6 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Travel to Georgia
Some destinations just aren't worth the trouble. Georgia, that small country in the Caucasus between Europe and Asia, is one of them. Or at least that's what people who've never set foot there might tell you. Because the truth is that every "reason not to go" turns out, on closer inspection, to be the perfect reason to book your flight as soon as possible.
Get ready: we're going to debunk six myths about travelling to Georgia. If at the end of the article you still think you don't want to go… you clearly haven't been paying attention.
1. Georgian Food Is Too Good: You'll Put on Weight
This is perhaps the most honest reason on the list. Georgian cuisine is so delicious, so generous, and so addictive that there is a very real risk: you simply won't want to stop eating. Khinkali — those enormous dumplings stuffed with spiced meat and broth — are served by the dozen. Khachapuri, bread filled with melted cheese, egg, and butter, is a caloric masterpiece. And then there's the grilled mtsvadi, fresh walnut salads, lobio, pkhali…
Georgian cuisine is one of the oldest in the world, with Persian, Ottoman, and Russian influences that have fused over centuries. Every region has its specialities: in Imereti, mild cheeses dominate; in Kakheti, walnut and herb stews reign; and in Adjara, the boat-shaped adjaruli khachapuri rules supreme.
So yes, travelling to Georgia makes you gain weight. But it's the happiest weight you'll ever gain.
2. Georgian Wine Will Ruin Every Other Wine for You
Georgia is the cradle of viticulture. This is not an exaggeration: evidence of winemaking in this territory has been found dating back more than 8,000 years. The traditional fermentation method in qvevri — large clay amphorae buried in the ground — has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
The problem is that once you taste an intense Saperavi from Kakheti or a delicate amber Rkatsiteli made in qvevri, the wines you used to buy will seem… different. Georgia has more than 500 indigenous grape varieties, many of them unknown outside the country.
If you're a wine lover, Georgia is not just a destination: it's a pilgrimage. And once you've made it, there's no going back.
3. The Landscapes Are Too Beautiful: Your Phone Will Die
From the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus soaring above 5,000 metres to the subtropical beaches of the Black Sea in Batumi, Georgia packs a variety of landscapes that seems impossible for a country its size. It is smaller than many European regions, yet it has alpine mountains, semi-arid deserts, temperate forests, vertiginous canyons, and valleys blanketed with vineyards.
Climbing up to the Gergeti Church with Mount Kazbegi in the background is one of those experiences where no photograph can do justice to the moment. Driving the Georgian Military Highway is a journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. And getting lost on the trails of Tusheti or Svaneti is like stepping into a world frozen in time.
Fair warning: you'll need a power bank. Or several.
4. Georgians Are Too Hospitable: They Won't Let You Leave
In Georgia there is an ancient tradition: a guest is considered a messenger sent by God. This is not tourist rhetoric; it is a genuine cultural pillar that manifests itself in every interaction. You will be invited to dinner, to drink wine, to stay in someone's home. A supra — a traditional Georgian feast led by a tamada, or master of ceremonies — can last for hours, with poetic toasts, polyphonic songs, and a quantity of food that defies the laws of physics.
It is not uncommon for a stranger to invite you to their table, offer you fruit from their garden, or insist on driving you to your destination. Georgian hospitality is legendary, and once you've experienced it, the welcome you receive in other tourist destinations may feel cold by comparison.
The risk? You'll want to stay forever.
5. The History Is So Rich You'll Need Weeks to Take It All In
Georgia has more than 3,000 years of documented history. It was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 337 AD. Its alphabet, unique in the world, has three different scripts and has been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage.
In every corner of the country there are medieval fortresses, rock-carved monasteries like Vardzia, cave cities like Uplistsikhe, millennial cathedrals like Svetitskhoveli and Bagrati, and ruins that whisper tales of kingdoms, invasions, and resistance.
Tbilisi, the capital, is itself an open-air museum where Art Nouveau architecture, 19th-century wooden balconies, sulphur thermal baths, and ultra-modern buildings like the Bridge of Peace coexist side by side. Every street tells a different story.
If you travel to learn, Georgia will keep you busy far longer than you planned.
6. It's Too Affordable: You'll Spend Less Than Expected
For travellers from Europe or the Americas, Georgia is a surprisingly affordable destination. A full meal at a local restaurant can cost between €5 and €10. An excellent bottle of wine, between €3 and €8. Public transport is cheap, and accommodation offers a value for money that is hard to match in Europe.
Furthermore, citizens of the European Union, as well as those from many countries, can enter Georgia without a visa and stay for up to one year. Yes, you read that right: up to 365 days without a visa. [VERIFY]
This makes Georgia an ideal destination for short breaks and long stays alike, for digital nomads or budget travellers who don't want to sacrifice extraordinary experiences.
So… Why NOT Travel to Georgia?
The truth is there is no compelling reason not to. Every supposed "drawback" is in reality a hidden treasure that makes Georgia one of the most fascinating and authentic destinations you can visit.
If you're looking for a trip that combines awe-inspiring nature, millennia of history, world-class cuisine, and a hospitality that will touch your soul — all without breaking the bank — Georgia is waiting for you.
Discover Georgia with Iberogeorgia
Iberogeorgia is the leading tour operator for travellers who want to explore Georgia and the Caucasus. We organise tailor-made trips, guided tours in Spanish, and unique experiences that allow you to discover this country in a comfortable, safe, and personalised way.
Request your tailor-made trip and start planning the adventure that will change the way you travel.