Georgia may only be 70,000 sq kilometers, but it’s packed full of breathtaking natural beauty that can take you from the ski slopes to the beach in one day. Hike over ancient mountain trade routes, sunbathe on magnetic black sand, then head to a mineral water spa to ease away the last of your stress.
Georgia is open to all, with its people historically tolerant of other races and religions and seeing guests as gifts from God, regardless of where they came from. Your glass will be kept full of the best wine (indeed, Georgia has an 8000-year-old winemaking history!) and your plate loaded with a West-meets-East blend of cheeses, spices, herbs, meat and rich-tasting vegetables and fruit.
Don’t miss out! #VisitGeorgia this summer!
PROMETHEUS CAVE
Source: tastingtravels.com
Kumistavi Cave, also known as the cave of Prometheus, is located near the Georgian town of Tskhaltubo, 20 km from Kutaisi, Imereti region, in the west of the country. The cave was discovered in 1984 and is the biggest cave in Georgia. Although only one tenth is open for tourists, it takes about an hour to explore it’s 1000 plus meter route. A 280 meter boat tour on an underground river is also available at times.
If you’re lucky enough to be in a quiet and respectful group of fellow visitors, the cave exploration can be quite magical. The concrete paths and steps are well-laid (it took workmen four years to get it done!), and the multi-colored lighting is something truly spectacular (“Fairy land!” my 6-year-old daughter whispered delightedly). Stalactites, stalagmites, mirror pools, petrified waterfalls, “bottomless holes,” huge cavernous ceilings and a trip to the lowest point with a river miraculously running through. The guide service could do with developing- little details have to be asked for as there are no signs and only basic information is given, no fun legends or dark secrets (like the fact the paths were first developed there during soviet times with the intention of making the caves a bunker for authorities to hide out in). Prometheus wasn’t mentioned once on the tour, and although we can guess that that particular legend didn’t take place there, it would at least be fun to pretend and spice up the visit with some “maybes” and “what ifs!”
The Prometheus Myth- Georgian version
The Caucasians have their own version of the Prometheus tale to explain the mysterious Kumistavi cave. Legend has it that Amirani, like Prometheus, angered the gods and was punished. Day and night eagles tormented him by pecking at his liver; however, in contrast to the Greek giant, the cruel gods chained Amirani not to a rock, but somewhere inside a huge cave. That cave is thought to have been Kumistavi.
SCUBA DIVING IN MARTVILI
www.scubadiving.com in 2017 named Martvili Canyon, in the region of Samegrelo, Georgia, as one of the best scuba-diving locations in Europe.
Based on the views of eight underwater photographers, this Megrelian treasure shares the title with sites such as Vis Island (Croatia); the Slovak Opal Mine (Dubnyk, Slovakia); Andenes (Norway); La Rapaduara (Tenerife, Canary Islands); the Verzasca River (Switzerland); St. Michael’s Mount (Cornwall, UK); and Le Chaouen and the Bay of Marseille (France).
“Here, there are caves and canyons so impregnable that not even a satellite can see inside… this place was like an illustration from one of Tolkien’s books, a place where elves dwell. It features clear waterfalls that fall from steep, fern-covered cliffs draped with hanging ivy branches that resemble festive lights. Everything is insanely beautiful,” the article reads.
SVANETI
Photo by Tony Hanmer
The tallest mountains in Georgia are located here in this once-remote region. Increasingly more accessible by car, marshrutka (minibus), or airplane, summer is the easiest time to visit. You will be greeted by bright green slopes dotted with medieval stone towers and feel closer to the sky in the regional capital, Mestia, at 1,500 m above sea level. There are several excellent hikes you can take, including to Ushguli (the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe), various lakes, and the largest glaciers in the Caucasus. One of the area’s three ski resorts operates its chairlifts in the summer months, so you can get bird’s eye views even without climbing gear!
BORJOMI-BAKURIANI
The ski resort town of Bakuriani is just a 35-minute drive from the spa resort town of Borjomi, or a slower but more charming ride on the Kukushka train (which crosses a bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel!). Get two-for-one with a trip to these neighboring sites. Borjomi is best known for its mineral water – bottled and sold internationally, here you can drink straight from the source or receive rejuvenating spa treatments. In the charming city park, you can stroll under shady trees and enjoy ice-cream, snacks, and children’s games and small rides. Near Borjomi there are many spots worth visiting, including the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, great for hiking and wildlife spotting, and the Romanov’s summer palace at Likani.
At 1,700 m above sea level, Bakuriani is literally a breath of fresh air. One of Georgia’s most popular winter ski resorts, it also has plenty to offer the summer visitor, including hiking, mountain biking, and camping. Ski lifts also operate in July and August.
TSKALTUBO
Tskaltubo is a balenological resort in Georgia's Imereti region in west-central Georgia. It is famous for its radon-carbonate mineral springs, whose natural temperature enables the water to be used without heating. The water is particularly helpful for circulatory, nervous, muscular-skeletal, gynaecological and skin diseases. The 4- star complex of Tskaltubo SPA Resort opened in 2011 and there are also other hotels in the town which can comfortably accommodate you while you enjoy the waters. It can also be interesting to visit the abandoned sanatoriums which lost their function after the fall of the Soviet Union.
TOBAVARCHKILI LAKE
Source: TripAdvisor
Surrounded by the Egrisi Mountains and alpine meadows, Tobavarchkhili lake is a wild retreat straight from a postcard. The jagged peaks, colored hues of gray, green, and brown, form a perfect reflection on the surface of the lake. Keen hikers are treated to spectacular views of the Caucasus, ascending as high as 2650m, to reach the lake.
The route passes vast valleys, magnificent waterfalls, and many lakes. The lack of settlements provides a true taste of the Georgian wilderness.
Tobavarchkhili lake is in the Samegrelo district of Georgia near the village of Mukhuri. To reach the stunning lakes you can hire a jeep from Mukhuri, or begin your adventure from here on foot. Marshrutka to Mukhuri run from Zugdidi daily. The most rewarding way to reach the lakes is to hike. However, come well prepared for the trek as it normally takes 4 days.
MADATAPA LAKE
Birds of prey circle above the lake’s shores, fishermen peacefully cast their lines into the calm water, hikers enjoy the beautiful nature eating a picnic seated on a bench: welcome to Madatapa Lake, an oasis of calm and beauty in Georgia. Located in southeastern Georgia near the Armenian border, Madatapa Lake is a protected area due to its unique wildlife and fauna and flora. It is especially well known for its Paravan species of common carp and the endangered Dalmatian pelican.
Visitors to the lake can enjoy various activities such as cycling, hiking, and horse riding. There is a 22-kilometer trail beginning from the village of Sameba, leading around the lake and passing the villages of Zhdanovakani, Epremovka, and Troitskoye. Situated at 2108 meters above sea-level on the Javakheti Plateau, the lake is prone to earthquakes. For adventurous souls looking for an idyllic retreat in Georgia, the Madatapa Lake is a sight to behold.