Do you love wine? Well, you can thank Georgia for that! This country is said to be the birthplace of wine, with Georgians making the drink for over 8,000 years! Their technique is also listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list!
If you’re heading to Georgia, you’re going to want to add their wine region, Kakheti, to your itinerary, but what else makes this country so fantastical?
Keep on reading to learn why we’re getting ready to plan our own trip to this small but historically rich country!
Tourism Statistics in Georgia: Key Insights and Trends
Ever wondered how many tourists visit Georgia each year? Surprisingly, Georgia welcomed more than 2.8 million international travellers, which has brought a 2.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Although Georgia's tourism industry was significantly impacted by the pandemic, it has been steadily recovering. Here’s a look at the tourism statistics by year:
Ever wondered how many tourists visit Georgia each year? Like all countries, Georgia was monumentally by the pandemic so tourism in Georgia statistics by year look like this:
Tourism statistics for Georgia in 2023 show that Russians were the top visitors, leading the way among all countries.
- Russia: 1,200,000
- Turkey: 1,116,400
- Armenia: 802,000
- EU Member Countries: 320,600
- Georgia (visiting from different countries of residence): 305,000
- Israel: 181,000
Contributing 7.2% to the GDP, tourism in Georgia is a strong part of the country’s economy and will clearly be the case in the years to come, too.
Okay, so what is the ranking of tourism in Georgia? Keeping in mind the impact the pandemic had on tourism around the world, Georgia ranked 39th in the world in 2021 for the number of tourists it received.
The Key Reasons People Are Visiting
Tourism is the main reason for travel to the country, with Holiday, leisure and Recreation leading (2,691,000), followed by Visiting Friends/Relatives (1,048,000), Transit (658,000), Business or Professional reasons (349,000) and Shopping (276,000).
So, with all this now known, what region in Georgia is known for tourism? Looking at the data of Inbound Tourism, it appeared Tbilisi received the most tourists in 2023:
- Tbilisi: 2,505,000
- Adjara A/R: 2,245,000
- Mtskheta-Mtianeti: 917,000
- Kvemo Kartli: 429,000
- Samtskhe-Javakheti: 409,000
Here are some tourism in Georgia facts to finish off:
- What is the most visited city in Georgia? As shown above, that would be Tbilisi!
- What is the number 1 tourist destination in Georgia? This is also the country’s capital, Tbilisi.
- What is the Georgia tourism safety rank? In 2023, Georgia ranked 94 in the world on the Global Peace Index.
- Georgia is home to the world’s deepest cave, called Veryovkina Cave, which has a depth of 2,212m!
- The locals don’t call their country Georgia! Instead, they call it Sakartvelo and call themselves Kartveli.
Now that you know more about Georgia, let’s add some locations to your itinerary!
Top Tourist Attractions in Georgia: Must-See Places
Georgia, where Europe meets Asia, sits on the southern slopes of the Great Caucasus, with snowcapped peaks stretching from the Black Sea to the Caspian.
Despite its small size, Georgia has diverse landscapes and activities, and traveling around can take time due to the mountains and limited transport, so it’s best to plan based on the type of trip you want and focus on a few regions.
So, why is Georgia famous for tourism? Let’s discover why! Here are some top places to consider for your itinerary:
- Tbilisi: The vibrant capital with a charming Old Town, cable cars, funiculars and lively nightlife. Must-sees: Narikala Fortress, Mother Georgia and sulfur baths!
- Batumi: A seaside city with beaches and skyscrapers and is filled with tourists during the summer. It’s known for its esplanade, Old Town and nightlife.
- Kutaisi: A historic town and hub for low-cost flights, with nearby attractions like Martvili Canyon, Gelati Monastery and Soviet-era towns Tskaltubo and Chiatura.
- Svaneti: A remote mountain region ideal for trekking, featuring the four-day Mestia to Ushguli hike and Georgia’s highest peak, Shkhara.
- Stepantsminda (Kazbegi): Famous for the hilltop Gergeti Trinity Church and scenic views of Mt. Kazbek along the Georgian Military Highway.
