When I am thinking about my favourite travel destinations I always think about Georgia. It is not my ultimate best, but I only have very pleasant memories associated with this country and the time I spent there. It was in 2013. After my return I started to recommend this place to my friends, some of them chose to trust me and they, as well, were super satisfied with it! It is a country of contrasts, welcoming people, steeped in history, with great food and wine. And of course spectacular views! So here it goes, my (subjective!) list of reasons why I think you should visit Georgia!
#1: Location
For us, Europeans, Georgia is not so far away, although it is situated on a border between Europe and Asia, in Caucasus region. That means a few things: firstly, that it is culturally attractive and “exotic” place, but it remains accessible. Additionally, it can be reached by a relatively short plane travel (from Poland it is a little more than 4 hours) and, more importantly, is provided by low-cost airlines (like Wizzair from Poland).
#2: Prices
Georgia is a truly accessible, not to say cheap, travel destination, because it is not a western, well-developed country. In other words Georgia is a paradise for low-budget travellers and backpackers.
I have been backpacking in Georgia for a week. During the whole trip I have spent 1100 PLN, which back then should be around 250, max 300 US Dollars, including: the flight tickets, travelling across the country, accommodation, delicious food and wine:) The prices have raised a bit since then, but not significantly, therefore Georgia remains attractive for all tourists, even those "on a budget".
The costs of accommodation for 1 night in a dorm room in the hostels is from around 5 to 10 dollars. If you want to travel from one city to another, you can easily use the trains. In Western Europe trains can be much more expensive than buses, but in Georgia they are not only cheap, but also safe. The same situation with food, you can easily eat in the restaurants for locals and not pay a lot!
# 3: Food
Alexander Pushkin once said
Every Georgian dish is a poem.
Georgian cuisine is sooo delicious, that my mouth is watering when I think about it :) But it is definitely not the best place to be a vegan as it is based on meat. It is also quite stodgy.
There are several traditional types of food, let me just present a few. I will definitely write a separate post, because trust me, it is worth discovering it!
Khachapuri
Khachapuri is an iconic Georgian dish! There are several variations of it but in general we can say that it is a bread filled with cheese. My absolute favourite is the one containing chunks of butter and an egg.
Khinkali
Khinkali is one of the most popular and traditional dishes. Those are the Georgian dumplings that resemble Chinese one. In general they are filled with meat, like lamb, pork or beef, and once they are served the juices remain inside.
You can find a vegetarian version of Khinkali, stuffed with cheese, or mushrooms.
# 4: Wine
Georgia has undoubtedly impressive history of the wine production is one of the oldest wine areas in the world. Just like the cuisine, the wine is a part of Georgian national identity, and something that locals are proud of. Apart from enjoying a glass of wine, or two;), you can arrange a trip to various vineyards, see how they are cultivated and take part of wine tasting.
# 5: Nature
Georgia is a small but diverse country that offers everything one can expect from a holiday destination: Seaside, national parks, or majestic mountains among others
Black Sea coast, with Batumi as main city in the region; the full swimming season lasts from June to the end of September.
Several national parks, because about 7% of Georgia’s territory is under protection.
The Caucasus Mountains offers skiing attractions, alpine-alike, but for a much more affordable price; and for hiking lovers there are mountains to conquer like iconic Kazbegi – 5000 meters above sea level.
# 6: Culture
Despite repeated periods of foreign occupation, Georgia’s rich and ancient historical roots date back thousands of years, lending the country a unique national heritage and culture that will excite any cultural enthusiast. Georgia’s monumental architecture, unique traditional music and colorful dances, world-renowned cinema, theater and art combine to give the country, and its hospitable and gracious citizens, a strong sense of national identity.
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Yes, Georgia is steeped in history, and each region offers stunning spots and monuments to discover. Just to name a few – those that are inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage List:
- Gelati Monastery (also known as the “Golden Age of Georgia”)
- Historical Monuments of Mtskheta, One of the oldest cities of Georgia
- Upper Svaneti, a unique example of mountain scenery with medieval villages and tower houses.
# 7: National dances
Each region has its own distinct dance. I think that the most popular and recognisable for non-locals would be Khorumi – “the war dance”. This is definitely something worth experiencing!
Sending joy!
Kasia