Holiday in Mestia (Svaneti)
Area in Georgia — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇬🇪
Country
Georgia
Type
Area
Best time to travel
June to September (hiking), January to March (skiing)
Budget/day
60-90€: Boutique hotel, guided trekking tours, local wines
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Kutaisi (approx. 4h with a layover), then marshrutka/rental car to Mestia (approx. 4h of winding roads)
Deals for Mestia (Svaneti):
What makes Mestia (Svaneti) special as a destination?
Mestia is the heart of Svaneti, one of the wildest and most remote mountain regions of the Caucasus. The village at an altitude of 1,500 meters is famous for its medieval defense towers that have shaped the landscape for centuries. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks like Ushba and Tetnuldi, Mestia offers spectacular hikes, including the multi-day trek to Ushguli, the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe. In winter, the young ski resort Hatsvali attracts visitors with affordable prices and empty slopes.
What are the top highlights in Mestia (Svaneti)?
The top highlights in Mestia (Svaneti) include Trek to Ushguli, Svaneti Defense Towers, Koruldi Lakes, Hatsvali Ski Resort.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Trek to Ushguli
Three-day hike to the UNESCO World Heritage site Ushguli at 2,200m — defense towers against the backdrop of the Shkhara Glacier.
Svaneti Defense Towers
Medieval stone towers from the 9th to 12th century, where families sought refuge from invaders.
Koruldi Lakes
Alpine hike to emerald green mountain lakes with panoramic views of the main Caucasus range.
Hatsvali Ski Resort
Georgia's emerging ski resort with affordable lift passes and a grandiose Caucasus backdrop.
Hotels in Mestia (Svaneti)
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Reise-SIM für Mestia (Svaneti)
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Mestia (Svaneti)?
The best time to visit Mestia (Svaneti) is June to September (hiking), January to March (skiing). Mild and sunny, 15-25°C, ideal for hiking In winter: Cold and snowy, -10 to 0°C, ski resort open
Recommended travel time
June to September (hiking), January to March (skiing)
Summer
Mild and sunny, 15-25°C, ideal for hiking
Winter
Cold and snowy, -10 to 0°C, ski resort open
How much does a holiday in Mestia (Svaneti) cost?
Budget travellers: 25-40€: Guesthouse with half board, hiking on your own/day, mid-range: 60-90€: Boutique hotel, guided trekking tours, local wines/day, luxury: 150€+: Luxury lodge, helicopter flight, private guide/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
25-40€: Guesthouse with half board, hiking on your own
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
60-90€: Boutique hotel, guided trekking tours, local wines
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
150€+: Luxury lodge, helicopter flight, private guide
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Mestia (Svaneti)?
Flight to Kutaisi (approx. 4h with a layover), then marshrutka/rental car to Mestia (approx. 4h of winding roads)
Book a package holiday to Mestia (Svaneti)
Compare thousands of package holidays to Mestia (Svaneti) and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Mestia (Svaneti)?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The road to Mestia is winding but paved — a head for heights helps
Local guesthouses offer great Georgian cuisine with half board
For the Ushguli trek, download a GPS track — markings are sparse
Chacha (grape brandy) is offered by every host — enjoy with caution
What should you eat in Mestia (Svaneti)?
Typical specialities in Mestia (Svaneti): Kubdari — Svanetian meat pie filled with seasoned beef and pork, Tashmjabi — Mashed potatoes with Svanetian salt and melted cheese, Khachapuri — Georgian cheese bread, here in the Imeruli variant, Chacha — High-proof grape brandy, homemade by every household.
These specialties you must try!
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