The Top Reasons To Visit Georgia

If you haven’t visited Georgia, you’re missing out. There’s much to love about this beautiful country on the border of Europe and Asia. The capital, Tbilisi, provides that city buzz, while the Caucasus Mountains offers a more natural experience. Need more? Here are the main reasons to visit Georgia.

Georgians look after their guests

Georgians say that a guest is sent from God, so they welcome guests into their homes like they would any friend or family member. If you befriend a local here, you can be sure you’ll be invited into their home and treated like royalty. They might even show you around and recount the history of the nation. On Culture Trip’s specially curated nine-day Georgia adventure, you can enjoy a traditional Georgian lunch with a local family.

The local cuisine is delicious

Traditional Georgian dumplings are eaten with your hands

The country is naturally beautiful

Mount Kazbek is a dormant volcano in the Caucasus

Despite its small size, Georgia has all kinds of landscapes, including deserts, coasts and mountains. The country is a paradise for hiking and camping lovers. You can also explore breathtaking lakes, canyons, waterfalls or relax at spa resorts. And for more inspiration, check out our article on natural wonders to visit in Georgia.

Georgia can be a budget-friendly break

Though Georgia is increasing in popularity, it is still considered a budget-friendly destination. Most of the cultural and historical sights are free of charge, while the ticket price of the museums starts at three Georgian lari (£0.70).

Eating out can be both expensive and cheap, depending on your budget. Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi are the major destinations, of which Tbilisi might be the most expensive dining destination. However, if you’d like to make your trip as affordable as possible, check out our budget-friendly guide to Tbilisi cafes and restaurants.

You can soak in relaxing sulphur baths

The Abanotubani neighbourhood of Tbilisi is where you can enjoy a soak in a sulphur bath

Georgia has natural hot springs and spa resorts across the country. But the sulphur baths in the Abanotubani neighbourhood of Tbilisi are the first stop for many tourists. The bath water, which sits at 40C (104F), is thought to be beneficial for the skin. You can experience the sulphur baths for yourself as part of Culture Trip’s immersive small-group Georgia tour.

The oldest-known European was found here

During archaeological excavations in Dmanisi, scholars found a 1.7m-year-old skull – the oldest evidence of human habitation in Europe.

It’s a wine-making destination

Georgian wine is stored in egg-shaped containers known as qvevri

Georgia is said to be the oldest wine-making country in the world. It’s thought people have been making wine here for at least 8,000 years, using egg-shaped clay jars called qvevri. Those jars are buried underground where the fermentation process happens naturally. The process gives Georgian wine a distinct amber tint.

Georgia has beautiful architecture

If you like examining architecture, you’ll find a lot of interesting buildings here. Head to Tbilisi to see Soviet structures, art nouveau buildings and architectural landmarks. While there, drive two hours southeast to the David Gareja Cave Monastery complex, a sixth-century cave system founded by St David Gareja, one of 13 Assyrian monks who spread Christianity throughout the country.

Visit the highest settlement in Europe

Ushguli is considered the highest settlement in Europe

Ushguli, in the Svaneti region, sits 2,200m (7,218ft) above sea level and is considered the highest settlement in Europe. Make it here and you’re rewarded with views of Mount Shkhara, the third-tallest mountain in Europe.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

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