The best time to travel to Georgia. When is the best time to go to Georgia on vacation? Nightlife in the resorts of Georgia
Many tourists are concerned about the best time to go to Georgia. In fact, you can visit this country at any time, since each season of the year has its own zest. In summer, holidays with children at the sea in Batumi are in demand here, in winter there are ski resorts. The off-season period attracts fans of cultural leisure. And famous mineral water Borjomi is waiting for tourists all year round.
Acquaintance with the cities of the country and its most beautiful resorts will leave a pleasant mark in your memory for a long time. Here, for each trip, you can select a specific region:
- beautiful with its cathedrals, cozy streets, taverns and sulfur baths.
- Adjara is attractive for its warm Black Sea, relict forests, and favorable microclimate.
- Mtskheta is the spiritual center of the country and invites everyone to travel through time.
- Kakheti is not only a city of love, but also one of the most beautiful wine regions in the country.
- is an calling card local "skiing" and is famous for its snow-capped peaks and excellent equipment.
The wonderful resorts of Sakartvelo do not end there, because this country is a land of beautiful nature and opportunities. The seasons are directly dependent on the resort.
Winter weather in the country is relatively mild, and in many regions the temperature level is recorded in the region of +10 °C. The only exception are ski resorts, which are covered with snow throughout winter period. Highly in demand, which allow you to relax on these slopes with family or friends. If you do not know where to spend your winter holidays, then Georgian ski resorts are wonderful option. In addition to the New Year and Christmas, holidays such as St. Valentine and February 23, so these days are also celebrated big flow tourists.
Georgia in spring
Spring comes into its own very quickly here. Already closer to March 8, the cities become much warmer, and during the period, daredevils actively swim in the Black Sea. In the spring it is very beautiful and cozy here, so if you want to visit excursions and National parks then spring is the most convenient time. During this period, the tour can be bought cheaper, since the real tourist boom begins only at.
Georgia in summer
Summer - best time for a trip to Georgia in 2019. Of course, it should be noted that the weather in summer is very hot here, the air temperature often reaches +35-40 °C. However, this does not stop most tourists, as many of them tend to Batumi or other coastal areas of the country, where a pleasant wind blows. sea breeze, which somewhat softens this heat. But those who suffer from heart disease should beware of traveling at this time, because in addition to the heat, it is also very humid here.
If you want to spend a beach holiday in Georgia, we recommend traveling in June or September, as they are the hottest months of the year.
Remarkable reviews are characterized by and. It is very warm and comfortable, the air temperature in October does not fall below +20 °C. Undoubtedly, the first half of autumn is the best time to make excursions in Tbilisi or splash in the still warm waters of the Black Sea.
If you are interested in when to go on vacation to Georgia so that it is not crowded, then this is the most peaceful month. During this period, there are significantly fewer tourists, and cities and museums are distinguished by a peaceful atmosphere. In November, it is often cloudy, it can rain, but the air temperature is still above zero. From November 22 to 23, the country celebrates religious holiday- Saint George's Day. Pleasant is the fact that prices for holidays at the end of autumn are significantly reduced.
Georgia is located in the central and western part of Transcaucasia. Relative to neighboring Russia, Georgia is very small - about 70,000 sq. km. km, but at the same time geographically the country is located in Eastern Europe and in Western Asia. Georgia borders Russia in the north, Azerbaijan in the southeast, Armenia in the south and Turkey in the southwest.
The relief of Georgia is mountainous, only 20% of the territory falls on the plains. Along the northern border of Georgia from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea stretch the Caucasus Mountains, a natural barrier on the way to Russia, and through this barrier was once built to connect Russia with Georgia.
Currency of Georgia: Georgian lari (GEL)
1 GEL = 25 Russian rubles (as of March 2019)
1 euro (EUR) = 3 GEL
1 US dollar (USD) = 2.70 GEL
Language: Georgian (local languages are used in remote mountainous regions - for example, Svan). Almost all Georgians of middle and older age speak Russian perfectly. Youth in major cities in most cases, he also speaks Russian, in rare cases he has to switch to English.
Do I need insurance to travel to Georgia?
If we talk about insurance for your personal health, I think it is definitely needed (although Georgian border guards are absolutely not interested in whether you have it or not). Still, it’s not like lying on the couch at home - you never know, what will happen in the mountains, or you won’t be able to stop eating khinkali in time ..)) Anything can happen - and not only in Georgia. For the past few years, I have been taking out insurance for my travels through an online service - here you can choose from a variety of products on the insurance market exactly what suits you in terms of price and insurance coverage:
Now, as for car insurance (if you do not plan to go to Georgia in your car, you can safely skip this item).
On March 1, 2018, the government of Georgia adopted a law on OSAGO for cars with foreign numbers. Simply put, if earlier this type of insurance was optional in Georgia, now it has become necessary. An insurance policy (not a green card!) can be issued online on the website https://www.tpl.ge/ or buy at the border. There are 4 types of policies - for 15, 30, 90 days and for 1 year. If you are traveling to Georgia for less than 15 days, you will still have to take out insurance for 15 days.
The fine for the absence of OSAGO for the summer of 2018 is 100 GEL (paid at any branch of any large Georgian bank, in no case try to “settle” this issue with the police on the spot!).
