Georgia

Apartments, Hotels, Hostels, Bed and Breakfasts in Georgia

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Georgia, ancient and beautiful

Georgia is a beautiful mountainous country in the South Caucuses boasting a wonderful culture and amazing scenery. To the West the country borders the Black Sea, in the North it borders Russia, in the South Armenia, in the Southeast Azerbaijan and in the Southwest the country borders Turkey.

With a total area of 69,700 square kilometers (about the same size as Ireland) and a population of 4.7 million people, Georgia has a rich history dating back to the 12th century B.C. Most of the population is ethnic Georgians (84%), but Armenians, Russians, Germans, Greeks and more also call Georgia their home. Georgia was one of the first countries to convert to Christianity and the country holds some of the most ancient and beautiful Christian churches and monasteries. Today, over 80% of the population is Eastern Orthodox Christians. 

The official language is Georgian. The older population often also speaks Russian, while the youth are more focused on learning English. 

Lari is the official currency and can be exchanged around the country, but most easily in Tbilisi. Make sure to carry plenty of small bills since making change can often be a frustrating task.

Georgians love their food and wine and there is a huge selection to choose from including a wide variety of unique fruits and vegetables. If at all possible, get invited to somebody’s home for an outstanding home cooked meal.

Georgian Landscape

Spectacular scenery can be found throughout Georgia. The Northern border is formed by the Greater Caucus Mountains, while the Southern border is formed from the much smaller Lesser Caucus Mountains. The Likhi Range divides the country into east and west portions. In ancient times, the Western portion was often referred to as Colchis and the Eastern portion was referred to as Iberia.  

Some of the highest mountains in Europe are found within Georgia including Mount Shkhara and Mount Janga, both of which are over 5000 meters.

There are many plains, plateaus, marshes, forests, hot springs, and even glaciers in Georgia that make the country a fascinating place to visit and make it differ from any other place on Earth.

Tbilisi, the capital city, is the political center of the country and the most cosmopolitan city area of the country. 

The must to see landmarks 

Mount Kazbeg, the stunningly situated Tsminda Sameba Monastery, as well as the Davit Gareja, which overlooks the Azerbaijani desert, are essential stops that every tourist should make while in Georgia. 

The Rioni Region is considered to be the heart of the Western Georgian culture.

There are two UNESCO World Heritage sites located near Kutaisi; the Bagrati Cathedral and the Gelati Monastery. These awe inspiring sites are situated on the mountain slopes above the city and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding area.  

Beyond the thriving city life and wondrous historical and cultural sites, there are a variety of exciting activities that await visitors. One can visit beautiful pebble beaches along the Black Sea in Southwestern Georgia, or sip handcrafted wines while visiting the lush wineries and rolling hills of Kakheti. Alternatively, visitors could take a journey to Abkhazia and relax in the peaceful resorts of Sukhumi, or hit the slopes in Bakuriani.

Practical Information about Georgia

• Local time in Georgia is GMT +4

• The climate is divers depending on location. Mountains play a large part in regulating the weather. Western Georgia tends to be wetter than Eastern Georgia. Western Georgia often experiences cold winters with significant snowfall.

• Citizens of the EU, US and many other countries don’t require a visa as long as their stay is less than 365 days. Visas for other nationalities can generally be obtained at the border within just a few minutes at most road and air border points, but not rail or sea border crossings.

• ATMs are available in Tbilisi and other cities, but ATMs in smaller cities don’t always except foreign cards.  Before leaving Tbilisi make sure to exchange enough money for you trip as exchange rates outside of the main city won’t be favorable.  Banks and exchange cabins are able to exchange currency; often the exchange cabins give better rates.

• Tbilisi has a reputation for street crime but has gotten better the last few years. Muggings are rare but it’s best to not travel alone at night. Pickpocketing is more common, especially when using crowded public transportation but being aware of your surroundings will greatly reduce your chances of running into trouble.

• Abkhazia and South Ossetia are separatist regions of the country. They are not under the control of the Georgian government and they are not very safe to visit.

• The international calling code for Georgia is 995 and the calling conventions are the same as any other country.  Dial 00, then dial the country code, then dial the number.

• No special immunizations are necessary to visit Georgia. Visitors frequently contract Giardia through drinking tap water, unwashed fruit or vegetables, or lake/spring water.

• Wifi is available at major hotels, while internet cafes are cheap and abundant.

• Georgia uses GSM mobile phone technology and several companies offer prepaid SIM cards.

• Georgians are kind and generous. Foreigners are rare and still considered a bit of an oddity so locals may be very interested in getting to know you.

• Georgians drive on the right side of the road.

• Travel with a phrasebook or a guide if you don’t know Russian or Georgian.