- Kakheti: Georgia’s wine heartland, home to vineyards, monasteries and the scenic Alazani Valley. Make sure to explore the Tusheti National Park and David Gareja Monastery.
- Sighnaghi: A picturesque hilltop town with Tuscan-like charm, cobbled streets and great wine bars in Georgia’s prime wine region.
- Mtskheta: A historic town with UNESCO-listed churches, including the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and hilltop Jvari Church.
- Vardzia: A stunning 13-story cave monastery carved into cliffs, with 400 rooms and beautiful river valley scenery.
- Borjomi: A spa town known for its famous mineral water, scenic parks and access to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
- Ushguli: A UNESCO-listed village with ancient watchtowers, nestled high in the Svaneti mountains, reachable by 4x4 or trekking.
- Ananuri: A 17th-century castle complex overlooking the Aragvi River, ideal for a day trip from Tbilisi.
- Uplistsikhe Cave City: An ancient cave settlement near Gori, where Christians and pagans once coexisted. Pair with a visit to Stalin’s birthplace in Gori!
Events and Festivals in Georgia 2024: Cultural Highlights
Georgia’s festivals offer a great blend of culture, food, wine, music and tradition, perfect for travelers coming to explore the country. Each festival offers a unique glimpse into Georgian life, combining hospitality, history and entertainment — perfect for tourists wanting an immersive cultural experience.
Here are some of the most popular events to experience:
- Tbilisoba (October): Celebrates the founding of Tbilisi and the autumn harvest. Enjoy traditional dances, music shows, art stalls and grape-crushing activities in the Old Town and Rike Park. You can also sample local wine and Georgian cuisine amidst festive displays of fruit and cheese.
- Art-Gene Festival (July): Held at the Ethnographic Museum in Tbilisi, this open-air festival showcases Georgian folk music, dance and modern performances. Visitors can enjoy handicrafts, workshops and local food, with more events held in regions like Adjara and Guria.
- Rtveli (September-October): A huge grape harvest festival that celebrates Georgia’s 8,000-year wine tradition. Visitors can join locals in grape-picking and stomping, followed by a festive meal featuring barbecue, khachapuri and freshly baked bread.
- Shatiloba (August): This festival takes place in the remote Khevsureti region, honoring the ancient village of Shatili. Experience traditional music, Georgian wrestling, mountain horse races and local Georgian cuisine, including Khinkali, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains.
Food Tourism in Georgia: Exploring Local Cuisine and Culinary Tradition
Georgia’s cuisine reflects its unique climate — short summers, harsh winters — and centuries of cultural fusion along ancient trade routes. The food is hearty, comforting and perfect for anyone who loves exploring diverse flavors.
Since food has to be one of the best parts of visiting a new country, it’s interesting to know what is the famous food in Georgia.
Here are the must-try dishes that tell the story of Georgia’s culinary heritage.
- Khachapuri: The iconic national dish, khachapuri is a canoe-shaped bread filled with melted sulguni cheese, topped with butter and a cracked egg. Each region adds its own twist, from spinach to meat fillings, making it a dish you’ll want to try more than once.
- Khinkali: These soup-filled dumplings, served piping hot, are a must-eat in Georgia. The trick to eating them? Hold the doughy knot, take a bite to slurp the broth and then devour the rest — discarding the knot.
- Mtsvadi: Georgia’s version of kebabs, mtsvadi is simply seasoned meat skewered and grilled over an open flame. It’s typically served with tkemali, a tangy plum sauce, for extra flavor.
- Lobiani: A popular flatbread filled with spiced beans, lobiani is a street food favorite — cheap, filling and bursting with flavor. It’s a flaky, savory snack perfect for on-the-go eating.
- Pkhali: These vibrant vegetable pâtés are made from spinach, beetroot or carrots blended with garlic, lemon and walnuts, and often topped with pomegranate seeds.
- Nigvziani Badrijani: Thin slices of fried eggplant are rolled and stuffed with walnut-garlic paste, making for a rich and flavorful vegan dish, also garnished with pomegranate seeds.