How to get to Georgia?
On the ground in a private car- if you are planning to go to Georgia by car, I suggest reading an article about the Moscow-Tbilisi road and the specifics of traveling in Georgia by car:.
If the purpose of your trip is not only Tbilisi, but also the "summer capital" of Batumi, I recommend reading.
An article about public transport in Tbilisi, as well as how to move within Georgia:.
Housing in Georgia - private sector, hostels, guesthouses, hotels, apartments
Before you start searching and booking accommodation for your independent vacation or traveling around Georgia, I recommend reading a separate large article - in it you will find all necessary information: classification of types of housing, where and how best to look for it, how to book, recommendations and advice on minimizing costs and the nuances of Georgian specifics.
If you are planning independent travel in Georgia or just relaxing by the sea, I highly recommend to see my articles on the best value for money apartments and guesthouses in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi:
Transfers in Georgia
If you are traveling to Georgia with a family or a large group, it may make sense for you to think about a transfer directly to the door of the booked hotel or to the desired attraction.
Comfortable transfers throughout Georgia can be ordered using the local online service go trip. During the booking process, you have the opportunity to choose a class, brand of car and a specific driver based on the reviews of previous passengers. Given the jigit driving style of Georgian street taxi drivers and their cars that are far from always serviceable, this is a very useful option. The price on the site is final, you don’t have to bargain with anyone.
Transfer examples:
Travel itineraries in Georgia for 1, 2 and 3 weeks
What to see in Georgia
Below is a map of all the interesting places in Georgia mentioned in the guide. The numbers of attractions on the map correspond to the numbers in the text of the guide (indicated in brackets after the name of the city, church, fortress, etc.). By clicking on the number on the map, you will find a photo and a link for a quick transition to an article about this attraction.
Tbilisi
Tbilisi(number 1 on the sights map) - the capital of Georgia and one of the most beautiful and interesting cities former USSR. Old Tbilisi is unique yards with linens always drying, lazy cats and sedate men playing backgammon. As well as the famous carved balconies, many of which are the size of a small Moscow apartment.
In addition to numerous antiquities, Tbilisi also has modern sights: for example, the Bridge of Peace, the Presidential Palace and the House of Justice.
And, of course, amazingly hospitable and hospitable residents and delicious food. In my opinion, a minimum of 2-3 days is needed to get acquainted with Tbilisi, for a thoughtful inspection - no less than a week.
If you have more time at your disposal than a couple of days, I recommend reading my guide articles on the most interesting areas of Tbilisi:
Be sure to take a walk in mine - there is only the best restaurants, cafes and khinkal towns.
And so that the waiter and bartender understand who they are dealing with, I first suggest studying two mega-valuable articles for any “culinary tourist”:
In order to better feel the unique atmosphere and energy of old Tbilisi, it is better not to stay in a hotel, but to rent an apartment local residents in a real Tbilisi house with carved balconies, high ceilings and creaky wooden stairs in echoing entrances. For this purpose, my article can be very useful - in it, based on personal experience, I describe the most best options in terms of price and quality ratio.
If you are traveling alone or do not plan to stay in Tbilisi for more than one or two days, then I would recommend choosing a good guesthouse over apartments: .
And in order to fully experience the unique atmosphere of this city, I recommend that the most inquisitive and sociable travelers book author's excursions around Tbilisi from local residents. Your guides will be Tbilisi residents themselves - writers, artists, photographers, journalists, winemakers - who are in love with their city and know everything about it.
Below is a selection of the most interesting and popular excursions in Tbilisi according to traveler reviews. To view all available options, click View All. At the booking stage, you will need to pay online only 20% of the cost of the tour - the rest of the amount is given to the guide before it starts.
Georgian military road
Georgian military road- one of the most picturesque highways in the world and a continuous attraction with a length of 208 km. It was built immediately after the accession of Georgia to Russian Empire to supply the Russian army, which then fought in the Caucasus with the highlanders, Turks and Persians - and this explains its name, today there is nothing "military" in it for a long time.
Georgian military road near the Cross Pass
The main sights of the Georgian Military Highway, located between the Russian border and Tbilisi:
Ananuri fortress and Zhinvali reservoir- number 3 on the map of sights of Georgia
Ski resort Gudauri(number 4)
Trinity Church in Gergeti (5)
Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)- number 6
Cross Pass and Monument of Friendship of Peoples (7)
Mtskheta
Mtskheta(2) - the ancient capital of Georgia, located 18 km north of Tbilisi, on the Georgian Military Highway. It was from here, through the efforts of St. Nino, that the Christianization of Georgia began.
In addition to the Jvari Monastery, in Mtskheta you should definitely visit the huge Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Samtavro Monastery, where, according to legend, Saint Nino lived under a blackberry bush.
Jvari monastery coordinates: 41.83837, 44.73403.
Ananuri
Here, on the banks of the picturesque Zhinvali reservoir, one of the most famous sights of northern Georgia is located - Ananuri medieval castle(number 3 on the map of Georgia).
The castle was built by the rulers of these places - the Aragvi eristavis - presumably at the end of the 17th century, when there was no reservoir here yet. And it was, on the contrary, the narrowest place of the Aragvi gorge, and it was impossible to go from the north, from the Dariali gorge, to the south to Tbilisi, bypassing the Ananuri fortress.
