Sour Springs: Mestia's Natural Mineral Waters

Sour Springs, located in Mestia, Svaneti, are a collection of natural mineral springs celebrated for their purported health benefits. The most well-known springs are Bochkoli and Betkili, both easily accessible from Mestia. These springs are popular among locals and tourists alike, who come to drink the naturally carbonated mineral water straight from the source. To reach Bochkoli Spring, walk past the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography and find a small path near the Mestiachala River. This path will lead you directly to the spring. Betkili Spring is located about 100 meters from the path to Mestiachala; look for a large stone with mineral water flowing underneath. The water at Sour Springs is actively consumed and believed to have healing properties. While specific details on the mineral composition and scientific validation of these claims may vary, mineral springs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine.