Georgia
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Georgia: untamed landscapes, buzzing cities, and long drives
Tucked between Europe and Asia, Georgia isn’t the first country that comes to mind when planning a sabbatical. But maybe that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. Georgia is wild, welcoming, and a little rough around the edges—in the best way. Whether you’re wandering Tbilisi’s creative neighborhoods, paragliding over mountain valleys, or winding your way to a seaside sushi dinner, there’s a feeling here that things are still in motion. Not quite finished. And full of possibility.
A note on driving Georgia
Georgia is made for road trips—but not in the smooth, polished way you might expect in Western Europe. Roads can be long, winding, and a little rough. Distances that look short on the map often take hours. Still, the landscapes are constantly changing, and the views are half the adventure. You’ll pass shepherds guiding flocks, stop at roadside fruit stalls, and wind through valleys that feel completely untouched. For tips and practical info, check our page about renting a car.
A country in progress
What makes Georgia so interesting on sabbatical isn’t just its mix of mountains, wine, sea, and cities. It’s the feeling that the country is still evolving. Some parts feel raw, others polished. Some places are stuck in time, others are way ahead of it. The contrast creates a buzz that’s hard to define but easy to feel.
Best time of year to visit
May-June and September-October
City
Batumi: Rooftop Sushi and Seaside Contrasts
Finish your loop on the western edge of the country in Batumi, Georgia’s Black Sea city. It’s a place of contrast—palm trees meet post-Soviet architecture, and beach promenades share space with casinos and modern high-rises.
Where to eat
Up&Up – a rooftop sushi restaurant with sweeping sea views and a slightly surreal setting.
What to do
Batumi Boulevard – Stroll along this seaside promenade for a mix of modern architecture, public art, and landscaped gardens. It’s perfect for people-watching, cycling, or a sunset walk by the Black Sea.
Old Town – Explore Batumi’s historic center with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lively cafés. Don’t miss Piazza Square and the quaint shops tucked into the side streets.
Botanical Garden – Just outside the city, the Batumi Botanical Garden offers walking trails through diverse plant collections and panoramic views of the coastline.
Beach Time – The pebble and sand beaches along the city’s coastline are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or trying water sports like paddleboarding.
Nature
Gudauri: Paragliding and Mountain Stillness
From Tbilisi, you can follow the Georgian Military Highway north to Gudauri. The road twists through alpine valleys, climbing past ancient churches and gorges until it levels out at one of the country’s top mountain resorts. Inn summer, ski posters feel out of place—but paragliders overhead quickly remind you why this place is worth the trip.
Stay at Gudauri Lodge
Gudauri Lodge sits at altitude, with rooms that overlook the valley and mountain-view balconies for morning coffee. It’s warm and welcoming, offering a quiet base after a day of soaring or hiking.
What to do:
Hiking – summer here is perfect for exploring alpine trails. Routes lead to high ridgelines and crystal-clear mountain lakes, with options for both gentle walks and more challenging hikes.
Paragliding – Gudauri is one of the best spots in the Caucasus for paragliding thanks to its high mountain ridges, stable winds, and wide-open valleys. It’s a mix of calm and adrenaline, offering unmatched aerial views of the surrounding peaks.
Skiing – Maybe surprisingly, but in winter, this area transforms into a true ski town. The slopes offer a mix of runs for all levels, with authentic lodges and mountain cafés adding to the experience.
City
Tbilisi: a capital city bursting with creative energy
Tbilisi has an edge to it—laid-back and layered, with street art, hidden courtyards, and rooftop wine bars woven between old brick buildings and bold Soviet architecture.
Stay at Fabrika
For a stay that taps into the city’s creative scene, base yourself at Fabrika. This former sewing factory has been transformed into a hip hostel with a courtyard full of coffee shops, galleries, and locals working on laptops. The surrounding neighborhood feels raw, artistic, and alive.
Where to eat
Georgia’s traditional food—think cheese-stuffed breads and heavy stews—isn’t always light or exciting. But in Tbilisi, new wave restaurants are adding fresh energy to the food scene. Some favorites:
Shavi Lomi – Creative takes on Georgian classics in a cozy, bohemian setting
Salobie Bia – Modern but grounded, with warm service and flavorful dishes
Lolita – Part bistro, part bar, with an open kitchen and industrial vibe
What to do
Old town- Wander through narrow streets, colorful balconies, and historic churches. Don’t miss landmarks like Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica
Sololaki – This district is full of vintage shops, boutique stores, and antique finds. It’s ideal for anyone hunting for unique souvenirs or quirky fashion pieces
Marjanishvili – An artistic, bohemian area with independent art galleries, street art, and cozy cafés. Great for a creative afternoon of gallery hopping or coffee breaks
Vake – A leafy, upscale neighborhood with elegant streets, boutique stores, and plenty of cafés. Ideal for longer strolls or stopping for a coffee with a view of city life
Fabrika – A former Soviet sewing factory turned cultural hub. This neighborhood is full of art spaces, co-working spots, trendy cafés, and bars, making it a lively place to explore contemporary Tbilisi
