Fascinating Georgia offers travelers delicious food, stunning scenery and interesting cities.
Georgia is a freak of the Caucasus, whose unique atmosphere is definitely worth exploring. The roots of the former Soviet republic of Georgia go back a long way in history.
Georgia is the former Georgia
This destination guide covers the Georgian state on the European-Asian border in the Caucasus. You can find a destination guide for the U.S. state of Georgia here.
As an eastern European country listed on countryaah, Georgia is located in the Caucasus between Russia, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Georgians themselves count their country as belonging to Europe, and are proud of their long history and unique culture. For example, the country has its own, curvy letters and the Georgian language is not related to those spoken in neighboring countries.
Short for GA by abbreviationfinder, Georgia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity, and the majority of Georgians belong to the country’s own Orthodox Church.
The spectacular nature is a reason for many to visit Georgia.
Georgia is a small but diverse country
The geography of the small country, about 70,000 square kilometers, is diverse: a tourist can enjoy a beach holiday in the Black Sea beach resorts, ski and hike in the mountains or visit the green wine regions. The number of tourists is growing all the time and tourists have found especially the beaches of the capital Tbilisi as well as the Black Sea. Handsome nature is also popular with hiking holidaymakers. Good hiking destinations include the Svanet and Kazbeg areas.
The climate varies a lot. On the Black Sea coast, it is subtropical, with a cooler continental climate inland.
Georgia is known for its cooking skills
Georgian cooking was the pride of the Soviet Union. The food culture is characterized by fresh breads, cheeses and the abundant use of vegetables and fruits. During the trip, you should taste at least hatsapuri, ie bread stuffed with cheese, churchela sticks made from fruit juice and nuts, and local dumplings. Khinkali dumplings can be stuffed with meat, cheese or even mushrooms. So even vegetarians can find options at the Georgian table.
The price level in Georgian restaurants varies from side to side: in the best places in the capital, prices can rise to the level of Finland, but in smaller places and more ordinary restaurants you can get a meal very cheaply. The level of food may not vary much between gourmet restaurants and base locations – you shouldn’t be shy about places favored by locals, even if the setting doesn’t look inviting. The best meals are usually enjoyed where you would not expect it.
Georgia has a long wine tradition
Georgia’s wine culture dates back many thousands of years and the country’s plantations are said to be among the oldest in the world. Based on archaeological excavations, wine has been produced in the country as early as 8,000 years ago.
A visit to the Telavi wine region provides an opportunity to learn about the traditional production method, where the wine is matured in earthen clay tanks. The most well-known grape varieties are Saperavi, Rkatsteli and Mtvani. Especially the dark-speaking Saperavi red wines are praised by many visitors – their Taste has strong tannins and hot earth flavors. The most popular of the white wines is probably Tkatali mixed with Rkatsteli and Mtvani grapes.
Lovers of stronger spirits should try the local brandy or chacha. Of the non-alcoholic beverages, it is worth mentioning the powerful mineral mineral waters, the best known of which is Borjomi. Georgian lemonades are also worth tasting. The most popular flavors are tarragon, pear and grape.
Russian skills help in business
In Georgia it is possible to get the service in English and in the capital Tbilisi there is a reasonably good English language sign. However, it is not possible to resort to England in all situations, as many, especially the older generation, have never studied the language at all. Few Finns speak the local language or are able to read their own letters in Georgian, so Russian skills are of great help here. Knowing the numbers already helps, for example, in taxi fares.
It is worth remembering that the Georgian lari cannot be exchanged in advance in Finland. It is therefore a good idea to set aside enough euros that can be exchanged at currency exchange points. The interface of local ATMs is often cumbersome, and it is not always possible to withdraw money from them. In restaurants and shops you can usually pay by card and local payment is used a lot.
Security situation in the Caucasus
The security situation in the Caucasus countries has at times been flammable. However, Georgia is essentially a safe travel destination where normal common sense can go a long way and there is no need to fear movement.
However, there are certain areas in the country where the average tourist should stay away: the border conflicts with Russia in South Ossetia and Abkhazia remain unresolved and these areas cannot be considered completely safe. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you can only travel to them with the special permission of the Georgian Ministry of Interior. EU observers are monitoring the ceasefire in the regions.
Tourists should also avoid moving close to the administrative boundaries of these conflict areas. The danger is that there may still be unexploded ordnance in the terrain.
