenili , a rope-like cheese made by heating curds over a flame and hand-pulling the elastic strands until they become fine. It’s a long process that requires a lot of skill (and tough hands!), something that’s been passed down through the generations . Only a handful of people possess the knowledge to make one of Georgia’s ‘lost cheeses’ the old-fashioned way.

Apokhti (jerky-style dried meat), kada (a sweet-salty bread made with nuts) and arishta (dehydrated noodles) also feature on the menu.

The family property has two oda hall houses , one that is 300 years old and another refurbished houses with a kitchen and traditional oven. Looking out at the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of Meskheti through the bougainvillaea-clad stone terrace, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Georgian Tuscany!

Masterclasses and meals are available by appointment only. Contact the family directly on Facebook or via the Samtskhe-Javakheti DMO to arrange a booking. Little English is spoken, so it’s best to go with a guide.

How to get to Chobareti: Chobareti is a 30-minute drive from Akhaltsikhe via a scenic and fully-sealed mountain road.

Where to stay near Chobareti: Brewery House & Beer Spa in Aspindza is a family-run guesthouse 20 minutes from Chobareti. Guests get unlimited qvevri tap beer, and there is even a beer spa!

Further reading: My guide to Meskhetian cuisine and more foodie experiences in southern Georgia.

34. Shrosha, Western Georgia’s pottery capital

Another time-honoured Georgian craft and the foundation of the country’s UNESCO-Listed wine making tradition , making clay qvevri is an art form only a few have mastered. These mammoth vessels are used to ferment and store wine, and there are just three villages in Georgia where families still make traditional qvevri by hand , Shrosha being one of them.

Located on the east-west highway just before Zestaphoni, this is a good place to stop when driving to Kutaisi from Tbilisi or vice-versa. As soon as you hit Ubisa , you’ll notice pottery stores on the side of the road selling vast numbers of clay ketsi dishes, lobiani pots and miniature qvevri. These make for fantastic Georgian souvenirs .

Closer to Ubisa, master potter Zaliko and his son Sergo – the youngest of five generations of qvevri makers – run a home workshop where they build up the amphora by hand, adding 15-20cm of clay each day.

I visited as part of my tour with Karavanly, but if you’re passing by, you can try popping in for a look around. The garden at the front of the property has lots of qvevri and clay tone ovens for sale.

How to get to Shrosha: Shrosha and Ubisa are on the highway, so it’s only really practical to stop if you’re driving through with your own car.

Further reading: How to make a clay qvevri .

35. Sairme & Baghdati, hot springs & vineyards near Kutaisi

Another of Georgia’s balneological resorts that rose in prominence during the Soviet era, Sairme is known for its healing thermal pools and mineral waters (the first one you bathe in, the second one you drink!). Located 1.5 hours south of Kutaisi on the way to Abastumani, Sairme makes for a great alternative day trip or overnight getaway. 

Along the way, you can stop in Baghdati, one of the oldest settlements in the region and the hub of Imereti’s wine route. The Vladimir Mayakovski House Museum (dedicated to the famous Futurist artist who was born in Baghdati in 1893) is a highlight.

Sairme has a beautifully restored spa house with indoor and outdoor pools . A range of massages and holistic health treatments are also on offer. Further into the mountains, the main part of the resort has also been done up and is now operated by Best Western. A fast-paced river cuts through the centre of the resort, while the pine-covered Lesser Caucasus mountains hover so close, you really feel like you’re fully enveloped in nature.

Around the river you’ll see curious concrete buildings: each one houses a spring dispensing water with a different mineral content. If you want the full Saime experience, visit the resort doctor for a once-over and they will issue you with a custom mineral water prescription!

How to get to Sairme: Sairme is around 50 kilometres (31 miles) south of Kutaisi. Marshrutka vans to Baghdati depart from Kutaisi Central Bus Station, taking around 1.5 hours and costing a couple of GEL per person. There is no public transport to Sairme, so you’ll need to take a local taxi to the resort.

Where to stay in Sairme: Sairme Hotel & Resort is located inside a refurbished sanatorium that dates back to the 1950s. Rooms are compact but very comfortable, and the buffet breakfast is one of the best I’ve had in Georgia.

Further reading: My quick guide to Sairme and Baghdati .

More beautiful places in Georgia for hiking, hot springs & nature

36. tusheti, georgia’s most remote mountain destination.

Tusheti is without a doubt Georgia’s most remote and daring mountain destination . It’s often heralded as the pinnacle of Georgia travel. As one local told me, ‘If you haven’t been to Tusheti, you haven’t been to Georgia’.

The road to Tusheti from Tbilisi via the Abano Pass is treacherous and very dangerous, but the rewards are huge: the Tusheti Protected Areas is a near-pristine landscape in the Greater Caucasus with incredible flora and fauna.

Tusheti is famed for its hiking trails , which range from half-day jaunts to multi-day treks via remote mountain passes. Beyond the outdoor pursuits, Tusheti is one of the region’s most fascinating cultural landscapes, with unique religious and social traditions to learn about, stone defensive tower houses to admire, and incredible regional food and drink (including Georgia’s answer to cheese fondue!) to enjoy.

Don’t miss visiting Dartlo , the most picturesque village in Tusheti and one of the most beautiful places in Georgia. Diklo, a remote village near the border, has a very different, alpine feel and is also a must-see.

How to get to Tusheti: Omalo, Tusheti’s main village, is a 7-8 hour drive from Tbilisi. There is no public transport to Tusheti – the only way to travel the Abano Pass is with a Delica or 4WD/Jeep taxi. I highly recommend hiring an experienced driver for the journey. Shared taxis are available from Alvani and Telavi in the lowlands. See my Tusheti Transport Guide for full details.

Where to stay in Tusheti: There are guesthouses scattered throughout Tusheti. Dartlo, my favourite village, is a great place to base yourself as there are plenty of accommodation choices, food options, and access points for hiking trails. Located in Old Dartlo, Guest House Samtsikhe offers simple, cosy rooms with balconies and incredible views. Horse riding is available, and there’s a cafe onsite.

Further reading: Brush up on everything you need to know before you visit Tusheti with these 22 essential Tusheti travel tips .

37. The Javakheti Plateau, Georgia’s lake district

The Javakheti Protected Areas is a network of lakes and protected bird habitat in southern Georgia. This is the country’s premier birdwatching destination – but even if you have no interest in wildlife, you’ll still find this part of the country intriguing and ruggedly beautiful.

Javakheti is often referred to as the ‘Georgian Arctic’ because of the harsh climate (the whole area is at a high elevation). When it’s not under thick snow, the landscape is an awe-inspiring panorama of extinct volcanoes, volcanic lakes and never-ending plains . Tourism infrastructure is quite basic and the area is spread out, so it’s best to visit with your own vehicle.

Hop between the different lakes along the Armenian and Turkish borders, each with its own character and resident bird species. Paravani Lake , one of the first lakes you reach after leaving Tbilisi, and the delightful Poka St. Nino Monastery are a highlight. Short hiking routes are available around some of the lakes, and wild camping is permitted in many areas.

