13 Adventurous Things to Do in Georgia (The Country)

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Looking to spice up your travel itinerary? Here are 13 wonderfully adventurous things to do in the country of Georgia!

The country of Georgia is tucked away between two mammoth nations – Russia and Turkey. As an underdog, Georgia has successfully proved that making the journey there is well worth it!

While size is not its strong suit, the country of Georgia is dense in natural beauty, history, and outdoor adventures. With the many adventurous things to do and see in the country of Georgia, it’s no wonder why this small Caucasus country is becoming one of the most favoured destinations to visit off the beaten path.

Most remarkably, Georgia is a haven for outdoor lovers. With its towering mountain ranges perfect for hiking, Georgia is the ideal place for travellers looking to explore the country’s stunning nature.

Among its underrated and scenic landscapes, Georgia also happens to be a dreamy destination for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and fans of Soviet architecture.

Georgia is one of those countries that seems to have it all so naturally, it’s tricky to weed out the “best” things to do while visiting.

From must-see landmarks to lesser-known activities, these are some of the top adventurous things to do in Georgia (country)!

Quick List: Adventurous Things to Do in Georgia

• The Green Bazaar in Kutaisi
• A boat ride through Martvili Canyon
• Paragliding in the Upper Svaneti Mountains
• Hiking (or off-roading) to Ushba Mountain
• Visiting Ushguli
• Horseback riding in Juta
• Reaching the Katskhi Columnn Monastery
• Hiking along the Georgia-Russia Border
• Visiting the Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi
• Riding the funicular to Mtatsminda Park
• Trekking through the Uplistsikhe Archaeological Site
• Sleeping in a mountan hut in Heshkili

The Essentials: Adventurous Travel in Georgia Country

⛑ Georgia is not part of the EU. This is important to keep in mind if you have a cell data plan or travel insurance with coverage in EU states only. Come prepared with an eSIM for Georgia and valid travel insurance for Georgia.

🚘 Getting around Georgia is easiest by car and will allow you to see the most on your own schedule. If you don’t want to drive, you can book a bus or guided tour to virtually anywhere in Georgia with departure from Tbilisi.

📴 There are many wild and rural parts of Georgia. If you’re venturing off the beaten path, make sure you have a good app for directions or downloaded Google Maps, which is functional offline.

💵 Georgian Lari is the official currency of Georgia. While it’s smart to keep some euros on hand for emergencies, do not expect to be able to pay with euros as the primary form of currency.

🗣 Over 85% of Georgia’s population considers Georgian as their primary language. Learning some Georgian phrases for your trip can be really useful and make your visit less stressful.

🌨 Prepare for the weather accordingly if you plan on being outdoors the majority of the time. Summer temperatures in Georgia do not last long, and it can already feel like winter in October, particularly in the mountainous regions.

What Is Georgia (The Country) Known For?

Georgia is a treasure chest of beautiful places to see and unique things to experience. From natural wonders and ancient monasteries to the beaches of the Black Sea, there’s no shortage of what makes Georgia an incredible travel destination. These are just a few of Georgia’s most known key features:

Mountains

The Greater Caucasus mountains spread over the northern section of Georgia. Its most famous regions worth visiting for mountainous landscapes include the Svaneti region in the west and the Kazbegi district on the east.

These mountains also serve as the natural border line between the country of Georgia and Russia to its north.

Among the peaks of Georgia, you’ll find the highest settlement in all of Europe as well as the iconic destination of Gergeti Trinity Church in Stepantsminda.

Wine

The country of Georgia is said to be the true birthplace of wine. Through archaeological affirmation, there is proof of wine cultivation in Georgia that dates back 8,000 years ago.

Saperavi, a red wine, and Kisi, a white wine, are among the most admired types of wine that are indigenous to Georgia and consumed all over the world.

Tbilisi

Georgia’s capital city of Tbilisi is the country’s prominent hub for art, culture, and history. Tbilisi is also the most frequented destination in Georgia by international tourists who visit the many landmarks (both old and modern) and unique attractions that Tbilisi has to offer.

