Welcome to Georgia, where nature, history, and hospitality unite for the perfect summer months. Whether you’re a peaceful Black Sea coast lover or an explorer of the mountains and cave towns, Georgia has something for everyone.
From hiking along the Georgian Military Highway to swimming in Koruldi Lakes’ calm waters, here’s your guide to summer in Georgia.
Tbilisi: The Cultural Hub
Visit Georgia and explore Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, which is a mix of old and new lifestyles. Winding streets, authentic city centre and vibrant art scene make Tbilisi a city where past and present coexist.
Old Tbilisi is a pleasure for the eyes and a greater opportunity to dive into the past and enjoy its calm and catchy vibe.
Must-see Attractions:
- Narikala Fortress: Overlooking the Mtkvari River.
- Sulfur Baths: A part of Tbilisi for centuries.
- Wine Bars: Explore the city’s famous wine spots and cellars.
Tbilisi’s name is derived from the Georgian word “Tbilisi,” which means warm because of the natural hot springs.
Tips:
- Day Trip: Use Tbilisi as a base to visit Mtskheta and Sighnaghi.
- Public Transport: Take the metro to avoid the traffic in the summer.
- Georgian Food: Try khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), and churchkhela (nuts into a roux made from fruit juice, usually grape juice, and flour).
Batumi: Georgia’s Black Sea Coast
Batumi is the main Black Sea coastal city in Georgia, with a mix of modern and old towns. In the summer, it’s a popular destination for tourists looking to feel the sea breeze and party at night.
Must-see Attractions:
- Batumi Boulevard: Walk along the seafront boulevard and enjoy the views of the sea and city.
- Batumi Botanical Garden: Overlooking the Black Sea, this garden has plants from all over the world.
- Black Sea Jazz Festival: In July, the festival is a must for music lovers, with artists from all over the world.
Batumi has the highest building in Georgia, the Alphabetic Tower, representing the uniqueness of the Georgian alphabet.
Tips:
- Best time to visit: July and August for beach lovers, June for a more relaxed time with nice weather.
- Local food: Try Adjarian khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread with cheese and egg inside.
- Transportation: Use the Batumi cable car for breathtaking city and coast views.
Borjomi: Mineral Waters and National Parks
Borjomi is located in the Mtkvari River Valley and is famous for its mineral water springs, which are believed to have healing properties.
Borjomi Central Park is the heart of the town, where you can taste the legendary water straight from the spring. This is a perfect place to relax in nature and enjoy the mild summer.
Must-see Attractions:
- Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: One of the biggest national parks in Europe, it has trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
- Borjomi Sulfur Baths: Perfect after a long day of exploring the region’s mountains.
- Romanov Palace: Built by Russian King (Tsar) Nicholas II, it is a window into the Soviet era and is surrounded by lush gardens.
Borjomi water is one of Georgia’s most exported products, and it is exported to over 40 countries around the world.
Tips:
- Hiking Trails: Go to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park for well-marked trails that are surrounded by different natural landscapes.
- Visit Early: Visit during early summer vacation to avoid the crowds and enjoy the views without the heat.
- Local Markets: Buy handmade souvenirs, such as woven socks and traditional Georgian sweets, at the local markets.
Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church: Mountains and Mysticism
In the Caucasus Mountains, Kazbegi is home to Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the most famous landmarks in Georgia.
The region is also known for its unique residential caves, vast areas filled with living spaces, wine cellars, and churches, showcasing a rich cultural heritage.
Located at 2,170 meters above sea level, this church offers spectacular views of Mount Kazbek and the surrounding valleys.
Must-see Attractions:
- Gergeti Trinity Church: A short hike to the main attraction and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in Georgia.
- Kazbegi National Park: Everyone loves hiking among the Gergeti glacier and rocky slopes.
- Georgian Military Highway: A scenic road that passes through gorges, valleys, and old castles of the country.
Kazbegi region of Georgia offers to visit one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe, Juta, at over 2,200 meters above the sea level.
Tips:
- Stay overnight: Book a local guesthouse in Stepantsminda for a real experience.
- Avoid large groups: Visit Gergeti early in the morning for a quiet and spiritual experience.
- Summer heat: The higher altitude is a perfect summer escape from the heat of lower regions of Georgia.
Kakheti: The Wine Region
No trip to Georgia would be complete without visiting the Kakheti region, with its ancient wine cellars and huge vineyards. Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, with over 8,000 years of wine making traditions at your service and tastes.
Must-see Attractions:
- Tsinandali Estate: Historic winery and museum where you can learn about Georgian winemaking and have a wine tasting experience.