The landscape also features scoring canyons (including the popular Dashbashi Canyon), soaring peaks, pockets of pine forest planted out during Soviet times to soften the landscape, and craggy rocks adorned with ancient petroglyphs .

This area is as culturally vibrant as it is visually striking – Pontic Greek, Adjarian Muslim, Armenian and Azerbaijani families have all lived here for decades, each adding their own traditions to the mix.

How to get to Javakheti: Javakheti is located around 3 hours west from Tbilisi. The lakes and towns are linked by good-quality roads, making this ideal territory for a road trip.

Where to stay in Javakheti: Both Tsalka (the closest city) and Ninotsminda offer a handful of guesthouses and basic hotels. In Tsalka, I recommend Hotel White House and in Ninotsminda, I highly recommend Guest House Sonya . Don’t miss eating at the nearby Restaurant Pontia.

Further reading: My guide to visiting the Javakheti Protected Areas and Tsalka .

38. Vashlovani Protected Areas, the Georgian Badlands

Up there with the most remote and adventurous destinations in Georgia, the Vashlovani Protected Areas (AKA Vashlovani National Park) is a surreal landscape of canyons, steppe, savanna and mud volcanoes in the far south-eastern part of the country, close to the border with Azerbaijan .

Part national park and part strict nature reserve, the Protected Areas is a 35,200-hectare swathe of territory that was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve back in 2022. Vashlovani is not a hiking destination – rather it is a place for offroading . A robust 4×4 and experience with difficult terrain is mandatory if you want to tackle the park on your own. Otherwise, I recommend hiring a local driver-guide who is experienced with the area.

With just one day in Vashlovani you can see a decent amount of what the park has to offer. A logical loop route takes you through Pantishara Canyon and the dry sea beds , Samukhi Valley where you can spot gazelles and to the magnificent Usakhelo Viewpoint before finishing at Mijniskure and the easternmost point of Georgia, where the snake-like Alazani River forms the border.

There are two ideal windows for visiting Vashlovani: Spring (April and May) – best for seeing the wildflowers – and autumn (October and November). During winter, access to the park is limited while in summer, it is simply too hot. All travellers must obtain prior authorisation and pay an entry fee. If you are travelling as far as Mijniskure, you also need a border permit . Both can be organised in advance in the nearby town of Dedoplistskaro.

How to get to Vashlovani: Vashlovani is located around 170 kilometres from Tbilisi and 75 kilometres from Sighnaghi. You need your own vehicle to visit the park, thus the easiest option is to hire a driver-guide.

Where to stay near Vashlovani: Dedoplistskaro is the best base for visiting Vashlovani. Guest House Savanna offers excellent rooms and self-contained cottages/cabins, plus full board.

Further reading: Easy one-day itinerary for Vashlovani and tips for visiting .

39. Didgori Valley & Battle Memorial, one of Georgia’s most scenic drives

One of my favourite things to do in Georgia is visit the Didgori Battle Memorial at sunset . This stunning war monument is set over rolling hills in Kvemo Kartli region west of Tbilisi, marking the location of the Battle of Didgori , a seminal event in Georgian national history.

On August 12, 1121, King David the Builder led his army to Didgori to ambush Seljuk forces. His ‘miraculous victory’ as it’s known led to Georgia’s liberation and reunification, ushering in the country’s Golden Age .

If I was to describe this monument in a word, it would be powerful . The memorial has several components, but the main part is a huge stone sculpture emblazoned with a lion surrounded by hulking crucifix-shaped metal swords plunged into the hillside . These represent the lives lost in the battle. In the surrounding meadows, you can find sculptures of disfigured warriors and a larger-than-life King David raising his longhorn.

Every year on August 12, one of Georgia’s biggest festivals , Didgoroba , is held here as a tribute to the battle that freed Georgia from the yoke of Turko-Persian control.

How to get to Didgori: You need your own car (or a car and driver) to reach Didgori. The road is brand new and a real pleasure to drive. There are two possible routes from Tbilisi: Via Mtskheta or via Manglisi. Both take approximately 1.5 hours.

Where to stay near Didgori: Hotel LUKA in Manglisi offers simple but comfortable rooms and a home-cooked breakfast. The location 30 minutes from the monument makes this an ideal place to sleep after driving up for sunset.

Further reading: My tips for visiting the Didgori Battle Memorial .

40. Tskhrajvari, the magnificent Hill of Nine Crosses

Tskhrajvari or ‘Nine Crosses’ is a magnificent mountaintop viewpoint and pilgrimage place . It sits on the cusp of Imereti and Racha regions, around 35km north-east of Kutaisi. 

Tskhrajvari is a favourite hiking spot for locals, but not many tourists know about it. The panoramic views of Upper Imereti and the Greater Caucasus mountains you get from the top are absolutely astonishing. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to the Black Sea.

A walking trail wraps around the stony mountainside, culminating with a small stone chapel and nine gold and silver crosses embedded in the rock. There are several legends associated with Tskrajvari that make it a sacred pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians. In the Soviet era, there was even a cable car (the second longest in Georgia) to connect the mountain with the nearest town, Tkibuli, below.

The hike is short , taking less than an hour one-way to complete, but the terrain is quite rough and challenging . In the past, you had to hold onto rusty metal chains to pull yourself up the cliff via ferrata style. In late 2022, several sets of wooden steps were installed to replace the chains, making it easier to reach the summit.

How to get to Tskhrajvari: A newly sealed road winds up the mountainside to the start of the hiking trail, which sits high above the small mining town of Tkibuli. The best departure point is Kutaisi, which is an hour away by road. It’s best to go with your own car, otherwise you can take a marshrutka to Tkibuli and continue by taxi from there.

Further reading: Detailed guide to the Tskhrajvari hike .

41. Lailashi Secret Pool, paradise in Lechkhumi

Lailashi is a small high-altitude village in Georgia’s north-western Lechkhumi region, a remote part of the country characterised by limestone rock formations (including the stunning Sairme Pillars ), steep cliffs and soaring peaks. This little settlement has become famous for one thing: Lailashi ‘Secret Pool’ .

Also known as Okronishi Fountain , it’s a set of two high-altitude pools fed by natural water springs. I’ve tried to find more information about the fountain and its significance online, but all my searches have come up short. I know it underwent some rehabilitation in the early 2000s funded by USAID, so I’m sure it has special significance to the community – I only wish I knew more about it.

What I do know is that it’s breathtakingly beautiful . In 2020, the Secret Pool became Insta-famous and posing for a photo at the corner of the pool overlooking one of the best views in Georgia , peering into the abyss of a green valley, became the thing to do. I visited in summer, but it looks even more majestic on a clear winter’s day when the whole area is covered in snow and frost.

The view (and the deluge of Likes) more than makes up for the rough-and-tumble drive it takes to get to Lailashi. A 4WD with high clearance is required to tame the vertiginous unpaved road . A former outpost on the old Silk Road and once home to a significant Jewish population, the village of Lailashi itself has an interesting history.

How to get to Lailashi: The easiest way to access Lailashi is by driving up from Ambrolauri. The not-so Secret Pool is marked on Google Maps.