The city also boasts a particularly young population which resonates through Tbilisi’s trendy bars and an overall vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

MAP: Adventurous Things to Do in the Country of Georgia

13 Adventurous Things to Do in Georgia (The Country)

1. Get Lost in the Green Bazaar of Kutaisi

In major European destinations like Barcelona, food markets have gotten to a point where they’re no longer authentic and instead, cater to tourists.

The outdoor market in Kutaisi is just the opposite and definitely not a tourist attraction, which is what makes it such a genuine experience. It is overwhelming, bustling and vividly fantastic to witness as a traveller.

The Green Bazaar stretches over the course of a few blocks along the Rioni River in Kutaisi. It consists of a giant covered hall with indoor stalls as well as outdoor shops. Visit in the morning and you’ll be shocked at how busy the streets are.

There is something happening in every corner – boxes being hauled from one car to another, people carrying twenty plastic bags filled with fruit, ladies rummaging through textiles, and a lot of organized commotion. This is one of the best places in Georgia to watch daily life unfold.

2. Take a Boat Ride Through Martvili Canyon

One of Georgia’s most fascinating natural wonders is the Martvili Canyon located in western Georgia. The Martvili Canyon is a wondrous environment consisting of gorges, waterfalls, and limestone cliffs along the Abasha River.

Once known as the bathing place for Georgian royals, the Martvili Canyon is now an admired destination for scenic boat tours, hiking, and enjoying the nature reserve.

To experience the Martvili Canyon, there is an entrance fee because the area resembles something of a national park.

You can either walk along the hiking trails and across the bridges that connect the various rock walls (some of which reach 70 meters high) or opt for a 15-minute boat ride through the canyon.

If you are visiting Martvili Canyon without a tour, make sure that you purchase admission tickets here and not before you reach the official entrance.

3. Go Paragliding in the Upper Svaneti Mountains

This tops the list of the most daringly adventurous things to do in the country of Georgia, but paragliding is quite popular among extreme sport lovers!

Whether or not you’ve gone paragliding before, there’s no better place for this adrenaline-filled experience than the Svaneti mountains. While completely surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks in every direction, paragliding will feel like you’re floating in a dream.

From an up-close meeting with Mount Ushba and panoramic views of the glaciers, valleys, and villages below, it’s no wonder why paragliding in the Svaneti region is a bucket list item for adventure sport enthusiasts from all over the world.

4. Hike or Off-Road to Ushba Mountain

The specific relevant content for this request, if necessary, delimited with characters: Mount Ushba is among the most noteworthy peaks in Georgia and one of the most difficult mountaineering feats in the Caucasus mountains.

Its highest summit is 4,710 metres (15,452 feet) above sea level while the slopes of Ushba are covered in glaciers. While multi-day guided excursions to the peak of Ushba Mountain do exist, there are other and much easier ways to enjoy it.

By hiking or joining a 4×4 vehicle tour, you can get to an impressively high point beneath Mount Ushba and above the town of Mestia. Without question, this was among the most sensational viewpoints we experienced in Georgia and absolutely a must see in the Svaneti region.

To begin this hike or drive, start here and head towards the Koruldi Lakes at the top of the mountain. The journey along this path is roughly 8km (5 miles) long.

If you do not have a 4×4 capable vehicle with ground clearance, do not attempt this route. There are a ton of guided tours that you can book in Mestia where off-road vehicles will drive you to the top if you do not wish to hike.

5. Reach Ushguli, the Highest Settlement in Europe

One of the most remote villages in Europe is located in the country of Georgia. Located near the base of Georgia’s tallest peak, the Central Shkhara Mountain, Ushguli is known as the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe.

It sits an impressive 2,200 meters above sea level and is also recognized as a UNESCO Site thanks to its collection of over 200 stone Svan Towers.

Due to its high altitude, life moves a little differently in the Ushguli community which is essentially empty during the harsh winter months. The secluded village must be explored on foot and feels like you’ve been transported back in time.