Coordinates: 42.16403, 44.70319.
Gudauri
Gudauri(number 4 on the map) is relatively young, but, along with Bakuriani, one of the most famous ski resorts in Georgia (and the most popular, due to its proximity to Tbilisi and the Russian border). People come here for good skiing, Georgian hospitality and delicious food.
Coordinates: 42.4745, 44.48089.
Gergeti
A small village on the Georgian Military Highway, known for that on the mountain above it is located the oldest and one of the most revered churches of Georgia - Sameba Trinity Church (5).
Gergeti Trinity Church
The place is really just amazing and “atmospheric”, in addition, the church offers excellent views of Mount Kazbek (Kazbegi in Georgian) - however, the mountain is very “capricious” and even in summer very rarely looks out from behind clouds and clouds.
Coordinates: 42.66243, 44.62054.
Transfers along the Georgian Military Highway
Adjara
Fertile land of beaches, mountain resorts, national parks and hospitable people. The capital of Adjara, Batumi, is a "showcase" of modern tourist Georgia, as well as the third largest city in the country (after Tbilisi and Kutaisi) and the largest Georgian city on the Black Sea.
Excursions in Batumi and Adjara from local residents:
Beach resorts of Adjara (as well as Guria and Megrelia)
sandy beaches
Ureki (Magnetity)
The most unusual beach resort Georgia, located 45 kilometers north of Batumi, on the very border Guria And Megrelia. Unofficially divided into two parts: the village itself is called By the river, and the coastal tourist area with a beach - Magnetity(number 9 on the map of Georgia).
Magnetity is 4 kilometers of black magnetic sand beach, which is considered very useful for the treatment of hypertension, joint diseases and for rehabilitation after a heart attack. Unlike the pebbly beaches of Adjara, Magnetiti has fine fine sand (albeit unusually black), which makes the resort comfortable for families with children.
Coordinates: 41.98689, 41.75924.
Shekvetili
Shekvetili(10) - a small sleepy village 10 km south of Ureki, famous for its huge sandy beach and wonderful pine forest.
Given the sparsely populated resort, even in the midst of beach season, rest here is suitable for notorious introverts and those who are deadly tired of the crowds of big cities. The beach is pretty good - black magnetic sand, the same as in Magnetiti.
Coordinates: 41.92025, 41.76718.
Pebble beaches
Beach resorts south of Batumi (the cleanest sea):
Kvariati
Kvariati(number 11 on the map) is a small seaside village, the main attraction of which is a wonderful pebble beach.
Kvariati beach is considered the best in Adjara - some, however, will not agree with this, considering best beach in Sarpi. This is a seaside resort with a long tradition and a well-developed infrastructure - there is a restaurant and a cafe, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, ride a jet ski and a cheesecake.
Coordinates: 41.54584, 41.56179.
Gonio
Gonio(12) is a small Adjarian village, known not only for its beach (very good, by the way), but also for its ancient Gonio-Apsaros fortress located a couple of kilometers from the village and the beach.
As for the Gonio beach, it is typical for this part of Adjara: long, wide, pebbly, with clean water, a standard set of tourist attractions and a relatively wide choice of accommodation. Along the sea, not so long ago, they made a boulevard one and a half to two kilometers long - following the example of the famous Seaside Boulevard of Batumi.
Coordinates: 41.5675, 41.56591.
Sarpi (13)
The southernmost beach of Adjara and generally its southernmost seaside point. A village on the border with Turkey - on the other side it is called Sarp.
At Soviet power there was a border zone here (after all, Turkey was and remains a member of NATO), and now the border passes just a few meters from sunbathing and swimming tourists.
Coordinates: 41.5213, 41.5478.
Beach resorts north of Batumi:
Cape Verde Beach (Mtsvane Kontskhi - number 14 on the map)
An uncrowded pebble beach with clear water is relatively close to Batumi - you can get there in 20 minutes by minibus. Usually Cape Verde is visited along with the Batumi Botanical Garden - it is located exactly above the beach.
Cape Verde beach coordinates: 41.69181, 41.70474.
Chakvi
Chakvi(number 15) - once a fishing village and the center of Georgian tea growing, and now a cozy and calm beach resort on Black Sea coast Georgia, located 13 kilometers north of Batumi and 12 kilometers south of Kobuleti.
Coordinates: 41.72181, 41.72929.
Tsikhisdziri
Village Tsikhisdziri(16 on the map) is located 15 km north of Batumi, the easiest way to get there is by minibus, going from Batumi to Kobuleti.
Nowadays, Tsikhisdziri is rarely considered as a beach resort - the Byzantine temple located nearby is much more widely known. Petra fortress. But this was not always the case - thanks to its eucalyptus grove, in Soviet times Tsikhisdziri was one of the universally recognized "favorites" for recreation and treatment of people with diseases of the respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Coordinates: 41.74682, 41.73785.
Kobuleti
Kobuleti(17) is the second largest city in Adjara, located 25 km north of Batumi.
In addition to its huge (about 10 km long!) Pebble beach, Kobuleti is known for its peat swamps of spain- a nature reserve located to the northeast of the town, as well as an amusement park "Tsitsinatela", which in Russian means "Firefly". This name is not accidental: at nightfall, the park lights up with many multi-colored iridescent lights - many young visitors like to tumble on the Tsitsinatela rides just after sunset. The park looks especially impressive from the Ferris wheel.
