The summer has finally come, and you catch yourself planning your long awaited trip to Georgia - that strange yet lovely country you heard so much about. Delicious cuisine, friendly people, scenic nature, history, and sprawling nightlife – Georgia offers a refreshing, one-of-a-kind experience. Make best of a summer getaway by checking out our tips before you set off.
Enjoy the Seaside
Contrary to popular opinion, seaside gem Batumi is a lovely place for a springtime break. If you prefer a serene promenade blooming with late spring colors to a crowded beach and endless honk sounds, stay away from the city throughout its high season. However, early summer is when Batumi is at its greenest. Summer is when Batumi sizzles as an authentic melting pot of cultures and traditions with forgiving temperatures and breezy air. Those looking for active nightlife and lively atmosphere should head towards the seaside in late summer, as the period is ripe for late night beach parties and festivals of all kinds.
Getting around in Georgia
The Georgian Transportation infrastructure has improved over the years. Whereas 10 years ago one would hardly imagine any other means of travel apart from a struggling motor vehicle on a rugged road, today’s transportation opportunities range from a helicopter trip to Svaneti peaks to a comfortable high-speed train ride across the country, not to mention the availability of excellent highway routes to top country destinations.
To revel in the Black Sea waves, one needs to book $15 high-speed train ride from Tbilisi to Batumi which, along with all modern day travel niceties including wi-fi and a complimentary bottle of still water, is equipped with everything necessary to make sure your 5 hour trip is a pleasant one.
Experience Summer Festivals and Activities
Tbilisi in summer months is sprawling with outdoor cafes, rooftop bars and open-air music festivals. A recent trend of pop-up flea markets has become very popular among the younger crowd, expats, and tourists as a fun gathering occasion offering performances of various kinds, food stalls and local handmade bric-a-brac.
As the temperatures reach especially high volumes from mid-July to mid-August, submerging one’s body in somewhere cool becomes a top priority. It is not widely known that inside the capital one can find “Tbilisi Sea” - a water reservoir, an artificial lake that serves as a terrific spot for swimming, water sports activities and just lying around under the sun. A noteworthy family recreational place is also “Gino Paradise, a giant water complex bordering “Tbilisi Sea”.
Jazz lovers should not miss the key musical event of the year in Batumi, the Black Sea Jazz Festival, takes place for a week in July. In 2018, from 19 to 22 July, the festival featured Robert Plant & Sensational Shifters, DJ Erikah Badu, Trombone shorty & Orleans Avenue, Wyclef Jean, R+R=Now. Black Sea Arena and Batumi Tennis Club are often chosen to be the avenues for the event.
Don't Miss Svaneti
For the hiking and nature lovers among you, the best routes become accessible is summer, particularly during the months of July and August. Svaneti offers spectacular natural scenery, complete with gorgeous views of the Caucasus Mountains, lush green landscapes and indigenous architecture. In order to have a transcending mountain experience and escape the hot sun of the capital, head towards the mountains!
Foodie Adventures Await
If you are a foodie, make sure to visit modern Georgian Fusion restaurants that are currently gaining momentum in the country. Good traditional restaurants serving various sorts of khachapuri and khinkali are surely glorious, but they do have their shortcomings – food that is delicious but too heavy for frequent consumption. Lighter, fresher and healthier dining alternatives are available at modern Georgian Fusion restaurants like Azarphesha, Shavi Lomi, Leila etc. in Tbilisi, Fanfan in Batumi and Marletta in Kakheti. These venues are tastefully authentic in their interior design and menu options and serve tasty local dishes that constitute a creative mix of old and new.
A creative mix of old and new – this is the best way to describe Georgia!
