Is Georgia (the country) worth visiting

And it’s kind of an injustice that this ancient civilization that has lasted more than 2500 years has been eclipsed by the place where the Atlanta Falcons play.

But is Georgia, the country, worth visiting? Well, that depends on your opinion on dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries, excellent food, and affordable prices. Because that, among other things, is what Georgia has to offer, and it’s made the country one of the up-and-coming stars of modern European travel.

Let’s take a deeper look at what Georgia has to offer to see if it’s for you.

Value for Money

There are several reasons why Georgia keeps breaking records for annual tourist visits, but let’s be honest about one of the biggest ones: it’s cheap.

Georgia represents an absolute bargain compared to more traditional European tourist destinations like France or Spain.

For example, a night in a four-star hotel in Georgia averages 229 GEL, or €76. In France, it’s more like €200 or more. And you’ll find similar savings across the board when it comes to food, activities, transportation, and all the other costs associated with a vacation.

It’s not just that Georgia is cheap; it’s also that it offers a lot for a very low price. There’s plenty to do here, so you won’t be bored, even as you find that your money goes a lot further than it might at home.

Scenery

OK, Georgia is cheap, but so are lots of places. That’s not enough by itself to make it a hot tourist destination.

What helps is the presence of the Caucasus Mountains. This gives much of the country spectacular mountain scenery, with incredible destinations like Kazbegi, Svaneti, Tusheti, and Borjomi National Park appealing to mountain lovers from around the world.

These regions have some of the most gorgeous scenic drives in Europe, together with ancient cities, medieval stone towers, snowcapped peaks, and unspoiled alpine meadows.

That makes Georgia a fantastic option if you enjoy hiking, photography, skiing, or just being in the great outdoors.

Wine

Georgia might be the oldest wine-producing region in the world, with grape cultivation going back 8000 years here.

That’s given them plenty of time to perfect the craft.

Georgian wine isn’t as well known internationally as French, Italian, or Australian wine. But the local industry is starting to realize the potential it has. That makes Georgia a fantastic place to embark on a wine tour and visit farms and vineyards most people have never heard of.

Who knows? You may find a new favourite producer in this up-and-coming country.

Food

You can find great food in any country if you know where to look. But Georgian cuisine, like so much about this country, flies under the radar.

Like all the best national cuisines, it’s based on satisfying local ingredients and recipes handed down through the generations. Meals are often generous and highly flavourful, and you can dine like a king here on a very meagre budget.

Dishes to look out for include:

• Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread)
• Khinkali (soup dumplings)
• Mtsvadi (grilled meat skewers)
• Lobio (bean stew)
• Churchkhela (traditional sweet)

History

How much do you know about Georgian history? If you’re from the Western world, there’s a good chance you might not know a lot. But that’s part of what makes this country’s history so fun to uncover.

Highlights include Tbilisi Old Town, the Gelati Monastery, and Mtskheta, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Georgia is absolutely packed with ancient cave cities, medieval monasteries, fortresses, historic churches, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

In fact, its unique blend of European, Persian, Ottoman, and Russian influences make it a fantastic place for lovers of history and architecture to explore. The stories of this country are as unique and fascinating as any other, and a trip to Georgia will reveal how much you may not know about this interesting part of the world.

Hospitality

Georgians are famous for their hospitality. It’s a fundamental value in Georgian culture, and you can still see that today in the way that guests are treated with remarkable generosity.

Don’t be surprised if you get invited to sample some homemade wine or join a family for a meal. That’s especially true outside traditional tourist areas, where people tend to be more friendly and open to visitors.

English isn’t generally widely spoken, especially outside of Tbilisi. But gestures and a smile go a long way to easing communication, and in more rural areas, you may well find that local Georgians are fascinated by outsiders.

Adventure

Georgia has some incredible options for sightseeing, but if you prefer a more exciting trip, you’ll find no shortage of activities here.

The mountainous countryside is ideal for hiking and skiing, as well as horse riding, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. Plus, local companies are embracing the country’s growing tourist popularity and offering activities like paragliding and Jeep tours so you can explore more of this borderland between Europe and Asia.

It’s always fun to be somewhere off the beaten path, and there’s so much to do here, you may find yourself wondering why Georgia isn’t more popular than it currently is.

The Downsides

Let’s be real. Nowhere is perfect. Georgia has lots that makes it worth a visit, but it’s important to be realistic about what to expect.

Here are some things to be aware of:

• Don’t expect to make good time when driving in the mountains.
• Public transport can be limited, especially in remote areas. You’re not going to get the kind of train infrastructure that you would in Western Europe, for example.
• English isn’t widely spoken, especially away from the tourist hotspots. If you’re travelling in the backcountry, make sure to download an off-line language pack for your translation software, and learn a few words in Georgian.
• Infrastructure can be below the standards of Western Europe. Abandoned buildings, badly maintained roads, and what I’m choosing to call some interesting toilet arrangements are part and parcel of travel here.
• Internet can also be patchy, especially away from the big cities. Your best bet is to get an eSIM from ZenSim so that you can connect to the strongest local network wherever you are. You also won’t have to worry about roaming fees, with our Georgia data plan.

Is Georgia Worth A Visit?

Lots of people seem to think so. In fact, tourism in Georgia is growing every year, with more and more people discovering this alternative to the usual tourist hotspots.

Georgia also makes a great addition to any Europe trip. And with a Europe eSIM, you can cross borders without racking up roaming fees. Georgia is just one of 40 countries included on our Europe plan, so you can travel from Tbilisi to Lisbon and stay connected the whole way.