42. Sno Valley & Juta, hiking near Kazbegi

If hiking is high up on your agenda for Georgia, check out Juta, a less-popular alternative to Kazbegi with similar scenery but fewer people. Dubbed the ‘Georgian Dolomites’ , this area is characterised by tapered stone peaks and alpine lakes.

Juta itself is a small village located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus on the edge of Kazbegi National Park , east off the Georgian Military Highway just before you enter into Stepantsminda.

The area boasts pristine hiking trails , including the challenging Chaukhi Pass . A collection of guesthouses and restaurants in town cater to hikers. If you’re not interested in testing your endurance, this is still a great place to find some respite amongst stunning mountain landscapes – especially when you stay in a cosy room at Fifth Season .

On the way to Juta, stop off in the village of Sno where you’ll find a magical landscape of wildflower fields scattered with massive ‘stone head’ sculptures . The work of a local artist, these monoliths depict different figures from Georgian history and the arts.

How to get to Juta: Mountain Freaks operates daily bus transfers to Juta from Kazbegi. You can also use this service to access other landscapes in the area, including Dariali Gorge and Truso Valley. Check times and prices here .

Where to stay in Juta: Fifth Season is a popular hiker’s lodge in Juta with cosy rooms and stunning mountain views.

43. Udabno, Georgia’s vivid semi-desert

Udabno means ‘desert’ in Georgian, and that just about sums up the desolate landscape surrounding David Gareja in southern Kakheti. The thing that makes this area unique and worth visiting is the colourful striations of rock created by mineral deposits. I also discovered that if you visit Udabno after heavy rain, you’ll see cloudy pink lakes that look like big puddles of strawberry milkshake.

There is some nice hiking to be found in the ‘rainbow hills’ , over rivulets and mounds of coloured earth. There aren’t any marked trails so you need to use an app such as Maps.me to navigate. Avoid visiting in summer as snakes are a problem.

At the centre of this otherworldly landscape sits Udabno village , a cluster of weather-beaten, mostly abandoned buildings in the desert. Set up by the Soviet government in the 1980s to accommodate economic migrants from Svaneti region, I’m told that Udabno was later used to house refugees from nearby Azerbaijan before it was left to ruin.

Today it’s a bit of a ghost village, with most buildings empty. Then the founders of the Oasis Club came along to breathe new life into Udabno and give the area some vitality – and a much-needed place to stop for lunch when hiking or visiting the monasteries.

How to get to Udabno: Marshrutka vans are available from Tbilisi and Sagarejo in Kakheti but schedules are limited. An easier way to get there is on an organised day trip that pairs Udabno with David Garjea ( such as this one ), use the Gareji Line transfer service mentioned above, or just drive yourself. The road is mostly paved now and easy to manage.

Where to stay in Udabno: Oasis Club in Udabno offers dorms and private bungalows plus outstanding home-cooked meals.

Further reading: My experience hiking in Udabno on my most recent visit to David Gareja.

44. Saro, a charming village in Meskheti

Part of Southern Georgia’s historic Meskheti region , Saro is perched on a ridge roughly halfway between Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia. I first heard about this village in summer 2022 and was absolutely blown away when I visited. I have since been back several times. Saro is fascinating and astoundingly beautiful – truly the stuff Georgian dreams are made of.

Saro commands amazing views of the Chobaretiskhevi River Gorge – the scenery is beyond stunning. Because of its strategic location, it was used as a hideout spot during raids. A cyclopean fortress , one of an estimated 1,000 megalithic structures scattered around the region, was built here in the Bronze Age. It’s still a mystery how people managed to get the impossibly heavy stone blocks up to the ridge.

Adjacent to the lichen-covered ruins, the 7th-century Archangel Church of Saro is similarly a sight to behold. Sister Teona and her colleagues are among the warmest, friendliest nuns I’ve met in Georgia. They happily welcome visitors inside the active church to see the collection of ancient icons and a set of standard bearer flags used in the past for battle processions and Easter celebrations alike.

The church is the starting point for the Saro to Nijgori hike , a new 2.2km marked trail that ends in the lower village of Nijgori near the main highway. Before you leave, be sure to visit the gift shop and support the nuns by purchasing a bracelet.

Beyond the church in Saro village, you can find some wonderful examples of Darbazuli Sakhi or ‘Hall Houses’, traditional Meskhetian dwellings with intricate pyramid ceilings made using special wood joinery. Locals call these ‘swallow’s ceilings’ because birds often make their nests in the corners. The houses are privately owned and a bit tricky to spot, but if you ask around, you might find someone who is willing to let you inside for a look.

How to get to Saro: Saro is an hour’s drive from the city of Akhaltsikhe, on the way to Vardzia. A new sealed road makes it very easy to reach the village from the main highway. You can hike to Saro from Nijgori by following the marked trail that starts near the mosque.

Where to stay near Saro: Guest House Tirebi is a family-run agritourism guesthouse 20 minutes’ drive from Saro, close to the Vardzia cave complex.

Further reading: Tips for visiting Saro and more adventures in Meskheti region .

45. Shaori Mountain, hike to a megalithic fortress

Standing tall over Lake Paravani at 2,735 metres above sea level, Shaori Mountain is one of two popular peaks in Javakheti (the other being Abuli) where you can hike up to visit a set of megalithic ruins .

Shaori’s big and small cyclopean fortresses date back to the Bronze Age and have never been systematically studied. A new trail was recently marked here, starting from the quaint village of Tambovka , a Doukhobor settlement with blue-shuttered and sod-roofed houses.

The 1.2-kilometre (0.75-mile) hike takes around four hours over steep and uneven stoney terrain. It is tough, but traversing some of southern Georgia’s most sublime countryside is worth it for the panoramic lake views. A guide is recommended, but experienced hikers can get by using the maps provided on Wikiloc .

Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the inner courtyard of the big fortress, a rounded structure made from giant basalt stones with various gates and nooks.

How to get to the trailhead in Tambovka: Tambovka is a 3-hour drive from Akhaltsikhe. The last section of road is unpaved but still manageable with a sedan. If you don’t have your own car, Samvel, the owner of Family Corner in Gamdzani, can help to organise transportation.

Where to stay near Shaori Mountain: Since there are no guesthouses in Tambovka, I recommend staying in Ninotsminda ( Guest House Sonya is my top choice) or at Family Corner in Gamdzani .

Further reading: My detailed guide to the Shaori Fortress Hike .

46. Vani Sulfur Pool, open-air hot springs near Kutaisi

Also known as the Dikhashkho Sulfur Geyser, the Vani Sulfur Pool is an unexpected topographical feature that really has to be seen to be believed. Located literally in the middle of a farmer’s field near the edge of the Rioni River south of Kutaisi, this is a natural sulfur pool that springs from the earth. Apparently it’s been flowing for a century or more!

The strong-smelling sulfuric waters emerge from a pipe and fill two small pools formed by mineral deposits and walled up with cement. The pools are naturally warm – up to 40 degrees Celsius – and just like the sulfur baths in Tbilisi, bathing here is said to be good for your skin and cardiovascular health.

It’s the random location that really makes the Vani Sulfur Pool special. It’s very easy to find using Google Maps and a worthwhile detour if you happen to be visiting the nearby Archaeological Museum in Vani .

