This is why you need to visit Georgia

It might not be the first place that comes to mind when you search 'Georgia' on Google, but this remarkable country – with a population of just under four million inhabitants – is undeniably one of the best under-the-radar travel destinations in Europe.

From exploring overgrown and abandoned sanatoriums to savouring juicy khinkali and wandering across endless hills with distant monasteries, there's no better time to embark on an adventure to the Caucasus than now.

Visit one of Georgia's oldest towns

Nestled in the hills, Kutaisi is one of Georgia's longest-standing cities, beckoning local and international tourists with its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. And coursing through it is the mighty Rioni River, whose presence can be heard from all parts of town.

The city's most alluring landmark is its ceramic mural on the side of Green Bazaar, known as the Kutaisi Market Relief. It portrays a blend of historical and mythological figures, as well as individuals who’ve contributed to the city's development over the years, and the facade is quite unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

The Green Bazaar Market is a culinary treasure trove, offering incredibly delicious food and plenty of sensory overload. Along its bustling lanes, you'll also find stores specialising in churchkhela, a sweet candy crafted from walnuts and concentrated grape juice, usually produced from the leftover annual wine harvest.

Beyond the market's offerings, we recommend visiting Bagrati Cathedral, a historical gem, and the scenic commute up to the Gelati Monastery, which offers sweeping views of the region from its elevated vantage point.

 As far as eating goes, we urge you to enter the saloon doors of Bikentia's Kebabery! This no-fuss traditional, standing-room-only eatery dishes out piping hot kebab meat with herbs and literally half a loaf of bread. You’ll want to rinse this spicy meal down with a pint of the local draft beer that's included in the combo meal.

Uncover old sanatoriums and bathhouses

Only twenty minutes by car from Kutaisi, you'll encounter one of Georgia’s quirkiest yet captivating experiences.

Tskaltubo, an old spa town, is home to a bounty of old sanatoriums and bathhouses that’ll transport you into what feels like a post-apocalyptic television set of The Walking Dead.

In its heyday, Tskaltubo was a popular destination for relaxation and therapeutic balneotherapy treatments, with patrons including none other than Stalin himself. Following Georgia's independence, the town fell into disrepair, and nature began to reclaim its territory.

Today, some of these buildings are inhabited by internally displaced people from Abkhazia, lending the place an slightly odd yet fascinating, off-the-beaten-path adventure. You won’t want to miss the No. 8 Bathhouse, hidden amidst the lush green foliage and revealing an enormous balneary that’s just waiting to be explored.

Devour delicious cuisine in the Georgian capital

Tbilisi, which you’ll soon discover, is extremely steep and narrow. There’s a unique blend of old-world architecture alongside gentrified cafes and restaurants, making it highly likely that you'll stumble across the famous and beloved khinkali dumplings.

To savour the meal to the fullest, you’ll want to bite a hole into the skin and then slurp up the juices inside. Then, enjoy the scrumptious filling, whether it’s meat, vegetables, or any other combination! Our insider tip is that it's perfectly acceptable to leave the tail (the top part of the dumpling) on your plate. As far as eateries go, Pasanauri offers reliable and hearty khinkali, along with various other fantastic options.

Around town, our favourite hole-in-the-wall eatery is Mapshalia, known for serving some of the finest eggplant rolls, kharcho (soup) and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) that genuinely feels like you’re eating a home-cooked Georgian meal. Visit for the charming atmosphere, but remember that cash is the preferred payment method in this eatery.

Beyond the eating frenzy, we encourage you to climb to the Narikala fortress for the best views in town. Exploring the streets around Rustaveli, venturing to the Mother of Georgia monument, and separately, going to Mtatsminda viewpoint is also worth your time.

A perfect day trip from Tbilisi

We highly recommend venturing out to the outskirts of the Alazani Valley to Kvareli Wine Cave. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to dive deep into Georgia's wine history and uncover a remarkable wine tunnel spanning 7.7 km, with two main tunnels and 13 connecting passages to wander and explore.

Getting around

Georgia has excellent overland connections, with affordable marshrutkas (shuttle buses) catering to travellers' needs. Alternatively, for those seeking a more off-grid and flexible travel schedule, renting a car or arranging a shared-taxi is a straightforward process.

We strongly endorse the journey between Batumi and Tbilisi for a truly breathtaking cross-country experience. Along this route, you'll encounter stunning lush landscapes, and don't be surprised by occasional traffic jams caused by herds of livestock, which only enhances the adventure.

If you’ve got afew days to spare

Beyond the main city hubs, we recommend visiting Vardzia's cave monastery, marvelling at the majestic Mount Kazbek volcano, exploring the remarkable hills of Svaneti, or simply relaxing in the serene surroundings near Gomi.