The Best Things to See and Do in Georgia in Summer

You can experience Georgia through the eyes of a local by joining Culture Trip’s specially curated nine-day Georgia adventure, which includes visits to Tbilisi, the Caucasus Mountains and plenty more fantastic destinations.

Tbilisi Open Air is one of the most popular music festivals in the country. Organised annually in the month of June, the festival’s main emphasis is electronic and rock music genres. Since 2009, the festival organisers have attracted well-known artists from all over the world to the stage, including Akvarium, Adriatique, Morcheeba and Beth Hart. The festival lasts from three to four days and is held outside the city centre. It even has designated camping areas for those who’d like to stay close by through the whole event.

The town of Gori is located just 86km (53mi) from Tbilisi, making it a great day trip away from the summer heat in the capital. The main reason to visit Gori is that it’s the birthplace of Joseph Stalin and features his house, which is now a museum showcasing important documents and facts about his life. You can even see the private railway carriage he used to travel in.

These lakes are famous for their three different colours: green, blue and white. Located in the Khevsureti region, near the village of Roshka, the lakes lie at 2,600m (8,530ft) above the sea level. You can hike up to all three lakes within a day, but you’ll need to stay overnight either in the village or put up a tent at the Green Lake.

Another great location to explore in the summertime is the town of Stepantsminda and its Gergeti Trinity Church, located 2,170m (7,119ft) above sea level. Situated underneath Mount Kazbek, the area offers a picturesque scene of both the mountains and the church. You can take a small hike from the town towards the church, but you can also hire a delica taxi to take you up there.

If you are a camping fan, then you’ll love Georgia, as the country has no restrictions on where to put up your tent. However, do note that if you want those beautiful views of nature, you’re going to need to do some serious hiking, so backpacking may be part of your itinerary. There are plenty of possibilities for you to choose from, and Culture Trip’s guide to the 10 Best Places to Go Camping in Georgia will definitely help.

In the month of July, the coastal city of Batumi gets quite overcrowded with locals wanting to listen to international jazz stars. However, the festival doesn’t only focus on jazz; it’s scope has expanded over the years and now brings world-famous soul, funk, hip-hop, R&B and disco artists to the event. Macy Grey, Hugh Masekela & Band, Al Jarreau and Kool and the Gang are just a few who have performed for Georgian audiences.

Georgia is known to be the country of beautiful mountains, but there are also many picturesque lakes scattered all over the country. Depending on how many days you have to visit the country, you can definitely try to include one or two of those lakes in your itinerary – you won’t be disappointed. To help you out with your decision, check Culture Trip’s guide to 15 Stunning Lakes You Must Visit in Georgia.

Known for its emerald-green Abasha River, Martvili Canyon should be on your bucket list of the things to do during the summer. Located in the Samegrelo region, it’s one of the most impressive landmarks in the country. You can hike up around the canyon to enjoy the incredibly lush nature, or take a boat ride on the river for a small fee.

The summer months are the perfect time to go hiking in the remote areas of the country, as the roads are clear from the snow, and the weather is comfortably warm during the day. Georgia is a haven for hiking lovers, offering vast possibilities all across the country, including national parks, lakes and mountain glaciers. Do not worry if you are a beginner, there are many trails that are easy to conquer.

Georgia is not all about mountains, hiking and food. Adventure seekers can try extreme sports including parasailing, paragliding and white water rafting – to name just a few. Usually, summer is the best time to tackle these sports and get a bit of adrenaline pumping.

The Svaneti region is considered to be one of the most rural areas of Georgia. The region is home to four of the ten highest peaks of the Caucasus mountain range, medieval defence towers, the highest settlement in Europe (Ushguli) and important museums depicting the life and culture of locals.

Georgia’s prettiest region, Tusheti, should not be missed. The area is rarely visited by locals or foreigners due to the long and narrow, serpentine road that leads over the Abano Pass. Visiting the area does require a couple of days, and most visitors don’t have enough spare days to spend in only one location. If you plan a few more days into your trip, you’ll be able to explore an area of Georgia that few get to see.

The Svaneti region is one of the most ecologically diverse places in the country. Its ruthless beauty with medieval defensive towers overlooking each village will leave you mesmerised.