10 Reasons You Should Visit Georgia

“Nestled in the Caucasus Mountains lies the beautiful country of Georgia, a place steeped in history, culture, and adventure. If you’re looking for a unique holiday destination with a lot to offer – think delicious cuisine, fantastic hiking opportunities, cosmopolitan cities, ancient sites, and more – then Georgia might be just what you’re looking for. Here are our top ten reasons why you should visit Georgia!

1. It’s still relatively untouched by tourism
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As we as a planet embrace more and more sustainable tourism, it’s important to think about our holiday destination choices. If you’re looking for a spot that’s not bogged down with tourism, consider a holiday to Georgia. While there is still ample tourist infrastructure in place, you’ll find a lot more space to breathe while on holiday in Georgia rather than some of the more popular tourist hotspots around the world.

2. It’s surrounded by mountains
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Whether you’re in the mood for trekking or you’re content to simply look at the mountains from the comfort of your Georgia hotel, there’s no denying the beauty of the mountain ranges that make up a great majority of the Georgian landscape. With peaks of over 5000 metres, the Caucasus Mountains offer both an unbelievable vista as well as dozens of hiking options, whether you’re looking for a simple day hike or a much longer, advanced trek.

3. The local cuisine is delicious
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Foodies will absolutely love the gastronomy scene in Georgia! Not only is the capital city, Tbilisi, filled with numerous options for modern cuisine, the entire country boasts traditional choices that will leave you wanting more. Definitely try the _khachapuri,_ a cheese bread that incorporates different flavours depending on the region. If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a traditional supra, make sure to jump at the chance; it’s an opportunity to experience a Georgian feast of various breads, cheeses, meats, and more.

4. There’s an incredible wine scene
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Believe it or not, Georgia is actually the oldest wine producing country in the world! With a history like that, it’s no wonder that Georgia has numerous wine regions filled with beautiful vineyards. Whether you’re happy to try a local tipple with dinner or want to make a holiday out of wine-tasting in Georgia, wine enthusiasts will love the options on hand.

5. It has a fascinating history
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With a history that dates back thousands and thousands of years, it’s no wonder that Georgia is a dream destination for history buffs. With so much to do and see around the country in terms of historical sites, you’ll never run out of places to explore and learn. For a good start in the city of Tbilisi, try the Georgian National Museum, the Open Air Museum of Ethnography, and Stalin’s Underground Printing House Museum (Joseph Stalin was born in Georgia). Other notable historical sites and ancient ruins around the country include the hill monastery of Vardzia, the Nekresi Monastery Complex, the Narikala Fortress, the Gergeti Trinity Church, and the Uplistsikhe cave town.

6. …and a fascinating culture to boot
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With such a long and interesting history, Georgia’s culture has evolved to include features of Ottoman, Persian, Arabian, European, and the Far East to create its own beautifully unique culture. As it is geographically located straddling Europe and Asia, there are many diverse and yet distinct elements to Georgian culture. It would be impossible to take it all in on one holiday to Georgia, but it is a country filled with outstanding art, architecture, folklore, music, and dance. For a good introduction to Georgian culture, head to some of Tbilisi’s best known cultural museums, including Fotographia, the State Museum of Music, Theatre, and Cinema, the State Silk Museum, the State Museum of Georgian Folk Music and Musical Instruments, and the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts.

7. Adventure sports are everywhere
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If you’re an adrenaline-junkie looking to expand your travel horizons, you should definitely consider travelling to Georgia for your next adventure. While the hiking and trekking options in the country are indeed its highlight, don’t be fooled into thinking those are the only outdoor activities you can try in Georgia; in winter, there are dozens of skiing and even heli-skiing opportunities, and throughout the year you can try paragliding, white-water rafting, parasailing, car racing, off-roading, hot-air ballooning, and so much more. It’s an adventurous person’s paradise!

8. The beaches are beautiful
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Beaches? In Georgia? Absolutely! As Georgia sits on the Black Sea, there are plenty of fun beach options for you to take advantage of on your next holiday. The most popular beach destination in Georgia has to be Batumi, a charming town that boasts an energetic nightlife, dozens of outstanding restaurants, and a long stretch of pebbled beach that’s perfect for lounging the day away. Make sure to stroll up and down Batumi Boardwalk to take in the sights of the sea and do some excellent people-watching.

9. It’s home to the exciting city of Tbilisi
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You’ll most likely start your holiday to Georgia by flying into Tbilisi, and it’s definitely worth spending at least a few days exploring the capital city. The Old Town is magnificent, and there’s no better way to experience it than by throwing away the proverbial map and wandering around its colourful buildings and cobblestoned streets to your heart’s content. Base yourself in a Tbilisi hotel and spend time in some of the city’s excellent historical and cultural museums, and make sure to try at least one of the many notable restaurants serving traditional Georgian food and wine (your hotel concierge can recommend the best in the area, although Nikolozi, Salobie Bia, Kakhelebi, Bread&Wine, and Restaurant Meama all come highly recommended at the time of writing).

10. There are dozens of towns and villages to explore
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While many people will head straight to the capital city of Tbilisi, don’t forget about the rest of the country; Georgia is filled with stunning towns and villages that dot the mountainous landscape. Some of the highlights include Mtskheta (often referred to as the religious capital of Georgia as it is home to three of its most iconic religious buildings: Jvari Church, Samtavro Church, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral), Sighnaghi (known for its jaw-dropping views of the Alazani Valley, make sure to visit the nearby Bodbe Monastery), Borjomi (famous for its healing mineral water and resort spas), and Mestia (found in the beautiful region of Svaneti, known for its excellent hiking and its preserved medieval architecture).

Interested in more? Check out the best things to do in Georgia for holiday inspiration and start dreaming of a holiday to Georgia…”