Coordinates: 41.83887, 41.77516.
Transfers to Adjara
Sights of Adjara
Adjara is a land of countless sights, and if you are interested in not only relaxing on the beach, I recommend that you turn your attention to national parks, ancient arched bridges, picturesque mountain roads and much more, located "in the depths" of the region, in its mountainous part.
Transajar highway
Transajar highway(18) - this is a road through the Goderdzi pass, connecting Batumi with the capital of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, the city of Akhaltsikhe.
Almost throughout its entire length, the road is literally “stuffed” with interesting sights (waterfalls, ancient arched bridges, picturesque villages, wine cellars, etc.), so you can drive these 160 km for a very, very long time.
Bridge of Queen Tamara in Makhuntseti
Machakhela National Park (19)
Not so long ago, an excellent paved road was laid along the Machakhela River almost to the border with Turkey, thereby turning the picturesque gorge into one of the most interesting and easily accessible places in Adjara.
Fairy forest in Mirveti
Mtirala National Park
Mtirala(number 20 on the map) is a picturesque national park spread over six thousand hectares, 25 kilometers east of the Adjarian village of Chakvi.
Public transport does not go to the national park, but taxi drivers in Chakvi will gladly take you there for 40-50 GEL (the price includes a round trip and 3 hours of waiting).
Kakheti
Kakheti is the land of stunning landscapes and the main region of Georgian winemaking. It is located to the east of Tbilisi and is known primarily for the "breadbasket of Georgia" - the Alazani Valley.
Alazani Valley
It is here that grapes are grown for most of the famous brands of wine in Eastern Georgia, such as Kindzmarauli, Saperavi, Kvareli. And here are several large wineries where you can come from. In addition, in autumn you can personally participate in the grape harvest.
To get to know Kakheti, you need at least 2-3 days with overnight stays in Sighnaghi and / or Telavi.
Author's excursions to Kakheti from Tbilisi
The most convenient and informative way to get to know Kakheti (IMHO) is an author's excursion from Tbilisi. In this case, you will be driven all day in a comfortable car to the most interesting places, telling stories, legends, and in some places even toasts (without this, you can’t get anywhere in Kakheti). By the way, about toasts - being a member of the tour, you can forget that you are driving and enjoy excellent wines in the tasting rooms of the best Kakhetian wineries.
Sighnaghi (Sighnaghi, 23)
The main tourist “magnet” of Kakheti, the “Georgian San Marino”, the “city of love” are all Sighnaghi (number 23 on the map of Georgia). The small town is located on top of a ridge - and for this reason, never in its long history it was not conquered or destroyed by anyone.
Monument to the doctor Benjamin from the movie "Don't Cry!" George Danelia
Due to its perfect preservation, during the years of Mikheil Saakashvili's presidency, Sighnaghi was chosen as the main tourist "brand" of Eastern Georgia. Something was restored, something was built from scratch - for example, the Wedding Palace, which works around the clock and "combines" everyone without an appointment - it is to him that Sighnaghi owes one of its unofficial names: "the city of love."
Coordinates: 41.61098, 45.92718.
Telavi (24)
The capital of Kakheti and at the same time a quiet and cozy town that became famous in the expanses of the former USSR after the release of the film "Mimino". Many tourists use the city only as a base for traveling to the mountainous Tusheti - but in vain, in Telavi itself there is also something to see.
Monument to King Erekle II in Telavi
Coordinates: 41.92092, 45.4791.
Monastery David Gareji (25)
One of the main Orthodox shrines Georgia is a cave monastery founded by Saint David of Gareji after he decided to leave the bustling Tbilisi and retire to the wilderness.
In addition to the complex of natural and man-made caves that make up the David Gareji Monastery, this place is notable for the fact that the monastery is located on the slopes of the ridge, along the ridge of which the state border of Georgia and Azerbaijan passes.
Coordinates: 41.4471, 45.37662.
Alaverdi Cathedral (26)
Alaverdi Cathedral is the first and most important temple of Kakheti, the second highest in Georgia ( long time was the first, but after the construction of the temple of Tsminda Sameba in Tbilisi, Alaverdi gave him the championship), and one of the four most revered Christian churches countries - the so-called "Great Cathedrals".
Coordinates: N42.03248, E45.3772.
Gremy Castle (27)
Gremi Medieval Castle- this is all that remains of the former capital of Kakheti, the city of Gremi, destroyed by the Persian Shah Abbas. Along with the castle located on the Georgian Military Highway, Gremi is the most famous object of its kind in Georgia. Both castles are easily accessible from a logistical point of view - they rise literally above the highway passing at their foot.
Coordinates: 42.00161, 45.66099.
Nekresi Monastery (28)
Nekresi- This is an ancient and very "atmospheric" monastery, located on a mountain above the Alazani Valley. Once at the foot of that mountain was whole city with the same name, but only the foundations of several buildings have survived from it to this day. And, if the ruins of the city are not of particular interest, then the Nekresi Monastery, floating high in the mountains, is rightfully considered one of the brightest sights of Kakheti.
Coordinates: 41.97249, 45.76027 (parking under the monastery).
