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Last updated on November 19th, 2024 at 02:13 pm
If you’ve never considered visiting Georgia – the country – before, in this article, you’ll find all the reasons why you should visit Georgia now, before everybody else does.
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Travel Resources For Your Trip To Georgia (The Country)
Where Is Georgia?
At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the relatively small country of Georgia is part of the South Caucasus region. Located at the eastern end of the Black Sea, Georgia shares land borders with Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia.
A Brief History of Georgia
Before we go into detail about why you should visit Georgia, here’s a brief overview of the country’s rich history.
Inhabited since prehistoric times, Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine-making. It was a major stop along the famed Silk Road and one of the first countries to adopt Christianity.
Georgia flourished during the High Middle Ages, under the reign of Queen Tamar. In the early 1800s, it became part of the Russian Empire.
After a brief period of independence, Georgia was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1921. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia entered a state of political instability and financial crisis.
The peaceful Rose Revolution in 2003 brought about change and reforms. However, several of these have been criticised for their totalitarian approach.
In 2008, a war between Georgia and Russia resulted in the Russian military occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two regions within Georgia’s territory.
Is Georgia a Safe Country To Visit?
Current Politics in Georgia
From what you’ve read so far, chances are you’re not that eager to book a flight to a country that has been in a war a couple of decades ago.
But, there’s currently nothing to worry about. Things are stable now and there’s no conflict or terrorism threat anywhere in the country, as long as you stay away from Abkhazia and South Ossetia, of course.
Sometimes, the capital city of Tbilisi sees large demonstrations.
Georgian people are passionate about their freedom and rights. Therefore, they don’t keep silent when the Georgian government tries to pass laws that could potentially deprive them of those.
However, these demonstrations aren’t violent and, certainly, wouldn’t affect your trip to Georgia, as long as you use your common sense if you happen to get caught in the middle of a situation like this.
Is Georgia Safe For LGBTQ+ Travellers?
If there’s one group that might need to take extra precautions while in Georgia, it’s members of the LGBTQ+ community.
As a former Soviet Union state and, most importantly, a country where Orthodox Christianity is deeply rooted, with the Church and the State separated by a very thin – if at all existent – line, the Georgian society is heartbreakingly conservative.
That said, in Georgia’s effort to enter the European Union, laws have been passed that ban any discrimination based on people’s sexual orientation. Unfortunately, the local society doesn’t always follow suit.
Homosexuality is considered a deviation from Christian values and LGBTQ+ people are sometimes faced with verbal or even physical abuse. Of course, young people in Georgia are open-minded and ready to embrace change.
Still, refraining from any public display of affection is critical for your well-being. If that’s OK with you, you’ll have a great time in Georgia.
If not, perhaps you’ll want to stop reading now and postpone your trip to Georgia for a future time when, hopefully, society will be ready to accept that love knows no gender.
And What About Women Travellers?
Speaking of a conservative society, you might expect that women travelling alone – as in without a man alone – would be, at least, frowned upon, if not worse. However, that’s far from the truth.
We recently spent about five weeks in Georgia and not once did we feel uncomfortable, not even at night. Of course, common sense is required at all times. Not only in Georgia but everywhere.
Petty Crime in Georgia
Georgia has a very low crime rate and tourists are rarely targeted. In some places, you can even leave your things unattended and still manage to find them exactly where you left them.
That said, don’t try this. Pickpocketing and petty theft might still occur, especially in crowded places. Therefore, make sure you keep your valuables safe, as you would in any other part of the world.
Why You Should Visit Georgia Now
So, is Georgia worth visiting? And, if so, why now? Georgia slowly emerges as a unique travel destination that combines the mystical charms of the East with the sweet familiarity of the West.
It’s an undiscovered land of wonders with spectacular scenery, gorgeous architecture, centuries of exciting history, delicious cuisine and superb wine.
Georgia is an underrated destination where the term hidden gems takes an entirely different meaning. The whole country is a hidden gem at the edge of Europe, waiting to show visitors a slice of authentic life.