How to get to the Vani Sulfur Pool: The pool and geyser are located near Dikhashkho village, around 15 minutes from Vani or 45 minutes from Kutaisi. The easiest way to travel is by car. It’s also possible to go by marshrutka, but you’ll need to walk the final 2km to the pools.

Where to stay near Vani: For a vineyard homestay experience near Vani and the sulfur pool, I recommend Zaali’s Wine Cellar in Shua Gora.

Further reading: Tips for visiting the Vani Sulfur Pool , including detailed instructions on how to get there.

47. Gomismta & Bakhmaro, rugged mountain peaks in Guria

Another locals’ favourite, Guria region’s twin mountains, Gomismta and Bakhmaro, have been used by generations of shepherds as summer pasture for their sheep and cattle. Families from Guria built delightful little A-frame cabins on the mountains for their summer homes as well. In recent years, these cabins have proliferated and chalets and cottages have been added, transforming the once-sleepy mountaintops into popular resorts .

Bakhmaro is easier to access as the road up is completely paved. At the top, you’ll find picture-perfect wooden Bakhmaro Church. Gomismta is accessible by a slightly treacherous unpaved road and has a more ‘rustic’ feel as a result (a 4WD is necessary, and the road is only open on weekends). Both are developing rather quickly and can be quite crowded in the warmer months.

The thing that draws people up here in droves is the views. Gomismta in particular is hands down one of the most beautiful places in Georgia . The green hills are always shrouded in a thick blanket of Guria humidity, and you might reach the top only to discover the fog too thick to peer through. When I went, visibility was near zero – but it was still beautiful!

Sunset is the best time to go, when the golden orb sinks into the fog like dusk falling on a sea of cottonballs. If you don’t want to drive back down in the dark (a sensible choice), there are plenty of cabins and campgrounds around.

How to get to Gomismta/Bakhmaro: Drive from Ozurgeti (it takes around 2 hours to summit Bakhmaro and 1.5-2 hours to reach the top of Gomismta). If you don’t have a car, a driver can be organised through your guesthouse in Ozurgeti.

48. Upper Adjara, underrated alpine villages & wooden mosques

Another of Georgia’s less-popular mountainous regions, this time in the Lesser Caucasus, Upper Adjara (Ajara) runs along the country’s southern edge and forms the border with Turkey. Adjara was part of the Ottoman Empire for two centuries until 1878 and is today officially an Autonomous Republic within Georgia. People here speak their own dialect and uphold distinct traditions.

The mountainous part of Adjara is a completely different world to Batumi, the region’s capital, and the rest of the Black Sea coast. With the exception of the up-and-coming ski resort at Goderdzi , this region sees relatively few tourists. The roads are more perilous and parts of the region are closed-off in winter, so it’s wise to visit in the warmer months.

As you make your way along the main arterial from east to west, it’s one peaceful mountain town with painted cabins set amongst rolling hills after another. Many families in Adjara follow Sunni Islam traditions, and Upper Adjara is known for its elaborately painted wooden mosques , many of which survived the Soviet period by being transformed into museums.

Keda is the main centre of Upper Adjara and has good infrastructure for visitors. Smaller municipalities, particularly Shuakhevi , are now developing community based tourism and offer authentic homestay experiences.

The quiet village of Khulo is my favourite place in Upper Adjara. This is where you board the single-span cable car to travel to Tago and the wonderful Glamping Tago .

How to get to Upper Adjara: Minivans depart from Batumi for Khulo every 30 minutes throughout the day, stopping at smaller villages along the way. It’s also possible to access Khulo from the east (approaching from Akhaltsikhe), although a small section of the road remains unpaved.

Where to stay in Upper Adjara: Khulo is the most convenient base in Upper Adjara, and there are a number of guesthouses to choose from. I recently stayed at Hotel Khulo Inn , a new family accommodation with great rooms and spectacular views. Glamping Tago , a mountain retreat in a small village at the opposite end of the Khulo Cable Car, is one of the best accommodations in the country. Eco House Merisi on the road from Keda (back towards Batumi before Khulo) is a new destination hotel that’s become very popular for its amazing mountain views.

49. Machakhela National Park, my favourite national park near Batumi

Located in the river gorge that separates Georgia from Turkey, Machakhela is a unique natural landscape that includes a strip of Ancient Colchic Forest, Europe’s oldest primordial forest.

Despite being under an hour by car from Batumi, this is a truly pristine corner of Georgia that’s only just starting to open up to tourists. It’s recently come under the wing of the national parks service and so features marked hiking trails and a newly launched tourism office – but infrastructure is still a work in progress.

The landscapes are stunning, but what’s even more appealing to me is the area’s cultural heritage . Traditionally, Machakhela was known for its flint gunsmiths and a couple of families who live in villages within the park continue this tradition in small home workshops (although the guns are now for decorative purposes only!). A pillbox gun left over from the Russian-Ottoman conflict can be seen off the main road.

A small Ethnographic Museum set inside a gorgeous painted mosque documents the area’s unique heritage. Stone Tamar bridges arch over the fast-flowing river, which also powers old-fashioned grain mills. There are numerous hills to crest and streams to swim in, making Machakhela a hikers’ dream .

There is a collection of family run guesthouses and restaurants inside the park. It’s a wonderful place to spend a couple of nights off the grid.

How to get to Machakhela: From Batumi, you can reach the park by car or marshrutka. Minivans only go so far, so it’s necessary to walk or hitch a ride to the deeper villages.

Further reading: My experience touring Machakhela by scooter .

50. Shekvetili, my favourite beach in Georgia

If you’ve come to Georgia seeking sun and surf, you should know that the best beaches aren’t in Batumi – not by a long shot. Instead, you’ll want to head north to the passage of coastline between Batumi and Poti. Here you’ll find smaller beach towns including the fabulously retro Kobuleti , Ureki, and my personal favourite, Shekvetili.

Part of Guria region, Shekvetili is one of the small, laid-back summer resort towns on the upper part of the Black Sea. With clean swimming beaches and cute cottages, it’s a great alternative to the big city, especially if you want to skip the glitz and glam and you don’t mind something more rustic.

The sand here is a lot finer, making for a more pleasant experience overall. It’s not any old sand, either – it’s black ‘magnetic’ sand , which is believed to have special healing properties. Whatever you believe, the gorgeous deeply coloured grains shimmer at sunset, and that’s good enough for me.

A pocket of pine forest behind the shoreline makes the climate quite mild – just bring your mozzie spray. Aside from larger resorts such as Paragraph to the north, the town is still quiet and peaceful.

I recommend visiting the nearby Miniature Park , an outdoor museum that displays tiny versions of Georgia’s major landmarks (it sounds ridiculous, but it’s awesome). In Shekvetili, don’t miss eating at At Nelli’s , an inconspicuous restaurant that serves delicious home-cooked fare including trout stuffed with walnut.

How to get to Shekvetili: Take a bus or train from Batumi to Natanebi Railway Station, or if you’re coming from Guria, take a marshrutka from Ozurgeti.

Where to stay in Shekvetili: GiNa Shekvetili has simple light-filled rooms with small balconies overlooking the beach. It’s conveniently located a few footsteps back from the water and close to At Nelli’s.

What destinations do you recommend in Georgia? I plan to add more to this guide over the coming weeks and months – I already have my own wish list, but I’d love to hear your suggestions too! Let me know in the comments below.

Georgia essentials

Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend for Georgia. Check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Search for affordable flights to Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance (get 5% off when you book with my link).

SIM CARD: Magti is my preferred provider, with prices starting from 9 GEL/week for unlimited data. See this guide for all the details about buying a Georgian SIM card .

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Most flights into Georgia arrive in the early hours. For ease, pre-book a private transfer from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel (from $17) or from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi (from $90) with my partners at GoTrip.ge.

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is the most widely used platform in Georgia. Use it to find family guesthouses, private apartments, hostels and hotels around the country.

CAR HIRE: Find a great deal on a rental car in Georgia – use the Local Rent website to book through a local agent (prices start from $20/day).

DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Use Viator or Get Your Guide to browse a range of day trips and city tours. For off-beat programs, I recommend Friendly.ge (use the promocode wanderlush for 10% off). For in-depth day trips to Georgia’s wine regions, I recommend Eat This! Tours (use the promo code wanderlush for 5% off).

PRIVATE TRANSFERS: GoTrip.ge is a terrific service for booking a private professional driver and car for the day. Use it for A-to-B transfers, a customised round-trip itinerary, or a multi-day trip. You can stop wherever you like for as long as you like without the fixed price going up.

NEED SOME HELP?: Need feedback on your itinerary or personalised travel tips? I offer a one-on-one consultation call service for Tbilisi and Georgia. More information and bookings here .

You might also be interested in…

• The ultimate Georgia itinerary : Four detailed & custom-designed itineraries
• Georgia Travel Guide : All of my 200+ posts plus my top travel tips
• Georgia travel tips : 25 essential things to know before you go
• Places to visit in Georgia : 50+ unique & underrated destinations around the country
• The best things to do in Tbilisi : Favourites, hidden gems & local picks
• 35+ best restaurants in Tbilisi : Where to eat Georgian food
• 15 best day trips from Tbilisi : With detailed transport instructions
• The best time to visit Georgia : Month-by-month guide to weather, festivals & events

32 Comments

Are you aware of a possibility to travel from Ushguli to Lentekhi rather than returning through Mestia?

Hi Jacco, yes of course – but that is one of the worst ‘roads’ in the country. It’s only open for a very short window in summer. You need a proper 4×4 and experience off-roading, or else it’s very expensive (I was once quoted 400 GEL one-way) to take a taxi.

Hi Emily thanks for your great guides of Georgia , on my bucket list! Which month do you recommend for snow-capped mountain scenes please?

Hi Martini, I would recommend late January or February.

Great summary of interesting places, I have visited maybe half of them, but will continue to visit more of them next year. As I was born in the Austrian mountains Svaneti, Kazbegi and Tushetia are impressive, but my favourite areas are Ninotsminda and Telavi, where you should spend a couple of days. I like Kutaisi more than Tbilisi. Localrent is really great and the tips of Emily are helping a lot.

Thanks so much, Peter! Ninotsminda is terrific, I agree. The Telavi Bazaar is my happy place. Enjoy your travels in Georgia!

Hi Emily Such comprehensive information thank you – do you know if the road from Mestia to Ushguli is accessible the first week of April? I’m finding conflicting reports as to whether I can actually get to Ushguli by road. Thank you!

Hi Kym, it depends on the weather conditions. The earliest I have been is first week of May. In theory the road is open year-round (people live in Ushguli through the winter) but the road might be closed for short (or longer) periods if there is heavy snow, landslide, etc.

Thank you for keeping this list updated – the info has been useful to me for quite a few trips. However one interesting region sadly missed here is Khevsureti. I’d consider Mutso alone as one of the star sightseeing locations in Georgia especially considering the impressive restoration work that’s been done there: it’s a great time to visit it now as most of the structures in the village have already been restored but they continue the reinforcement of the watchtower on top of the mountain above the village so you can see both the results of award-winning restoration project and work in progress with all the machinery used (a cable crane system and the rail carts) to bring materials to the top. Plus Mutso (together with Shatili) is a rare remote mountain destination that is easily accessible by a cheap public bus from Tbilisi (well, we paid a bus driver an extra to go past Shatili and get to Anatori and Mutso but that was totally worth it!). Add here a distinctive and interesting local history and culture (one can start with a classic Abuladze’s screen version of Vazha Pshavela’s poem shot in Shatili – the Plea (1967), visit unique Anatori burial vaults), try local cuisine (I found it tastier than e.g. Svan dishes) – it makes for a great weekend trip from Tbilisi.

Thanks Dmitry! Did you read my note at the top of the article? Khevsureti and Lechkhumi are the two regions I have yet to visit properly, and since I want to keep this list as something that is written from my personal perspective and not just a generic listicle, I have not included them just yet. But – next summer I hope I will get a chance to finally go! Thank you for the excellent tips.

This is SUCH an impressive guide, Emily thank you! Heading to Georgia this weekend.

Awesome, Sydney! Enjoy Georgia! I hope you get to experience a few of these places – drop back and let me know how it all went!

An incredibly valuable travel blog, must be the best that I have ever come across. I plan to go to Georgia and Armenia this year, checking out places of interest, whether to use rail, hire a car, or buses, probably all three I would like to visit Azerbaijan maybe, but they do not like seeing an Armenia stamp in your passport, so entry there, even if the land border via Georgia is open, might be problematical.

Your blog is a great help in planning a trip

Thank you so much for the incredible effort that you have put into it, us travellers are eternally grateful to people like you.

Hi Bernard, thank you! No issue at all, I just entered Azerbaijan twice with 6 Armenian stamps in my passport. Your nationality/passport and who happens to be working at immigration that day do play a role. But there is no rule against this. Have a wonderful trip and thank you again!

Your blog is simply amazing.. each and every minute details you have given. We are planning georgia trip in month end and literally I have planned everything by reading your blogs. I have one question. If we dont want to hike, can we go to gveletti waterfall, juta and trusso valley in sedan car?

Thanks so much Bhumika, that means a lot!

For these locations you can certainly drive to the trail heads in a sedan. The Juta and Truso roads are quite challenging though, so you need a more robust car for those if you want to drive further in. One option is to leave your car in Kazbegi and organise local transport (i.e. a Delica taxi or transfer with Mountain Freaks) instead, if you want to minimise walking time.

I hope this helps!

Thanks for all the information about Georgia.

Great list! Several of these I still need to visit. I would also recommended Khevsureti, Kvemo Kartli (Samshvilde and Dmanisi) and and the megaliths of Javakheti/Tsalka. There isn’t a bad region of Georgia!

Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli are great, both are already on the list! Hoping to get to Khevsureti this summer.

Brilliant. This certainly whets my appetite for a return to Georgia.

P.S Have you managed a trip up to the Tbilisi Reservoir yet? Actually, it’s probably best left unadvertised. A real hidden gem.

Great Mick! As in Tbilisi Sea? I have been there a few times, need to return in summer to check out this new banya!

What a lovely video! And excellent music choice, thank you!

Hi Emily ! Your blogs are so detailed and narrative so beautiful ! I was browsing about Georgia and I could find everything that I need (and more) in your blogs !

