When people picture Georgia, most imagine themselves wandering through streets, enjoying wine, or looking at tall snow covered mountains. But, Georgia has so many wild, quiet places that nobody talks about. The places where it feels like you just stumbled into a storybook. If you’re for weird, beautiful, or just straight-up jaw-dropping spots, visit Georgia. Here’s is the hit list of 10 hidden gems in Georgia you should check out.
Top Hidden Gems of Georgia
The top hidden gems of Georgia, from scenic mountains to charming cultural spots that many travelers overlook. With our tailored Georgia tour packages, you can explore these unique destinations hassle-free and enjoy an authentic travel experience beyond the usual routes.
1. Vardzia Cave Monastery
A whole city tunneled inside a cliff. This bonkers monastery/cave is from the 1100s. It was created when Queen Tamar was ruling Georgia. The whole place stretches over thirteen insane levels with twisty tunnels, secret chapels & rooms for monks when they lived. You can enjoy the stunning views that valleys offer.
2. Martvili Canyon
Martvili canyon has clear Turquoise water flowing through slabs of limestone, dreamy waterfalls, and boat rides that make you feel like a fairy tale. It used to be a private place for Georgian nobles but now you can float along with just a handful of people, far away from the Tbilisi hustle. The experience is a bit of a magical & chill vibe.
3. Tusheti Region
If you want to go for remote driving, check out Tusheti Region. It’s all switchback roads and white-knuckle ledges. But once you reach there, Medieval towers, wooden balconies, all perched over valleys that look straight out of fantasy story. Villages like Omalo and Dartlo are barely touched by modern life. People in this region still believe in the old pagan magic. The culture is as wild as the landscape.
4. Katskhi Pillar
The insane stone pillar which is popping out of the Imereti plain, challenging gravity. Some brave monks decided to build a hermit’s pad right on top. Visitors can’t climb it but even from below, the place feels mysterious and full of spiritual energy.
5. Davit Gareja Monastery Complex
Davit Gareja is very different from what most people expect of Georgia’s green vineyards. Instead it is located in a dry almost desert area which extends over the border into Azerbaijan. The monastery is into the orange hills, connected by passages and chapels. Within you still see faded frescoes which are hundreds of years old and outside the landscape is almost unreal.
6. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
Everyone rants about Borjomi water, but the national park behind it is the real prize. Forests that go on forever, meadows with flowers you didn’t know existed, hiking trails where you’ll meet more squirrels than people. It is one of the largest protected areas in Europe covering forests, rivers, & mountains. In autumn, the whole landscape turns into golden land.
7. Chiatura’s Soviet-Era Cable Cars
If you’re into post-apocalyptic setpieces or you just like places that’s a bit creepy, Chiatura’s cable cars are for you. Built in the 1950s for manganese miners, a bunch of the original rickety capsules are still used across the sky. It’s like riding history where the whole place feels like you fell into a Soviet time-warp, in the best way.
8. Ushguli in Svaneti
Svantei is getting popular among travelers, but Ushguli still seems like an outpost. A bunch of stone towers gripping the mountains, clouds rolling past making it feel more ancient. There is no wonder that you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled. Also bring your boots & get ready for the stunning hiking experience.
9. Uplistsikhe Cave Town
Before the Vardzia caves, there was Uplistsikhe which is like Georgia’s earliest rock cities. People have been living here since the literal Iron Age. You’ll find passageways, secret rooms, & even the remains of a theater carved out of a cliff. It is a bit raw but a fascinating attraction in Georgia. It feels like ancient history is sitting quietly in the open.
10. Black Rock Lake
Tucked inside the Lagodekhi preserve, near the Azerbaijani border, you’ll find this perfect blue lake that barely anyone talks about. You can’t just drive & reach, you also have to hike to reach the lake. The hike is not that easy, but you’ll get waterfalls, forests, and those amazing mountain moments which will reward your efforts.
Exploring Efficiently: Quick Tips
Travel Off-Season: Spring and autumn are the best time, think mild weather and way less tourist crowd.
Use Local Guides: In places like Tusheti or Svaneti, a local guide isn’t just helpful, they’re basically your lifeline for safety and those wild stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
Hop on Public Transport & Marshrutkas: Choose Marshrutkas which are affordable and give you the closest thing to the local experience, even in the middle of nowhere.
Respect Local Traditions: These regions are super spiritual. Dressing modestly and actually caring about how you act goes a long way, so try to maintain decency.
Combine Regions for Efficiency: Don’t just travel randomly, map your routes. Link spots like Borjomi with Vardzia, or Tusheti with Kakheti, so you get a ton more done without wasting time.
