Holidays in Georgia 2026

When is the best time for a holiday in Georgia

Summer (June–September). Beach season in Batumi and along the whole coast, water at +24–26 °C. In the mountains it's ideal for trekking — cool and green. The downside: the coast is crowded in July–August.

Autumn (September–October). The best time for wine and food — it's rtveli, the grape harvest. The sea is still warm in September, the cities are comfortable and there are fewer tourists.

Spring (April–June). Blossoming nature, green gorges and waterfalls, mild weather for cities and excursions. Still cool for the sea, but excellent for everything else.

Winter (December–March). Ski season in Gudauri and Bakuriani, a quiet and cosy Tbilisi, mineral spa resorts. The coast is mild but not for swimming.

How much does a holiday in Georgia cost

Georgia remains one of the most affordable destinations. On a budget — from 100–130 lari per person per day: a guesthouse or hostel, local food, getting around by marshrutka. Comfortable — 200–300 lari per day: a 3–4* hotel, cafés and restaurants, guided excursions. For reference: a hearty dinner in a café — ₾20–35, khachapuri — ₾8–12, a taxi ride around town — ₾5–10, a bottle of good wine — from ₾15. Flights are usually the main expense; the holiday itself is inexpensive.

Holidays in Georgia in 2026: visas, money, staying connected

Visa. Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US and many other countries can stay in Georgia for up to 1 year without a visa; a passport is enough at the border.

Getting there. Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi have international airports; low-cost airlines fly to Kutaisi from many European cities. You can also arrive overland from Turkey, Armenia or Azerbaijan.

Money. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in cities, but carry some cash in lari for villages and markets. Dollars and euros are easy to exchange at a good rate almost everywhere.

Staying connected. A local SIM card (Magti or Silknet) costs from ₾20 with a data package and is issued with your passport in five minutes at the airport or a shop. Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere.

Where to go on your first holiday

The classic first route around Georgia: Tbilisi (2–3 days of walks around the Old Town and the sulphur baths), Kakheti with wine tasting (1 day), Kazbegi and the Georgian Military Road in the mountains (1 day) and Batumi by the sea (2–3 days). A week is enough to get a feel for the whole country. A local guide will help you plan the logistics so you don't lose time on transfers and queues — from ready-made tours of Georgia to individual excursions.

Regions of Georgia: which holiday where

The sea — Adjara. The centre of beach holidays is Batumi: the promenade, water parks, nightlife and pebble beaches. Quieter and more family-friendly are Kobuleti, Gonio and the village of Ureki with its unique black magnetic sand. The swimming season runs from June to September, with the water warming up to +24–26 °C. Half an hour from the coast begin the green mountains of Adjara, with the Makhuntseti waterfall and Queen Tamar's arched bridges.

Mountains. Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) is the most accessible mountain trip from Tbilisi: the Gergeti Trinity Church against a 5,000-metre peak, easily done in a day. For multi-day trekking people head to Svaneti (the towers of Ushguli, views of Ushba) and Tusheti — the wildest and most scenic areas, accessible only in summer. In winter the ski resorts of Gudauri and Bakurianiare open, while Borjomi is known for its mineral water and pine park all year round.

Wine and food — Kakheti. A region in the east of the country, the home of qvevri and of winemaking with an 8,000-year history. Tastings in family marani, the "city of love" Sighnaghi above the Alazani Valley, the Bodbe and Nekresi monasteries. The best time is September–October, during rtveli (the grape harvest), when you can join in the grape crushing.

Cities and culture. Tbilisi — a colourful capital with the Old Town, the Abanotubani sulphur baths and modern art spaces. Mtskheta — the ancient capital and spiritual centre (Svetitskhoveli, Jvari), 20 minutes from Tbilisi. Kutaisi — the gateway to Western Georgia, with the Martvili and Okatse canyons and Prometheus Cave.

Holiday formats: what suits whom

A relaxed holiday. A base in one place (Batumi or Tbilisi) plus day trips — minimal moving around, maximum relaxation. Active. Trekking in Kazbegi, Svaneti and Tusheti, horse riding and jeep tours, rafting. Family with children. The beaches of Ureki and Kobuleti, cable cars, water parks, short excursions. Food and wine. Kakheti, khachapuri and churchkhela master classes, wine routes. A private guide helps put together any of these formats around your dates and pace — so the holiday is unhurried and you don't overpay a tour operator.