The 10 most beautiful places to visit in Georgia

Discover the most beautiful places to visit in Georgia, the Caucasus bead that deserves its name.

A small state of less than 70,000 km2, Georgia is not always at the forefront of the destinations to which one thinks by planning a holiday. And yet, between the incredible diversity of its landscapes, the kindness of its inhabitants and the richness of its culture, it would be a shame not to visit Georgia once in its life.

So, of course, we could make a quick overview of the country and visit its must-sees in a short time given its modest size. However, this mode of travel would conflict with the tranquillity of its atmosphere and the way of life of its inhabitants, and it would not take into account the constraints of its mountainous areas. According to us, visiting Georgia is above all taking the time!

Strategically placed between the East and the West and between the chains of the Little and the Great Caucasus, it is hardly surprising that the history of this country is so rich. Tirailed between its common history with Russia and its gaze to the West, the Georgian population evolves under various influences.

From its troglodyte buildings to its mountain villages, its green valleys and its effervescent Tbilisi, here are the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Georgia!

1. Touche historic region

Behind this original name, at the border of the Russian province of Daghestan an almost intact province of civilization. Rare animals and species of unique plants in the world have thus made their sanctuary, and this is what we are looking for by visiting this part of Georgia.

Here, we don’t hurry: inaccessible half of the year due to the climate, the region is mostly on foot and on horseback. Relations between the premises and their visitors are not as obvious as in the major cities. But all this is part of the charm of this place of interest to absolutely visit Georgia!

2. Triglodytic ensemble of Vardzia

Near the border with the Turkey , one can observe a monastery as well as curious houses, all dug on the sides of Mount Erusheti. Built in the 12th century, this troglodytic set was a true eagle nest that served as a fortress for the Georgians against potential troops from the South.

Indeed, once at the top, we share with them the incredible view offered on the Mtkvari River valley. Fascinating, the city of Vardzia can now visit and is listed on the UNESCO world heritage. Distributed to thirteen levels, more than 6,000 homes were identified in these caves stretching along the cliffs. Probably one of the most interesting places to visit in Georgia.

3. Kolkheti National Park

Kolkheti National Park extends over the Black Sea coast and stands out by its wetlands that remind almost of rice landscapes. He was once part of a tropical area of Eurasia, known for being the place where the first Georgian currency was struck.

But if today, they are no longer pieces that we are looking for, one finds a characteristic fauna in this place to visit in Georgia. All kinds of frogs, ducks and cranes actually lead the beautiful life through its 800 km2 of area.

Put yourself in the animal time and open your eyes and ears well: it may well be that you are making meetings that you will remember for a long time during your hikes in the park.

4. Historic region of Khevsourtia

Even more difficult to access than her great sister the Touche, Khevsourtia is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Georgia, and she is full of thousands of secrets. Named him Valley countries , its decor of the rivers that faint and wind up to Russia subjugates us.

This mountainous region is, like the Touche, subject to the height climate hazards. This country is very conducive to hiking and trekking: from the village-forteresse of Shatili, whose fortifications are erected in the gorges of Arghuni, you can reach the medieval site of the crypts of Anatori.

These have a very singular history: it is a collective tomb where, in times of epidemic, the villagers are voluntarily isolated to avoid contaminate their compatriots. Ice and exciting at a time. Villages and hamlets in ruin also await you during your journey through the wonderful landscapes of Khevsourtia.

5. Hameau de Chazhashi

With its 2300 meters of altitude, Chazhashi is one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe. Indeed, a (very low) population still lives in this hamlet. Located in Svanetia, it is nestled between the foothills of the Upper Caucasus mountains and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Georgia.

From Mestia, a practicable trail leads to the Enguri River Gorge. Once on site, we love walking through the towers and houses of raw stone dating from the medieval era, which have seen whole generations of men and women born and evolve in their midst.

We feel in this place all the weight of history. A small museum shows the life of Georgians almost a thousand years ago, when humans and beasts lived together.

6. Chalaadi Glacier

One of the most famous hikes to visit Georgia is probably that of the Chalaadi glacier. One understands why, after having torpedoed from the bridge and evolved into a very beautiful nature, one falls to one another with the long-awaited glacier. The round trip lasts about three hours. If, however, you want to walk from the city of Mestia, count instead six hours.

Starting from the main square Mestia, it is not really possible to be mistaken: it is enough to take the main road to the east. The bridge over the Mestiachala River will appear after about two hours of walking.

We then embark on the trail through the valley, while enjoying being surrounded by summits and then moving in the middle of a conifer forest. Shortly after a moraine and nestled between two mountains, the glacier, almost seem to emerge from nowhere, marks the end of this unforgettable excursion.

7. Vashlovani National Park

The Vashlovani National Park is located near the border with Azerbaijan. In this place to visit in Georgia, pistachians, peoners and orchids are muddled under a climate characterized by its drought.

With more than 100 species of birds, 25 reptiles, 46 of mammals identified, as well as many endemic plants in less than 500 km2, it is not exaggerated to talk about an important biodiversity reserve by designating Vashlovani National Park. It’s almost incredible to say that by walking through its paths, one can sometimes hear the cries of a lynx or the japples of a jackal.

8. Shdugra Cascade

It is in Svanese that we find the highest waterfall in the country, which makes the region even more beautiful than it is already. To have the chance to visit this place of interest in Georgia, we leave Mazeri and we evolve on a path that passes through beautiful flowery areas. The hike is long, but accessible.

If we have time, it is interesting to continue the road to the Ushba glacier to appreciate the beauty of the region a little more. On the road, the summit of Ushba is drawn through the coniferous hands, opposite Tetnuldi. The legend tells us that these are two lovers who, in front of their impossible love, prayed to become a mountain and who saw their vows.

9. Bordjomi-Kharagauli National Park

Bordjomi-Kharagauli is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Georgia, but is also the first national park to have been created in this independent state. It is easy to access from the capital and coniferous trees and other deciduous trees are 6,000 hectares.

The national park is a real journey inside as it houses a diverse fauna and flora as well as lifestyles characterized by their richness and variety. We surprise ourselves as an adventurer when we go to the attack of the condemned temple of Timotesubani, full of mystery, or the fortress of Vakhani.

So many discoveries and the explorer will be accompanied by the sound of the rodents and the cries of the endemic species of raptors living in this territory. Fantastic photos and immortal memories await you!

10. Georgian military road

You probably find it strange that you are offered a military road as one of the places of interest to visit in Georgia. And yet, this is one of the most famous and beautiful hiking trails in the country.

Let us briefly tell you his history . Georgia has, of course, not always been independent. At the time of its annexation to Russia in the early 19th century, the Russians began construction to borrow it to cross the Upper Caucasus.

Still today, it is the easiest access to get there. Snowy peaks cremating the sky, forgotten religious sites and glaciers follow each other and punctuate the path. In short, a true pilgrimage and one of the musts of the country.

We hope that this article will have created beautiful images in your mind and will give you a desire to visit Georgia!