Ikalto Monastery (29)
Ikalto- the oldest Orthodox monastery in Georgia. The monastery was founded by the Assyrian father Zenon of Ikaltoy in the 6th century. In the “golden” age of David the Builder for Georgia, the Academy appeared on the territory of the monastery, where Shota Rustaveli later studied.
Coordinates: 41.93707, 45.38026.
Monasteries Old and New Shuamta (30)
Despite its proximity to Telavi, Shuamta is not a popular attraction in Kakheti. Thanks to this, the unique atmosphere of the ancient monastery is still preserved here, where you may well find yourself alone with centuries of history and your thoughts.
New Shuamta monastery coordinates: 41.91253, 45.39015.
The coordinates of the monastery Old Shuamta: 41.90973, 45.40571.
Transfers to Kakheti
Imereti
Imereti- the largest and historically significant region of Georgia with a population of over half a million people. Imereti is located in the basin of the Rioni River, the largest in Georgia. Even against the background of very hospitable Tbilisi residents, the Imeretians stand out for their hospitality and goodwill. The capital of the region - the city of Kutaisi - during the reign of King David the Builder (Agmashenebeli) was the capital of all Georgia and at that time it was in its heyday.
Kutaisi
Kutaisi(number 31 on the map of Georgia) since ancient times "disputes superiority" from Tbilisi and today is unofficially considered the second capital of Georgia. In confirmation of this status, in 2012 the Parliament of Georgia moved to Kutaisi from Tbilisi. Since then, this bizarre configuration of power has been legally spelled out in the country's Constitution: the president and government are in Tbilisi, the parliament is in Kutaisi.
Bagrati Temple in Kutaisi
Gelati Monastery (32)
Located 5 km from Kutaisi towards Tkibuli on a hilltop above the valley of the Tskhalitsitela river. One of the most revered Orthodox monasteries Georgia, Gelati was founded by King David the Builder and the king was later buried in it - according to the will of the great monarch, his remains rest under the slab at the entrance to the monastery complex, right under the feet of the parishioners.
Coordinates: 42.29489, 42.76848.
Motsameta Monastery (33)
Monastery Motsameta dedicated to the holy martyr princes David and Constantine, located not far from Gelati, closer to Kutaisi.
Coordinates: 42.28226, 42.75909.
Tskaltubo (34)
Once a sanatorium and resort center of all-Union significance, which fell into decay in the 90s and is now gradually reviving. I recommend to combine its inspection with a visit. Prometheus caves And Sataplia park.
By the way, it was in Tskhaltubo that we came across the most delicious khinkali in Georgia.
Coordinates: 42.32834, 42.60124.
Prometheus Cave (35)
The largest of all known caves in Georgia is located near Tskhaltubo. The cave is stunningly picturesque and very skillfully illuminated - you can see this by looking at the photos in the article about.
Coordinates: 42.37664, 42.60082.
Sataplia Park (36)
The reserve, located on a mountain above the Rioni River, is famous for dinosaur footprints found on its territory. The name "Sataplia" means "honey place", earlier wild bees were found in abundance in this area.
Coordinates: 42.31257, 42.67384.
Katskhi Pillar (37)
One of the relatively "new" religious sights of Georgia, but has already managed to become one of its symbols.
A stunningly picturesque rock-pillar, on top of which there is a house of a hermit monk.
Coordinates: 42.28759, 43.21569.
Okatse Canyon (38)
A natural landmark of Imereti, gradually becoming one of the most popular. The fact is that the picturesque canyon of the Okatse River (length 3 km, depth 50 m) is equipped with a suspension cantilever bridge, which is an amazing viewing platform.
Coordinates: 42.45547, 42.52772.
Waterfall Kinchkha (39)
One of the most interesting sights of Imereti is a complex of picturesque waterfalls (among which the highest in the country).
Coordinates: 42.49489, 42.55054.
Martvili Canyons (40) and Martvili Monastery (41)
Strictly speaking, Martvili is located not in Imereti, but in Megrelia, but it is more convenient to get there from Kutaisi. A very picturesque canyon, which arose thanks to the waters of the Abasha River, which made its way into the rocks. I recommend to combine a visit to the canyon with a visit Martvili monastery- the main Christian monastery of Megrelia - and Salkhino (42), the summer palace of the Megrelian princes Dadiani.
Monastery coordinates: 42.40558, 42.37771, canyon: 42.45743, 42.37712.
Racha-Lechkhumi
"Georgian Switzerland", "Mountain Imereti" and one of the main wine-growing regions of the country - for example, the legendary "Khvanchkara" is made here, in the village of the same name not far from the town Ambrolauri (43).
Some call Racha mountainous Imeretia (by analogy with "mountainous Kakheti" - Tusheti, and "mountainous Megrelia" - Svanetia). Racha is famous for its landscapes and excellent wine - you can get to the center of Lower Racha, the town of Ambrolauri, from Kutaisi by an ordinary passenger car in 2-3 hours, the cities are connected by an excellent asphalt road. The main thing is to go back to Kutaisi along it, and not try to drive through the village of Khvanchkara - this path is only for off-road vehicles.
Ambrolauri coordinates: 42.51449, 43.14576.
