Where is Georgia? This is one of the first questions many travellers ask when they start dreaming about destinations that are different and off the beaten track. Georgia is a small, surprising and charming country, sitting at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, in the heart of the South Caucasus. A land of mountains reaching almost 5,000 metres, millennia-old monasteries, ancestral vineyards and a hospitality that captivates everyone who crosses its borders.
In this guide we answer the big question and, along the way, tell you everything you need to know before planning your trip: location, borders, regions, geography, history, culture and the country's unmissable destinations.
Georgia's Geographical Location: Where Exactly is it?
Georgia is situated in the South Caucasus, between the Black Sea to the west and the Caspian Sea to the east. It acts as a natural bridge between the European and Asian continents, covering an area of around 69,700 km² with a population of approximately 3.7 million [VERIFY].
Its strategic position at the crossroads of routes between Europe, Asia and the Middle East has made Georgia, over the centuries, a genuine cultural melting pot — a land shaped by Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Mongols, Ottomans and Russians. That blend can be felt today in every corner of the country.
Where is Georgia on the Map of Europe?
Officially, Georgia is part of the Council of Europe and the European cultural sphere, and is usually placed in south-eastern Europe. Geographically, however, it straddles Europe and Asia, in the South Caucasus. Its capital, Tbilisi, sits at roughly the same latitude as Rome or Barcelona, but around 40 degrees further east.
Borders and Neighbouring Countries
Georgia borders four countries:
- Russia to the north, across the imposing Greater Caucasus mountain range.
- Turkey to the south-west.
- Armenia to the south.
- Azerbaijan to the east.
To the west, it opens onto the Black Sea, where cities such as Batumi, Kobuleti and Poti are located.
Regions and Main Cities
Georgia is administratively divided into 9 regions (mkhare), one capital city (Tbilisi) and two autonomous republics (Adjara and Abkhazia, the latter with occupied status). The regions most popular with travellers are Kakheti (the wine land), Svaneti (the Caucasus mountains), Mtskheta-Mtianeti (Kazbegi and the ancient capital), Imereti (Kutaisi and Gelati) and Adjara (Batumi and the Black Sea).
The most important cities are Tbilisi (the capital), Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi and Gori, each with its own personality and attractions.
Georgia's Geography: Mountains, Valleys and Coast
Now that you know where Georgia is, it's worth taking a closer look at its geography. The country packs, into less than 70,000 km², some of the most varied landscapes in Europe.
Mountains and Spectacular Scenery
The Greater Caucasus runs across the north of the country and is home to impressive peaks such as Shkhara (5,201 m), Georgia's highest, and Kazbek (5,047 m), one of the most iconic. To the south lies the Lesser Caucasus, gentler and with volcanic plateaus.
Regions such as Svaneti, Tusheti, Kazbegi and Khevsureti are genuine paradises for hikers, mountaineers and nature lovers.
National Parks and Nature Reserves
More than 10% of Georgia's territory is protected. Highlights include Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of the largest in Europe, Tusheti National Park (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) and Vashlovani National Park, with almost steppe-like landscapes in the far east of the country.
Climate and Best Time to Visit Georgia
The climate varies greatly by region: humid subtropical on the Black Sea coast, continental in the centre and east, and alpine in the high Caucasus mountains. The best time to visit Georgia runs from May to October, with June, September and the first half of October being particularly pleasant. In winter (December–March), the stars are ski resorts such as Gudauri, Bakuriani and Mestia.
Georgia's Rich History
Georgia's history is as fascinating as its geography. Millennia-old civilisations, empires and kingdoms have crossed this territory and left an indelible mark on its heritage.
The Kingdom of Colchis and the Legend of the Golden Fleece
The present-day western region of Georgia was home to the ancient Kingdom of Colchis, the setting of the famous Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, who travelled to these lands in search of the Golden Fleece. History and legend have mingled here since time immemorial.
The Middle Ages and Georgia's Golden Age
Between the 11th and 13th centuries, under kings such as David IV "the Builder" and Queen Tamar, Georgia lived its famous Golden Age. From this era date gems such as Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta and Gelati Monastery in Kutaisi, both declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Soviet Influence and Independence
After the collapse of the Russian Empire, Georgia was briefly independent (1918–1921) before being occupied by the Soviet Union. Since its independence in 1991, the country has embarked on a path of reforms and modernisation that has made it an emerging tourist destination.
In 2023, Georgia gained the status of EU candidate country, a historic step on its path towards the Western world [VERIFY with updated official sources].
Georgian Culture: a Melting Pot of Traditions
Georgia is far more than a location on the map: it is also a captivating cultural universe where Eastern and Western influences blend with a very distinctive identity.
Unique Language and Alphabet
The official language is Georgian, belonging to the Kartvelian family and with its own script (mkhedruli) that UNESCO has included as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Few languages in the world can boast such a distinctive alphabet.
Religion and Religious Architecture
Georgia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as its official religion, in the year 326 [VERIFY]. The Georgian Orthodox Church is a pillar of national identity, and its legacy is reflected in thousands of churches, monasteries and cathedrals spread across the whole territory.
Georgian Gastronomy and Wines
Gastronomy is one of the country's great treasures. Dishes such as khachapuri, khinkali, pkhali, satsivi and mtsvadi offer a generous, flavourful cuisine full of nuance. And Georgian wine, made in qvevri for over 8,000 years, is UNESCO Intangible Heritage and an essential of any trip.
Must-See Places to Discover Georgia
Once you know where Georgia is, the next step is deciding what to see. Here are some of the destinations that should not be missed on your itinerary.
Tbilisi, the Vibrant Capital
Tbilisi is a vibrant city, with a declared protected old town, carved wooden balconies, sulphur baths, a unique blend of medieval and Soviet architecture, and a booming cultural and gastronomic scene. Must-sees: Narikala Fortress, the Bridge of Peace, Sameba Cathedral, the Abanotubani neighbourhood and the Sololaki streets.
Mtskheta, Cradle of Georgian Christianity
Just 20 kilometres from Tbilisi, Mtskheta is the ancient spiritual capital of the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery are two of Georgia's most sacred monuments.
Svaneti, the Region of Defensive Towers
In the north-west, Svaneti is a magical region, with remote villages, snowy peaks and the iconic Svan towers from the 9th–13th centuries. The village of Ushguli, one of the highest permanently inhabited places in Europe, is a genuine open-air museum.
Kakheti, the Land of Wine
In the east of the country, Kakheti is a dream destination for wine lovers. Family wineries, fortified villages like Sighnaghi, monasteries such as Alaverdi or David Gareja and vineyard landscapes as far as the eye can see.
Batumi, the Pearl of the Black Sea
Batumi, the capital of Adjara, is the country's great coastal city. It combines beaches, modern and futuristic architecture, botanical gardens and a surprising nightlife. Its Boulevard and the Alphabet Tower are two of its most recognisable icons.
Kazbegi and the Gergeti Church
In the heart of the Greater Caucasus, Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, with Mount Kazbek in the background, offer one of Georgia's most beautiful images.
Travel to Georgia with Iberogeorgia
If after reading this guide you feel ready to head to the Caucasus, Iberogeorgia is your ideal travel partner. As a Spanish-speaking tour operator specialising in Georgia, we design tailor-made itineraries, cultural tours, wine tourism trips and Caucasus adventures, with Spanish-speaking guides and personalised attention.
Now there's no excuse for not knowing where Georgia is… or for not discovering it in person. Contact us today and let's start planning the trip of your dreams to the heart of the Caucasus.