Georgia is a destination not to be missed as a traveler! This diverse country of 3.7 million people is located in the heart of the Caucasus. For many, Georgia is still an unknown destination but slowly tourism is increasing. Georgia offers an unforgettable travel experience for adventure travelers and culture lovers alike. Thanks to its hospitable people and delicious Georgian cuisine, this country has something for everyone. Not quite convinced yet to consider Georgia as a vacation destination? In this article, we give you 7 reasons why Georgia is the ultimate vacation destination and you wish you had discovered it earlier!
7 reasons why Georgia is the ultimate vacation destination
Georgia Still an unknown destination for many, Georgia lies at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. The country is bordered by Russia on the one hand and Turkey and Armenia on the other. For us, too, this was a region of the world we didn’t know much about, but how pleasantly it surprised us! Georgia unfairly has an image of not being safe, but this is not the case at all. The country is surprisingly modern, completely safe to travel and full of pleasant surprises. Read on to find out why Georgia will be your next vacation destination!
1) A wealth of cultural highlights
Georgia is bursting with cultural highlights that continue to enchant travelers. As one of the countries along the ancient Silk Road, the shortest connection between Europe and Asia since the 1st century, the country has been a crossroads of Eastern and Western influences for centuries, a mix that is still evident today. The historic center of Tbilisi, the vibrant capital, is the perfect example: narrow streets, colorful houses, modern touches and the iconic sulfur baths where you can relax after a day of culture. A short distance away is Mtshketa, the ancient capital of Georgia, which with its impressive churches and rich history has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
Scattered throughout the country you will find impressive monasteries, such as Gelati and Bagrati, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List for a reason. In Georgia you will find hundreds of monasteries and churches, often in the most unexpected and photogenic places. Those who enjoy living culture are also in for a treat: traditional Georgian polyphonic singing, dancing and theater bring the country’s ancient traditions and folklore to life in a unique and compelling way.
2) Breathtaking nature in every corner of the country
Georgia’s nature is amazingly varied and offers countless opportunities for adventurers and nature lovers. For example, there you have the breathtaking mountain landscapes of the Caucasus. One example is the spectacular region of Kazbegi with its impressive mountain peaks and the magnificent Gergeti Trinity Church. Or the beautiful Svaneti where you can visit the highest village in Europe during this four-day trek! Further explore the Okatse Gorge with its suspended walkway hanging 50 meters above the gorge. Whether you want to hike, horseback ride, bird watch or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings, Georgia’s splendor is sure to enchant and inspire you.
3) Food and drink as cultural heritage
Completely unexpectedly, Georgian cuisine is one of the most surprising there is! Georgia has delicious traditional dishes that will delight your taste buds. Try the succulent Khinkhali, hand-folded dumplings stuffed with meat, mushrooms or cheese. Or enjoy the world-famous Khachapuri, a warm bread filled with melted (often homemade) cheese. Georgia has plenty of dishes that will blow you away! Often the dishes are regionally based. Georgians also strive to make everything fresh. The many cheeses, vegetables or other ingredients you are served are often home-grown or home-cooked. Short chain, and you can definitely taste that!
4) The birthplace of wine
If you combine all that great food with the local wines, you will truly make an unforgettable, culinary journey through Georgia! In fact, Georgia is the birthplace of wine. With more than 8,000 years of history in winemaking, Georgia is a true oasis for wine lovers. Georgian wines are still made by traditional methods, using clay wine barrels called“qvevri.” This unique technique creates wines with complex flavors and aromatic profiles. Georgia also has more than 500 indigenous grape varieties, the most famous being Saperavi or Kindzmarauli . Throughout the country you can go to wineries, but the most famous wine region is undoubtedly Kakheti. A wine tasting is therefore not to be missed when in Georgia!
5) Easy to travel
Georgia is not that big and there are several ways to explore the country. Therefore, this makes it an ideal destination if you want to see a lot but don’t have that much time. With public transportation, you can easily get to the main cities and towns. In Georgia, marshrutkas are used. These minibuses will take you to the farthest corners of the country. There is room for about 15 people and they leave when the minivan is full. So being on time is the message! On average, you pay between €2 (for rides of less than an hour) and €10 (for rides up to 8 hours). This is how locals also travel and it is a very affordable option.
The capital Tbilisi also has a subway network that is convenient for exploring the city. For more flexibility, you can rent a car, but be prepared for challenging roads and driving styles. It is also possible to hire a driver or guide for a more comfortable travel experience. For example, we found a guide for only €40 who took us around all day. Often you can easily check with your hotel or guesthouse. For adventurous travelers, there are opportunities for hiking, biking or horseback riding through Georgia’s beautiful landscapes.
6) A safe and stable country
Georgia borders Russia and is still an unknown destination for many. This sometimes gives it the wrong image of not being safe. But we can assure you that traveling in Georgia is not dangerous at all! In 1991, Georgia declared its independence from the former Soviet Union and became a sovereign nation. Since then, the country has pursued its own course, with its eyes fixed on the West. As a result, the country has close ties with other European countries and has made efforts to integrate into the European Union and NATO. Because of the complex relationship between Georgia and Russia, they have not yet been able to join.
It should be kept in mind that there are still territorial disputes between the two countries. This affects diplomatic and political relations between Georgia and Russia to this day. As a tourist, you notice incredibly little of this and it is very safe to travel through this unique, beautiful country. Note that the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not under the control of the Georgian authorities but under Russia. Therefore, visiting these regions or the administrative borders with the rest of Georgia is strongly discouraged.
7) Hospitality that stays with you
The hospitality of Georgians is another good reason why Georgia is the ultimate vacation destination. Georgians welcome visitors with open arms and are known for their warmth and friendliness. Whether you’re staying in a small village or a big city, you’ll find that the locals go out of their way to make you feel at home. Thus, we speak from experience that during a hike we were spontaneously invited to a local family. After they let you taste the delicious food and wine, chances are you will be offered another Chacha. Chacha is a local liquor similar to grappa. It is made from grape pulp and skins left over after pressing grapes for wine production. It is because of this heartwarming hospitality that travelers feel welcomed and loved in Georgia.
Best time to visit Georgia
The best travel time for Georgia is generally from late May through October. Then everything is in beautiful bloom and most of the snow has melted in the mountains. In summer it can get very hot in the cities, but there is plenty of cooling to be found in the mountains. We recommend that you book your stay in advance during this period in advance. In the cities you will find hotels for every budget, and in the smaller villages there are plenty of guest houses that will be happy to accommodate you. From Amsterdam, in less than a 5-hour flight you are in the capital Tbilisi.
Still have questions about traveling to Georgia and why it is the ultimate vacation destination? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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