The Best Attractions and Places for a Georgia Vacation

In Georgia, they say: 'Every guest is a gift from God' - and travelers are welcomed in the country with the same warmth. This small nation between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, which is about the size of West Virginia, offers plenty for active travelers, beach lovers, and culture enthusiasts. Here's an overview.

Wooden terrace houses next to chic shopping malls, faded Art Nouveau houses next to modern glass facades - Tbilisi is a capital full of contrasts and rich in culture. The old town, which is to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage, was once part of the Silk Road. To this day, historic traces of Romans, Persians, Arabs, Turks, and Russians recall the city's multicultural past.

For example, the Narikala Fortress was built at the end of the third century under the occupation of the Persian Sassanids. Today, only the ruins of what was once Tbilisi's most important building can be marveled at, but it's still worth a visit.

The fortress stands atop the Sololaki Ridge - above the roofs of the old town. A visit is especially beautiful at blue hour or sunset.

The Sioni and Zminda Sameba Cathedrals are also among the architectural highlights of the city. By the way, its official name today is Tbilisi, which means 'City of Warm Waters' - after all, numerous hot sulfur springs bubble up here, which have been used for healing baths for centuries.

Uplistsikhe was founded in the first millennium BC. People lived in caves carved into the rocks from the Bronze Age to the modern era. The oldest preserved parts of the city date from the second and third centuries AD. But even before the Christianization, various gods were worshiped in Uplistsikhe.

The place was strategically contested in the past. This was partly because caravans regularly stopped at the important trading hub. With the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453, trade relations with Western Europe also ended.

In the 18th century, the last inhabitants left the area. Today, visitors can explore the ghost town almost undisturbed, discovering the labyrinth of tunnels, passages, and halls.

Of the approximately 4000 wine varieties in the world, about 500 come from Georgia. In Kakheti, in the eastern part of the country, lies the center of this millennia-old grape-growing culture. Here, almost every farmer is a winemaker, producing their own local wine.

Some continue to use Kvevri for their wine production - clay amphoras that are completely buried in the ground. After a few weeks, the fine wine is ready - it can be consumed from mid-December. However, celebrations begin earlier: especially the winter harvest festival Alaverdoba at the end of September is one of the most popular festivals in the region.

Nature lovers also travel to Kakheti. The Lagodekhi National Park, the oldest protected area in the entire Caucasus, not only fascinates with the massive mountain world of the Greater Caucasus but also with an extremely dense forest that resembles untouched ancient woods.

Kutaisi is the capital of the Imereti region in western Georgia - nestled in the Colchis Plain under the protection of Ukimerioni Hill. It's bustling here: business is conducted, visitors are welcomed, and cultural life is enjoyed. The White Bridge over the Rioni River, as well as the market hall in the city center, dominate with their architecture the medieval look. And towering above the city is the Bagrati Cathedral on Ukimerioni Hill.

Fifteen kilometers from Kutaisi, the Gelati Monastery invites you to pause. It rightly ranks among Georgia's most important works of art and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The building complex consists primarily of the main church of the Nativity of the Virgin, built in the 12th century. Worth seeing are especially the medieval frescoes and mosaics - the light falling through the dome windows sets them off effectively.

Mediterranean flair in Georgia? In Batumi, things are laid-back and casual, with numerous tourists strolling through the sun-drenched town, where cafes invite you to linger. No wonder: the second-largest city in Georgia on the Black Sea is a popular seaside resort, shaped by a colorful mix of Art Nouveau and pseudo-classicism, as well as anonymous skyscrapers and futuristic buildings.

The Medea statue on Europe Square recalls Georgia's ancient history, while the decaying concrete buildings recall the Soviet era. From the botanical garden, there is a magnificent view of Batumi and the wide sea.

However, the highlight of Batumi is undoubtedly the seaside promenade, which stretches seven kilometers along the coast. The colorful lights of the Ferris wheel and the illuminated water features amidst luxurious skyscrapers give the scene a touch of Las Vegas atmosphere in the evening.

Looking for beaches in Georgia a bit off the beaten path from Batumi and the hustle and bustle? Then consider these places:

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Travel Reporter