What to see in Georgia: The best tourist attractions

We all are well aware of the Georgian state in the USA, but not many of us know about Georgia, the country located in the Caucasus, an intersection of Asia and Europe. The country hasn’t seen many tourists in the past, but currently, as more and more people are becoming aware of its beauty, it has started to gain recognition worldwide.

Georgia is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, snow-covered peaks, monasteries, medieval fortresses, deep caves and many shimmering rocky beaches. If you are an outdoor and history lover at the same time, then Georgia is your place to go. Below are some of the best things you can do in this country:

The Old Town of Tbilisi

Tbilisi is usually the first stop to visit in Georgia. As the city has so many incredible things to offer, you could even spend your entire trip here and not get bored of it! The main highlight of Tbilisi is its beautiful Old Town.

Stroll through the Old Town and admire its monuments, ancient buildings, churches and much more that you will witness along the walk. There is also a hillside in Tbilisi that can be accessed via cable car or you can also climb up there.

And if all of these activities make you tired, you can simply soak up into one of the thermal springs in Old Town.

Trekking in the Caucasian Mountains

If trekking is your thing, then there is no better place to enjoy this than Caucasian Mountains. With lush farmland and forests, huge mountain peaks and pretty villages, Georgia is undoubtedly the most-underrated trekking country in the world.

There are dozens of trekking routes in Georgia to choose from. But the best and most popular one is from Mestia to Ushguli, where you will need at least four days to completely go through.

Another good trekking route is Keli Plateau. It will take you three days of trek to the plateau.

Beautiful Scenery of Kazbegi

Another beautiful place to visit in Georgia is the town of Kazbegi in the Caucasus Mountains. Kazbegi offers some of the most jaw-dropping views you will not find anywhere else in Georgia.

Any nature lover would go crazy when stepping into this natural paradise. Kazbegi is a famous hiking spot and also offers many walking trails and even horseback riding places. Stepantsminda is its main town where you will find many restaurants, shops, bars and accommodation.

Don’t forget to visit the famous Gergeti Trinity Church situated on the Chkheri River under Mount Kazbek.

Try Local Cuisine

With flavors from the Mediterranean and Greek Cuisine and also influenced by Persia and Turkey, Georgian food is arguably one of the world’s most delicious cuisines. From street food to fancy restaurants to home-cooked, local food of Georgia will never disappoint you.

Some of the most delicious and famous food of Georgia include dumplings stuffed with meat and spices, badrijani nigvzit –roasted eggplant strips, bean soup, dolmas, mtsvadi– meat skewers, mashed potatoes and lots of cheese and cheese bread.

And not to forget, the amazing Georgian wine, which many people even make in their homes around the country.

Visit Vardzia

Vardzia is a beautiful cave monastery town that is located on the southern side of Georgia. The town was constructed in the 12th century, and hence, it attracts many tourists, especially history lovers. In the 16th century, the monastery was abandoned after the Ottoman took over. Now it has become a part of Georgia’s heritage reserve.

The monastery has over 400 rooms that include a church, chapels, wine cellars, a bakery and many other unique things. Though Vardzia is away from other popular attractions, it is worth a visit. You can spend several hours here exploring the tunnels and caves.

Snow Sports in Gudauri

Gudauri is a popular ski resort in Georgia that is a must-visit. The resort is breathtakingly beautiful in both the summer and winter. In hotter months, the town sees a handful of people who are just there to relax or enjoy activities such as hiking and paragliding. In the winter months, from December to April, the resort is full of tourists who specifically come here for skiing adventures.

You can easily find accommodation in Gudauri, from budget hotels to luxury hotels. 

Tusheti National Park

Located up on soaring, lush green hills, the Tusheti National Park used to be the home of Tush people. Amidst the beautiful mountain tops, you can find pretty little villages made of bricks a long time ago.

The region of Tusheti is particularly famous for its variety of delicious cheeses and wool. The villages are filled with people only in the summer months as it becomes hard to survive during the winter season between October and June.

The park is home to 11 trails; each takes a specific time to reach there. You can enjoy many activities here, including horse riding, hiking, bird watching and much more.

UNESCO-attested Mtskheta

Also known as the “Holy City”, Mtskheta became a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical monuments. You can drive to Mtskheta from Tbilisi and it will only take you a couple of hours to fully explore the town.

On your way, visit the Jvari Monastery, which is considered one of the oldest in Georgia. Other interesting places to visit here include the famous Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Shiomgvime and the ruins of the Amazi Castle.

The Beaches of Georgia

One of the best beaches in the country is Kvariati –a family-friendly beach that is also ideal for diving. Another great beach is Gonio –a clearwater beach situated amidst the beautiful views of mountains.

There is this interesting beach in Georgia named Ureki –that is known to have proven healing properties. The beach features gray and black sand that has magnetite in it, known for helping the human body with diseases of the lungs and heart. Other beaches include Kobuleti, Batumi, Grigoleti and Sarpi.

Ushguli

Ushguli is a town that comprises five villages located amidst the breathtaking Svaneti region. Like other places of Georgia, Ushguli is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, all thanks to its defensive towers dating back to the 9th century. The town is also considered as the highest inhabited settlement in the world – situated at about 2400 m. Because of the road quality, it will take you about 3 hours to reach Ushguli from Mestia. But the breathtaking views ahead are worth this difficult journey.

Stay here overnight and enjoy horse riding or trekking the next day. But keep one thing in mind, accommodation is not 5-star hotels, but still pretty comfortable stay.