- Churchkhela: These string-shaped treats may look like sausages, but they’re made from walnuts coated in grape juice syrup. Sold everywhere from roadside stands to markets, they’re a traditional snack with a burst of sweetness.
- Tklapi: This fruit leather — made from puréed and sun-dried fruits—comes in sweet and sour varieties. Sour tklapi, often made from cherries, is even used in Georgian soups and stews.
- Amber Wine: Known for its distinct color and flavor, Georgian amber wine is made with ancient methods in qvevri (large clay vessels) buried underground. These wines pair beautifully with the country’s hearty dishes.
Best Time to Visit Georgia: Seasonal Travel Guide
Georgia’s climate varies across its regions, offering different experiences depending on the location and season. From rainy coastal areas to hot inland cities and snowy mountain ranges, there’s something for every traveler, so let’s go over what to expect:
Coastal Areas and Western Plain (Black Sea Coast)
The Black Sea coast, including Batumi and Sukhumi, has a mild, rainy climate with oceanic changes. Even during the summer, Batumi can experience rain, which makes it a bit less sunny compared to other coastal areas.
- Rainfall: 60–100in (1,500–2,500mm) annually, with more rain in autumn and winter.
- Winter: Average 44–46°F (7–8°C). Occasional snow (~10 days/year), but temperatures rarely fall below 28°F (-2°C).
- Summer: Warm, with averages around 75°F (24°C) and peaks of 95°F (35°C). Thunderstorms are common in summer.
- Sea swimming: Best from July to September, with water temperatures around 77°F (25°C).
Western Plains – Kutaisi and Surrounding Areas
The western plains inland from the coast, including cities like Kutaisi, have a more continental climate. Kutaisi, located 50 miles (80km) from the coast, is a popular gateway to western Georgia, offering a mix of warm weather and cultural sights.
- Winter: Colder than the coast, with some snow and occasional freezing temperatures.
- Summer: Hot, with temperatures often reaching 100–104°F (38–40°C).
- Rainfall: 57in (1,450mm) yearly, with slightly drier conditions from July to September.
Inland and Eastern Areas – Tbilisi and Beyond
Eastern Georgia, including the capital Tbilisi, is drier and more continental than the west. Tbilisi sits at 1,450ft (450 meters) above sea level in the Kura River valley. Tbilisi can get windy, especially during winter. Despite the heat, summer is a good time to explore the city and nearby attractions.
- Winter: Frequent snow, but precipitation is low. Temperatures can drop to 14°F (-10°C), with record lows of -2°F (-19°C).
- Summer: Hot and sunny, with occasional thunderstorms. July temperatures average 78°F (25.5°C), with peaks of 100–104°F (38–40°C).
- Rainfall: About 20in (500mm) yearly, with most rain falling in May and June due to afternoon showers.
Mountain Regions – Caucasus Range
The Caucasus Mountains bring cold alpine weather with heavy snowfall in winter. These mountains are home to glaciers above 11,500ft (3,500 meters), including Mount Shkhara, Georgia’s highest peak at 17,037ft (5,193 meters), and are ideal for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
- Akhalkalaki: Located at 5,577ft (1,700 meters) on the Javakheti plateau, it experiences extreme winters with temperatures as low as -21.3°F (-29.6°C). Summers can still get hot, reaching 99°F (37.4°C).
- Bethlemi Hut (Mount Kazbek): At 11,975ft (3,650 meters), winter temperatures average 7°F (-14°C), with a record low of -33°F (-36°C). In summer, the temperature peaks at just 39°F (4°C).
- Rainfall: Varies by location. The wettest area, Mtirala National Park in Ajara, receives over 177in (4,500mm) of rain annually.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring and autumn (mid-May to mid-June, mid-September to mid-October): Perfect for sightseeing with mild temperatures.
- Summer (June to August): Great for beach holidays and mountain hiking. The coast is warm, and the mountains offer pleasant conditions, however, expect Tbilisi and the inland valleys to get very hot during this period.
