Why Georgia Is Worth Considering For Your Next Holiday
Once only known to budget-conscious backpackers, Georgia is now on the radar of all kinds of travellers. With epic mountainscapes and challenging hiking trails, affordable ski resorts, awe-inspiring frescoed churches, delicious food, and friendly locals, Georgia has something for everyone - all year round.
Find out why you should consider Georgia as your next holiday destination.
Cosmopolitan Tbilisi
EU flags fly all across the Georgian capital (despite it not being a member) underlining the nation's Western outlook. But even without these, Tbilisi has a distinctly European feel, with a vibrant cafe culture, and many pedestrianised zones that make exploring the city a joy. The nightlife is buzzing too, with plenty of pubs, bars, and nightclubs to choose from.
There are also a wealth of historic sites and areas to enjoy, including the Old Town, Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, the architecturally bold Bridge of Peace, Narikala Fortress, and Metekhi Cathedral.
Many sites are religious in nature, underlining the country's strong Christian roots.
For those interested in Georgia's Communist past, there's the printing press used by Joseph Stalin (a native of Georgia) to produce left-wing propaganda. This rusting machine is located in the basement of an otherwise nondescript property in the city, which also has a small museum dedicated to Soviet history.
Stalin's humble roots printing leaflets in this dark underground chamber are even more striking considering he went on to lead the USSR for nearly 30 years. Modern Georgia often distances itself from its Soviet past, but several intriguing Communist structures survive, including the unique, 'Brutalist' Bank of Georgia, the Wedding Palace, and the Tbilisi Circus.
Gelati Monastery
Admire the fabulous frescoes of this UNESCO-listed monastery complex, one of Georgia's most important religious sites.
Founded in 1106, it is located in a pretty wooded area 8 km northeast of Kutaisi, around 6 hours by train from Tbilisi.
Georgian summers are hot
The lower reaches of Georgia can reach the late 30s (°C) in summer, but you can always find respite from the heat in the more mountainous areas.
Consider a late spring or early autumn trip if you want to avoid the highest temperatures.
Winter temperatures are comparable to the UK.
Georgia is only 6 hours away by air
Direct flights from London take just six hours.
While this is considerably more than a flight to Spain or Greece, the extra time and cost will be more than offset by the uniqueness of Georgia, and its super-affordable costs.
Georgia has easy, low-cost transport
Trains and minibuses can take you to most parts of the country and are extremely affordable by UK standards. However, taxis are also very cheap - and may be the easier option for many visitors.
Be aware that Georgians drive in a very "assertive" way - and almost every vehicle you see will have sustained some kind of minor collision damage. Intact rear bumpers are a rarity! Take extra care if you decide to rent a car.
Friendly locals
Georgians are generally very friendly, extending their famous hospitality to locals and foreigners alike.
As mentioned, many Georgians are Westward-looking, and may be especially keen to practise their English and chat about the topics of the day.
Georgia has fantastic mountain hikes
Straddling both Europe and Asia, Georgia is home to many stunning mountain landscapes and lots of challenging hiking trails. The most famous is the Caucasus range, famed for Mount Kazbegi.
The Svaneti Region in the northwest is another popular spot for hikers, with rugged landscapes and mediaeval villages, including the ancient Svan Towers.
The remote northeastern Tusheti Region is also worth considering, with pristine mountains, traditional villages, and a wide choice of pulse-quickening hikes.
The food is hearty and varied
Georgian cuisine is based around fresh, seasonal produce and is often hearty in nature. Here are a few must-try dishes:
- Khachapuri: This cheese-filled bread is a quintessential Georgian snack. Recipes vary across the country, but the Adjarian khachapuri, shaped like a boat and filled with cheese, butter, and a raw egg, is served everywhere.
- Khinkali: Georgian dumplings often filled with spiced meat (beef or pork) and herbs. They're usually twisted at the top and eaten by hand.
- Badrijani Nigvzit: Fried eggplant slices filled with a walnut paste and flavoured with garlic, vinegar, and herbs. A great option for vegetarians and vegans.
- Satsivi: This traditional Georgian dish features turkey or chicken in a thick, walnut-based sauce. Usually served cold.
- Churchkhela: A traditional sweet made by stringing walnuts onto a thread, dipping them repeatedly into thickened grape juice or fruit syrup, and letting them dry. These reddish-brown treats are not to be mistaken for sausages!
- Lobio: A hearty, staple Georgian meal made with kidney beans, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. Served hot or cold.
Georgia is very affordable
If you're travelling on a budget, Georgia is a dream come true.
Good quality hotel and Airbnb accommodation can be booked for between £25 and £50 a night, while hostel dorm beds can be found for as little as £5 a night.
Food is also cheap, with on-the-go treats like khachapuri (see above) available for a pound or two. A good restaurant meal can range from £5 to £10 - although it's possible to pay a lot more in a salubrious establishment.
If you book an Airbnb with cooking facilities, you can further reduce costs.
Fresh local produce is available everywhere - and the size of the vegetables is astonishing compared to the UK.
The wine is fabulous
Many consider Georgia to be the birthplace of winemaking - a relationship with the fermented grape that goes back some 8,000 years.
Excellent wine can be found everywhere, with takeaway bottles starting at around £3.
Key wine-growing regions include Kakheti, Kartli, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, together with coastal areas like Adjara and Abkhazia.
A number of wine tours, many leaving from Tbilisi, offer an insight into how this glorious imbibe is made - with plenty of tasting to be done!
There are lots of beaches to enjoy
Visiting Georgia doesn’t mean you need to forgo your annual beach jolly.
The country’s Black Sea coast is home to many lively resorts, including Batumi Beach, located beside the vibrant city of Batumi; Kvariati Beach, known for its clear waters and picturesque surroundings; Ureki Beach, famous for its unique magnetic sand; and Sarpi Beach, near the Turkish border, and much loved for its serenity and natural beauty.
Winter sports trips are rewarding and low cost
The secret of Georgia's winter sports scene is gradually getting out. It offers slopes for all ability levels, and with day lift passes starting at just £12, it's super affordable.
The lifts themselves may not be as cutting-edge as French or Austrian counterparts, but they do the job. The apres ski is also purse-friendly.
Top ski resorts in Georgia:
- Gudauri – the international resort for all skill levels
- Mestia – remote freerider mecca
- Goderdzi – relaxed tree skiing, lots of powder for the intermediate freerider
- Bakuriani – child- and family-friendly with an upbeat holiday scene, often frequented by locals
Georgia awaits
If you're seeking a more unusual destination for your next getaway, Georgia offers the perfect blend of unique natural beauty, distinctive historic sites, and surprisingly low prices.
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