Sunny Georgia is a country of mountains, delicious cuisine, and legendary hospitality. We will tell you below about what will make your vacation here unforgettable:
Georgia is a country with a unique climate, which varies depending on the region and the difference in altitude. In coastal areas, the summers are usually warm and the winters are mild, while the climate becomes more severe the further inland you go.
The ideal time to visit Georgia is in spring. The weather during this time is stable and mild (around 20-24ºC in spring), and rainfall is relatively infrequent. The sea is already warm enough for swimming.
Early autumn is also a good option. However, precipitation is more frequent during this time, and if you plan to explore rural areas, be prepared for the possibility of difficult road conditions due to rain.
On the other hand, summer temperatures often reach up to 40ºC, so it is better to avoid visiting cities in June-August if you are not comfortable with heat. However, you can replace the urban landscape with mountainous scenery: the summer months are the best time to visit high mountain regions and thermal and seaside resorts, where the water remains cold even in the heat.
The only time when it is not recommended to visit Georgia is from November to December and from February to March. During these months, the air humidity is very high, most roads are not in the best condition, and many tourist attractions may be closed.
Georgian Cuisine
Georgian cuisine is a topic that can be talked about endlessly. The variety of dishes is a dream come true for any food lover and a true feast for the taste buds! To help you navigate through this abundance, we'll tell you which dishes you simply must try:
- Khinkali
When visiting Georgia, remember this: khinkali is definitely not dumplings! Do not even think of calling them that in front of Georgians.
These dough pouches filled with meat, herbs, and broth are one of the most popular dishes in Georgia, and there is a special way to eat them. You'll amuse the locals if you attempt to eat khinkali with a fork and knife because traditionally, khinkali is eaten with hands. You hold them by the little knot, take a bite to drink the juice, and then consume the dough and filling.
- Khachapuri
Another favorite of Georgian cuisine. A true khachapuri is a golden, piping hot bread filled with cheese, and there are several types in Georgia. First, there's khachapuri Adjarian style—a boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, topped with an egg and a pat of butter. It is eaten by tearing off pieces of khachapuri and dipping them in the cheese. Second, there's Megrelian khachapuri with cheese inside and cheese and egg on top (cheese lovers, take note!). And of course, there's Imeretian khachapuri—a simple, thin bread with cheese filling.
- Lobio
A everyday but equally delicious dish made from green beans or dried beans, onions, vegetable oil, spices, and herbs. Lobio is traditionally eaten by dipping pieces of lavash bread into it.
- Satsivi
A meat dish served with a sauce of the same name. It is made with chicken, turkey, or goose meat, and its distinctive flavor comes from the sauce made with walnuts. Satsivi is eaten cold.
- Chikhirtma
Definitely try this thick soup made with chicken broth, thickened with cornmeal, flavored with egg yolks, cilantro, herbs, and vinegar. It's not only delicious but also a proven "recovery" remedy after a lively feast.
- Achma
In Georgia, as you might have guessed, cheese is highly cherished, and achma is another testament to that. This delicate layered pastry with a cheese filling will tempt you to have at least a piece!
- Churchkhela
And for dessert, there's the traditional churchkhela, also known as "Georgian Snickers" — nuts dipped in grape juice and dried. Simple, but oh so delicious.
You can taste these and other masterpieces of Georgian cuisine at the Pasanauri bar-restaurant in Tbilisi (37/46 Griboedov Street) or at Khinklis Sakhli (37 Rustaveli Avenue).
Georgian Etiquette
Georgian hospitality is often the first thing that comes to mind when talking about this sunny country. To show the same respect in return, it's helpful to know some peculiarities of Georgian guest etiquette.
- When visiting someone's home, Georgians do not take off their shoes. If you decide to change shoes (or worse, ask for slippers), you risk offending the hosts.
- If you're invited to a table, remember that the main person during any feast is the tamada, who is usually chosen from the most honorable guests. Therefore, never interrupt them.
- Georgian toasts are a special topic. For example, it is not customary to drink until speeches are made by the eldest present (in Georgia, people generally drink only after toasts). When toasting, it is customary to empty the entire glass at once rather than sipping. Another aspect that foreign guests should be prepared for in Georgia is that there are several obligatory toasts, and it would be impolite not to empty your glass for them. So be prepared from the start :)
- When visiting someone's home, always inform the hosts about your departure in advance (at least half an hour). This allows everyone present to say goodbye and raise a toast in your honor.
- A tip from experienced travelers: under no circumstances should you mix Georgian wine and chacha! If you choose to drink wine, stick to it. If you choose chacha, remain loyal to it.
Useful Tips for Tourists
While Georgians are hospitable and welcoming, they are also a passionate people. Therefore, there are a few simple secrets that can help you endear yourself to these proud mountain dwellers:
- In Georgia, religion and everything associated with it are treated with great reverence. When visiting churches and holy sites, make sure to dress appropriately: short shorts and skirts, as well as the absence of head coverings for women, are not acceptable.
- In contrast to the common practice of learning a few basic phrases in the local language before traveling, it is better not to attempt this with Georgian. Speak in English. The reason for this is that in Georgian, the meaning of words can depend on their pronunciation, and an unsuspecting traveler who is not familiar with such nuances can easily get into trouble or even offend the locals.
- Before traveling to Georgia, make sure to exchange your money for Georgian lari (preferably in smaller denominations) in advance. This will make it easier for you to make payments on the spot.
- Avoid making jokes about national topics or comparing different Georgian sub-ethnic groups (Kakhetians, Imeretians, etc.). As the saying goes, what may be allowed for a local is not necessarily appropriate for a foreigner.
What to See in Georgia
In order to see everything that Georgia has to offer, you would need to travel around the country for more than a week. However, there are several places that every self-respecting traveler should visit:
- The Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta, to immerse yourself in the spirit of antiquity and see the ancient capital up close;
- Narikala Fortress in Tbilisi - one of the gems of Georgian history;
- Gremi Castle - a beautiful castle in Kakheti with a rich and ancient history;
- Tmogvi Fortress, built in the Middle Ages high in the mountains on the banks of the Kura River;
- Likani Palace in Borjomi - an embodiment of elegance in the Moorish style;
- The Uplistsikhe Cave Town, carved directly into the rock.
Enjoy your journey!