Additionally, you can also hike the trailhead to reach the Shkhara Glacier, which is nestled below the border with Russia.

Naturally, it wouldn’t be an adventurous thing to do in Georgia if just getting to Ushguli wasn’t a bit of a journey. Hiking to Ushguli from Mestia is an option that will take you around four days and roughly 60 km of trekking.

While it’s possible to drive to Ushguli, it’s not recommended to do so with a regular car that isn’t off-road capable. There is only one “main” road which leads to Ushguli from a major town and although it’s only 50 km long, it takes nearly two hours to accomplish due to the nature of the road.

🥾 Read More: How to Visit the Village of Ushguli

6. Go Horseback Riding in Juta

The charming town of Juta is backed by soaring mountain peaks and flourishing green hills in each direction. In other words, it is a scene from a Bob Ross painting.

📷 Roadside Attraction: Before arriving in Juta, make a stop in the town of Sno to see the giant head sculpture park by artist Merab Phiranishvili.

Among the top reasons to venture down the unpaved road to Juta is to experience Chaukhi Pass which leads through the Chaukhi Massif. Due to its rocky points, this area is often referred to as “the Dolomites of Georgia.”

Along the hike or horseback ride through Chaukhi Pass, you’ll come across lakes at high altitude, waterfalls, and endless scenic viewpoints that’ll seem too amazing to be true.

7. Rock Climb Near the Katskhi Column Monastery

The Katskhi Column is a limestone rock pillar in western Georgia. What makes it unique is that there is a church at the top of the cliff where someone actively lives.

It is believed that the monastery atop the Katskhi Column is from the 6th – 8th century and is still one of the most isolated places of worship to this day.

Soaring 40 meters in the air, the Katskhi complex includes a main church, crypt, hermit cellars, and of course, a wine cellar. You can visit the lower Simeon Mesveti Church of Katskhi and the museum at the base, but the public is not allowed to climb to the top of the Katskhi Column.

Just south of the landmark, climbers can experience the second best thing in Katskhi and ascend similar limestone cliffs, but without any monk living at the top.

8. Hike Along the Georgia-Russia Border in Kazbegi

Among the most simple of adventurous things to do in the country of Georgia is hiking. So simple, so effective! Many will tell you that there’s no better place in Georgia for hiking than the Kazbegi municipality.

The area is full of trails and mountain tops that are begging to be reached, which means there’s plenty to do for outdoor lovers.

With waterfalls, caves, lakes and ridge line trails, there are natural wonders to be discovered in every corner of Kazbegi. Notable landmarks to visit while hiking in Kazbegi include:

• Gveleti Big Waterfall
• Gveleti Lake
• The Village of Tsdo
• Mount Elias Trail
• Pansheti Mineral Water Spring

9. Experience a Scenic Drive Through Jvari Pass

Also known as the Georgian Military Highway, Jvari Pass is located nearly 2,400 metres above sea level and is one of the most scenic drives in Georgia. Jvari Pass is rather historic and has been a passageway for merchants to the north since ancient times.

It’s significant for being a prominent connection between the Caucasus countries and Russia during the development of trade and military use.

While touring the Georgian Military Highway, you’ll pass through the mountain resort town of Gudauri which is filled with flashy hotels, a ski resort and the Gudauri Recreational Area National Park.

The most recent version of Jvari Pass was built by the Russians, beginning in the 1940s. There is even a Soviet era monument (Panorama Gudauri) to along the route which commemorates the “friendship” between the two countries.

The scenic drive takes you along other interesting sites such as the Travertine Mineral Springs and Arsha Waterfall.

😋 Foodies absolutely need to stop at the Tsanareti Restaurant, where you’ll find the best Shkmeruli (chicken cooked in a creamy garlic sauce) and Khinkali (meat dumplings) in Georgia.

10. Visit the Fairytale Destination of Gergeti Trinity Church

Situated on a mountain top above the town of Stepantsminda is Georgia’s most famous destination outside of Tbilisi – the Gergeti Trinity Church.

