Can you imagine a country that combines bohemian capitals, medieval fortresses perched above canyons, rock-hewn monasteries, five-thousand-meter mountains, and ancient thermal waters? That's Georgia. In this guide we present 100 must-see destinations in Georgia grouped into 10 categories, so you can design your perfect trip to the heart of the Caucasus.
From the vibrant capital Tbilisi to the remotest corners of the country, this list is your map for discovering the cultural, historical, and natural diversity of Georgia through the warm eyes of Iberogeorgia.
10 Must-See Cities of Georgia
1. Tbilisi, the Capital
Tbilisi is a fascinating capital where old and new coexist in harmony. Stroll through its historic old town, discover the sulfurous baths of Abanotubani, cross the Bridge of Peace, and enjoy its vibrant food and nightlife scene.
2. Batumi
Batumi, the pearl of the Black Sea, combines beaches, modern architecture, casinos, botanical gardens, and a buzzing nightlife.
3. Kutaisi
The country's third city, once the capital of Colchis and gateway to UNESCO treasures such as Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral.
4. Gori
The birthplace of Iosif Stalin, home to the Stalin Museum and the imposing medieval fortress that dominates the town center.
5. Mtskheta
Georgia's ancient spiritual capital, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here stand Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery.
6. Zugdidi
In the Samegrelo region, renowned for the Dadiani Palace and as the gateway to Svaneti.
7. Rustavi
An industrial city close to Tbilisi with a contemporary character and a distinctive modern legacy.
8. Poti
An important Black Sea port, ideal for combining maritime history with nature in the nearby Kolkheti National Park.
9. Telavi
Capital of the wine-growing Kakheti region, perfect for exploring wineries, royal palaces, and Caucasian landscapes.
10. Signagi
Known as the "city of love", this charming walled town offers spectacular views over the Alazani valley.
10 Must-See Fortresses of Georgia
- Narikala (Tbilisi): dominates the capital from the heights of Sololaki hill.
- Gonio (Batumi): a Roman fortress on the Black Sea shore.
- Gori Fortress: a medieval stronghold above the historic town center.
- Uplistsikhe: a rock-hewn fortress city, one of the oldest in the country.
- Rabati (Akhaltsikhe): an impressive restored complex where Ottoman, Persian, and Georgian cultures converge.
- Ananuri: a classic Caucasian postcard scene, beside the Zhinvali reservoir.
- Khertvisi: one of the oldest fortresses, in Samtskhe-Javakheti.
- Signagi Fortress: with its 4-km wall encircling the town.
- Surami: the setting of Georgian medieval legends and stories.
- Tmogvi: hidden ruins in the gorge of the Mtkvari river.
10 Ancient Sites of Georgia
- Prometheus Cave: a fascinating underground world near Kutaisi.
- Uplistsikhe Cave City: one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus.
- Gavazi Petroglyphs: ancient rock art in Kakheti.
- Ancient City of Mtskheta: UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Vani Ruins: ancient city of Colchis full of archaeological finds.
- Nokalakevi: ancient capital of the Egrisi kingdom in western Georgia.
- Gelati Monastery: 12th-century medieval gem founded by David IV the Builder.
- Vardzia: 12th-century cave city, symbol of the splendor of Queen Tamar's reign.
- Kvetera: a small medieval citadel in Kakheti.
- Ancient City of Gremi: former capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti, with its royal church.
10 Must-See Monasteries of Georgia
- Gelati (Kutaisi): UNESCO Heritage, founded by David IV the Builder.
- Jvari (Mtskheta): the 6th-century "temple of the cross", a viewpoint above the confluence of rivers.
- Davit Gareja: semi-desert monastic complex on the border with Azerbaijan.
- Vardzia: cave monastery with hundreds of chambers carved into the rock.
- Alaverdi (Kakheti): impressive 11th-century cathedral surrounded by vineyards.
- Shio-Mgvime: a spiritual retreat near Mtskheta.
- Bodbe (Signagi): where the remains of Saint Nino, who evangelized Georgia, rest.
- Martvili: with its iconic ancient stairways in Samegrelo.
- Betania: a medieval monastery near Tbilisi with exceptional frescoes.
- Ubisi: noted for its 14th-century murals.
10 National Parks of Georgia
- Borjomi-Kharagauli: one of the largest in Europe.