- Coastal trips: Spring is often better than autumn, as the latter tends to be rainy.
How to Get Around Georgia: Transportation Tips for Travelers
Georgia is relatively easy to navigate, with several transport options available. While renting a car offers freedom, the poor road conditions make public transport a more practical choice for most travelers.
Here’s a breakdown of how to get around to know before you head to Georgia:
Public Transportation
Tbilisi has the only metro in Georgia, with fares at 1 GEL per ride. A MetroMoney Card is for single journeys while a blue Travel Card is for regular use. You can also use your international bank card to tap on for around 1.50 GEL per ride. In cities, buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) are common. A typical ride costs about 1 GEL. Marshrutkas are often unscheduled and connect towns and rural areas — just check windshields or ask locals for help getting to your destination.
Long-Distance Travel
Marshrutkas are best for budget travel across the country. For example, a trip from Tbilisi to Yerevan, Armenia, costs around 35 GEL. These shared vans leave when full, so be ready for some waiting. While slow, Georgian trains offer scenic routes, such as the comfortable Batumi-Tbilisi journey. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in high season, as trains can sell out. As for flights, Tbilisi to Batumi flights range from 215–1,078 GEL. A fast but pricey option if you’re pressed for time.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are cheap and there are plenty around. A 40-minute trip from Tbilisi to Mtskheta costs under $10, just make sure to always agree on a price before starting. Georgia’s versions of Uber are Yandex and Bolt, with most rides within Tbilisi costing less than 5 GEL and can be easily booked via the app.
How to Plan Your First Trip to Georgia: Tips for Travelers
Georgia offers rich cultural experiences and stunning nature, but following local customs will make sure you have a smoother visit. By following these simple tips, you’ll blend right in while enjoying everything Georgia has to offer!
Here’s what you should know:
Dos:
- Get a Local SIM Card: Magti is the top provider. Avoid tourist SIMs at the airport — buy from a city office instead.
- Use Taxi Apps: Use Bolt or Mtskheta to avoid fare negotiations (no Uber in Georgia). It’s reliable, affordable and offers in-app tipping. Also, avoid airport taxis.
- Book GoTrip for Long Journeys: For safer long-distance travel or mountain routes, hire a driver through GoTrip.ge, and break up long trips with overnight stops.
- Carry Cash: Cards work in cities but keep cash handy for rural areas and small purchases. ATMs are widespread but be careful as they can be inconspicuous.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Expect Early Starts: Most cafes and shops open around 10–11am. Banks start at 10am and public transport gets crowded around 7pm, so plan accordingly.
- Don’t Rely on Google Maps: Businesses update hours more frequently on Facebook or Instagram, but if you really want to check somewhere out, message ahead to confirm.
- Don’t Disrespect Religious Sites: Dress modestly when visiting Orthodox churches and mosques. Men and women must cover their shoulders and knees; women should bring a scarf for their hair. Most sites offer loaner skirts and scarves if needed.
- Don’t Toast with Beer: In Georgian tradition, beer toasts are for enemies. Use wine or chacha during supras (feasts) but be cautious with chacha — it can be extremely strong, especially homemade versions.
Future of Tourism in Georgia
Georgia’s Vision for 2025 aimed to grow tourism’s value to the economy, create jobs, diversify markets and provide sustainability, shifting from quantity to quality tourism and targeting high-value visitors from Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. This strategy was impacted by COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine War, with tourism dropping by 83% in 2020–21, affecting visitor flows and the hospitality sector. The Georgian Government is prioritizing regional infrastructure to support tourism beyond major cities like Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi, looking to promote local tourism and support private sector efforts to offer unique, high-quality experiences.
The slogan, ‘Value vs Volume’ reflects Georgia's strategy to attract fewer but higher-spending tourists for sustainable tourism development in the future.
Conclusion
Keen to visit Georgia! There’s plenty for you to do and see while there, but to help you get planning, you might want a hand! Have a chat with a private tour guide to see how they can pull together an itinerary that is personalized to your interests.
We’re off to do the same!