If you’ve ever searched the internet for photos of Georgia, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ve already seen the beautiful scene of Gergeti Trinity Church backed by the the peaks of Mount Shani.

Undoubtedly, the church has become the leading symbol for Georgia tourism and deservingly so.

Ironically, the 14th-century church itself isn’t too special and there’s even still uncertainty about who the architect was. This proves that the subject doesn’t have to be spectacular when it’s paired with one of the most breathtaking landscapes.

While visiting the church is not an underrated activity, it’s still one of the top adventurous things to do in Georgia because of how you may choose to reach it.

From the town of Gergeti, many travellers will opt for hiking to Gergeti Trinity Church which takes less than one hour each way. If you have the time and the weather is nice, this method is highly recommended if you’re at all interested in unbelievable views.

While there is an asphalt road that leads all the way to the top, it is often blocked off depending on the time of year and some other fishy circumstances that have no rhyme or reason.

If you visit during the fall or winter, the paved road is likely to be closed due to weather. In this case, you can opt for a 4×4 shuttle at the bottom of the mountain, where a handful of drivers are eagerly waiting for riders to pay them for a quick commute.

11. Ride the Tbilisi Funicular to Mtatsminda Park

Positioned in the hills above Tbilisi is Mtatsminda Park, one of the best parks with panoramic views that we’ve ever visited. Built by the Soviet government in the 1930s, it is now a prominent tourist attraction as much as it holds historical significance.

Mtatsminda Park is primarily beloved by families for its amusement park, the Mtatsminda Pantheon and terrace from which you can see the entirety of Tbilisi below.

The park is located nearly 800 metres above sea level and while you can hike there, you can also ride the iconic Tbilisi Funicular to the top in just minutes. A ride costs less than €3 one-way and departs from the city centre in Tbilisi.

12. Trek Through the Archaeological Site of Uplistsikhe

Among the best adventurous things to do in the country of Georgia is to visit its many ancient ruins and archaeological sites. Uplistsikhe is arguably the most famous of its kind in Georgia, and its name translates to “Lord’s Fortress.”

The remains of this rock cave town consist of a city centre which was all carved out of sandstone. Throughout the Caucasus region, it is among the oldest settlements on record.

The Iron Age community is nestled above the bank of the Kura River and only 1.5 hours from Tbilisi, making it a convenient day trip.

For less than €10, you receive admission to the archaeological complex in addition to a wine tasting.

13. Sleep in a Mountain Hut in Heshkili

Not only is this an adventurous thing to do in the country of Georgia, it’s also an adventurous way to spend the night (or two!). Heshkili cannot even really be defined as a village because it consists of just two or three structures.

Still, the petite destination just outside of Mestia is located on an idyllic meadow within the mountains that’s surrounded by… more mountains. For travellers looking to escape any sense of tourism, staying in the Mountains Huts of Heshkili is an absolute must-do.

Naturally, the rooms are modest, the amenities are slim but man, the views are killer and the location is one of a kind. Equipped with resident dogs, homemade meals and rustic cabins, the Heshkili Mountain Huts are among the most memorable and authentic places to stay in Svaneti.

What Is the Best Travel Experience in Georgia?

Experiencing the adventurous things to do in Georgia is best accomplished by taking a road trip throughout the country. Georgia is not large, and thankfully, you don’t need a ton of time to explore a majority of it by car.

Plan a two-week-long road trip throughout Georgia to see the top sites and experience all of the wonderfully adventurous things to do.

The best travel experience in Georgia for those looking to spend time outdoors will not be found by just visiting Tbilisi. While Tbilisi is incredible, it’s just a fraction of what Georgia has to offer.

To see and understand the country beyond its major city, hop in a car and be open to exploring off the beaten path.

How to Get to the Country of Georgia

By Plane

Georgia has three international airports – one in Batumi, Kutaisi, and in the capital city of Tbilisi. Realistically, the most practical airport to fly into for international visitors is Tbilisi International Airport (TBS).

