Western Georgia & Black Sea Coast

★★★ Kutaisi — Georgia's Second City

Kutaisi (approx. 150,000 inhabitants) is Georgia's second-largest city and the capital of the Imereti region. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe — as early as the 3rd millennium BC, Kutaisi was the center of the Kingdom of Colchis, that mythical land into which the Greek Argonauts sailed to steal the Golden Fleece.

Today, Kutaisi is a pleasant, manageable town on the Rioni River with a charming market, a lively old town, and two of Georgia's most important sacred buildings right on its doorstep.

★★★ Gelati Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage)

The Gelati Monastery (founded in 1106 by King David IV the Builder) is Georgia's most important cultural monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was not only a monastery but also an academy — one of the first centers of higher education in Europe, comparable to the universities of Bologna and Paris.

The main church (Virgin Mary Cathedral) houses a massive mosaic of the Virgin Mary in the apse — one of the most important Byzantine mosaics outside Constantinople. The frescoes (12th–17th century) cover every wall and ceiling. King David IV is buried at the entrance — he wanted everyone entering the monastery to walk over his grave.

11 km northeast of Kutaisi. Marshrutka (1 GEL) or taxi (10 GEL). Free of charge. Appropriate clothing required!

★★ Bagrati Cathedral

The Bagrati Cathedral (11th century) sits atop a hill overlooking Kutaisi and offers a magnificent view over the city and the Rioni Valley. It was destroyed by the Ottomans in 1691 and controversially rebuilt in 2012 — which led to UNESCO revoking its World Heritage status. Nonetheless, the building is impressive, and the panoramic view from the terrace is great.

★★ Kutaisi Market (Green Bazaar)

The Green Bazaar of Kutaisi is one of the best markets in Georgia. Mountains of Churchkhela, spices, Tschurtschchela, cheese, fruits, and pickled vegetables. Locals shop here — the atmosphere is authentic, and the prices unbeatable. Tasting is expressly encouraged!

★★★ Prometheus Cave (Kumistavi Cave)

The Prometheus Cave is one of Europe's most spectacular stalactite caves. A well-developed path leads through massive halls with stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, and underground lakes over a length of 1.4 km (of a total of 11 km explored cave) — atmospherically lit and accompanied by classical music.

The highlight: At the end of the tour, a boat ride on the underground river through a channel with a ceiling just centimeters above the water. A magical experience.

40 km northwest of Kutaisi, near Kumistavi. 23 GEL (cave), +17 GEL (boat ride — definitely book it!). Daily 10:00–17:30. Taxi from Kutaisi approx. 25 GEL (one way). Temperature in the cave: constant 14°C — bring a jacket!

★★ Martvili Canyon

The Martvili Canyon is an emerald green gorge carved by the Abasha River. A short boat ride (20 min.) leads through the narrow canyon with overhanging limestone walls, moss growth, and crystal-clear water. Then a walk along the upper canyon with small waterfalls.

50 km northwest of Kutaisi. 17 GEL (incl. boat ride). Often crowded in summer — come early in the morning!

★★ Okatse Canyon

A dizzying metal walkway (780 m long) leads 50 m high along the Okatse Canyon gorge. At the end: a glass viewpoint that juts out over the abyss. Not for the faint-hearted, but the panorama is sensational.

45 km west of Kutaisi, near Gordi. 17 GEL. Tip: Combine Okatse and Martvili in one day.

★★ Sataplia Nature Reserve

Located near Kutaisi, Sataplia offers a dinosaur footprint (real fossilized tracks!) and a small but lovely stalactite cave. Also, a glass skywalk over Sataplia Mountain with panoramic views. Perfect for families.

10 km northwest of Kutaisi. 17 GEL. Taxi 10 GEL.

★★★ Batumi — Georgia's Black Sea Pearl

Batumi (approx. 180,000 inhabitants) is Georgia's third-largest city and the country's main seaside resort — a fascinating mix of Belle Époque charm and futuristic architecture. Over the past 15 years, the city has transformed from a sleepy port town into one of the most exciting cities on the Black Sea.

The Highlights

• Boulevard (Primorski): The 7 km long seafront promenade is the heart of Batumi — palm trees, sculptures, cafés, bike paths, and the famous sculpture Ali and Nino (two moving metal figures that alternately unite and separate — a symbol of love and understanding between East and West). In the evening at sunset: magical.
• Old Town: The streets around Europe Square (Piazza) are a charming maze of brick houses with Art Nouveau facades, boutiques, and wine bars. On Europe Square stands an astronomical clock tower and the Medea statue with the Golden Fleece.
• Alphabet Tower: A 130 m high tower in the shape of the DNA helix, adorned with the 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet. At the top: a rotating observation platform and a restaurant.
• Beach: Batumi's beach is a pebble beach (no sand!), stretching 6 km along the coast. The Black Sea is pleasantly warm in summer (24–26°C). Sun loungers and beach bars everywhere.
• Botanical Garden: 9 km north of Batumi lies one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe (113 hectares) on a hill above the sea. Subtropical plants from around the world, spectacular views. 15 GEL. Plan at least 2 hours.

Batumi as a Nightlife Destination

Batumi has become one of the liveliest nightlife spots in the Caucasus. In summer (June–September), the city pulses: rooftop bars, beach clubs, casinos (Batumi is Georgia's casino capital — gambling is allowed for foreigners), and music events. The beach promenade becomes a party mile.

Getting There

• Train from Tbilisi: 5h, from 25 GEL. Comfortable and scenic. Night train with sleeping cars available.
• Marshrutka from Tbilisi: 5–6h, 25 GEL. From Didube bus station.
• Flight: Turkish Airlines and Wizz Air fly to Batumi. Seasonal connections in summer.
• Car: Highway Tbilisi–Kutaisi (3h), then country road Kutaisi–Batumi (2.5h).

★★ Kolchis Rainforests and Wetlands (UNESCO World Natural Heritage)

The Kolchis Rainforests and Wetlands were recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage in 2021 and encompass several protected areas along the western Georgian Black Sea coast. They preserve unique wetland ecosystems that have survived almost unchanged since the Tertiary period (2–5 million years ago) — relic forests with plant species that only survived here during the ice ages.

What to See

• Kolkheti National Park (near Poti): Wetlands, peat bogs, and floodplain forests at the mouth of the Rioni. Boat trips through the channels, bird watching (over 200 species, including rare waterfowl). The visitor center organizes guided tours.
• Mtirala National Park (near Batumi): Subtropical rainforest — yes, rainforest in Europe! Mtirala means "the Weeping" — it rains up to 4,520 mm per year here (one of the rainiest places in Europe). Hiking trails through moss-covered forests with lianas and ferns.
• Sataplia Nature Reserve (near Kutaisi): Colchis forest with dinosaur tracks and a stalactite cave.

Why It's Worth It

The Kolchis Wetlands are not a classic tourist highlight — but fascinating for nature lovers. These forests existed when mammoths roamed Europe. Some tree species (Colchic boxwood, Pontic oak) are found nowhere else in the world. It is literally a glimpse into prehistoric Europe.