Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, Georgia punches well above its weight in terms of adventure and beauty.
From its towering mountains to its warm, wine-soaked hospitality, Georgia is a land of contrasts and surprises, with a spirit as wild and untamed as its landscapes.
One of my favorite memories from Georgia was the long, spectacular drive up from Tbilisi to Svaneti. A couple of friends and I made the journey in an old beat-up car they’d driven all the way from Germany.
The steep, winding roads were dotted with bee hives and ancient settlements. As we climbed steadily for hours – up and up, seemingly forever – the views became increasingly breathtaking.
The car kept overheating, and I lost track of the number of times we had to stop. But it wasn’t exactly a hardship.
Surrounded by towering peaks, glacier-capped mountains, and lush alpine valleys, the distant sound of cowbells echoed through the crisp mountain air. We were speechless.
Svaneti is known for its ancient stone watchtowers – Svan Towers. Some are over 1,000 years old. The Svan people built these iconic structures to defend their homes against invasion and attack.
When we stopped at one village on the way to Mestia, a lovely local family took an interest and asked if we wanted to see inside their tower. We climbed to the very top, up 300-year-old rickety wooden ladders suspended 10+ metres above solid stone floors.
“Don’t think about it, and don’t look down,” I told myself. Health and Safety would’ve had a field day.
The family then insisted on feeding us a giant feast and invited us to stay for the night. Georgian hospitality is legendary – and extremely boozy.
Another thing I love about Georgia is how incredibly varied it is. It’s not a particularly big country but has so many different sides.
Batumi, on the Black Sea coast, is lively and modern, with its quirky architecture and warm seaside vibe. Just a short drive away, Mtirala National Park offers lush forests and peaceful hiking trails that feel like a completely different world.
Tbilisi, the capital, is a wonderful blend of old and new. Its colourful Old Town, traditional sulfur baths, hidden courtyards, and winding cobbled streets sit alongside hipster cafes, coworking spaces, and galleries. There’s art everywhere.
Whether you’re hiking in the Caucasus, sipping wine in Tbilisi, or simply soaking in the landscapes, Georgia is a fascinating country. I’d love to go back and spend more time there.
The photos below capture some of my favorite memories from Georgia. I hope they inspire you to plan a trip.
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