Imagine the landscapes of New Zealand combined with the Spanish Pyrenees, the Alps and a sprinkling of Pembrokeshire, and you're coming close to what the Georgian countryside looks like. Georgia is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, where lush undulating hills, meadows, and fields mingle with snowcapped mountains. From wine to tea country, the Caucasus mountains to the Black Sea, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful places to inspire your next trip…
1. Kakheti
2. Svaneti
3. Tusheti
4. Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
5. Guria
6. Juta
Kakheti
In the eastern part of the country is the wine region of Kakheti. Renowned for its vineyards, monasteries, hilltop villages and laid-back people, it’s a must-visit destination in the Georgian countryside. Wander past people picnicking under huge walnut trees, ponies and traps trotting down roads and fishermen catching fat spotted trout on the river. There’s also the beautiful hilltop village of Sighnagi, where a cluster of red roofs and a spire set amid thick green forest wouldn’t look out of place in Tuscany. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Svaneti
Nestled in the Caucasus mountains is the beautiful region of Svaneti. Surrounded by imposing peaks, including Mount Shkhara, the highest in Georgia, Svaneti is scattered with medieval villages tucked away in mountain folds. Svaneti’s inhabitants, Svans, will serve up chacha (a strong Georgian spirit) and provincial fare to visiting tourists. Head to villages such as Ushguli (one of the highest inhabited settlements in the world) or Mesti to get a taste of traditional life in the Georgian countryside.
Tusheti
Next up is another Caucasus beauty, Tusheti National Park. Getting here is not for the fainthearted, however. The only route to Tusheti is via the infamous Abano Pass, widely regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous roads – think narrow, hairpin bends shrouded in alpine mist. This treacherous pass is only recommended in sturdy 4x4s and is only open between May and October (for good reason). Remote and difficult to reach, what Tusheti lacks in infrastructure, it certainly makes up for in nature. A pristine, Eden-like landscape of vibrant green slopes, meandering rivers and carpets of pine forests awaits. Experience Georgian hospitality in traditional villages such as Omalo, where you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Just try not to think about the journey back down the mountain…
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
If you’ve seen photos of the Georgian countryside, you’ll likely have seen one of a church perched atop a hill in front of jagged mountain peaks. This photogenic spot is Tsminda Sameba Church, a 14th-century marvel set over 7,000ft above the town. Reached either on foot or by car, this site is the main draw for tourists in the region. Located on the ancient route connecting Asia and Europe, charming Stepantsminda makes the ideal base for exploring the breathtakingly beautiful mountains on hikes or bikes.
Guria
One of the smallest regions in Georgia, Guria, nestled on the country’s west coast, is famed for its tea production. This pretty pocket boasts rolling hills and snow-wrinkled mountains, offering hikers a plethora of trails to explore. During the Soviet era, Georgia was the USSR’s biggest tea producer, and such fascinating history is clear to see today in the remnants of this bygone era – think disused tea factories and Soviet-era mosaics. Visitors to Guria can get involved with tea tourism and follow the tea trail through the region (most tea fields are concentrated in Anaseuli). Hazelnuts are another speciality grown in Guria, so make sure to get your hands on some at one of the local markets here.
Juta
Last on our list of the most beautiful places in the Georgian countryside is Juta. Often overlooked by tourists travelling to nearby Kazbegi, Juta is equally as charming. While Juta itself is just a small village, travel there for the spectacular views across the Chaukhi mountains (often likened to Italy’s Dolomites) and Kazbegi National Park, and embark on one of the countless hiking trails in the stunning surroundings. Because of its high altitude, Juta is best visited in the summer months, when verdant valleys, tranquil lakes and blue skies await.
Written by Hannah Whitehall