Georgia, nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, is a land of stunning natural beauty and deep historical significance.
While its ancient cities and charming streets are often celebrated, Georgia’s subterranean wonders offer a unique perspective on the country’s rich natural landscapes. From ancient cave towns to breathtaking karst caves, these underground marvels tell the story of a nation that nature and human ingenuity have shaped.
Natural Wonders: The Caves of Georgia
Georgia is home to many caves, with more than 1,500 karst caves explored so far. These natural wonders are scattered across the country, with many located in western Georgia.
This region, famous for its snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains and lush valleys, boasts some of the most impressive cave systems in the world.
Prometheus Caves
Address: Kumistavi Village, Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti Region, Georgia
How to get there: Prometheus Cave is about 20 km from the city of Kutaisi.
- From Tbilisi, the easiest route is via the E60 road, which takes around 3.5 hours by car.
- Public transport is available from Kutaisi, where marshrutkas (minibusses) frequently travel to the Cave.
One of Georgia’s most renowned wild attractions is the Prometheus Cave, discovered in 1984. This Cave is a masterpiece of nature, offering stunning views of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years.
Prometheus Cave is accessible, making it an ideal day trip for those exploring Georgia’s underground wonders.
You can join any of the guided tours through the Cave’s six open halls, illuminated with multicolored lights, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
For the adventurous, boat tours are offered along an underground river, providing a unique perspective of the Cave’s natural beauty.
Tips:
- Prometheus Cave is known for its stunning views, with illuminated rock formations and an underground boat tour.
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking as the tour involves a 1,420-meter-long pedestrian path.
- The Cave is cool even in summer, so bring a light jacket.
- The boat tours might not always be operational due to water levels, so check availability ahead of time.
Sataplia Karst Cave and Dinosaur Footprints
Address: Sataplia Nature Reserve, Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti Region, Georgia
How to get there: Located just 7 km from Kutaisi, Sataplia Cave is an easy day trip from the city.
- From Tbilisi, the journey is about 3.5 hours by car.
- Public transport from Kutaisi includes buses and marshrutkas to Sataplia.
This karst cave, named after the surrounding Sataplia Nature Reserve, is famous for its geological formations and the well-preserved dinosaur footprints found nearby.
The Cave is part of a larger complex with a deep gorge offering panoramic views. Although the Cave is relatively short, the surrounding reserve is a haven for wildlife lovers, with thick layers of greenery and forest trails perfect for hiking.
Tips:
- The Cave is part of the Sataplia Nature Reserve, which features a glass walkway offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Don’t miss the dinosaur footprints preserved near the Cave – perfect for history and wildlife lovers.
- This is a family-friendly site, and the paths are relatively easy to navigate.
Exploring Uplistsikhe: Ancient Cave Towns
Address: Uplistsikhe, Gori Municipality, Shida Kartli, Georgia
How to get there: Uplistsikhe is about 78 km from Tbilisi,
- Easy access by car in about 1.5 hours.
- You can also take a marshrutka (minibuss) from Tbilisi to Gori, then a short taxi ride to Uplistsikhe.
If you are interested in Georgia’s ancient times, the Uplistsikhe Cave Town is a must-visit. Located along the banks of the Mtkvari River, this ancient city is carved entirely out of rock and dates back to the early Iron Age.
Uplistsikhe was once a thriving cultural and religious center, home to a dynamic population that lived in hundreds of caves spread across the site. The winding pathways, hidden tunnels, and ancient ruins offer a fascinating view into life thousands of years ago.
Tips:
- Wear sturdy shoes, as the rocky landscape can be irregular, and some paths can be slippery.
- Bring sun protection as the area is quite exposed.
- Plan for at least 2 hours to explore the town’s 700 caves, which include wine presses, tunnels, and a theater.
- A guided tour is highly recommended look if you want a deeper understanding of the place’s history.
Veryovkina Cave: Deepest Cave in the World
Address: Gagra Mountain Range, Abkhazia, Georgia (currently disputed region)
How to get there: Due to its remote location in the Caucasus Mountains, Veryovkina Cave is only accessible to professional spelunkers.
The Veryovkina Cave is the deepest Cave in the world, plunging over 2,200 meters below sea level.
This Cave is not open to casual tourists. It’s only available to professional spelunkers worldwide who come to explore its complex corridors.
Georgia’s caves offer a more accessible way for the average traveler to experience the wonder of the underground world.
Tips:
- If you’re a professional caver, be sure you have all the necessary permits and guides, as this Cave is one of the most challenging in the world.
- For casual tourists, it’s recommended to explore more accessible caves like Prometheus or Sataplia.