Transfers to Imereti and Racha
Svaneti
Of the three highland regions of Georgia, Svaneti, located in the north-west of the country, is the most popular with tourists due to its stunning nature, well-preserved Svan towers and the original Svan culture, which has survived to this day with minimal distortion due to the isolation of this region from the rest of Georgia. A normal asphalt-concrete road from Zugdidi to the capital of Svaneti was built only recently - and before that, with the onset of winter, snow filled up the passes and tightly blocked Svaneti and the Svans.
Svaneti has everything that people go to the mountains for: stunning landscapes, clean air, picturesque villages bristling with Svan towers, mountain lakes, glaciers, amazing mountain honey and much, much more - there is even a modern ski resort! True, it is very difficult to get to it in winter.
Mestia (Mestia)
The capital of Upper Svaneti (Zemo Svaneti), a small town Mestia(44) is located in the mountains at an altitude of 1500 meters at the confluence of two mountain rivers.
Mestia is located extremely well in terms of landscapes: the town is surrounded by alpine meadows and forests, behind which majestic snow-capped mountains rise. You can get to Mestia from Zugdidi in 3-4 hours (there is a good asphalt-concrete road).
Historical center of Mestia
Coordinates: 43.03346, 42.68948.
To "feel" Svaneti to the fullest, you need to go from Mestia to remote mountain villages - such as Ushguli or Latali.
Transfers to Mestia
Ushguli (45)
A village that has preserved its traditional look much better than Mestia, which has undergone a merciless restoration. Ushguli is the second settlement in Europe after the Dagestan Kurush in terms of height and is famous for a large number of well-preserved Svan towers.
Coordinates: 42.91696, 43.01679.
Hatsvali (46)
Ski resort on the Zuruldi ridge, located at an altitude of 2400 meters. The resort is new (was opened in 2011) and is currently being actively developed. From Mestia to Hatsvali, located 8 km to the south, you can take a taxi along the mountain serpentine. Hatsvali is also popular in summer: you can take the cable car to the top of the ridge and enjoy stunning views and breathe in rarefied mountain air - the main thing is to be lucky with the weather.
Coordinates: 43.01755, 42.73882.
Tusheti
Tusheti(47) - an isolated high-mountainous region in the north-eastern part of Georgia, which is administratively part of Kakheti. get to Omalo(this village is the "capital" of Tusheti) is possible only on a good SUV - the road is a dirt mountain serpentine.
Tushetia is a stern (but not very warlike) highlanders, stone sakli, ancient towers (vaguely similar to Svans), excellent products made from sheep wool, “guda” sheep cheese and special local khinkali with mountain herbs.
The views in the mountains of Tushetia are amazing - and for this reason, the main occupation of the Tushino people is gradually becoming the reception and service of tourists, however, not yet numerous.
Coordinates of the capital of Tusheti Omalo: 42.37085, 45.63346.
Khevsureti (48)
Another original mountainous region of Georgia - along with Svaneti and Tusheti. Administratively, it is part of the central region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti, but due to the inaccessibility to visit Khevsuretia, it is better to allocate at least a couple of days.
The main man-made attraction of this region is the defensive towers. But, unlike the Svan ones, they are not rectangular, but more like pyramids and in this way they look like the towers of Chechnya and Ingushetia.
Khevsurs are mentally very little like lowland Georgians, and there is a simple explanation for this. For a long time they were something like the Georgian Cossacks - the Khevsurs did not pay taxes, but they had to protect Georgia from the invasions of the highlanders from the other side of the Caucasus Range.
The coordinates of the capital of Khevsureti Shatili: 42.65813, 45.15457.
Georgia - from Tbilisi to Batumi
By train or bus, 300 km between the two cities can be covered in 5 hours, by minibus - in 6. But it is much more interesting to go on this journey by car - your own or rented.
There are two ways to get from Tbilisi to Batumi by car: the first one is longer and goes through Imereti, the second is geographically shorter, but is available only in summer, and even then only for SUVs - through Borjomi valley and region Samtskhe-Javakhetia, from where you can get to Batumi along an unpaved mountain Transajar highway.
Now let's take a closer look at the attractions of each of the two options.
The first route Tbilisi - Batumi
The first path lies through Stalin's hometown - Gori, "cave city" Uplistsikhe, past Katskhi pillar in Kutaisi. And from Kutaisi to Batumi you can drive along the Black Sea coast through Kobuleti, visiting some sights of Imereti along the way - for example, monasteries Gelati And Motsameta And cave of Prometheus.
Stalin Museum in Gori (49)
Gori is located 80 km west of Tbilisi and is known primarily as the place where the Father of All Nations was born and spent his childhood. And now the city has a large and very interesting museum dedicated to Stalin.
Coordinates: 41.98694, 44.11348.
Rock city Uplistsikhe (50)
Once the main pagan religious center of ancient Iberia and the main stronghold of resistance to the Christianization of the country, now Uplistsikhe is one of the most interesting sights located in the vicinity of Tbilisi.
Coordinates: 41.96737, 44.20724.
The second route Tbilisi - Batumi
It looks something like this: Tbilisi — Borjomi (Bakuriani) — Akhaltsikhe and Rabat Fortress- cave city Vardzia, fortress Khertvisi and further to Batumi along the mountainous Transajar highway.
