Georgia: 100 Must-See Destinations in the Caucasus

If you're dreaming of a trip to Georgia, in the heart of the Caucasus, this guide is your best companion. We have gathered the 100 must-see destinations in Georgia, organised into ten essential categories, so you can plan a route that suits you: from the vibrant capital, Tbilisi, to the medieval monasteries of Kakheti, the peaks of the Greater Caucasus and the thermal spas of Borjomi.

Georgia is much more than a destination: it is a fascinating blend of millennia-old history, UNESCO-recognised cuisine, wine made in amphorae for 8,000 years and a hospitality that captivates every traveller. Get ready to discover it in depth.

10 Must-See Cities in Georgia

Each Georgian city has its own character: Tbilisi fuses East and West, Batumi shines on the Black Sea coast and Sighnaghi enchants among vineyards. These are the ten you cannot miss.

1. Tbilisi, the Capital

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a captivating mosaic of ancient churches, houses with carved balconies, sulphur baths and contemporary gems. Stroll through the old town, climb to Narikala Fortress and let yourself be surprised by its vibrant nightlife.

2. Batumi, the Jewel of the Black Sea

Batumi combines beaches, modern architecture, botanical gardens and a lively seafront promenade. Perfect for a seaside break with a subtropical feel.

3. Kutaisi, Historic Heart

Once the medieval capital of the Kingdom of Colchis, Kutaisi offers treasures such as Gelati Monastery (UNESCO) and Bagrati Cathedral. Gateway to the Prometheus and Sataplia caves.

4. Gori, Stalin's Birthplace

Famous for the Stalin Museum and its imposing medieval fortress, Gori is also the gateway to the Uplistsikhe rock complex.

5. Mtskheta, the Holy City

Former capital of the Kingdom of Iberia and cradle of Georgian Christianity, Mtskheta is UNESCO Heritage thanks to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery.

6. Zugdidi, the Gateway to Svaneti

Home to the Dadiani Palace, residence of the Mingrelian nobility, and the natural starting point for exploring the legendary region of Svaneti.

7. Rustavi, the Industrial City

A few kilometres from Tbilisi, Rustavi combines its Soviet metallurgical heritage with modern parks and a lively local life.

8. Poti, the Black Sea Port

A port city beside Kolkheti National Park, famous for its wetlands and unique biodiversity.

9. Telavi, the Wine Capital

Heart of the Kakheti wine region, surrounded by vineyards and castles such as Batonis-Tsikhe. A must for tastings at traditional wineries.

10. Sighnaghi, the City of Love

A charming walled town with views over the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus. Cobbled streets, colourful houses and family wineries.

View Sighnaghi on Google Maps

10 Fortresses of Georgia

Georgia's fortresses are a reflection of a country that has always known how to defend its identity against empires.

1. Narikala Fortress (Tbilisi)

Symbol of the capital, offering panoramic views of Tbilisi's old town and the domes of Abanotubani.

2. Gonio Fortress (Batumi)

With Roman origins and an impressive walled enclosure, Gonio holds centuries of history beside the coast.

3. Gori Fortress

Perched on the central hill of Gori, this medieval citadel offers spectacular views of the valley.

4. Uplistsikhe Fortress

Rock-carved cave city over 3,000 years old, a jewel of the ancient Silk Road.

5. Rabati Fortress (Akhaltsikhe)

An impressive restored complex with churches, mosques and a castle fusing Georgian, Ottoman and Persian styles.

6. Ananuri Fortress

A 17th-century complex on the shores of Zhinvali Reservoir, one of the most photogenic landscapes along the Georgian Military Highway.

7. Khertvisi Fortress

One of Georgia's oldest fortresses, in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, guarding the gorge of the Mtkvari River.

8. Sighnaghi Fortress

An 18th-century wall surrounding romantic Sighnaghi, with watchtowers and views over the Alazani Valley.

9. Surami Fortress

Wrapped in legends, this medieval fortress guards the ancient route between eastern and western Georgia.

10. Tmogvi Fortress

A spectacular medieval ruin on a cliff above the Mtkvari, near the Vardzia rock complex.

10 Ancient Sites of Georgia

Georgia is one of the countries with the greatest density of ancient heritage in the Caucasus. These are the ten must-sees.

1. Prometheus Cave: impressive stalactites and underground rivers in Imereti.
2. Uplistsikhe Cave City: a rock-carved gem of the Silk Road.
3. Gavazi Petroglyphs: ancient rock carvings in Kakheti.
4. Ancient Mtskheta: UNESCO Heritage and the cradle of Christianity in Georgia.
5. Vani Ruins: ancient city of Colchis and its golden treasures.
6. Ancient City of Nokalakevi: capital of the Lazi, near Senaki.
7. Gelati Monastery: medieval academy of King David IV.
8. Vardzia: 12th-century cave city with over 3,000 rooms.
9. Ancient City of Kvetera: defensive complex from the 3rd–4th century.
10. Ancient City of Gremi: former commercial capital of Kakheti.

