5 of the most important tourist areas in Georgia
If you’re planning to travel abroad for tourism and have a great time, Georgia, the lively country in the Caucasus ..
If you’re planning to travel abroad for tourism and have a great time, Georgia, the lively country in the Caucasus region, is your ideal destination. You’ll find plenty of wonderful things to do as this country offers everything a traveler could wish for reasonable prices, welcoming culture, excellent and affordable transportation options, stunning mountains and breathtaking nature, coastal resorts, vibrant nightlife, diverse food choices, and more. Now, let’s explore the top tourist areas in Georgia that you can visit during your stay. Join us!
About Georgia:
The country of Georgia is located in the Caucasus region in southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the east, and the Black Sea to the west. Tbilisi, the capital city, is the largest city in Georgia. It is one of the oldest countries with a rich history, culture, and civilization. The ancient Kingdom of Georgia was one of the oldest cultures in the region. Throughout history, Georgia has been a subject of competition between Persia, Turkey, and Russia before being eventually annexed by Russia in the 19th century. Georgia gained its independence and broke away from the collapsed Soviet Union in 1991.
The Georgian language is the official language in Georgia, and it is one of the oldest languages in the world. The Georgian Orthodox Church is the main religion in the country. There are many tourist areas in Georgia, most of which are located in the capital city of Tbilisi, known for its historic old town, the Peace Bridge, and the Metekhi Church.
Georgia also features stunning natural areas such as the Caucasus Mountains, Black Sea resorts, the Kazbegi Valley, national parks, gardens, and nature reserves. Georgia is often referred to as the “Land of the Living” and also as the “Land of the Four Seasons” because it can experience all four seasons at the same time in certain geographical areas. Now, let’s delve into the top tourist areas in Georgia.
Tourism in Georgia:
Georgia has great potential for tourism development due to its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, mild climate, unique cuisine, rich culture, and ancient history. To facilitate tourism, the Georgian government has eased visa regulations, increased the construction of highways, and focused on developing amusement parks and hotels. One of the most important tourist areas in Georgia is the coastal resort of Batumi, as well as ski resorts in Gudauri, Goderdzi, Bakuriani, and Mestia.
Georgia welcomed 9.4 million international visitors in 2019, which was a record number and an eight percent increase compared to 2018. The Georgian government also invests in the country’s infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, sports facilities, and ski resorts, to provide a wide range of choices that suit tourists from all over the world. It’s also worth noting that the cost of accommodation and living in Georgia is relatively low compared to other European countries, which encourages visitors to continuously choose the country for studying, working, or tourism, which is our topic today.
The Most Important Tourist Areas in Georgia
Now you may be wondering about the tourist areas in Georgia that you can visit and where to go in this beautiful country in the Caucasus region. Georgia has many wonderful regions and tourist attractions, including rocky lands, towering mountains, fortresses and rural monasteries, green hills, deep caves, and rocky beaches. One of the unique aspects is that while exploring villages and cities in Georgia, especially if you are a fan of culture and history, you will feel like you have been transported to the past. Here is a list of the top 5 tourist areas in Georgia that you can visit for an enjoyable trip.
1. Tbilisi
Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and one of the best tourist areas in Georgia to visit. It is located on the banks of the Mtkvari River (also known as the Kura River) and is surrounded by hills and mountains. It has been the capital of Georgia since the 6th century and reflects its splendid architecture and rich history. Therefore, Tbilisi is the best city to visit in Georgia and may be the first stop on your trip to Georgia.
Every tourist traveling to Georgia often visits Tbilisi at some point during their journey. Tbilisi is a charming old town situated on a hillside, and it offers a variety of dining options and famous traditional Georgian cuisine that visitors would love to try at reasonable prices.
The city is vibrant and offers high-quality accommodations and numerous fascinating historical sites. For transportation, there is also a cable car that takes you across the Mtkvari River to enjoy breathtaking views of the old city of Tbilisi on your way to the Narikala Fortress dating back to the Middle Ages.
Top things to do in Tbilisi:
- Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
- Stroll through the old town of Tbilisi.
- Visit the Georgian National Museum, a hidden gem in Tbilisi.
- Ride the cable car to the Narikala Fortress and visit Kartlis Deda, “Mother Georgia.”
- Enjoy delicious traditional Georgian cuisine at one of the many traditional restaurants.
2. Ushguli
Ushguli is a small cluster of villages located in the mountainous Svaneti region, and it is one of the most popular tourist areas in Georgia if not one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in all of Europe. It features dozens of ancient watchtowers guarding the entrance to this surreal site, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ushguli is surrounded by towering and winding mountains. However, it is important to note that you can only reach Ushguli by off-road vehicles on a dirt road from Mestia or through a four-day hike. But it is truly a city worth experiencing.
3. Batumi
Batumi is one of the most important tourist areas in Georgia that attracts visitors from all over the world. The city is characterized by stunning modern architecture and is home to a massive botanical garden and a collection of pebble-covered beaches. Tourism thrives in Batumi during the summer when visitors from Russia, and Georgia, and international tourists flock to the city, and its beaches become crowded.
4. Mtskheta
Mtskheta is the religious capital and spiritual heart of Georgia, making it one of the most important tourist areas in Georgia, especially for religious tourism. It was once the capital of the country before King Georgasali moved the capital to Tbilisi. It is also one of the oldest cities in Georgia, with archaeological evidence of human settlements dating back nearly 4,000 years. Mtskheta is home to three of Georgia’s most important churches: Svetitskhoveli, Jvari, and Samtavro Monastery.
Saint Nino lived in this city, and she is one of the most important saints in the country (many girls are named after her). She is known as the Enlightener of Georgia, as she preached Christianity in Georgia and was instrumental in its adoption as the state religion in 330 AD.
It is important to note that if you wish to enter the churches, make sure to dress appropriately, as men are not allowed to wear shorts or hats, while women are required to wear long skirts and cover their heads with a scarf.
Places to visit in Mtskheta:
- Jvari Monastery
- Shio-Mgvime Monastery
- Old Mtskheta
- Bebris Tsikhe Fortress
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
5. Kutaisi
Although technically one of the largest cities in Georgia, Kutaisi appears unbelievably small compared to Tbilisi. However, it is a charming city with plenty of activities to do and historical sites to visit. Some notable places to visit in Kutaisi include monasteries and churches. Kutaisi is also a great base for day trips to stunning natural locations like Martvili Canyon.
In conclusion, we have presented in this article 5 of the most important tourist areas in Georgia that you can visit during your trip to the country. Georgia offers a unique and affordable travel experience with excellent accommodations, diverse transportation options, and, most importantly, its friendly people who will surely assist you during your stay. If you have any further questions about traveling to Georgia, feel free to reach out to us. The International team is always here to provide you with recommendations to ensure an enjoyable trip.