Borjomi (51)
A tiny resort town with a population of 15 thousand people, which has gained worldwide fame thanks to the brand of mineral water produced here.
Bridge-"curl" in Borjomi
In addition to mineral water, Borjomi is famous for its sanatoriums, a huge park, a cable car, an outdoor pool with water from hot springs and a culinary “trick”: pine cone jam.
Coordinates: 41.84119, 43.38298.
Ski resort Bakuriani (52)
In the past - the center of skiing of all-Union significance, today - the best (IMHO) ski resort in Georgia, located 37 km from Borjomi at an altitude of 1700 meters.
Coordinates: 41.7509, 43.52839.
After Borjomi, the way from Tbilisi to Batumi lies through Akhaltsikhe, the capital of the region Samtskhe-Javakhetia. The city itself is not particularly interesting, but it houses the largest fortress in Georgia - Rabat.
Fort Rabat (53)
The former Turkish fortress of Rabat, being the largest in Georgia, was recently restored and became one of the tourist attractions of Samtskhe-Javakhetia.
According to popular belief, the restorers overdid it a bit: the ancient fortress now really shines with a new-made gloss. Like it or not, you can find out from the article about.
Coordinates: 41.64211, 42.97537.
Before driving further west to Batumi along the most picturesque Transajar highway, I highly recommend taking the time to stop by for half a day at cave city of Vardzia (Vardzia), located 60 km southeast of Akhaltsikhe (200 km southwest of Tbilisi). On the way there, about 45 km southeast of Akhaltsikhe, there will be another attraction of Samtskhe-Javakhetia - Khertvisi fortress.
Khertvisi (54)
Khertvisi (54) is an extremely photogenic fortress on a rock at the confluence of the Mtkvari (Kura) and Paravani rivers. The place is extremely historical - according to legend, the first Georgian city was here in the era of Alexander the Great.
Khertvisi coordinates: 41.47947, 43.28535.
Cave city of Vardzia (55)
A unique cave city, a symbol of the struggle of Georgians against foreign invaders and a monument to the will and fortitude of people who preferred life in caves to surrender to enemies.
Coordinates: 41.3812, 43.28416.
After visiting Vardzia and Khertvisi, we return to Akhaltsikhe, from which there are two options for the road to Batumi:
If it's summer, you have a solid SUV, and you are confident in yourself and in the car, you can go to Batumi along the shortest route - through the mountains along the Transajar highway. The road is dirt, sometimes very difficult - but the views are amazing.
The second option is for those who have an ordinary passenger car, or they just feel sorry for killing the suspension and tires of their SUV: we drive to Batumi along an excellent highway through Borjomi, Khashuri, Kutaisi and Samtredia.
Have a good holiday in Georgia!
Your Roman Mironenko
Georgia is cozy and hospitable in any month and at any time of the year. Consider what the weather is like in Georgia today, as well as by seasons and months.
Weather in Georgia in summer: June-August
In summer, Georgia has the most tourists.
The Black Sea coast receives guests mainly from May to October. In June, there are not so many tourists by the sea. It is better for lovers of secluded relaxation to relax in the first half of the month, since by the end of June holiday season begins to gain momentum, the sea is warm (+24), the beaches are filled with people, but it’s not so easy anymore.
25-29 degrees (+15-20 at night), usually +30 or more.
June is a good time for traveling to the mountains, the air temperature is about +25 degrees.
In July and August, the cities are hot and dry, the rains are rare and, as a rule, do not bring coolness, only increasing humidity. The air temperature is +33-36 degrees, sometimes above 40. The sea is a few degrees cooler. But in the mountains it is very good.
What is the weather like in autumn
Excellent time of the year to travel to Georgia, always here Nice weather. At this time, it is good both at sea and in the mountains. At this time, it is best to choose exactly, to be nourished by beauty and health before the winter period.
In September and October in Batumi it still lasts bathing season(water remains at +25 until the beginning of October).
The average temperature in Georgia in September is +25-27 degrees. Ideal for walks, excursions and visits to countryside attractions. In the mountains +20-23.
In October, it starts to get noticeably colder, it often rains. The air is still warm, but the sea is already cool (+20).
It gets cold in the mountains (less than +10), frosts at night.
The weather in Georgia noticeably worsens in November: although the air is still relatively warm (in cities + 15-20, at night + 3-5) and you can walk comfortably, frosts, rains, fogs occur, and in general, nature is no longer rampant with colors. If you are going for chic photo shoots, do it in October.
Winter in Georgia
Although the weather in Georgia is relatively warm in winter, there are fewer tourists here than in summer. And resort towns like Batumi “fall asleep” for the winter: establishments are closed, fountains are turned off.
Thanks to territorial features And Caucasian mountains The air temperature in Georgia rarely drops below zero. Habitual weather here - +1-4 degrees, complete absence snow. Most days are sunny. The exception is mountains. The winter is real - snowy and very beautiful.
It's warm during the day in December. In Tbilisi and Batumi, for example, about +10. There may be frost at night.
In January and February, the usual temperature is about +1-2 degrees. Snow may fall (it happened in 2016).