It is inspiring as well as exciting to go through all of the emotions you have put in ! Now I am more thrilled to go ! Thanks a ton !

Thanks so much for your comment and for the kind words! I’m very glad to hear you’re planning to visit Georgia!

Hi Emily this is a really inspiring and detailed list of things to do in Georgia! I’m considering traveling there in a couple of weeks but it’s hard to know what sort of things are open such as restaurants, bars, museums, vineyards etc…

Since you live there is there any info you can provide about what it’s like to travel around due to the pandemic i.e. what are the restrictions? Are things open and accessible? I would really appreciate any help!

Hi Jessie – everything is open on weekdays, restaurants and bars are closed on weekends. Museums and vineyards should be operating now but you should call ahead to the vineyards especially to be sure. There is a 9pm curfew and masks are mandatory indoors and outdoors.

There will be a weeklong public holiday after Orthodox Easter so some businesses may be closed. Possibly we are looking at more restrictions/another lockdown after that if things continue the way they are – but it’s difficult to say for sure.

Hello Emily, First of all thanks for loving Georgia and of course thank you for Lailashi’s pool review. If you really interested of Lailashi’s history and want to know more about Okronishi fountain you may contact me. Also, there is a man who remembers community of Georgians, Jewish, Armenians and Greeks ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrM3f5tG-vA&t=171s ) and you may meet him and ask all interested questions.

Hello Zviad, thank you so much for sharing this! I would love to learn more about the history of this area, I will be in touch by email.

Really appreciate the link! Thank you again!

Very useful information! Also, i would like to ask if the Secret Pool in Lailashi is from thermal springs or just natural pool with cold water? Would like to visit it 🙂

Thanks for reading! Good question – I should have mentioned that it’s very, very cold mountain spring water!

Dear team, lovely description. Unfortunately two important off the beaten track places are missing. Tusheti and Vashlovani Nationalparks. Both gems not yet run over by tourists, rough and unique. I recommend visiting by horse although hiking or by jeep is also possible.

Thank you, Ira! Yes, those are my number 1 and 2 places to hit this spring/summer – I’ll be adding them to the list shortly 🙂

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12 best places to visit in Georgia (country)

09/12/2021 by Roobens Leave a Comment

Planning to visit Georgia (the country)? Georgia is not the priority of tourists but it becomes more and more popular among travelers. Culture and history lovers really like it, and there are numerous things to do in Georgia: relax on he beach, go to the moutains, admire monasteries, and old villages… The food is delicious and it’s the birthplace of wine. What to do in Georgia? Read the article to find out, then I’ll share Georgia travel tips.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Georgia

Tbilisi is the capital of the country, and it’s one of the main Georgia points of interest. It’s a city full of history where old and new mix. Indeed, the city was fouunded in 458, and you go there for the culture, the art and the food! The architecture is incredible! Have a walk in the old town, relax in Mtatsminda park and please don’t miss the Holy Trinity cathedral! I wrote a detailed article if you want to visit Tbilisi . Click here to find your accommodation. Click here to find the best activities.

It’s really enjoyable to visit Batumi, because it’s along the Black sea. It’s the second largest city in Georgia, and it’s next to the border with Turkey. People call it the Las Vegas of Caucasus because there are numerous casinos there. Have a walk along the beach, go to the botanical garden, admire the alphabetical tower and wander in the old town. I wrote a detailed article about my visit to Batumi . Click here to find your accommodation.

Many people say Svaneti is the most beautiful region of Georgia. For a long time it was an isolated region because it’s in the mountains. Svans had their own language and culture. You’ll see many medieval towers, which were useful in case of an attack. It’s a lovely place if you’re into hiking. Mestia is the main city, you have to go there. Don’t miss Ushguli, a small village which is one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe. There’s also Gudauri if you’re into skiing. Here’s a complete Svaneti travel guide . Click here to find your accommodation in Mestia.

Mtskheta is only 20km (12 miles) away from Tbilisi. It’s the religious capital of Georgia, in fact it was the capital of the country before Tbilisi. In Mtskheta, there are three of the most important churches in Georgia: the Jvari monastery, the Svetitskhoveli which dates back to 1010, and the Samtavro monastery. You can visit them but men cannot wear shorts and women have to cover their head. Click here to find your accommodation

Vardzia is a cave monastery founded in the 12th century, under the reign of king (actually queen!) Tamar. This cave monastery is 500-meters long and spreads over 13 levels. There were more than 400 rooms, 25 wine cellars, a church, a bakery… Get comfortable shoes to visit Vardzia.

Located about 3 hours away by car from Tbilisi and close to the border with Russia, Kazbegi is a city located in the mountains. Kazbegi is mostly known because in this area you’ll find the Gergeti Trinity church, that you can see on all the brochures of Georgia tourism board. Head to Kazbegi to go hiking, or even to go horse riding. A quiet and enjoyable place.

Maybe the name Borjomi rings a bell? It’s the name of a mineral water sold all over Eastern Europe. It comes from Borjomi in Georgia! It’s a quiet town where you can relax in the central park, take the cable car to enjoy the view in the heights of Borjomi, or visit Borjomi-Kharagauli park. Click here to find your accommodation.

It’s one of the largest cities in Georgia, however it’s not that big. Still, Kutaisi is a charming city you have to see. Admire the Bagrati cathedral which dates back to the 11th century. Don’t miss the Sataplia nature reserve, Prometheus cave, the Gelati monastery and the parliament. And spend some time at the Green Bazaar. Click here to book your accommodation.

Joseph Staline was born in Gori. Actually there’s even a museum dedicated to him where his belongings, photos, documents… are exhibited! But there’s more than that in Gori. Go to the Gori fortress, you’ll enjoy an amazing view of the city there. There’s the great patriotic war museum where you learn about the 2008 conflict that impacted the area. Click here to find your accommodation.

Uplistsikhe

Not far from Gori, there’s Uplistsikhe. It’s an ancient cave city dating back to 1000 BC! That was the capital of the Kingdom of Kartli. It’s easier to get there than Vardzia, and it’s nice to explore this cave city by foot. From the heights of the complex, you can admire the Mtkvari river. You have to see the hall of king Tamar, the wine cellar and the Princely church.

Sighnagi is a charming little town located in the Kakheti area. It’s Georgia’s most productive wine region, and it’s the perfect town for wine tasting. Have a walk along the city walls, it has 23 towers and each one has its own name. Go to the Bodbe Convent, this is where St. Nino is buried. On Sundays, go to the Bodbiskhevi bazar to buy local products. Take some time to visit the Kakheti region. You cannot miss David Gareji monastery, which dates bacl to the 6th century! Click here to find your accommodation.

Located northeast of Georgia, Tusheti is only accessible from late May to early October. 2000+ meters above sea level, the road is not accessible in winter because of snow. If you make it there, don’t miss the Tusheti national park which is wonderful! Spend some time in Omalo, the main village of the area. Otherwise you can go trekking, horse riding… Click here to find your accommodation.

These were the best places to visit in Georgia (country)! Now here are a few Georgia travel tips!

