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!

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.

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

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.

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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.

Kazbegi

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.

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Find the accommodation in Kazbegi here.

See the best Kazbegi tours here.

Ananuri

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

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.

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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.

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

Find the best David Gareja tours here.

Sighnaghi

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.

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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.

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Find the best Uplistsikhe tours here.

Gori

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

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.

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Find the accommodation in Borjomi here.

See the best Borjomi tours here.

Vardzia

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.

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Find the best Vardzia tours here.

Chiatura

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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!

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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

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.

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Find the accommodation in Mestia here.

Zugdidi

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

Recommended by Emily

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.

Further reading

I published many articles about Georgia that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 15 reasons to visit Georgia – the amazing emerging destination
• 49 Awesome Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia
• 10 Beautiful Day Trips from Tbilisi, Georgia
• How to get from Tbilisi to Yerevan (or Yerevan to Tbilisi) – a complete guide
• 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
• 20 Cool Things to do in Batumi, Georgia
• Visit Tskaltubo, Georgia – an abandoned playground
• and more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Caucasus and ask your questions there.

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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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