10 Monasteries of Georgia

Georgia's monasteries are the spiritual soul of the country, many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

1. Gelati Monastery (12th century, UNESCO), near Kutaisi.
2. Jvari Monastery (6th century, UNESCO), above Mtskheta.
3. Davit Gareja Monastery, on the border with Azerbaijan.
4. Vardzia Monastery, carved into the rock by Queen Tamar.
5. Alaverdi Monastery, a Romanesque gem in Kakheti.
6. Shio-Mgvime Monastery, near Tbilisi.
7. Bodbe Monastery, burial place of St Nino.
8. Martvili Monastery, in Samegrelo.
9. Betania Monastery, with medieval frescoes.
10. Ubisi Monastery, celebrated for its 14th-century paintings.

10 National Parks of Georgia

Nature, biodiversity and unforgettable mountains throughout the country.

1. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: forests, trails and mineral waters.
2. Vashlovani National Park: semi-desert and Persian leopards.
3. Tusheti National Park: medieval towers and pristine nature.
4. Kazbegi National Park: Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Church.
5. Kolkheti National Park: UNESCO subtropical wetlands.
6. Mtirala National Park: the rainiest forest in the Caucasus.
7. Javakheti National Park: volcanic lakes and migratory birds.
8. Lagodekhi National Park: the oldest in the Caucasus (1912).
9. Batsara Reserve: ancient yew forests.
10. Tbilisi National Park: nature on the doorstep of the capital.

10 Natural Wonders of Georgia

1. Martvili Waterfalls: an emerald canyon navigable by boat.
2. Okatse Canyon: a suspended walkway over the void.
3. Lake Ritsa: an alpine lake in Abkhazia [VERIFY access due to political restrictions].
4. Makhuntseti Waterfalls: near Batumi, with a medieval stone bridge.
5. Mount Shkhara: Georgia's highest peak (5,193 m).
6. Mount Ushba: Svaneti's "twin peaks", iconic for mountaineers.
7. Tabatskuri Lake: a volcanic lake at 2,000 m altitude.
8. Alazani Valley: the great wine plain of Kakheti.
9. David Gareja Desert: semi-desert landscape with cave monasteries.
10. Lake Paravani: the country's largest natural lake.

10 Archaeological Sites of Georgia

1. Ancient City of Samshvilde
2. Dmanisi Ruins (hominid remains of 1.8 million years, the oldest outside Africa)
3. Ancient City of Armaztsikhe
4. Vani Archaeological Museum
5. Ancient City of Urbnisi
6. Kvemo Kartli Archaeological Site (Partskhisi)
7. Ancient City of Nekresi
8. Samtavisi Cathedral
9. Ancient City of Gremi
10. Tsromi Archaeological Site

10 Parks and Gardens of Georgia

1. Batumi Botanical Garden: one of the largest in the Caucasus.
2. Rike Park (Tbilisi): the modern heart of the capital.
3. Borjomi Gardens: surrounded by mineral springs.
4. Vake Park (Tbilisi): green lung and artificial lake.
5. Tbilisi Botanical Garden: at the foot of Narikala.
6. Gudiashvili Park (Tbilisi): bohemian charm in the old town.
7. Tsinandali Gardens: royal palace and winery in Kakheti.
8. Pushkin Park (Batumi): a picturesque corner by the seafront.
9. Likani Gardens: imperial palace near Borjomi.
10. Jvari Park (Tbilisi): close to the historic monastery.

10 Must-See Caves of Georgia

1. Sataplia Cave: dinosaur footprints and a panoramic walk.
2. Prometheus Cave: the country's most spectacular.
3. Krubera-Voronja Cave: one of the deepest in the world (Abkhazia) [VERIFY access].
4. Kvakhvreli Caves: cave complex near Gori.
5. Sakinule Cave: underground glacial formations.
6. Akaki Tsereteli Cave: a literary setting in Imereti.
7. Vardzia Caves: the rock-carved monastery city.
8. New Athos Cave [VERIFY access, Abkhazia].
9. Uplistsikhe Caves: pre-Roman sanctuaries and dwellings.
10. Abasha Cave: a hidden gem in Samegrelo.

10 Spa Towns in Georgia

Georgia is famous across the post-Soviet world for its healing thermal and mineral waters.

1. Borjomi: the most famous mineral water in the Caucasus.
2. Tskhaltubo: a Soviet spa town being revived.
3. Sairme: a forested resort in Imereti.
4. Likani: a palatial retreat near Borjomi.
5. Kvareli: thermal waters amid Kakheti vineyards.
6. Tbilisi Sulphur Baths: the famous Abanotubani in the old town.
7. Surami: fresh air and healing springs.
8. Tskhrajvari: a mountain retreat in Imereti.
9. Shovi: an alpine spa in Racha.
10. Nunisi: natural thermal waters in a pristine setting.

Ready to Discover Georgia's 100 Destinations?

From the ancient vineyards of Kakheti to the snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus, Georgia is an adventure that combines history, spirituality, nature and gastronomy. At Iberogeorgia we design personalised routes so you can explore whichever destinations from this list inspire you most. Contact us and start planning your trip to the heart of the Caucasus.