Off-the-beaten-track Georgia: 19 unique places to visit

There is no denying the natural beauty and mystery of Georgia. A bridge between the East and West, the country bears the imprint of many empires, such as the Ottomans, Persians, Arabs, and Russians. You can see all these influences by exploring Georgia off the beaten track.

These traces are evident in its architecture, cuisine, and even the myths that echo through its landscapes. While Tbilisi, the capital city, and Batumi, the second biggest city, are some of the most common places to visit in Georgia, much of it remains untouched. From steep valleys and remote mountain villages to Soviet relics, the country offers a wealth of off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or just an adventurer seeking stunning landscapes, here’s our ultimate travel guide to exploring Georgia beyond the usual tourist trail.

19 unique things to do in Georgia: your ultimate travel guide

Finding off-the-beaten-track destinations isn’t hard in Georgia—in this land of soaring peaks, lush valleys, medieval villages, and vineyards—there isn’t too much that is in fact on the beaten track.

Tucked between Europe and Asia, Georgia has been a crossroads for traders, warriors, and explorers, leaving behind a rich cultural tapestry that is still visible today. Cross paths with other curious travelers at monasteries, abandoned fortresses, and some of the world’s oldest cities.

1. Explore the Tusheti mountain region and its remote villages

Nestled deep in the Caucasus Mountains, Tusheti is one of Georgia’s most isolated and breathtaking regions. Home to the Tush (or Bats) people, this rugged land is known for its centuries-old stone towers, dramatic gorges, and long-standing shepherding traditions.

The journey itself is an adventure—getting to Omalo, the main village, requires navigating the Abano Pass, one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Hike through wildflower-filled meadows, immerse in the local culture residing in homestays, or horse trek along ancient trails.

2. Admire Anaklia’s surreal sculptures on the Black Sea Coast

Anaklia is a modern seaside town known for its futuristic sculptures and empty beaches. Once intended to be a major resort, its abandoned structures now create an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere.

Explore the shores of Anaklia Beach while strolling along the beachfront boulevard, and opt for a relaxed beach day, swimming or sunbathing on the Black Sea Coast. Among the abandoned hotels and villas, you’ll spot a shipwreck and the seemingly forgotten Ganmukhuri Amphitheater. Wrap up your visit with a sunset at the spaceship-like Anaklia Tower.

3. Savor delicious Georgian wine in the Kakheti Region

Georgia is broadly considered the birthplace of wine, with over 8,000 years of winemaking history. The Kakheti region, particularly the Alazani Valley, is the heart of Georgia’s wine country.

Visit family-run wineries, learn about the traditional qvevri winemaking method, and enjoy Georgian feasts (supra) paired with homemade wine. Visit the small town of Sighnaghi for epic view or explore the Alaverdi Monastery—where monks still make wine using ancient techniques.

4. Experience Chiatura, capital of cable cars

This charming city in western Georgia offers an array of things to do, from exploring dramatic natural formations and unearthly caves, to touring preserved monasteries and canyons, to riding cable cars.

Once a thriving mining town, Chiatura is now famous for its Soviet Georgia cable cars that dangle over deep gorges. Some still operate, offering a thrilling ride through the country’s industrial past. Other sites to experience include the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery, the colorful Prometheus Cave in Kumistavi, and of course, Okatse Canyon and its steep cliffs.

5. Discover Upper Svaneti: Mestia, Ushguli, and the Greater Caucasus

Svaneti is a land of legends, medieval stone towers, and glacier-capped peaks. The region’s mysterious Svan people have preserved their unique culture and traditions for centuries.

In Upper Svaneti, Mestia is the region’s gateway, making it the perfect base to explore the regional museums and churches. About an hour away (by car), you’ll find Ushguli—one of Europe’s highest-inhabited villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site worthy of a visit.

Hike through the Svaneti Highlands, making a stop at Shkhara Glacier. Marvel at the stone towers of Ushguli, dating back about 800 years, and meet the locals for an authentic experience.

6. Trek through the Lower Svaneti

If you’re seeking a quieter alternative to Upper Svaneti, Lower Svaneti offers lush valleys, remote villages, and fewer tourists. The charming old town of Lentekhi serves as the gateway to this unexplored region. Uncover the secrets of Svaneti, meet the locals, and make unforgettable memories.

