Martvili Canyon, Boat Ride & Monastery

To get to the canyons, you have to drive through the town of Martvili- a typical ‘everything on the central avenue’ kind of place, so stock up on snacks and water here and make use of the ATMs for money to pay for entrance tickets.

Ten minutes’ out of town, you’ll see the sign to the canyons. Park in the carpark on the right, then walk the few minutes downhill to the ticket office. Entrance to the canyon walk is 5 GEL, a boat ride is 10 GEL, children under six go free.

Be careful on the path as it has been constructed of smooth stone which is easy to slip on- even in dry weather. If you want to see the canyon before you go paddling on it, take the left path and follow the short trail around, over and through the canyon. Highlights are the overhangs, giving you the perfect view down onto the ice-blue river and thundering waterfalls, the bridges through the lush green canopy and the view up the original steps, said to have been the exclusive access to the lower bathing pools constructed for the Dadiani Royal family. Even the legendary King David (the Builder) is said to have been brought here as a boy. The pools make a great photo op and also signal the end of the trail- bathing is not allowed. Head back up the trail and grab a number from the boat hut- when your number is called, you’ll be clipped into a lifejacket and sent to join the queue at the riverside. It’s six to an inflatable boat, two-by-two, with three paddles per ‘team’. There will be a ‘driver’ at the back who’ll tell you where paddling is needed, and lifeguards positioned on the riverbank in case of (very unlikely) accidents. The river moving away from the waterfall is shallow and calm and the experience is akin to floating into the elf woods of Lord of the Rings, with the towering cliffs to either side, the birds singing and the small waterfall pouring down and bubbling across the rocks. There and back makes a 20-minute journey- though you’ll more than likely feel inclined to keep paddling! Very family-friendly- my youngest was five when she climbed aboard.

Back in Martvili, we drove up to the monastery and climbed the stone steps to the church building and side chapel. Spectacular frescos cover the church walls floor-to-ceiling, though are in need of repair. Men, remember that legs and shoulders should be covered. Women are provided with scarves for their hair and wraps to cover their legs at the entrance. A well-kept garden surrounds the church, offering beautiful views over the Megrelian countryside and town. If you time it right, you can take a free ride down on the cable car- just two minutes top-to-bottom.

By Katie Ruth Davies