But, as with so many other destinations, this won’t last forever. Thanks to all its beauties, inevitably, Georgia will claim its place in the pantheon of the most popular destinations.
This is why you should visit Georgia now before everybody else does.
Allow yourself to be greeted as an old friend, take in the beauty of Georgia’s nature and architecture without jostling for a tiny place under the sun and savour the best Georgian dishes while they still taste the way the locals remember them from their childhood.
And, now, let’s have a closer look at the main reasons why you should visit Georgia as soon as possible.
10 Reasons To Visit Georgia (The Country)
1. Authentic & Heartwarming Hospitality
Coming from Greece, one of the most hospitable countries in Europe, we’re not the easiest people to please when it comes to hospitality.
We don’t fall for forced smiles and fake politeness. We settle for nothing other than the real thing.
Here’s the real thing: People who look at you with smiling eyes that can warm up your heart even on the coldest of days. Handshakes that could potentially break a bone or two.
Feasts with food, wine and music, during which total strangers share meals and stories before becoming friends for life. Georgia offers all of this in great amounts. And we couldn’t be more pleasantly surprised.
“If one tried to describe Georgia using one single word, the right word would definitely be hospitality.” Thus said John Steinbeck and we couldn’t agree more.
As a traveller to Georgia, you’ll receive the warmest hospitality everywhere. From ordering at cafés and restaurants to shopping at grocery stores to asking for directions on the street.
Most Georgians speak very good English. But even if you stumble upon the occasional language barrier, it’s swiftly overcome by body language and the locals’ fervent wish to help.
The Georgian Supra
The ultimate manifestation of Georgian hospitality is, without a doubt, the Supra.
An integral part of Georgian culture, a Supra is a traditional feast during which a Tamada or Toastmaster proposes toasts while food and wine flow ceaselessly.
It’s a unique ritual that can go on for hours, mesmerising everyone lucky enough to share the same table with a gifted toastmaster.
Even if you don’t have a Georgian friend to invite you to a Supra, you can still experience an original one, by joining this once-in-a-lifetime tour.
We have firsthand experience of this tour and can guarantee that you’ll never feel like a paying customer during the Supra included in the tour but a valued member of the Toastmasters’ family instead.
Click the link above and use our code triptome5 for a 5% discount.
2. Mouthwatering Vegetarian Food
The best vegetarian dishes in Greece or Italy are proof that Mediterranean countries feature the healthiest and most mouthwatering cuisines. Everybody knows that, right?
What you probably don’t know is that Georgia is a culinary heaven for vegetarians, too.
We didn’t expect that to be honest. As Georgia lies at the very edge of Eastern Europe, we thought that the local cuisine would be very meat-heavy, as are the cuisines of other countries in this part of the world.
That’s actually true, meat is king indeed. However, Georgia has no shortage of delicious traditional dishes that are meat-free, too.
From scrumptious Khinkali filled with local cheese to the iconic Khachapuri and its bean-based version, Lobiani, to several mushroom-based dishes, Georgian cuisine can never disappoint any vegetarian foodie.
After spending five weeks in Georgia, we can attest to that. This is why we’re currently working on a thorough guide to the best vegetarian Georgian food that will be published soon.
3. Exquisite Wine
Although Georgia boasts very good local beer that can accompany any casual meal, wine is the real deal there. Georgian people are very proud of their wine-making legacy, which goes back 8000 years.
The traditional Qvevri wine-making method was inscribed in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. Georgian Qvevri wine has a distinct strong taste that grows on you.
Yet, that’s the only wine you should try in Georgia, according to locals, who kind of look down on any wine made in the “conventional” way. In Georgia, the latter is usually called European wine.
The best way to delve into the uniqueness of Georgian wine is to join any wine tour of the Kakheti region that visits family-run wineries or tunnel-like cellars that have been around for centuries.
