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Samtskhe-Javakheti
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Explore Samtskhe-Javakheti for Vardzia, Rabati Castle, Borjomi's forests, volcanic lakes and Georgia's layered southern heritage.

In southern Georgia, Samtskhe-Javakheti occupies a broad and varied landscape of wooded valleys, volcanic plateaux, mineral-water resorts and stark highland lakes. The region extends from the Borjomi gorge and the forested slopes of the Lesser Caucasus towards the open grasslands of Javakheti, close to the borders with Armenia and Turkey. Its distances are considerable, and the changes in scenery are part of the appeal: wooded Samtskhe feels markedly different from the wind-exposed, treeless uplands around Ninotsminda and Akhalkalaki.
Read more about Samtskhe-Javakheti
Akhaltsikhe is the region's principal urban centre and a useful base for exploring southern Georgia. Its most recognisable monument is Rabati Castle, a reconstructed fortified complex whose walls and buildings reflect Georgian, Ottoman and later imperial influences. Farther east, the dramatic cave city of Vardzia is carved into a cliff above the Mtkvari River. Built largely in the twelfth century during the reign of Queen Tamar, it combines chapels, tunnels, living chambers and defensive spaces in a remarkable vertical settlement.
The region also offers a strong natural counterpoint to its historical sites. Borjomi is known for its mineral water, landscaped parks and access to the Borjomi-Kharagauli protected area, while Abastumani retains the atmosphere of a forested mountain resort and is associated with Georgia's historic astrophysical observatory. In Javakheti, the landscape becomes broader and more austere, with volcanic cones, wetlands and lakes such as Paravani, Saghamo, Madatapa and Kartsakhi. These waters are important habitats for migrating and resident birds, although weather can change quickly at altitude.
Samtskhe-Javakheti's cultural character has been shaped by Georgian, Armenian, Muslim and imperial histories. Armenian communities remain particularly prominent in parts of Javakheti, while Meskhetian traditions are central to the identity of Samtskhe. Churches, mosques, fortresses and villages reveal the region's layered past, and local food reflects both Georgian and highland influences. Look for Meskhetian specialities such as tenili cheese and meskhuri khachapuri, alongside Georgian staples and dairy products from the uplands.
This is a region for travellers who enjoy combining major historical sites with long road journeys, uncrowded landscapes and close attention to weather and altitude. Vardzia and Rabati can be visited as headline sights, but the wider experience lies in travelling between them: through river gorges, upland settlements, protected wetlands and market towns where daily life follows a slower rhythm than in Tbilisi or Batumi.

When is the best time to visit Samtskhe-Javakheti?

Best: June–August · 23–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January331
February428
March936
April1440
May1951
June (best)2345
July (best)2740
August (best)2635
September2230
October1635
November940
December235

Getting to and around Samtskhe-Javakheti

How to get there

Most international visitors reach Samtskhe-Javakheti by road from Tbilisi or Kutaisi, both of which have airports outside the region. Tbilisi is generally the most useful international gateway, while Kutaisi can be practical for some European routes. Marshrutkas and long-distance vehicles connect Tbilisi with Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe, although onward journeys to Vardzia and the Javakheti lake district require additional planning. The main approach from Tbilisi follows the Mtkvari valley through Gori and Borjomi; Akhaltsikhe can also be reached from western Georgia via the Rikoti direction and Khashuri. Border crossings towards Armenia and Turkey serve international road traffic but should not be assumed to provide convenient public transport for sightseeing.

Transportation

A private car, hired driver or organised excursion is the most flexible way to explore the region, particularly for Vardzia, Saro, the Javakheti lakes and dispersed fortresses. Local marshrutkas link the principal towns, but services to smaller settlements may be infrequent and seasonal. Borjomi has the strongest public transport connections and is suitable for visitors who prefer to combine town-based travel with guided walks. Roads on major corridors are generally easier than those on remote plateau routes, where potholes, unpaved sections, livestock and adverse weather can slow journeys. Walking is rewarding in Borjomi and around some historic sites, while cycling requires careful preparation because of traffic, altitude and long distances between services.

