Welcome to "18 Reasons NOT to Travel to Georgia"! Get ready, because we're about to debunk — with a healthy dose of humour — every myth and prejudice circulating about this Caucasus country. We'll give away the ending right now: every reason not to go is, in fact, an excellent reason to pack your bags as soon as possible.
From its breathtaking landscapes to its gastronomy, its millennia-old wine, its monasteries, its hospitality and its light, Georgia is one of the most surprising destinations in Europe. Join us on this journey and discover, with a smile, why Georgia should be your next trip.
18 (False) Reasons Not to Travel to Georgia
1. Medieval Painting is Out of Fashion
Watch out if you decide to travel to Georgia! The medieval frescoes covering the walls of its churches and monasteries are genuine masterpieces of Eastern Christian art. With their vivid colours, angels, saints and biblical scenes, these paintings transport you directly to the Middle Ages and offer a privileged window onto the country's spirituality and history.
2. Georgia is Not for Photography Lovers
If you're a photographer, you'd better be prepared: from the peaks of Svaneti to the vineyards of Kakheti and the rooftops of Tbilisi at sunset, Georgia is a visual feast that is hard to match.
3. If You Enjoy a Good Drink, There's No Need to Travel to Georgia
Only if you don't want to discover the birthplace of wine. Georgia has been making wine in clay amphorae (qvevri) for over 8,000 years, a technique recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Varieties like Saperavi, Rkatsiteli and Kisi await you in family wineries and unforgettable tastings.
4. Georgia is Not a Romantic Destination
Tell that to the couples watching the sunrise from Narikala Fortress, dining on a terrace overlooking the Mtkvari River or toasting with Georgian wine in a family winery in Kakheti. Few destinations are as romantic and uncrowded as Georgia.
5. Georgia's Architecture is Ugly
Or rather, it's so diverse it defies any label. Carved wooden balconies, medieval stone churches, art nouveau buildings, Soviet blocks converted into design hotels and bold contemporary works. Georgian architecture is a journey in itself.
6. Travel to Georgia for the Nature? Bad Idea
Unless you enjoy seeing 5,000-metre snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, canyons, waterfalls, ancient forests, green pastures and Black Sea coastlines… in which case you might actually want to consider it. Georgia is a paradise for hikers, adventurers and outdoor lovers.
7. The Nightlife is Boring
Tbilisi has become one of the biggest hubs of electronic culture in Eastern Europe. Clubs like Bassiani and Khidi are ranked among the world's best by specialist media, and alternative bars, rooftop terraces and live music fill the nights in the capital and in Batumi.
8. Cities Like Batumi are Ugly and Grey
Nothing could be further from the truth. Batumi is an explosion of modern architecture on the shores of the Black Sea, with futuristic skyscrapers, a spectacular seafront promenade, the Botanical Garden and charming old neighbourhoods. A vibrant, colourful and surprising city.
9. Georgia's Caves are Boring
Like Uplistsikhe, a cave city carved from rock over 3,000 years ago; or Vardzia, a 12th-century cave monastery with hundreds of chambers excavated into a mountain; or the natural caves of Prometheus and Sataplia, with stalactites and dinosaur footprints. Anything but boring.
10. The Historic Monuments are Uninteresting
Only if you're not drawn to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Mtskheta, Gelati and Upper Svaneti), millennial cathedrals, medieval fortresses and some of the oldest churches in Christendom. Not very interesting, right?
11. The Urban Landscapes are Dull
Stroll through the old town of Tbilisi, through Sighnaghi "the city of love", through the lanes of Mestia or the Svan villages with their medieval towers, and then try to hold that opinion.
12. It's Not a Destination for Nature Lovers
With four internationally recognised national parks, more than 40% of the territory covered in forests and one of the richest biodiversities in Europe, Georgia is actually one of the best destinations on the continent for nature lovers.
13. There are No Exciting Activities
Rafting on the Mtkvari and Rioni rivers, trekking on the Greater Caucasus Trail, skiing in Gudauri or Bakuriani, paragliding in Gudauri, rock climbing in Chiatura, horse riding in Tusheti… The list is endless. Georgia is a small paradise for adventure tourism.
14. There are No Relaxation Options
Except for the sulphur thermal baths of Abanotubani in Tbilisi, the spas at the Borjomi resort, countryside retreats among vineyards or the peaceful Black Sea beaches. Nothing at all, clearly.
15. There are No Cultural Tourism Options
Mtskheta and its millennial churches, the museums of Tbilisi, international festivals, Georgian vocal polyphony (UNESCO Intangible Heritage), the Georgian alphabet (also protected by UNESCO) and the living traditions of each region make Georgia one of the richest cultural destinations in the Caucasus.
16. Travelling to Georgia in Winter Loses Its Appeal
Quite the opposite. Georgian winter is magical: international ski resorts like Gudauri, Bakuriani, Mestia and Goderdzi, snowy landscapes along the Military Highway, Orthodox celebrations (with a Georgian New Year on 14 January) and fireside dinners with khachapuri and mulled wine.
17. There are No Impressive Landscapes
Just the Caucasus, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Martvili Canyon, Lake Ritsa, the Georgian Military Highway, the Tusheti plateau or the sheer cliffs of Katskhi. Nothing special, of course.
18. You Won't See Picturesque Villages
Mestia, Sighnaghi, Ushguli, Stepantsminda, Juta, Kazreti, Shatili… the list of picturesque villages in Georgia is endless. Traditional architecture, cobbled streets, medieval towers and picture-perfect views around every corner.
Still Tempted to Travel to Georgia?
If after reading these 18 "reasons" you still feel like heading to the Caucasus (and we're sure you do), you're in the right place. At Iberogeorgia we are a tour operator specialising in Georgia and the Caucasus for Spanish-speaking travellers. We design tailor-made trips, group tours and themed getaways with Spanish-speaking guides and personalised service.
Request your tailor-made trip to Georgia here and discover for yourself why those who travel to the Caucasus once always want to come back.