Winter is the perfect time to visit Georgia for all winter sports lovers. There are chic ski resorts here, and Gudauri is generally considered the mecca of free riders.
view from the car on a mountain road in the Caucasian mountains
Georgia is a country where you can go, regardless of the season. In summer it is hot and sunny here, it is time to open beach holiday, spring and autumn are the time for excursions and pilgrimages, and in winter ski resorts flourish in Georgia. Do you want to know when is the best time to go to Georgia? Tochka-mira will tell you about the weather in this country and help you choose dates for your trip.
Weather in Georgia in summer: June-August
Of course, most people prefer to go to Georgia in summer. When the weather is hot and sunny. In June, the sea is just beginning to warm up from the sun, so the water off the coast of Adjara is still cool. If the vacation falls in June, then it is better to plan it towards the end of the month, then at least you will be able to sunbathe.
The temperature in Georgia in June is +25-30ºС.
The best time for a beach holiday in Batumi in summer is July and August. At this time, the weather in Georgia is dry, sunny, the air is humid, and cool winds blow from the sea. Humid air descends from the mountains in warm streams, so traveling to the mountains in July-August is a pleasure.
The temperature in Georgia in July-August is +32+36ºС. There are days when the thermometer mark exceeds 40ºС.
Weather in Georgia in autumn: September-November
Autumn is always a delightful time of year to travel to Georgia. The weather is great for a beach holiday, and for walking in the mountains. September is considered the "velvet" season on the entire Black Sea coast: at this time the air ceases to be dry and is saturated with moisture, the sun still favors a golden tan, and the sea is warm, like fresh milk.
The temperature in Georgia in September is +28-30ºС, the sea temperature is up to +25ºС.
In October, the water temperature in the sea gradually decreases, it often rains, and the air is noticeably cool. It gets coldest in the mountains, the thermometer mark can drop to + 10ºС, and at night there are frosts at all.
November in Georgia is cold and cloudy, if the air is still warm (up to + 15-20ºС), then the weather conditions are not entirely favorable. It often rains, fogs form, moist winds blow from the sea, and closer to the night frosts begin up to + 3ºС. You don't want to walk here in November at all.
Tours to Georgia in October
October in Georgia is conducive to long walks in the mountains, long excursions and visits to interesting sights. It is from October that autumn begins to be felt in the country: the mountains are covered with a canvas of fallen golden leaves - a truly magnificent sight.
To find a tour to Georgia in October, you can use the universal tour search engine It is enough to fill in just a few fields in the search field, and you will see best offers travel in Adjara.
Buying a tour in October is worth it only in Tbilisi to enjoy ancient architecture capital Cities. The program of activities may already be included in the tour, but most often you will have to plan it yourself. Here map , on which all interesting places Georgian capital.
Weather in Georgia in winter: December-February
With the coming of winter seaside resorts Adzharia is no longer accessible to tourists, and most restaurants and entertainment venues are simply closed. But from this there are no less tourists in Georgia, because winter is the time ski holidays. Mountain resorts are simply bursting with an endless stream of guests eager to ride along the steep slopes of the Caucasian mountains.
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Travel The World gives an answer to the question of when it is better to go to Georgia for recreation, excursions and acquaintance with local customs and traditions.
This country is located very close, beyond your doorstep. At the same time, it is a special world and radically different from your usual everyday life. The country of the Golden Fleece and the first distant travelers - the Argonauts, receives tourists all year round, but for weather reasons it is better to go there in the warm season.
Spring Georgia
Mid-April is a good time to travel. Georgia is generally a very beautiful country, and in the spring it is simply breathtakingly beautiful here. Rains do happen, but travel won't ruin it, and you'll return home with an amazing photo album. In May, you can go to the mountains, in cave cities Vardzia and Uplistsikhe, Nekresi Monastery, Gremi fortress, blooming Kazbegi, Prometheus stalactite cave and other picturesque places.
There are a lot of beautiful and interesting sights in Georgia, for example, Cathedral Svetitskhoveli and Jvari monastery in Mtskheta, sulfur baths, Metekhi temple and Narikala fortress in Tbilisi. In these places, the poet Lermontov had a chance to live a significant part of his life.
Georgia in summer
At this time of the year in Georgia in the valleys and on the coast stands heatwave, and it is not so convenient to make excursions. Batumi becomes the center of summer tourism. In June, people are already swimming in the sea here, although there are not so many people on the beaches. The peak of the season falls in July and August, when there is nowhere for visitors to fall in Adjara. If you don't like crowds, try looking for a secluded village on the coast. In August, it's time to buy fruits and vegetables, as well as hiking in the mountains, to the peaks of Kazbek and Tetnulda, where the cold always reigns.
Autumn Georgia
Perhaps this is the best time for a full-fledged acquaintance with the country, because everyday lying on the beach cannot be called it. In September, the shelves are full of grapes, watermelons and tangerines for every taste, you just have to choose your favorite vitamin. It's time to visit Kakheti, see the Batonis Tsikhe fortress in Telavi, visit the Nadikvari park, visit the Alazani Valley with the Tsinandali winery located there and buy aromatic grape wine. In October, the golden landscapes of Svaneti and Kazbegi open up before lovers of mountain hiking with tents. At the end of the month, the grape harvest season ends.
Finally, we must not forget about the amazingly delicious Georgian cuisine, which delights gourmets at any time of the year. Georgians are always happy to see guests, they remain hospitable, despite past conflicts.
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