7. Go back in time at Uplistsikhe, Georgia’s ancient cave city

Dating back to the 1st or 2nd millennium BC, Uplistsikhe (translating to “Lord’s Fortress”) is an ancient rock-hewn city with Pagan temples, tunnels, and 700 dwellings carved into cliffs. Once a thriving hub of the Silk Road, Uplistsikhe now offers a fascinating glimpse into Georgia’s past.

Wander through the relics of the cave city, spotting various structures, from wine cellars to royal palaces. Find a high spot on the complex for a stunning panorama of the Mtkvari River Valley.

8. Visit Gomismta for a dreamy mountain retreat in the clouds

A true hidden gem of Georgia tourism, Gomismta is a small mountain settlement with wooden cabins perched above the clouds. Located in western Georgia in the Guria Municipality, it offers an idyllic escape for relaxation and photography. Bring your best camera and lenses with you.

Gomismta is a fantastic base to explore the Caucasus Mountains, and also to find healing. The mix of mountain and sea air has been proven to treat lung ailments. There are numerous hiking routes ready to explore, but the trek to the Chinchao volcanic lake is among the best.

9. Uncover hot springs and abandoned villages in the Truso Valley

The Truso Valley, near Stepantsminda, is a hidden paradise featuring colorful mineral springs, abandoned Ossetian villages, and dramatic gorges. Bike through the lush valleys, dotted with remote fortifications and medieval watchtowers, perfect for those seeking solitude.

For a sneak peek into Georgian history, explore the Zakagori Fortress Complex or Keterisi Monastery. The Abano Mineral Lake and Keterisi Vaucluse offer a window into dramatic terrains.

10. Seek nature and tranquility in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

Borjomi-Kharagauli is one of Europe’s largest national parks and a hiker’s paradise with pristine forests, alpine meadows, and diverse wildlife. It’s also home to Georgia’s famous Borjomi mineral water, which is good for drinking and swimming and has been enjoyed for centuries.

Trek through the well-marked hiking trails, spot the diverse flora and fauna, or simply take in one of the most beautiful places in Georgia—its shelters, picnic areas, or designated camping areas.

11. Find hidden beaches and villages in Adjara (beyond Batumi)

While Batumi is Georgia’s most famous seaside city, the Adjara region has hidden beaches and villages waiting to be explored. Visit Chakvi, Kobuleti, and Sarpi for a more authentic Black Sea experience, or head inland to the Mtirala National Park—home to hidden falls and remote chalets.

12. Marvel at the fortified villages of Khevsureti

Khevsureti, one of the most mystical regions in eastern Georgia, is known for its fortified medieval villages, rugged wilderness, warrior traditions, and legends of ancient bloodlines.

The most famous village, Shatili, looks like a medieval fortress rising from the mountains. Explore its terraced structures and ancient crypts, learning about the village’s long history. Nearby Mutso, perched on a cliffside, is even more dramatic, with breathtaking valley views.

13. Unearth the abandoned Soviet Union sanatoriums of Tskaltubo

Tskaltubo is a treasure trove of abandoned Soviet-era bathhouses. Once a luxury spa town known for its healing waters, it has since been left to decay following the fall of the USSR. Some buildings have been repurposed over the years, while others remain hauntingly frozen in time. Tsakaltubo features resort buildings with grand entryways, domed atriums, and spiraling staircases that have been reclaimed by nature.

14. Explore Javakheti Volcanic Plateau, Georgia’s Little Armenia

Known for its volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and Armenian cultural influences, the Javakheti Plateau is one of Georgia’s most underrated regions. It’s also a birdwatching haven for those interested in this activity.

Often referred to as the “Georgian Arctic” due to the harsh climate, when it’s not blanketed by snow, Javakheti reveals the extinct volcanoes and alpine lakes—Paravani Lake is the largest. Enjoy hiking the region’s trails, spotting migratory birds, or camping around the wild lakes.

15. Admire Vardzia’s cave monastery: one of Georgia’s hidden gems

Vardzia is a stunning 12th-century cave monastery built into the cliffs of southern Georgia. Once home to hundreds of monks and a warrior queen, it was a thriving cultural, religious, and political center. Today, Vardzia stands as a beacon of Georgia’s medieval remarkable ingenuity.

Explore its hidden tunnels and fresco-filled chapels for an unforgettable experience. Don’t skip a visit to the church within the city—add this to your tour of Georgia for a deeper understanding.

16. Go wine tasting in Georgia’s secret wine region, Racha-Lechkhumi

While Kakheti is the famous wine region of Georgia, Racha-Lechkhumi offers an offbeat wine-tasting experience. Known for its rare Khvanchkara wine, this lush, mountainous region is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts looking for authentic Georgian gastronomy and hospitality.

