Tucked between the Black Sea and the towering Caucasus Mountains, Georgia is a small country with a big identity. It’s where Persian empires, Soviet relics, Christian monasteries, and Mediterranean flavours have all left their mark.
For travellers craving culture, cuisine and character—without the crowds—Georgia offers a rich, layered journey.
Tbilisi/Giorgi Gvilava/Unsplash
Tbilisi: The heartbeat of the Caucasus
No city embodies Georgia’s East-meets-West duality quite like Tbilisi. The capital unfolds like a collage—19th-century balconied houses cling to hillsides above the Mtkvari River, Orthodox churches share the skyline with Soviet-era modernism, and a new generation of artists is bringing colour to crumbling courtyards. Lose yourself in the sulphur-scented Abanotubani district, where ancient bathhouses bubble under domed brick roofs. Sip wine in a speakeasy down a graffiti-streaked alley. Or take the cable car to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of a city constantly reinventing itself.
Kakheti: The cradle of wine
Signagi in the Kakheti region, Georgia/Wine Tourism
Wine isn’t just a drink in Georgia—it’s a deep-rooted ritual. Archaeological evidence suggests that Georgians have been making wine for over 8,000 years, and they still use the traditional qvevri method—fermenting grapes in clay vessels buried underground. In the sun-drenched region of Kakheti, just a two-hour drive from the capital, you’ll find vineyard-dotted hills and centuries-old monasteries. Visit family-run cellars in Sighnaghi or sample amber-hued wines at boutique estates like Pheasant’s Tears.
Digital nomads are moving in
Picture/Conde Nast Traveller/Philipp Chistyakov
Georgia’s charm hasn’t gone unnoticed by remote workers seeking something different. Its low cost of living, scenic landscapes, and generous digital nomad visa programme (Remotely from Georgia) make it an attractive base for those who prefer co-working with mountain views.
Tbilisi boasts a growing café culture and creative energy, while Batumi—on the Black Sea coast—offers beachside living with palm-lined boulevards and buzzing nightlife. Check out Terminal, one of the largest and popular hubs for expats and entrepreneurs.
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Mountains, monasteries and medieval towers
Picture/Gergeti Trinity Church/Caucasus Trekking
Beyond its cities, Georgia offers some of the most dramatic and underrated landscapes in Europe and Central Asia. Head north to Kazbegi for alpine hikes to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, perched beneath snow-dusted peaks. Explore the haunting cave city of Vardzia, carved into a cliff in the 12th century. Or venture to remote Svaneti, where medieval stone towers stand sentinel over highland villages. Trek the Transcaucasian Trail between Omalo and Shatili, which is believed to be Georgia’s most remote and rewarding route.
Georgia traditional foods
Picture/Badrijani Nigvzit/Caucasus Trekking
Georgian cuisine is hearty and indulgent, built around rich ingredients like meats, cheeses, and pillowy leavened doughs. Expect buttery khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), juicy khinkali dumplings, fragrant lobio bean stews, and a rainbow of pickles and walnut-based sauces. Meals are shared, soulful affairs that invite conversation—and wine. Many traditional dishes are also naturally meat-free, including pkhali (spinach and walnut pâté) and badrijani nigvzit (eggplant rolls with walnut paste).
When is the best time to visit Georgia?
Picture/Nomadic Matt
The sweet spot for visiting Georgia lies on the shoulders of summer, specifically in May, June, and September, when the weather is mild and the landscapes lush. While Tbilisi and the surrounding lowlands can be hot and humid during peak summer, the mountain regions stay refreshingly cool and dry, offering ideal conditions for exploring both city streets and alpine trails.
Georgia’s growing allure
At once familiar and foreign, Georgia’s appeal lies in its in-betweenness. It’s Europe, but not quite. Asia, but not entirely. A land where old traditions still breathe and new ideas are taking root. Whether you’re hiking through highlands, sipping amber wine, or working remotely from a café in Tbilisi, Georgia offers a sense of discovery that’s increasingly rare.
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