Top city travel guides in Samtskhe-Javakheti

The cities of Samtskhe-Javakheti, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Samtskhe-Javakheti's attractions range from major medieval monuments to expansive highland landscapes. Vardzia is the region's defining historical visit: its cliffside rooms, churches and passageways reveal the scale of a medieval monastic and defensive settlement. Around Akhaltsikhe, Rabati Castle introduces the region's Georgian, Ottoman and imperial layers, while nearby fortresses and churches reward travellers who follow the Mtkvari valley beyond the main town. Borjomi offers mineral-water traditions, a landscaped central park and access to forested trails in and around the Borjomi-Kharagauli protected landscape. Abastumani combines a mountain-resort setting with the historic Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory and walks through coniferous forests. The eastern districts are more spacious and austere, with Javakheti National Park, volcanic terrain, wetlands and lakes including Paravani, Saghamo, Madatapa and Kartsakhi. These areas are particularly suited to birdwatching, landscape photography and slow road travel, although services are limited and weather can be severe. Historic villages, Armenian churches, rural markets and roadside viewpoints complete an attraction landscape defined less by dense infrastructure than by distance, geology and cultural variety.

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Best landmarks in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe is Samtskhe-Javakheti's most recognisable urban landmark. Its walls, towers, mosque, church and civic buildings illustrate the strategic and religious complexity of a frontier town, although much of the visible complex has been restored. Vardzia is more than an archaeological attraction: the honeycombed cliff above the Mtkvari remains a powerful symbol of medieval Georgian statecraft and monastic culture, with the Church of the Dormition at its core. In Borjomi, the mineral-water tradition is expressed through the resort town's park, springs and historic urban setting, while Abastumani's observatory gives the forested resort a scientific as well as therapeutic identity. The volcanic cone and shorelines around Javakheti's high lakes form a different kind of landmark, marked by open horizons rather than monumental architecture. Atskuri's fortress and historic religious remains, along with scattered defensive sites across the Mtkvari valley, show how strongly geography influenced the region's past. Together these places define a landscape where fortified routes, water, cliffs and upland horizons are as significant as individual buildings.

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Best restaurants in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Dining in Samtskhe-Javakheti combines familiar Georgian cooking with Meskhetian and highland traditions. Restaurants and family-run eateries in Akhaltsikhe and Borjomi commonly serve khinkali, khachapuri, grilled meats, beans, salads with walnuts and seasonal vegetables, while rural meals may place greater emphasis on dairy, bread and preserved foods. Meskhetian specialities include tenili cheese, traditionally pulled into fine strands and shaped into a distinctive compact form, as well as regional variations of filled breads such as meskhuri khachapuri. Javakheti's Armenian cultural influence is also reflected in home cooking and bakery traditions, though menus vary considerably between communities. Borjomi's mineral water is the region's best-known drink product, and local shops may also stock honey, preserves, cheese and dried fruit from surrounding farms. Food markets and village shops are useful for provisions on long excursions, since remote lake districts have few places to eat. In towns, the most reliable choices range from informal cafés and bakeries to Georgian restaurants and family tables arranged through local accommodation.

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Best bars in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Nightlife in Samtskhe-Javakheti is modest and concentrated in Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe rather than organised around large club districts. Evening life generally centres on Georgian restaurants, hotel lounges, cafés and traditional pubs where visitors can try local wine, beer or chacha alongside food. Akhaltsikhe has the broadest choice of places for a later meal or drink, while Borjomi's resort setting brings a quieter mix of cafés, restaurants and seasonal evening activity. In Abastumani, evenings are more about the mountain atmosphere and dark skies than late-night entertainment. Smaller towns and Javakheti villages usually close early, and transport between settlements after dark can be limited. Live music and cultural programmes may appear at individual venues or during seasonal events, but schedules change. Visitors should treat nightlife as an extension of regional dining and hospitality rather than expect a major nightclub scene.

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Best nightclubs in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Nightlife in Samtskhe-Javakheti is modest and concentrated in Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe rather than organised around large club districts. Evening life generally centres on Georgian restaurants, hotel lounges, cafés and traditional pubs where visitors can try local wine, beer or chacha alongside food. Akhaltsikhe has the broadest choice of places for a later meal or drink, while Borjomi's resort setting brings a quieter mix of cafés, restaurants and seasonal evening activity. In Abastumani, evenings are more about the mountain atmosphere and dark skies than late-night entertainment. Smaller towns and Javakheti villages usually close early, and transport between settlements after dark can be limited. Live music and cultural programmes may appear at individual venues or during seasonal events, but schedules change. Visitors should treat nightlife as an extension of regional dining and hospitality rather than expect a major nightclub scene.

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Best shops in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Shopping in Samtskhe-Javakheti is centred on practical market culture, regional food and locally made goods rather than large retail complexes. Akhaltsikhe has the region's broadest selection of supermarkets, everyday shops, bakeries and market stalls, while Borjomi offers visitor-oriented stores selling mineral water, honey, preserves, dried fruit, herbs and small souvenirs. Local cheeses, including Meskhetian tenili cheese when available, make distinctive food gifts, though travellers should consider packaging and border regulations before buying dairy products. Markets and village shops are useful for bread, fruit, vegetables and provisions for journeys into Javakheti, where retail options become sparse. Artisans and small galleries may offer feltwork, textiles, woodwork, ceramics or religious items, but supply varies and should not be assumed to be permanent. In historic areas, compare handmade goods with mass-produced souvenirs and ask about provenance when purchasing antiques or old-looking objects. The most rewarding purchases tend to be edible regional products and modest craft items rather than luxury goods.