A worthy add to any Georgia itinerary, a visit to Racha-Lechkhumi offers an exciting look into the country’s wine and how it parses with the cruise. Take a foodie tour and savor the rich local flavors.

17. Chase waterfalls and spot wildlife in Lagodekhi National Park

If you love wildlife-spotting and chasing waterfalls, a visit to Lagodekhi National Park is one of the best adventures in Georgia. Located in eastern Georgia, this pristine wilderness is home to dense forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and rare species like the Caucasian red deer.

Hiking to waterfalls like Ninoskhevi and Rocho is a must, while a trip to Machi Fortress offers a trek or horseback ride through untouched landscapes. For total relaxation, end with a stop at Black Rock Lake.

18. Experience a desert escape in the David Gareja Monastery

Set against a barren, lunar-like landscape, David Gareja is one of Georgia’s most awe-inspiring monastic complexes. These caves house centuries-old frescoes, churches, and monasteries. Nearby, the Lavra Udabno monasteries also offer a look into the region’s bygone years.

While there is no public transport, you can arrange to take a day trip from Tbilisi. Hike the ridge, rewarding you with panoramic views of Azerbaijan, or make a stop at the Rainbow Mountains.

19. Take a road trip along the Georgian Military Highway

Stretching over 120 miles and connecting Tbilisi with Vladikavkaz in Russia, this legendary route offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Caucasus.

This highway is among the most important mountain roads, traditionally used by invaders and traders in years gone by. Some of its highlights include the Jvari Monastery and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church—both significant sites of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

There are a few ways to travel this route, a classic Georgia tour will get you from Tbilisi to Kazbegi in three days, with other stops in-between. Alternatively, you can opt for a ride in a marshrutka minivan (a shared taxi)—the cheapest option, but it does not make scenic stops.

Best time to visit Georgia

When you visit depends on what you’d like to see and do. Spring (April to June) is great for sightseeing and low-altitude hikes with fewer crowds, while summer (July to August) is ideal for mountain hiking, beach trips, and nature excursions. For harvest festivals in balmy weather, nothing beats fall (September to November) and its vibrant foliage. Winter (December to March) is a time for winter sports at any ski resort.

Georgia local travel tips for a smooth vacation

When it comes to local travel tips, Georgia is like most countries around the world. Respecting the people and their customs, abiding with the law, and staying alert at all times are non-negotiable.

Here are a few more tips and tricks to keep in mind when you visit Georgia:

• Weather: The peak regions are cold and snowy, even in warm months, while the lowlands and coastal cities have a Mediterranean climate, meaning mild winters and dry summers. Pack according to the region you’re planning to visit on your trip to Georgia.
• Dress code: Always dress modestly at churches, monasteries, and religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered, while women should also cover their hair.
• Money: While ATMs are abundant in major cities, rural areas often operate on a cash basis, so it’s always good to carry cash when traveling outside Tbilisi and Batumi.
• Getting around: Marshrutka minivans connect big cities and towns, making it easy to get from one place to the other. However, if you’re looking to explore more remote parts of Georgia, then renting your own vehicle or booking a guided tour is your best bet.
• Don’t always trust Google Maps: Google Maps relies on user-submitted data, so if not updated constantly, street names and numbers and business information like opening and closing times or phone numbers can be wrong. Use Facebook as an alternative to check accuracy.

FAQs about Georgia, off the beaten path

Below we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about Georgia. If you have more in mind, our local partners are always ready and willing to help, so be sure to connect with them.

Is Georgia, the country, safe to travel?

Georgia is generally safe to visit. The locals are friendly and welcoming to tourists. However, like most places in the world, petty crimes and scams can happen, so always exercise caution.

How many days are sufficient for Georgia?

A week is enough to experience the highlights of Georgia, but for a well-rounded trip from the coast to the snowy peaks, consider traveling the country for about 10 to 14 days.

Is the country of Georgia worth visiting?

Absolutely! Georgia is an amazing country, boasting diverse landscapes from rolling vineyards to snow-capped peaks. Pair that with ancient relics and flavorful cuisine, and it’s a worthy trip.

Make it happen

With its untouched beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality, Georgia is a dream destination for off-the-beaten-path explorers. Whether it’s trekking through a remote location, discovering medieval fortresses, or tasting centuries-old wines, our local experts can craft the ideal trip for you. Get in touch with them today to get the ball rolling!