That said, a stroll through urban wine bars, especially in Tbilisi, is another fantastic way to appreciate the wide variety of Georgian wines and also buy a few bottles as souvenirs from Georgia.
We could go on and on about wine in Georgia, but here’s not the right place to do so. The history, culture and role of wine production in Georgian society deserves a separate article of its own and we plan to publish one soon.
4. A Nostalgic Trip Into The Past
From major cities to small towns and remote villages, no matter where you are, Georgia has an inescapable aura of times gone by. And this doesn’t exclude the country’s capital.
Several of Tbilisi’s cafés are irresistible with their old-world charm while most of the city’s buildings bear signs of neglect that, in themselves, narrate the city’s troubled recent history but also echo moments from their former and present residents’ lives.
During this eye-opening tour of the Sololaki neighbourhood, Baia, a well-travelled local, explains what lies behind Tbilisi’s abandoned-looking buildings.
In the countryside and rural areas, life goes by the same way it did centuries ago.
People value their time and embrace a slow pace of life, paying special attention to staying in touch with precious centuries-old arts and crafts, such as traditional hat making and the cloisonne enamel technique.
As for animals, like sheep and cows, they roam around freely.
Not many European destinations can offer a glimpse into the past as eloquently as Georgia can. This is a good reason to visit Georgia in its own right.
However, all this nostalgia comes with a downside. As mentioned above, the Georgian society is rather conservative.
Apart from the issues the LGBTQ+ community faces, if you read between the lines, you’ll realise that the position of women hasn’t evolved compared to other European countries. At least for some local men or older people.
Although women are treated with utter respect, they’re not always considered equals. That’s reflected in several Georgian traditions and is – again – related to the deeply religious Georgian society.
We do hope that this changes soon and Georgia keeps only what’s good from its past.
5. The Best Time Zone: GMT or Georgian Maybe Time
According to Wikipedia, Georgia’s time zone is GET.
But anyone who’s been to Georgia at least once knows that the actual time zone is GMT: Georgian Maybe Time. And, no, this isn’t a made-up pun foreigners use. It’s coming from the locals themselves.
Georgians are never in a hurry. They make time to stop and chat with their neighbours or enjoy the small pleasures of life. As a result, punctuality isn’t one of their strongest suits. Neither is plan-making.
If you’re used to always being on time and having everything planned to the last detail, a trip to Georgia may have you stepping out of your comfort zone. But that’s part of the magical journey to this lesser-known country.
When in Georgia, you can expect a tour to start a few minutes later or last a couple of hours more. Especially if there’s a Supra or similar feast involved.
However, that shouldn’t be seen as a source of stress but a unique opportunity to embrace a relaxing world where clocks don’t matter and all the good things last a little bit longer.
6. A Capital City That Instantly Feels Like Home
In this article, we’re not going into much detail about all the incredible things you can do in Tbilisi, Georgia’s fascinating capital.
We have a separate guide for that, focusing on what to do in Tbilisi in winter – because we haven’t been to Tbilisi in any other season yet. But this will change. Tbilisi cast its spell on us and we’ll keep going back for more.
Gorgeous architecture, cosy places to eat and drink, historic bathhouses, history and art at every turn and magnificent views abound in Tbilisi.
Yet, these are things that you can find pretty much everywhere. What steals your heart in Tbilisi is the city’s ability to make you feel at home. Even if you’re very far from your actual home.
With its charming ambience of neglect, friendly and smiling people and down-to-earth looks and lifestyle, Tbilisi is utterly unpretentious.
It feels like a place you’ve known for years but haven’t visited in a while. And it’s always great to be back.
7. Stunning Nature All Year Round
The country of Georgia is blessed with unbelievable natural beauty that is still unspoilt.
From the majestic Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea Coast to otherworldly canyons, lakes, rock formations and caves, Georgia has something for everyone.
Nature lovers can enjoy the country’s pristine scenery throughout the year.
