10 Must-See Wonders in Georgia

Though compact in size, Georgia boasts a diverse and stunning array of landscapes.

To the west, subtropical citrus groves meet the Black Sea, while the east unfolds into vast vineyards that transition into arid steppes dotted with ancient monasteries.

Home to three of Europe's six tallest peaks, Georgia's towering mountains cast their shadows over a wild expanse where bears, eagles, and wolves roam free among some of the most isolated and picturesque villages.

Here are 10 remarkable destinations in Georgia that will fuel your travel dreams.

Mutso

Perched on three dramatic cliffs along the Chechen border, Mutso was once the unassailable fortress of northern Georgia during the Middle Ages. However, by the 20th century, it was largely deserted due to water scarcity and deteriorating infrastructure.

By the dawn of the new millennium, only 22 members of the Khevsur community, known for their unique blend of pagan and Christian traditions, and distinct dances and attire, still called Mutso home.

Restoration efforts included the rebuilding of ancient guard towers, homes, and the installation of electric cables, all done with meticulous attention to preserve the village’s historical and cultural authenticity.

Now, Mutso is primed for global attention. In 2019, it earned the prestigious Europa Nostra Award, one of Europe’s highest honors for cultural heritage.

Ushguli

Ushguli ranks among Europe's highest permanently inhabited villages, sitting at an impressive 6,900 feet above sea level.

Tucked away in the remote Caucasus, Ushguli remains snowed in for nearly eight months each year. Its isolation has helped preserve a unique culture, including traditions like bareback horse racing, animist practices, and a 4,000-year-old, unwritten language.

Which is more awe-inspiring: Ushguli's array of medieval, UNESCO-protected watchtowers, some over a thousand years old, or its breathtaking location against the backdrop of the snow-covered Shkhara glacier?

Vardzia

Despite its captivating history and striking beauty, Vardzia remains off the beaten path for most tourists. This nine-tiered cave complex towers above the dry foothills of Samtskhe-Javakheti.

The primary obstacle for visitors is the grueling five-hour drive from Tbilisi (or the one-hour hike from the nearby town of Akhaltsikhe) that is required to reach the site.

However, those who venture the journey are greeted with one of Georgia’s most astonishing sights: a mountainside pockmarked with man-made caves, offering hours of exploration.

Originally constructed as a sprawling fortress by Giorgi III during Georgia’s golden age, Vardzia was said to have contained 19 levels at its peak and was entirely self-sustaining.

The decline of Vardzia began after a devastating earthquake in the 13th century, and its final inhabitants, a group of monks, were forced to flee in 1578 when the Ottomans laid siege to the site.

Visitors can explore the rugged, hand-carved pathways of the complex, which lead from frescoed chapels to wine cellars and living quarters, all interconnected by trapdoors and curved stone staircases.

When entering the Church of the Assumption, be sure to look up and admire the rare depiction of Queen Tamar, one of Georgia’s most revered rulers.

Gelati Monastery

As you enter the Cathedral of the Virgin at Gelati Monastery, just six miles north of Kutaisi, you are immediately enveloped by a stunning display of Byzantine-style frescoes, which burst forth from the baseboards all the way up to the apex of the conical dome.

It's remarkable that these vibrant frescoes have endured so well, with minimal damage, especially considering that most Georgian church frescoes were whitewashed by Russian imperial forces in the 19th century.

When you reach the apse, don’t miss the church’s crown jewel: a 12th-century mosaic composed of nearly three million tiles, depicting the Virgin and Child, flanked by archangels Michael and Gabriel.

Gergeti Trinity Church

Gergeti Trinity Church has long been a source of awe, thanks to its position atop a hill overshadowed by Mount Kazbek. Its striking setting has made it a regular feature in travel media across the globe.

It’s hard to imagine how 14th-century peasants managed to haul the massive stones up the mountainside to construct this church, famous for its conical dome and freestanding belfry, adorned with patches of orange lichen.

A few black-robed monks still reside in the adjoining building. Visitors wearing shorts, hats, or anything revealing might earn their disapproval if they enter the church.

Ananuri

Had Soviet officials gotten their way, you might have needed a snorkel to explore Ananuri, a stunning church-fortress 40 miles north of Tbilisi that almost became submerged by a reservoir.

Fortunately, Ananuri's 12th-century watchtower, its crenelated keep, and the two 17th-century churches with pagan symbols—look for grape clusters, ram heads, and dragons—have survived the centuries.

Pro tip: After capturing stunning panoramic shots of the churches set against the backdrop of the turquoise lake, head 15 miles north along the main road to Pasanauri Restaurant, where you can savor what many locals believe are the best khinkali (soup dumplings) in Georgia.

Gomismta

Guria, a charming rural region in western Georgia, is known for its tea plantations, egg-filled khachapuri (cheese bread), lively krimanchuli yodeling, and picturesque mountain retreats like Gomismta, where shepherds graze their flocks in the warmer months.

Unlike the more popular mountain destinations like Stepantsminda, Borjomi, and Mestia, Gomismta is a hidden gem where you can relax in a guest house among friendly, vacationing Georgians.

The village’s vibrant shepherds' huts and the sweeping, amphitheater-like mountain views are its main draws. But don’t miss the village mosque, housed in a former Soviet oil container – a quirky sight that’s worth the search.

With no street names or addresses to guide you, you’ll need to rely on the locals to point you in the right direction.

Sighnaghi

Unlike the lavish wine estates of Bordeaux, Georgia's wine tourism offers a charming and rustic experience, perfect for travelers who love bold, natural wines.

In Sighnaghi, visitors can sample the country’s famous kvevri wines – fermented underground – from two of Georgia’s premier wine producers: Okro’s Wines and Pheasant’s Tears.

From the town's charming red-roofed Italianate houses, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley, with the snow-dusted peaks of the Caucasus Mountains in the distance on clear days.

Dartlo

To reach Dartlo, the most picturesque village in the rugged Tusheti mountains, you’ll need an off-road vehicle, a guide fluent in Georgian (we recommend Inter Georgia Travel), and a thirst for adventure.

Perched on a steep mountainside, Dartlo is a timeless haven filled with stone towers, meadows blanketed in wildflowers, and quaint homes that carry the aroma of woodsmoke and hearty meals.

Be sure to spot the khatebi – small stone huts on the village outskirts where the Tush people perform their rituals, including worship and animal sacrifices.

David Gareja

The origins of the David Gareja monastery complex date back to the 6th century AD when St. David, a Holy Assyrian Father, founded a Christian monastic order in these sandstone cliffs.

By the Middle Ages, David Gareja had become a thriving spiritual hub with around 6,000 monks, though the community was ultimately decimated by Abbas the Great.

Today, only three monasteries continue to operate, overseen by a dwindling group of Georgian Orthodox monks.

The sixth-century Lavra Monastery, with its photogenic caves, houses the tombs of St. David and his disciple Lukian in its lower court, at the heart of the complex.