- Sighnaghi: The City of Love.
- Alaverdi Monastery: 6th-century monastery where monks still make wine by the ancient tradition of winemaking.
The traditional Georgian method of winemaking uses large clay vessels called qvevri, which UNESCO has recognized as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
Tips:
- Wine Tastings: Book a guided tour of the wineries to taste the best of Georgian wine.
- Day Trip: Kakheti is perfect for day trips from Tbilisi, with many wine tours and tastings.
- Festivals: Visit in September for the Rtveli, the main grape harvest festival in Georgia.
Martvili Canyon and Okatse Canyon
Okatse and Martvili Canyons in Western Georgia are summer must-visit locations for adventure seekers. Martvili Canyon has to offer rivers with turquoise waters, and Okatse Canyon has suspension bridges and gorgeous waterfalls.
If you are looking for unique trip ideas, exploring these canyons offers personalized experiences that highlight the region’s natural beauty.
Must-see Attractions:
- Boat Rides in Martvili Canyon: Float through the blue-green canyon and take pictures of green lashes falling from the walls.
- Okatse Canyon Walkway: See the canyon from above and get a hiking by the bridges located on the fine high above the sea level with spectacular panoramic views of the mountains covered with a green forests.
- Abudelauri Lakes: Known as the three lakes, this place is perfect for hikers to have an unforgettable time between the mountains.
Martvili Canyon was a bathing place for Georgian kings, and the area has been a source of inspiration for centuries.
Tips:
- Go Early: Get there early to avoid crowds in summer.
- Pack Light: Bring water and sunscreen for your hikes, as no facilities are near the canyons.
- Photography: Don’t forget your camera for the views and landscapes, pictures and videos.
If you are from adventurers who love hiking, the main attractions are often found in remote areas like the rural areas of Khevsureti region, where untouched landscapes dominate.
There you can try extreme sports like white water rafting, or a small hike in the vast complexes of caves enveloped in history and nature beauty.
Georgia’s Popular Cave Monasteries
Georgia is peppered with mystical cave towns and monasteries that reflect the country’s deep spiritual heritage. These sites, carved into the cliffs and mountains that shape the Georgian geography, give you a deep look into the lives of ancient monks in the cave towns of Georgia. Here are a few to check out:
Vardzia Cave Monastery
- Location: On the hillsides of the Erusheti Mountain on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, near the Turkish border.
- Entrance Fee: Small fee for entry.
The southern part of Georgia is home to Vardzia, a spectacular cave monastery that draws visitors for its unique architecture. The moon-like landscape at the southern end of the country, especially in the Vardzia cave monastery, offers visitors amazing panoramic views that are a must-visit during your journey.
Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Avoid the heat and crowds in the early morning or late afternoon.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
- Guided Tours: Take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the place.
Davit Gareja Monastery
- Location: On the semi-desert slopes near the Azerbaijani border.
- Entrance Fee: Free to most parts, but donations are welcome.
Founded in the 6th century by St. David, the monastery complex is carved into the rock and stretches across a series of caves. Known for its stunning frescoes and incredible views over the vast, moon-like landscape, it offers a fascinating combination of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Tips:
- Hiking: You can hike to the Udabno Monastery, which features breathtaking panoramic views of Georgia and Azerbaijan countries.
- Cross-Border Caution: Be aware of border sensitivities. Some trails may lead to or into Azerbaijan.
- Sun Protection: Extremely hot and sunny in the summer.
Uplistsikhe Ancient Town
- Location: Ancient rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia, near Gori town.
- Entrance Fee: Small fee for maintenance and preservation.
If you like historical architecture and past stories, Georgia’s old-world charm is on full display at the Bagrati Cathedral and in the grottoes hewn of Uplistsikhe.
These cave monasteries are more than just spiritual hubs, they are keepers of Georgia’s history, with centuries old frescoes and architecture that have survived the ages.
Visitor Tips:
- Historical: Pagan and Christian architecture.
- Photography: This is a great place to capture Georgia’s ancient civilization.
- Local Cuisine: Try local Georgian food in nearby restaurants and taste the
Summer in Georgia
The country has many places to visit – from the beautiful mountains and mountain glaciers
of the Caucasus to the quiet cave towns in the hills. Whether you want to relax, explore culture, or hop on an adventure, this summer will be unforgettable.
With ancient town charm, breathtaking views, and warm hospitality, Georgia is ready to welcome you to Georgia’s popular cave monasteries and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites and attractions.