In the spring and summer months, hills and mountains wear their green cloaks, inviting you to walk along hiking trails, through lush valleys, up dramatic mountain tops and past picturesque villages that seem to have been lost in time.
In the winter months, the snow-capped mountain regions are ideal for ski resorts and winter sports enthusiasts.
The remotest locations are a bit hard to reach in the dead of winter. But, if the weather allows, it’s worth marvelling at the unfathomable beauty that awaits there.
8. Rich History at Every Turn
From tales that relate to Ancient Greek mythology to the events that marked the country’s recent – and quite troubled – past, Georgia has a rich history that goes back for many centuries.
Countless monuments and landmarks attest to Georgia’s historical legacy. Visiting some of them is one of the top reasons to travel to Georgia.
From the impressive cave city of Uplistsikhe to the historic centre of Tbilisi to Stalin’s Museum in Gori, the multiple layers of Georgia’s history unfold as you travel through the country, giving you a better understanding of this underrated destination at the edge of Europe.
For a crash course on Georgia’s queens, kings, heroes and religious history, a visit to the impressive Chronicles of Georgia is a must. The views the monument offers to Tbilisi and its surroundings aren’t bad either.
9. Diverse Architecture
If you’ve made it this far in this article and still wondering why you should visit Georgia, the country’s architecture might be the answer for you.
Georgia’s architecture is as diverse as its history, influenced by several styles and spanning many centuries.
Among the most emblematic elements of local architecture, Old Tbilisi’s colourful wooden balconies stand out. Some of them are true pieces of art.
But the Georgian capital isn’t stuck in the past. The futuristic Bridge of Peace in the heart of the city proves it in a dazzling way.
A short driving distance from Tbilisi’s historic centre, the building that houses the headquarters of the Bank of Georgia and the – beloved by photographers – Skybridge are fine examples of Soviet Era architecture.
Mestia and the entire region of Upper Svaneti in northwestern Georgia are known for their characteristic medieval towers that soar above the quaint villages as silent reminders of the area’s former glory.
The wealth of Georgian architecture can’t be exhausted in a handful of paragraphs. We would love to delve into it during our future trips to the country to be able to publish architecture-focused articles.
10. The Perfect Destination For Responsible Travellers (While It Lasts)
We saved the best – and the closest to our hearts – for last. As you may know, we’re very passionate about sustainable travel, always encouraging our readers to travel with a purpose.
Travelling to lesser-known destinations where overtourism is nowhere near negatively affecting the lives of locals is one of the pillars of sustainable travel.
Moreover, destinations that aren’t traditionally touristic but strive to build the necessary infrastructure and set the foundations to attract tourists in a healthy way that will boost the local economy rather than serve the interests of multinational brands are admirable and deserve our full support.
Georgia ticks all the boxes for any responsible traveller looking to plan a trip to a genuinely off-the-beaten-path destination and support the local economy and community in the most meaningful way.
We do hope that more people discover this wonderful country but cringe at the thought of Georgia becoming yet another wonderland, enslaved to the gods of Instagram and the 24-hour-trip and similar trends they inspire.
So, yes, please do visit Georgia before everyone else does. And, yes, tell your friends and family back home how great it was, encouraging them to visit, too.
But, please, don’t fly to Tbilisi for just a few hours if and when a Georgia-related trend appears on social media.
Georgia doesn’t need this type of fleeting “I’ve-been-there” tourism that turns urban areas into circuses of sorts that locals can no longer afford to live in.
Georgia is the ideal place to embrace slow travel, enjoy a longer stay or spend a few days travelling in the old way. When travel was all about seeing and feeling things rather than posing with one’s back turned on all the magic.
This article about why you should visit Georgia turned out a bit longer than planned. But, with all the goodness that awaits in Georgia, it makes sense.
We hope you’re now inspired to visit Georgia, regardless of its few flaws.
Sooner or later, these will inevitably become a thing of the past as Georgia opens up to the world and longs to welcome international visitors from all over the globe.
WORDS & EDITING: Maria
IMAGES: Katerina