Top places in Georgia to visit in autumn

Stepping along the streets of this centuries-old city, try not to hurry and pay as much attention as possible to small things and details. It is they who create the true atmosphere of old Tbilisi. Stop to examine the old signs on the buildings, where you can still see the surnames of former owners or traces of pre-revolutionary inscriptions. Turn into quiet Italian courtyards with wooden balconies and spiral staircases — such yards are often hidden from view and open only to those who decide to deviate a little from the usual tourist routes.

Be sure to look into the ancient painted entrance halls as well: behind inconspicuous doors, true works of art are often hidden — ceiling paintings, moldings, old staircases, and stained-glass windows that have preserved the atmosphere of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is in such places that the history of the city and the lives of the people who once lived here are felt especially well.

It is beautiful here at any time of year, but in the autumn Svaneti looks truly fairytale-like. Forests on the slopes are painted in golden and crimson shades, and on the horizon, the snow-white peaks of the Caucasus are already shining. The contrast of yellow-red foliage, transparent mountain air, and snowy peaks creates landscapes that literally take your breath away.

Be sure to visit the village of Ushguli — one of the highest constantly inhabited settlements in Europe. Here, among the ancient Svan towers, the scale of the surrounding mountains and the proximity of the main peak of the region — Mount Shkhara — are felt especially well.

From Mestia, it is also worth heading to the Koruldi Lakes. The ascent takes several hours, but the reward will be incredible panoramas of the Ushba massif and the surrounding peaks. In the autumn it is especially quiet and beautiful here: there are fewer tourists, the air is more transparent, and the mountain landscapes look even more majestic.

If there is an opportunity — it is better to see both. This is exactly how Svaneti reveals itself in all its beauty.

Racha is one of the calmest and most picturesque corners of Georgia. In the autumn this region is especially beautiful: mountain slopes are covered with dense forests painted in golden and copper shades, and fluffy clouds slowly float over the tops of the trees. In such moments, it seems as if time slows down a little here, and you just want to stop, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air, and enjoy the silence.

I advise planning the path to the region through the town of Sachkhere if possible — the road here is very picturesque, with beautiful panoramas of gorges, forests, and small mountain villages. Already the road to Racha itself becomes part of the journey.

Be sure to climb Mount Tskhrajvari — from the summit, stunning views of the Rioni Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges open up. No less beautiful a place is Lake Shaori, one of the most famous lakes in the region. In the autumn its shores, surrounded by forests, look especially atmospheric.

And for wine lovers, a stop at the local winery Royal Khvanchkara will be interesting, where you can get acquainted with the legendary Racha wine "Khvanchkara" and learn more about the winemaking traditions of this land.

One of the most unusual places in Georgia, which is often called the "Georgian safari." This corner of the country is not at all like the usual Caucasian landscapes: here, instead of dense forests, there are semi-desert landscapes, bizarre rock forms, wide valleys, and a sense of true wild nature. Even experienced travelers can be surprised by these places.

In the national park, you can see real mud volcanoes, walk through picturesque gorges, climb to an ancient fortress, and stop at a reservoir where wide panoramas of the surrounding steppes and mountain ranges open up. An abandoned airfield also draws particular interest — a place with an unusual atmosphere that seems to transport you to another era.

In the autumn, a trip here is especially pleasant: the heat is already subsiding, the roads become more comfortable for travel, and nature acquires soft golden hues. We ourselves periodically set out for these parts and each time discover something new here.

The legendary Georgian Military Road connects Tbilisi with the northern regions of the Caucasus. This journey itself becomes a full-fledged adventure: in one day, you drive through mountain gorges, passes, ancient fortresses, and panoramic platforms with breathtaking views.

On the way, be sure to stop at the Ananuri Fortress, which rises picturesquely above the turquoise waters of Zhinvali. Further, the road climbs higher and higher into the mountains and leads to the famous observation deck — the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, from where impressive panoramas of the deep gorges of the Caucasus open up.

After this, the route passes through the Jvari Pass — one of the highest passes on the road. The final point of the journey for many is the village of Stepantsminda, from where one of the most famous views of the country opens — the Gergeti Trinity Church against the background of the majestic peak of Kazbek.

It is no coincidence that this road is called one of the most beautiful in the world. Here, literally around every turn, new landscapes open up, and you want to stop and examine each of them. It is best to see this for yourself.

Imereti is one of the most interesting regions of Georgia, where you can combine an acquaintance with ancient history and beautiful nature. In the autumn it is especially pleasant to travel here: the forests around the canyons are painted in golden hues, and the mild climate makes trips comfortable.

The route should start with the ancient city of Kutaisi — one of the oldest cities in the country. Nearby is the famous Gelati Monastery, founded in the 12th century and included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Nature lovers should visit the Sataplia Nature Reserve with dinosaur footprints and the Prometheus Cave — one of the most famous karst caves in the country. And in the neighboring region of Samegrelo are the picturesque Okatse Canyon and Martvili Canyon, where you can walk along suspended paths or take a boat ride through the canyon.

And of course, do not forget to try the local cuisine — Imeretian khachapuri, homemade cheeses, and other dishes of the region.

By the way, we conduct a signature tour of these places from august 5 to 9, where you can see the main sights of the region and get to know its culture and nature.

Another place to which autumn adds +1000 to beauty and atmosphere. At this time of year, the rocks and forests around the canyon are painted in warm golden hues, and the transparent air makes the landscapes especially expressive.

The main goal of the walk is to climb to the highest point. From here, an impressive 360-degree panorama opens up: rock towers, dense forests, and winding gorges. This is a great place to stop, rest a bit, admire the views, and drink a cup of hot tea.

A unique cave city carved directly into the sheer cliff of Mount Erusheti at an altitude of about 1,300 meters. This grandiose monastery complex was created almost a thousand years ago and still amazes with its scale: dozens of levels, tunnels, cells, churches, and secret passages are carved into the rock.

Today, any traveler can walk through these ancient corridors — literally following in the footsteps of the legendary Queen Tamar, under whom Vardzia experienced its flourish. Walking through the narrow galleries and observation platforms, it is easy to imagine how life was bustling here many centuries ago.

Golden autumn in the mountains of Georgia is a sight that is hard to put into words. Slopes are covered with golden and crimson forests, clouds slowly float over the valleys, and the snowy peaks of the Caucasus become especially expressive against the background of the transparent autumn sky. In such moments, nature seems to freeze, and every landscape looks like a living painting. It is no wonder that it is at this time of year that travels through the country are remembered especially strongly — they can truly give you goosebumps.

For us personally, autumn is our favorite time for trips around Georgia. The roads become quieter, the air cleaner, and the colors of nature deeper and more saturated. Each place reveals itself in a new way: familiar routes look different, and a simple walk in the mountains turns into a real little adventure.

You can visit all these interesting places on your own or set off on a journey together with us — to see even more, learn the history of these places, and get the maximum impressions from the trip. 🍁