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Samtskhe-Javakheti essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Georgian lari, code GEL, used throughout Samtskhe-Javakheti and the rest of Georgia. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in larger hotels, supermarkets, visitor-oriented businesses and many restaurants in Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe, but smaller villages, markets, marshrutkas and family-run establishments may accept only cash. ATMs are available in the main towns but are much less dependable in remote lake districts, so carry sufficient lari when travelling outside urban centres. Exchange rates fluctuate, and visitors should use reputable exchange offices or banks rather than relying on informal transactions.
Safety
Samtskhe-Javakheti is generally suitable for careful independent travel, but its rural geography creates practical hazards. Mountain and plateau weather can change quickly, especially around Javakheti's lakes, and winter snow may disrupt roads. Take sensible precautions near steep paths, cliff edges and the exposed approaches to Vardzia, and use marked routes in protected areas. Driving after dark requires extra care because of poor lighting, animals and variable road surfaces. Keep normal personal-security precautions in towns and busy transport areas, and follow local guidance near international borders and restricted military or infrastructure sites.
Emergency Situations
Georgia's national emergency number is 112, providing access to police, fire and ambulance services. Explain your location as clearly as possible, using a nearby town, road, landmark or GPS coordinates; this is particularly important in the sparsely settled Javakheti plateau. Mobile coverage can be inconsistent around remote lakes and mountain roads, so tell someone your route before setting out and avoid relying solely on a phone. For serious outdoor incidents, emergency services coordinate the appropriate response, but visitors should not assume that specialist mountain or water rescue will be as immediate as in densely populated urban areas.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering Georgian churches and Armenian churches, covering shoulders and knees where requested, and follow instructions about photography. Ask permission before photographing people, homes or religious ceremonies, especially in small villages. Do not climb on fragile masonry at forts, monasteries or Vardzia, and keep away from cliff edges. In the countryside, close gates, avoid disturbing livestock and take all rubbish away. Georgian hospitality can be generous, but accept food and invitations according to your comfort; ordinary courtesy, patience and a modest approach are more useful than assumptions about local customs. Tipping is appreciated in restaurants but is not a substitute for checking the bill.
Local Tips
Use Akhaltsikhe or Borjomi as practical bases, but expect the most remote Javakheti sights to require a full day on the road. Spring and early summer can be rewarding for wetlands and wildflowers, while autumn brings clearer colours in the wooded valleys; highland conditions remain unpredictable in both seasons. At Vardzia, comfortable footwear is more useful than a tightly timed itinerary because the complex involves uneven climbs and passages. In Armenian-majority districts, a few Georgian or Russian phrases may help, while younger residents and tourism workers may also speak English. Buy provisions and fuel before heading towards the lake country.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloგამარჯობა[gamarjoba]
Goodbyeნახვამდის[nakhvamdis]
Yesდიახ[diakh]
Noარა[ara]
Please/You're welcomeგთხოვთ[gtxovt]
Thank youმადლობა[madloba]
Excuse me/Sorryბოდიშით[bodishit]
How are you?როგორ ხარ?[rogor khar?]
Fine. And you?კარგად. და შენ?[kargad. da shen?]
Do you speak English?ინგლისური გსმენიათ?[inglisuri gsmeniat?]
I don't understandშეიძლება ვერ ვხვდები[sheidzleba ver vkhvdebi]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseმინდა მენიუს ნახვა, გთხოვთ[minda menyus nakhava, gtxovt]
I don't eat meatხორცს ვერ ვჭამ[khorts ver vch'am]
Cheers!სიხარულით![sikharulit!]
I would like to pay, pleaseმინდა გადახდა, გთხოვთ[minda gadaxda, gtxovt]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!შველა![shvela!]
Go away!გაქცევა![gak'ceva!]
Call the Police!გამოიძახეთ პოლიცია![gamoidzakhet politsia!]
Call a doctor!გამოიძახეთ ექიმი![gamoidzakhet eqimi!]
I'm lostდაკარგული ვარ[dak'arguli var]
I'm illმგრძნობელობა მაქვს[mgzrvnebola makvs]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...მინდა ვიყიდო...[minda viqido...]
I'm just lookingმხოლოდ ვათვალიერებ[mkholod vathvaliereb]
How much is it?რამდენია მისი ფასი?[ramdenia misi pasi?]
That's too expensiveეს ძალიან ძვირი არის[es dzalian dzviri aris]
Can you lower the price?შეგიძლიათ ფასის დაწევა?[sheidzliat pasis datseva?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?რამდენი საათია?[ramdeni saatia?]
It's one o'clockერთი საათია[erti saatia]
Half past (10)ნახევარი (10)[nakhavari (10)]
Morningდილა[dila]
Afternoonსაღამო[saghamo]
Eveningსაღამო[saghamo]
Yesterdayწინასწარ[ts'inats'ar]
Todayდღეს[dghe]
Tomorrowხვალ[khval]
1ერთი[erti]
2ორი[ori]
3სამი[sami]
4ოთხი[otkh'i]
5ხუთი[khuti]
6ექვსი[ekvsi]
7შვიდი[shvidi]
8რვა[rva]
9ცხრა[tskhr'a]
10ათი[ati]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?სად არის ...?[sad aris ...?]
What's the address?რა არის მისამართი?[ra aris misamarti?]
Can you show me (on the map)?შეგიძლიათ მაჩვენოთ (ქარტაზე)?[sheidzliat machanot (khartaze)?]
When's the next (bus)?როდის არის შემდეგი (ავტობუსი)?[rodis aris shemdeg (avtobusi)?]
A ticket (to ....)ბილეთი (მდე ...)[bileti (mde ...)]

History of Samtskhe-Javakheti

Ancient Meskheti and Early Fortified Settlements

Samtskhe formed part of the ancient south-western Georgian cultural sphere traditionally associated with the Meskhi people. Its valleys connected the Georgian interior with Anatolia and the Armenian highlands, giving settlements in the area strategic importance. Fortified locations, ancient churches and archaeological remains testify to long occupation, although the region's historical record reflects successive political powers rather than a single uninterrupted state. The combination of defensible gorges, fertile river valleys and routes across the Lesser Caucasus shaped settlement patterns that remain visible around Akhaltsikhe, Atskuri and the Mtkvari valley.