Georgia travel budget

• Accommodation is not expensive in Georgia. One night in a hostel dorm costs about 25 GEL ($8). One night in a hotel room costs around 50-70 GEL ($16-22.50). One night in a luxury hotel costs about 300 GEL ($96). Click here to book your accommodation.
• Food is not expensive either. If you eat local food, a meal costs around 20 GEL ($6.50). For a meal in a high-end restaurant, you’ll pay about 60 GEL ($19). A beer costs around 3 GEL ($1). Same for a glass of local wine.
• Regarding transportation, a subway or bus ride costs 0.5 GEL ($0.15). For a taxi ride, prices start at 3 GEL ($1) and cost around 0.60 GEL ($0.20) for every 1km. An intercity marshrutka ride costs between 5 and 20 GEL ($1.50-6.50). A train ride costs around 50 GEL ($16). Renting a car costs about 70 GEL ($22.50) per day.
• Regarding activities, visiting a museum costs between 2 and 10 GEL ($0.50-3). To get in a monastery or a historical monument, you’ll pay between 10 and 20 GEL ($3-6.50).

Basically, if you’re traveling on a budget,  you can get by with $45 per day. Otherwise you’ll spend about $100+ per day. Georgia is a cheap place to travel on a budget .

How to get around in Georgia

In Tbilisi only, there’s the subway. But there are also buses in almost every city in Georgia. Taxis too, and Yandex, the local Uber. You can get around in Georgia by train, but it’s not the cheapest option. Marshrutkas are cheaper and more convenient. You can rent a car or try ridesharing (Blablacar is there). There are a few domestic flights (between Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi). Finally, you can try hitchhiking.

Best time to visit Georgia

It’s better to go to Georgia in spring or in autumn. From late April to late June or in September or October. The weather is nice, it’s possible to do outdoor activities and there are festivals there. In summer, it’s scorching outside! In winter, it’s freezing! Only get there wintertime if you want to go skiing!

Visa policy of Georgia

If you’re an European citizen or coming from a Western country, you don’t need a visa to get to Georgia. You can find all the details here .

Safety in Georgia

Georgia is not a dangerous country at all. Tourists are rarely targeted for scams or petty crimes. There was a revolution and protests in 2008 but it’s in the past now. The situation is tensed in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, not far from the Russian border. But tourists are not allowed to get there.

The only real danger is the road. And stray dogs in the countryside. Road accidents are common, drivers are a bit aggressive. Don’t forget to get travel insurance. It will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. Click here to get one.

Packing list for Georgia

I’m not gonna list all the things to pack for Georgia. I don’t know how long you’re gonna stay there, where you’re going in Georgia, what you’re going to do and when you’ll visit. Take all the necessary clothes, toiletries, and also:

• hand sanitizer
• combination locks
• a money belt
• a security cable lock
• a travel plug adapter
• a stainless steel water bottle
• a lifestraw (a water bottle with a purifier)
• a menstrual cup (for the ladies)

Here’s a full list of travel accessories , which can be useful!

What to eat in Georgia

The food is really good in Georgia! They serve quality ingredients and you’re completely full after a meal! Try the khinkali , these are dumplings filled with meat usually: beef, veal, lamb and sometimes potatoes, cheese… Khachapuri literally means cheese bread. It’s bread stuffed with cheese, or a boat-shaped bread with melted cheese an and egg on top. Churchkhela is not a dish but a snack. These are walnuts and almonds in dry grape juice. Lobio is a bean stew with cornbread and pickles.

That’s it! You have all the information needed to travel to Georgia! Everything will go smoothly thanks to this guide!

• Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page!
• Want a tailor-made trip to Georgia? Get a free quote here !
• Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it. Here’s why use a VPN when traveling .

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2024 solar eclipse map: Where to see the eclipse on April 8

These 2024 solar eclipse maps will help you make the best decision about where and how to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday (April 8).

It's finally here: Today, (April 8) a total solar eclipse will pass across the skies North America, giving more than 33 million people living in 15 U.S. states a rare view of the totally-obstructed sun, and — weather permitting — a taste of some seriously strange eclipse phenomena .

If you’re wondering where the total and partial phases of the eclipse will be visible, the good news is that almost everyone in the contiguous U.S. will be able to see the celestial spectacle to some extent. But for a more detailed view of the eclipse’s path, take a look at these handy eclipse maps, courtesy of GreatAmericanEclipse.com. 

Solar eclipse 2024 path of totality map

Totality is the moment that every eclipse-chaser lives for: The moment when the moon completely covers the sun’s face, resulting in a brief but eerie darkness in the daytime. The path of totality , shown in the map above, is the path of the moon’s shadow across Earth’s surface. 

On Monday (April 8), totality will begin in Sinaloa, Mexico, then move northeast up to Texas, ultimately crossing 15 states before moving on to Canada. The states where totality will be visible are: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine — although Tennessee and Michigan will only be glanced by the moon's shadow.

Related: April 8 solar eclipse: What time does totality start in every state?

Viewers MUST be within the path of totality to witness the total phase of the eclipse; if you are off the path by even a mile, you will only see a partial eclipse, and miss out on the spooky daytime darkness. Furthermore, the closer you are to the center of the path of totality, the longer totality will last for you — up to a maximum duration of 4 minutes, 27 seconds in Torreón, Mexico.

Note: Totality is the ONLY TIME when it is safe to view the sun without protective eyewear like certified solar eclipse glasses . You must protect your eyes during the entire partial phase of the eclipse, no matter where you are.

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Solar eclipse 2024 partial eclipse map

If you live in the U.S. and can’t make it to the path of totality, a partial eclipse still awaits you on April 8. The entire contiguous U.S. will have some view of the partial eclipse, ranging from 99% coverage of the sun just off the path of totality to about 15% coverage far to the northwest of the path.

The map above shows how much of the sun’s disk will be blocked from your location. Watching the partial phases of the eclipse — which last about an hour and 20 minutes before and after totality — means wearing protective eyewear at all times. Failure to do so could result in permanent eye damage, according to NASA .

If you want to experience the celestial spectacle but don’t have a pair of eclipse glasses handy, there are many other ways to safely enjoy the partial eclipse . These include making a homemade pinhole projector , using a pasta strainer to project the shadow of the moon onto the ground or watching one of the various eclipse live streams available.

2024 eclipse travel maps

If you want to see totality but don’t live within the path, driving or taking public transit to a city within the path may be possible. The map above shows how far the drive is to the path of totality, based on where you’re coming from. Meanwhile, the map below shows the most populated cities within the path of totality — many of which are expected to be flooded with millions of eclipse tourists on April 8.

The biggest cities within the path of totality include: San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth in Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Hamilton and Montreal in Canada; and Torreón and Mazatlan in Mexico.

Wherever you are on April 8, we wish you clear skies and protected eyes during this rare, wondrous eclipse over North America.

Brandon is the space/physics editor at Live Science. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, CBS.com, the Richard Dawkins Foundation website and other outlets. He holds a bachelor's degree in creative writing from the University of Arizona, with minors in journalism and media arts. He enjoys writing most about space, geoscience and the mysteries of the universe.

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Maps show where trillions of cicadas will emerge in the U.S. this spring

By Caitlin O'Kane

Updated on: April 11, 2024 / 4:30 PM EDT / CBS News

Trillions of periodical cicadas will emerge from the ground this spring, bringing with them their loud buzzing and molted exoskeletons. Here's where you will be able to see cicadas in the U.S. 

When are the cicadas coming in 2024?

There are two groups of periodical cicadas — those that emerge every 13 years and those that emerge every 17 years. For most of their lives, cicadas live underground and then emerge once the soil reaches 64 degrees. 

Because they are temperature-dependent, their emergences may vary depending on the location. In 2024, they are expected sometime in May or early June, according to Ken Johnson, a horticulture educator at the  University of Illinois.

Since it may warm up faster in southern states, such as South Carolina, the cicadas might emerge as soon as April, while in cooler states, such as those in the upper Midwest, they might not emerge until June. 

This year, both the 13-year and the 17-year cicadas will emerge, arriving in numbers that have not been seen in generations.

They mate, molt and then die, leaving behind their offspring to bury themselves into the soil and lay dormant until their brood's next cycle. They only last about a month above ground, and no, they aren't dangerous. Unlike locusts, which eat plants, cicadas get their nutrients from small branches. Most trees, however, will remain unharmed. 

Still, Johnson advises not planting any new trees ahead of a periodical cicada emergence. You can put netting around small trees and shrubs to keep them away, making sure openings are no larger than 1/4 of an inch so the bugs can't get in. 

Where will cicadas be in 2024?

The 13-year cicadas, called  Brood XIX , will emerge in Georgia and the Southeast. The 17-year cicadas, called  Brood XIII , will  appear in Illinois . This will be the first time since 1803 that two broods emerged at the same time. The next time this happens will be 2037.

The overlap of these two broods has been dubbed by an expert as "cicada-geddon" — but it won't be the biggest cicada event. In 2076, the two largest broods –XIX and XIV – will come out together. "That is the cicada-palooza," University of Connecticut  cicada  expert John Cooley said.

The broods will emerge peacefully, but Cooley said hundreds of trillions, or even quadrillions, of cicadas are expected. That's an average of 1 million per acre over millions of acres. 

Some of the cicadas, however, may have come in contact with a fungal pathogen called  Massospora cicadina, which makes them hyper-sexual. The sexually transmitted fungal infection turns them into so-called "zombie cicadas," with a chalky, white plug erupting out of their bodies and making their genitals fall off. Cicada expert Matthew Kasson says it's not yet clear how the fungus impacts other wildlife, animals or humans.

"The cicada continues to participate in normal activities, like it would if it was healthy," Kasson, an associate professor of Mycology and Forest Pathology at West Virginia University, told CBS News. "Like it tries to mate, it flies around, it walks on plants. Yet, a third of its body has been replaced by fungus. That's really kind of bizarre." 

Maps show where in the U.S. to see cicadas

The dual cicada brood emergence will primarily be seen in parts of Illinois and Iowa, as well as parts of Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. 

The two broods will co-emerge in north-central Illinois for the first time since 1803.

A map from the U.S. Department of Agriculture  tracks the emergence of both the 13- and 17-year cicada broods from 2013 to 2029. 

Caitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces "The Uplift," CBS News' streaming show that focuses on good news.

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When and where the solar eclipse will be crossing the U.S.

A total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America on Monday, one of the most hotly anticipated sky-watching events in recent years.

Weather permitting , millions of people in Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada will have the chance to see the moon slip between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light .

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a “path of totality” that measures more than 100 miles wide and extends across the continent. Along that path, the moon will fully obscure the sun, causing afternoon skies to darken for a few minutes.

Follow live updates on the solar eclipse

In all other parts of the continental U.S., a partial solar eclipse will be visible, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun. Exactly how big a bite depends on the location.

The first spot in North America that will experience totality on Monday is on Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA .

After moving northeast across Mexico, the eclipse’s path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Slivers of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

In Canada, the eclipse will be visible in parts of southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

The timing of the eclipse and the duration of totality varies by location. Most places will experience around 2 minutes of darkness, but the longest periods of totality are typically in the center of the eclipse’s path.

This year, the longest stretch of totality will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds in an area northwest of Torreón, Mexico.

Below is a list of timings for some U.S. cities along the path of totality, according to NASA .

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m. CT.
• Idabel, Oklahoma: Partial eclipse begins at 12:28 p.m. CT and totality at 1:45 p.m. CT.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m. CT.
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: Partial eclipse begins at 12:39 p.m. CT and totality at 1:56 p.m. CT.
• Paducah, Kentucky: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 2:00 p.m. CT.
• Carbondale, Illinois: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 1:59 p.m. CT.
• Evansville, Indiana: Partial eclipse begins at 12:45 p.m. CT and totality at 2:02 p.m. CT.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Erie, Pennsylvania: Partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m. ET and totality at 3:16 p.m. ET.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Burlington, Vermont: Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 p.m. ET and totality at 3:26 p.m. ET.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.
• Caribou, Maine: Partial eclipse begins at 2:22 p.m. ET and totality at 3:32 p.m. ET.

Other resources can also help you figure out when the various phases of the eclipse will be visible where you live, including NationalEclipse.com and TimeandDate.com .

If you plan to watch the celestial event, remember that it’s never safe to look directly at the sun, including through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses. Special eclipse glasses are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent permanent eye damage.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, what you need to know to watch monday's total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be a few brief moments when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

When is the eclipse?

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

Check out this table for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or check by zip code here.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

Where to see totality?

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Here's what we know about Monday's weather forecast.

Why totality matters

As NPR's Neil Greenfieldboyce explains , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona — that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

Eclipse Science

For april's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'omg' might mean just driving across town.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

How to watch safely

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection ( traditional sunglasses don't count! ) can be harmful to your eyes.

The perfect celestial soundtrack to the total solar eclipse

As NPR's Joe Hernandez explains, "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse — except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house ( like some of us did back in 2017!) More on that here.

Traveling for totality?

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some NPR Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible influx of visitors in the hundreds of thousands to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out the latest from Texas Public Radio
• Dallas: Explore KERA's coverage for the latest
• Austin: Head to KUT for the best local resources

Arkansas The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out Little Rock Public Radio for local resources.

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from Kentuckiana eclipse mania to the University of Louisville's free class about the celestial event. Keep an eye on WKMS for the latest local updates.

Missouri The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Whitewater and Ste. Genevieve. Head to St. Louis Public Radio for local coverage and resources. Illinois Carbondale seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality both in 2017 and for this year's eclipse . For resources from across the state, check out Illinois Public Media .

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out Indiana Public Media
• Indianapolis: Head to WFYI for the latest
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, WBOI has resources for the Allen County area

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to Ideastream Public Media for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to WOSU for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. WESA has more from across the region.

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to WBFO for the latest
• Syracuse: WAER has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: NCPR has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. Vermont Public has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely. New Hampshire The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. NHPR has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television. Maine The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. Maine Public will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

How to document the eclipse safely

With the ease of cell photography , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As NPR's Scott Neuman explains , "For starters, you'll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious? Here are a few more tips.

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reising the official poet in the state for this year's eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view? Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time. NPR's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

• 2024 eclipse