Vardzia: Queen Tamar’s Cave Monastery
Address: Erusheti Mountain, Aspindza Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, Georgia
How to get there: Vardzia is about 240 km from Tbilisi, a 4-hour drive.
- You can reach Vardzia from Akhaltsikhe, which is 60 km away.
- Public transport options include marshrutkas from Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe, followed by a taxi or bus to Vardzia.
Another highlight of Georgia’s cave systems is Vardzia, an ancient monastery in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
Built-in the 12th century under the reign of Queen Tamar, Vardzia is one of the most impressive cave cities in the world. The complex, once housed over 2,000 monks, is carved into the side of the Erusheti Mountain and stretches over 500 meters.
When you visit Vardzia caves, you can take a guided tour through the complex, explore its many chambers, and learn about its fascinating history.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring Vardzia involves climbing vertical stairs and guiding tunnels.
- Bring water and a light snack, as the site is remote, and facilities are limited.
- Plan your visit in the morning to avoid the midday heat, and consider hiring a local guide to learn about the site’s rich past.
Natural Beauty of Martvili Canyon
Address: Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region, Georgia
How to get there: Martvili Canyon is about 280 km from Tbilisi and 50 km from Kutaisi.
- The journey from Kutaisi takes around an hour by car.
- Public transport is available from Kutaisi, but a taxi or private car offers more flexibility.
If yoiu are outdoor adventure soul, Martvili Canyon is your destination. Located in western Georgia, this natural wonder is famous for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers.
You can explore the canyon by boat along the river while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Martvili Canyon is an excellent destination for adventure seekers. Dense forests surround the area, providing great hiking, swimming, and even cliff-diving opportunities.
After exploring the canyon, you can relax at a local restaurant and enjoy traditional Georgian cuisine, such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and mtsvadi (grilled meat).
Tips:
- The canyon is best explored by boat, so bring waterproof shoes and prepare to get a little wet.
- Bring sun protection and water if you plan to hike the trails around.
- Nearby, you’ll find charming streets and local restaurants serving traditional Georgian cuisine. Stop for a meal to try delicious food and Georgian wine.
Katskhi Pillar: A Unique Spiritual Retreat
Address: Katskhi Village, Chiatura Municipality, Imereti Region, Georgia
How to get there: Katskhi Pillar is about 190 km from Tbilisi, a 3-hour drive.
- The nearest city is Chiatura, and from there, it’s a short drive to the pillar.
One of Georgia’s most unique natural and spiritual landmarks is the Katskhi Pillar, a towering limestone monolith located in the Imereti region.
This natural wonder rises dramatically from the surrounding valley and is crowned with a small church, which has been a place of solitary worship for centuries.
The climb to the top is only for sacred purposes, but everyone can still enjoy the view of the pillar from the ground and discover the surrounding village.
Tips:
- This is a great stop for exploring the Imereti region’s caves, as Sataplia and Prometheus are also nearby.
- The place is located in a tiny village, so be prepared for a peaceful experience.
Dzudzuana Cave: A H
idden Gem
Address: Dzudzuana Cave, Chiatura Municipality, Imereti region.
How to get there:
- From Tbilisi: It’s about 3 hours. Take the main highway west towards Kutaisi and follow signs to Chiatura.
- From Kutaisi: It’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Chiatura. Follow local roads northward, and similar to coming from Tbilisi.
- From Chiatura, local guidance is recommended to reach the cave.
Dzudzuana Cave is a hidden cave that offers a fascinating view of Georgia’s cultural heritage.
Evidence of human habitation founded in the cave dates back to the Upper Paleolithic era. The cave’s unique features, including its two floors and challenging navigation, make it a fascinating destination for archaeologists.
One of the most remarkable discoveries in Dzudzuana Cave is a processed and dyed thread dating back to 34,000 years ago. This finding has shed new light on the lives of ancient humans, making Dzudzuana Cave an important site for human history.
Tips:
- Tour Arrangements: Due to the cave’s archaeological significance and protected status, it’s advisable to visit Dzudzuana Cave as part of a tour with a guide, which often requires advance arrangements.
- Appropriate Gear: The cave can be damp and slippery. Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and bring a reliable flashlight.
- Preservation Efforts: As an archaeological site, visitors are expected to respect the environment. Avoid touching any formations or remnants and follow all guidelines provided by your guide.
- Photography: Check if photography is allowed inside the cave, as flash photography can be harmful to ongoing research and preservation efforts.
A Journey Through Time and Nature
Caving in Georgia is a combination of natural beauty, adventure, and history. From the karst caves of Prometheus and Sataplia to the ancient rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe and the depths of Veryovkina, these underground wonders are proof of Georgia’s cultural heritage and landscapes.
Hiking in Martvili, seeing dinosaur footprints in Sataplia, and caving in Georgia will be unforgettable experiences.