The Medieval Georgian Kingdom and Vardzia

Samtskhe became especially important during the consolidation of the medieval Georgian kingdom. Under King George III and Queen Tamar in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries, the Mtkvari valley was strengthened as a route and defensive zone. Vardzia, carved into the Erusheti mountain above the river, developed as a monastic and fortified complex linked with this period. An earthquake later damaged part of the cliff settlement, while military incursions reduced its political importance. Its surviving churches, tunnels and chambers nevertheless preserve one of Georgia's most distinctive medieval legacies.

The Principality of Samtskhe

From the fourteenth century, Samtskhe was governed for long periods by the Jakeli dynasty, whose rulers operated the principality of Samtskhe from their stronghold at Akhaltsikhe. The principality occupied a frontier position between Georgian kingdoms and powerful neighbours, including Ottoman and Persian states. The Jakelis supported fortifications, churches and urban development, but their autonomy was increasingly pressured by regional empires. The political history of this period helps explain the concentration of defensive architecture in the region and the mixed cultural influences found in its historic towns.

Ottoman Rule and Frontier Exchange

The Ottoman Empire gradually incorporated Samtskhe into its administrative system during the sixteenth century, and the region remained an Ottoman frontier for several centuries. Akhaltsikhe, known in Ottoman contexts as Ahıska, was an important administrative and commercial centre. Islamic architecture and communities became part of the local historical landscape, alongside older Georgian Christian traditions. Trade, migration and military movement connected the area with eastern Anatolia and the wider Ottoman world. Rabati's mosque, baths and fortifications reflect this period, although the present complex also includes later reconstruction and restoration.

Russian Imperial Incorporation and Resort Development

Russian imperial forces took Akhaltsikhe in the early nineteenth century, and Samtskhe-Javakheti was subsequently incorporated into the Russian imperial system. New administrative structures, military roads and settlement policies altered the region's political and demographic balance. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Borjomi developed as a resort associated with mineral water, parkland and imperial-era travel, while Abastumani became known as a mountain health resort. The period left visible traces in civic buildings, resort architecture and transport links, as well as in changing patterns of land ownership and migration.

Soviet Transformation and the Meskhetian Deportation

During the Soviet period, collective agriculture, state administration and new infrastructure reshaped rural life across the region. A particularly painful event occurred in 1944, when Stalin's government deported the Meskhetian Muslim population from southern Georgia to Central Asia. Many families were unable to return for decades, and the consequences remain part of the region's social and historical memory. Soviet planning also affected Borjomi, Abastumani and the highland agricultural districts, while industrial and extractive activity altered some landscapes. Modern Samtskhe-Javakheti continues to reflect the legacies of both Soviet policy and earlier population movements.

Independent Georgia and Heritage Renewal

Since Georgia regained independence in 1991, Samtskhe-Javakheti has experienced renewed attention to cultural heritage, regional roads, tourism and protected landscapes. The restoration of Rabati Castle and the presentation of Vardzia have made the region more accessible to international visitors, while Borjomi remains one of the country's best-known resort towns. Javakheti's lakes and wetlands have gained importance for conservation and birdwatching. At the same time, the region continues to face practical challenges associated with remoteness, harsh winters, rural depopulation and the need to balance tourism with the preservation of historic sites and local communities.

Samtskhe-Javakheti in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia

Discover the wonders of Samtskhe-Javakheti with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan, book, and explore effortlessly.

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Experience the best of Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia with Evendo. From historic landmarks to local dining, our app offers everything you need to make your trip unforgettable. Download for free today!

  • History of Samtskhe-Javakheti and travel essentials
  • Tons of local advice to get the most out of your visit
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near Me' feature to see nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local
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Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, our app is designed to help you make the most of your trip.

Discover famous landmarks like the Vardzia cave monastery, Rabati Castle, and the serene Borjomi Central Park. Dive into the rich history of the region with detailed information and stunning images. Explore local attractions, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants like Old Borjomi and Machakhela, known for their authentic Georgian cuisine.

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With features like the ‘Near Me’ option, curated local tips, and easy navigation, you'll feel like a local in no time. Plus, the app is 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. And don't forget, Evendo also covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, making it the perfect travel guide wherever you go.

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