Georgia is a fascinating destination located at the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains and along the coast of the Black Sea, attracting thousands of travelers every year with its millennial history, breathtaking nature, and hospitable culture. Being a neighboring country to Turkey and easily accessible by land, especially via the Sarp Border Gate, makes it an indispensable destination for travelers. As you plan your trip to Georgia, don't forget to keep your mandatory Georgia Travel Insurance policy with you at the border. Here are the top 10 places you must see to start exploring the country:
1. Tbilisi – The Capital Where History Meets Modernity
The capital Tbilisi is charming with its colorful houses built on the slopes of a mountainous valley, architecture with carved wooden balconies, and modern structures. Divided in two by the Kura River, you can start your tour of the city at Narikala Fortress. It is possible to watch the entire city from the fortress, which you can reach by cable car. You can visit the famous sulfur baths located in the Abanotubani district right at the foot of the fortress and enjoy local cafes on the lively Shardeni Street in the evening.
2. Mtsheta – The Spiritual Heart of the Country
Located just 20-30 minutes away from Tbilisi, the ancient capital Mtsheta is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Established at the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, this historic town is the holy place where Georgia adopted Christianity. You can enjoy the magnificent view of the rivers merging from the Jvari Monastery on top of the city and visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the town center.
3. Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) and Gergeti Trinity Church
Located at the peak of the Caucasus Mountains at an altitude of 2,170 meters among the clouds, the Gergeti Trinity Church is one of the symbols of Georgia. To reach this scenery at the foot of Mount Kazbek, you need to climb the mountain road from the town of Stepantsminda using 4x4 vehicles. This place is truly a corner of paradise for nature and photography enthusiasts.
4. Batumi – The Las Vegas of the Black Sea
Batumi, the closest major city to the Turkish border, is the pearl of the Black Sea coast with its modern skyscrapers, vibrant coastline, and lively nightlife. You can take a bike ride along Batumi Boulevard and see the moving Ali and Nino Statue, one of the most romantic works in the world. You also can take the Argo Cable Car up to the mountains to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city and the sea.
5. Svaneti Region and the Town of Mestia
Located in the heart of the High Caucasus, Svaneti is a place where time stands still. The town of Mestia, famous for its thousand-year-old stone defense towers known as Svan towers, is a destination flocked by mountaineering and trekking enthusiasts. From here, you can walk or ride a horse to Ushguli Village, one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe, and see magnificent glaciers.
6. Kakheti Region and Sighnaghi (The City of Love)
Georgia is known as the birthplace of wine (with a winemaking tradition dating back about 8,000 years). The Kakheti region is full of vineyards. The town of Sighnaghi in the region is called the "City of Love" with its stone houses reminiscent of Italian towns, narrow streets, and a 24-hour wedding registry office. You can taste traditional Qvevri (earthenware jar) wines accompanied by views overlooking the Alazani Valley.
7. Kutaisi and Prometheus Cave
Kutaisi, one of the oldest cities in the country, is the center of the Kingdom of Colchis, where the Argonauts came to seek the Golden Fleece in ancient mythology. Located near the city, Prometheus Cave offers a fascinating underground world with its underground rivers, stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful lighting. In addition, the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery should definitely be added to your itinerary.
8. Vardzia – The Hidden City Carved into Rocks
Located in southern Georgia, close to the Turkish border, Vardzia is a massive cave/city complex carved into the cliffs of a mountain slope during the reign of Queen Tamar in the 12th century. While walking inside this giant structure consisting of hundreds of rooms, tunnels, churches, and pharmacies, you will feel as if you have taken a time travel to the Middle Ages.
9. Borjomi – Healing Waters and Nature Park
The source of world-famous mineral waters, Borjomi is a thermal tourism town famous for its pine-covered valleys and clean air. You can take a walk in Borjomi Central Park and drink natural and healing soda water directly from the tap inside the park. You can also walk deep into the forest from within the park to reach open-air thermal pools.
10. Mountainous Adjara and Machakhela Valley
The mountainous Adjara region remaining behind Batumi attracts nature lovers with its lush green valleys, waterfalls, and historical arched bridges (such as the Mahuntseti Bridge). It is a great getaway spot to escape the crowd of the city, experience a completely natural village life, and taste local delicacies such as organic honey and black cabbage rolls in local villages.