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Top 10 Places to visit in Georgia Over the last decade, the small nation of Georgia has gone from a backpacker’s secret to a mainstream travel destination. Due to its rich history, friendly locals and scenic landscapes, Georgia is now the most visited country in the Caucasus region. From ancient hilltop churches and green vineyards, to charming ski resorts and the shimmering beaches of the Black Sea, Georgia has something to offer for every traveler. Here’s our pick of the best places to visit in this up-and-coming travel destination. Nr. 10: Batumi Located on Georgia's Black Sea coastline, the city of Batumi is the most popular seaside resort in the country. With its modern architecture and bustling nightlife, the city is commonly thought of as a mecca for gamblers and sun worshippers, earning it the nickname the „Las Vegas of the Black Sea“. Apart from the wide beaches, the city features a charming Old Town that is lined with wooden houses, shady avenues and outdoor cafes. The city is also home a great international restaurant scene, two lively local markets and the world’s second-largest botanical garden. One of the best things to do in Batumi is rent a bicycle, cycle along the beach promenade and take in the interesting atmosphere. Nr. 9: Tbilisi As the capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi is a lively city, built along the twisting valley of the Mtkvari river. With its long and turbulent history, the city has been influenced by many different cultures over the centuries, which is reflected in its diverse architecture, cuisine and traditions. In the center, visitors can wander around the winding streets of the Old Town, admire the wooden houses with their carved balconies and try out some of the Georgian dishes at one of the many restaurants. For the most stunning views of the city, visitors can ride up a cable car to the medieval Narikala Fortress. During the 15-minute ride, visitors can take a peek at the infamous domed bathhouses and other modern marvels such as the Bridge of Peace or the Rice Concert Hall.  Nr. 6: Katskhi Pillar The Katskhi pillar is a natural limestone monolith that towers more than 40 meters into the air, housing one of the most isolated and sacred churches in the world. Situated about 200 kilometers west of Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, this beautiful landmark is notoriously difficult to reach, as no streets lead to the site and the final stretch must be done on a 30-minute hike. Aside from the 8th-century church, the Katskhi complex houses a burial chamber, a wine cellar and three hermit cells. Each day, the monks living below make the nerve-jangling 20-minute climb to the top via a thin steel ladder bolted to the side of the rock. This daily pilgrimage is believed to bring the closer to God.  Nr. 8: Ananuri Located about 70 kilometers from the capital Tbilisi, the spectacular Ananuri Fortress is one of the country’s most important historical monuments. Nestled on the shores of the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir, this medieval castle once stood guard over Georgia’s northern borders. Today, if offers its visitors insights into the country’s rich history within the stunning natural surroundings. Inside the fortress, there are two 17th-century churches, an ancient shrine, beautiful wall paintings and the graves of the Dukes of Aragyi who ruled the area since the 13th century. For the best views of the surroundings and the Zhinvali Reservoir, visitors can climb up the tallest of the two fortress towers. Nr. 5: Uplistsikhe With its remote location in the mountains, the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe is thought to have once been a major political and economic centre of the kingdom of Kartli, housing more than 20.000 people at its peak. However, once Tbilisi became the center of Christianity in Georgia, the cave city lost its importance and eventually was left abandoned, and later was inhabited by monks. Today, visitors come here to discover a series of monolith cave dwellings and winding staircases dug deep into the rock. One of the main attractions is the secret old tunnel that was once used as an escape route and leads to the nearby Mtkvari river. Other interesting sights are the main square, a wine cellar, and the Princely Church. Nr. 3: Sighnaghi Dressed like a Tuscan hilltop village, Sighnaghi easily lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful towns in the country. Perched on a steep hilltop facing the snowcapped Caucasus mountains in the distance, the town fascinates its visitors with a sea of red-tailed roofs, historic buildings and winding cobblestone streets. The city is also the beating heart of Kakheti, Georgia’s most well-known and productive wine region. Beyond the town’s stoned walls, dozens of traditional cellars and wineries attract visitors with full-day guided tours and tastings. The charming Alazani Valley at the bottom of the city is also one of the best places to visit. There are countless monasteries – some with spectacular hilltop locations, others sunken deep into ancient caves. Nr. 2: MTSKHETA As the former capital and one of the oldest cities in Georgia, the city of Mtskheta is located just 20km from Tbilisi. Situated on the banks of the Aragvi River, the city has played a pivotal role in the evolution of Christianity in the country, and as a result houses some of the country’ most important religious sites. The most important monument is the 11th century Sveti-Tskhoveli Cathedral sitting proudly in the center of the city. The UNESCO-listed church is Georgia’s second-largest religious building and stands as one of the finest examples of medieval Georgian architecture. Another highlight is the Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century complex built upon a hilltop high above the city. The beautiful, cross-shaped monastery is a popular pilgrimage site and provides spectacular views over the city and river below. Nr. 7: Mestia Located at an altitude of 1,500 meters, Mestia is the main town in the isolated mountain region of Svaneti. Known as Georgia’s adventure capital, Mestia is also a popular base for trekkers seeking to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Caucasus mountains. The city is instantly recognizable thanks to its square-cut Svan towers, which rise majestically into the air, oozing with centuries of Georgian history and culture. One of the most well-known trails lead to the village of Ushguli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site said to be the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe. The steep cliff road is not for the faint hearted, but makes it possible to visit Ushguli as a day trip. Once at the village, visitors are rewarded with spectacular views of snow peak mountains and medieval defense towers. Nr. 1 Gergeti Church Perhaps the most recognizable icon of Georgia, the Gergeti Trinity Church is perched on a hill in the shadow of the mighty Mount Kazbek. The high-altitude chapel is an impressive sight, especially when seen from afar against the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped mountain peaks. Visitors can reach the church on a two-hour long hike from the town of Stepantsminda, the nearest settlement to the church that’s filled with hotels, bars and supermarkets. The trail leads along beautiful alpine meadows and offers visitors spectacular views of the nearby mountain peaks. For the more adventurous traveler, there are plenty of single and multi-day hikes that push deeper into the mountains along the Russian border. Nr. 4: Gudauri In recent years, Gudauri has risen to establish itself as the country’s prime winter sports destination and has become a real alternative to the bustling ski resorts of the Alps. Located in the Mtskheta region at an elevation of 2200 meters, there are 24 lifts that provide skiers and snowboarders with 80km of groomed slopes. The ski resort caters to every budget, including small family-run hotels and trendy boutique hotels. Gudauri is a great place to visit all year-round, with the summer offering activities such as hiking, paragliding or even horseback riding. Visitors also shouldn’t miss out on a stop at the iconic half-moon shaped Monument to the Georgian and Russian Friendship, built in the early 1980s and offering spectacular panoramic views. Outro Thank you for watching our video on the best places to see in Georgia. 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