- Vashlovani: semi-desert landscapes in the far southeast.
- Tusheti: one of the most remote and spectacular parks in the Caucasus.
- Kazbegi: home to the legendary Gergeti Trinity Church and Mount Kazbek.
- Kolkheti: Black Sea wetlands, a habitat for birds and unique biodiversity.
- Mtirala: lush forests near Batumi.
- Javakheti: volcanic plateaus and high-altitude lakes.
- Lagodekhi: the country's oldest park, in the far east.
- Batsara: a forest reserve with ancient yew trees.
- Tbilisi National Park: right at the gates of the capital.
10 Natural Wonders of Georgia
- Martvili Waterfalls and their turquoise canyon.
- Okatse Canyon with its hanging walkway.
- Lake Ritsa [VERIFY: currently in Abkhazia territory, access restricted].
- Makhuntseti Waterfall in Adjara.
- Mount Shkhara (5,193 m), the roof of Georgia.
- Mount Ushba, the "Matterhorn of the Caucasus".
- Lake Tabatskuri, an alpine gem in Samtskhe-Javakheti.
- Alazani Valley, the wine-growing heartland of the country.
- Davit Gareja Sand Sea, a unique semi-desert landscape.
- Lake Paravani, the largest natural lake in Georgia.
10 Archaeological Sites of Georgia
- Samshvilde: ancient city in Kvemo Kartli.
- Dmanisi: home of the Homo erectus georgicus, 1.8 million years old.
- Armaztsikhe: ancient capital of the Kingdom of Iberia.
- Vani: ancient city of Colchis.
- Urbnisi: archaeological site near Gori.
- Kvemo Kartli: a region rich in prehistoric finds.
- Nekresi: with its 4th-century churches in Kakheti.
- Samtavisi: an impressive 11th-century cathedral.
- Gremi: ancient royal capital of Kakheti.
- Tsromi: a 7th-century temple, an architectural gem.
10 Parks and Gardens of Georgia
- Batumi Botanical Garden: one of the largest in the Caucasus.
- Rike Park (Tbilisi): a modern riverside promenade along the Mtkvari.
- Borjomi Gardens: historic parkland around the mineral spring.
- Vake Park (Tbilisi): the capital's green lung.
- Tbilisi Botanical Garden: hidden behind the Narikala fortress.
- Gudiashvili Park (Tbilisi): a charming historic square.
- Tsinandali Gardens: royal estate with winery and palace.
- Pushkin Park (Batumi): in the heart of the seafront promenade.
- Likani Gardens: former summer residence of the Romanovs.
- Mtatsminda Park (Tbilisi): a hilltop viewpoint with a Ferris wheel and rides.
10 Must-See Caves of Georgia
- Sataplia: featuring dinosaur footprints.
- Prometheus Cave: a spectacular illuminated gallery near Kutaisi.
- Krubera-Voronja: one of the deepest caves in the world [VERIFY: located in Abkhazia].
- Kvakhvreli: historic caves in the Shida Kartli region.
- Sakinule: a little-known cave steeped in legend.
- Akaki Tsereteli Cave: a hidden natural gem.
- Vardzia Caves: 12th-century cave city.
- New Athos Caves [VERIFY: in Abkhazia].
- Uplistsikhe Caves: ancient city carved into the rock.
- Abasha Cave: a hidden treasure of Samegrelo.
10 Spas and Thermal Waters of Georgia
- Borjomi: the country's most famous spa, birthplace of the legendary mineral water.
- Tskaltubo: a former Soviet thermal complex undergoing a revival.
- Sairme: mineral waters surrounded by nature.
- Likani: former imperial residence next to Borjomi.
- Kvareli: in the very heart of Kakheti.
- Tbilisi Sulfurous Baths (Abanotubani): unmissable on any visit.
- Surami: mineral waters and mountain air.
- Tskhrajvari: thermal resort in Imereti.
- Shovi: a mountain oasis in Racha.
- Nunisi: ancient center of healing waters.
Design Your Trip to Georgia with Iberogeorgia
Visiting all 100 must-see destinations in Georgia in a single trip would be a titanic undertaking, but with a good itinerary you can enjoy the most memorable ones without missing a thing. At Iberogeorgia we design tailor-made routes in Spanish adapted to your dates, interests, and budget.
Would you like to start planning yours? Tell us what you want to see and we'll propose an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Caucasus.