Flight paths to Tbilisi from within and outside of Europe will be the most frequent and cheapest. Comparatively, the number of direct flights to Tbilisi is slim and you’ll likely have to first make a connection in Athens or Istanbul.

The three airports are well connected by public transportation, which makes it easy to reach the three different points throughout the country of Georgia.

Additionally, you can reach any destination in Georgia from Tbilisi by bus, with guided tours or a rental car.

By Bus

Bus travel is wildly popular in both Turkey and Georgia which makes it pretty easy to travel from one country to the other. However, buying tickets and checking routes is not as straightforward as it would be if you are travelling by bus in western Europe.

For example, to book a bus from Turkey to Georgia, it’s recommended you stick with purchasing tickets directly with a local agency like Metro Turism.

Metro Turism is among the leading bus operators which serve routes to Tbilisi so you can also find alternative route options that depart from other major European cities like Sofia, Bulgaria.

By Car

Driving to Georgia (the country) is easily possible if you’re coming from another country in Europe. Since the beginning of April 2024, Bulgaria and Romania are part of the Schengen area.

The Schengen travel zone allows for free movement among a handful of EU states. For travelers driving to Georgia, this means you can plan a route that keeps you in the Schengen zone up until you reach Turkey’s border.

To enter Turkey, double-check if the issuing country of your passport requires a travel visa to enter the country. If so, you can instantly apply and receive the electronic visa online.

The quickest route to reach Georgia through Turkey is by driving along Turkey’s Black Sea coastline until you reach the Sarpi / Batumi border in Georgia.

By Sea

Without driving the entire width of Turkey, you can reach the port city of Batumi in Georgia by ferry. The journey departs from the city of Burgas in Bulgaria, on the opposite side of the Black Sea.

This ferry crossing from Bulgaria to Georgia only occurs a handful of days in a month and is not cheap. Depending on your circumstances, it’s certainly worth it to budget the expenses of fuel and how much it’ll cost you to just drive to Georgia instead.

The official schedule, tickets, and reservations for the Black Sea ferry from Burgas to Batumi can be found here.

What Are the Requirements to Enter Georgia (The Country)?

Georgia is a relatively relaxed country when it comes to its entry requirements. If you are flying into Georgia, you only need a valid passport and possibly a travel visa.

However, people travelling to Georgia (the country) with a passport from an EU state, the U.S., Canada, Australia, or UK do not need a temporary travel visa to visit the country of Georgia.

⚠️ Do you need a visa to enter Georgia? Check here!

Arriving in Georgia through a land border by car is slightly different. The border control process will require you to hold specific car insurance for your time in Georgia, which needs to be purchased at the border.

Recap: Best Adventurous Things to Do in Country of Georgia

• A majority of the adventurous things to do in Georgia (the country) are outdoors. Prepare yourself appropriately for the weather and set expectations on being out in the elements at times!
• Comparatively, the Svaneti region is less touristy than Kazbegi (Stepantsminda). If you’re looking to experience the wildness of Georgia’s nature, find a place to stay in Mestia and spend time exploring the western mountain ranges.
• Although a rental car allows you to see Georgia’s most beautiful places on your own time, you can find a guided tour to nearly anywhere in Georgia from Tbilisi. Book excursions and day trips online and ahead of time if you’re visiting during the summer.
• Step off the beaten path and visit small towns and villages in the rural corners of Georgia. You’ll undoubtedly find a different lifestyle, types of foods and unique things to do that you wouldn’t come across in major cities like Tbilisi. Adventure can sometimes be defined by finding yourself in a traffic jam consisting of street pigs. Only in the country of Georgia!

More Adventure Travel Posts:

• Visiting the Mysterious Mount Nemrut
• The Best Road Trips in Turkey
• Unique Things to Do in Albania
• Benja Thermal Baths in Përmet
• How to Drive from Italy to Turkey
• Visiting the Pokut Yaylasi Plateau (Black Sea Region of Turkey)

Resources for Adventurous Travel in Georgia

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator