The Best Places to Explore in Georgia by Car - Ideal Road Trip Routes

Georgia is one of the best countries for traveling by car. Its diverse landscape, historic sites, mountains, wine regions, and seaside resorts allow you to find yourself in a completely different setting within just a few hours.

However, not all routes are the same. On some routes an ordinary sedan is enough, while elsewhere a high-clearance vehicle is essential. That is exactly why, if you enjoy traveling by car, it is important to know which type of car suits which route.

Here are Georgia's best road trip routes, which will interest travel lovers and car enthusiasts alike. If you're planning to buy a vehicle before your next road trip, explore Mogo's car leasing options to find a financing solution that suits your travel needs.

1. Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

Kazbegi is one of Georgia's gems. Here you will also see the Gergeti Trinity Church.

This same region is home to Mount Kazbek, one of Georgia's most famous and highest mountains, whose peak is always covered in snow. Mount Kazbek is not only a natural wonder but also part of Georgian mythology and history: it was here, according to legend, that Zeus chained Prometheus.

The Military Road offers drivers a unique experience - Ananuri Fortress, the Zhinvali Reservoir, Gudauri, and the Jvari Pass are all combined into a single route.

Recommended vehicle:

• Sedan
• Crossover
• Electric vehicle

Why it is ideal for a road trip:

• High-quality asphalt;
• Numerous scenic stops;
• Availability of fuel stations;
• Comfortable driving throughout the year.

2. Svaneti

Mystical Svaneti, with its centuries-old towers and magnificent mountains.

Svaneti is one of Georgia's most amazing corners, where the grandeur of the mountains and the culture blend together perfectly. In winter you can enjoy the ski resorts here - Tetnuldi and Hatsvali, which are a true paradise for skiing enthusiasts. In summer, the beautiful alpine trails create ideal conditions for hiking, where you will discover impressive views and the historic heritage of the Svan towers.

The route to Mestia has improved considerably in recent years and today is fairly comfortable for modern cars. Nevertheless, special caution is required during the winter season, and when traveling from Mestia toward Ushguli a high-clearance vehicle still represents a significant advantage.

Recommended vehicle:

• Crossover;
• 4x4 jeep;
• All-wheel-drive vehicle.

What to keep in mind:

• In winter, winter tires are essential;
• In mountainous regions, plan refueling in advance;
• Before setting off, be sure to check the weather forecast.

At any time of year, Svaneti will captivate you with its unique atmosphere and unforgettable nature.

3. Vardzia

 Vardzia is a monastery complex carved into the rock, comprising more than 600 chambers - including wine cellars with qvevris and 15 rock-hewn churches, one of which houses the famous fresco of King Tamar. It is this very place that is linked to the legend of the lost King Tamar. Since 1999, monastic life has resumed once again in Vardzia.

Getting to Aspindza is not difficult, and the road is comfortable for a modern car. Along the way, you can also visit Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe.

What to keep in mind:

• The road to Vardzia is paved and easily accessible even with a standard car;
• In summer it is hot - carry water and a hat with you;
• Explore the site in comfortable footwear, as you will have to pass through many steps and narrow passages in the complex.

4. Vashlovani National Park

Vashlovani will show you a completely different Georgia. Its semi-desert landscape, cliffs, and unique nature make it one of the most interesting destinations for car enthusiasts.

Here too a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after the rainy season.

Recommended vehicle:

• SUV
• Pickup
• 4x4 jeep

Before the trip, it is essential to:

• Fill up your fuel supply;
• Plan the route in advance;
• Check the technical condition of the car.

5. The Davit Gareja Monastery Complex

Davit Gareja is an ancient monastery complex located in a semi-desert, distinguished by its unique frescoes and impressive landscapes. This place is not only an ancient symbol of Georgian Christian culture, but also attracts visitors with its beautiful natural landscape and rich history.

Getting there by car is fairly comfortable, although as you approach the complex part of the road is unpaved and gravelly.

What to keep in mind:

• In dry, warm weather the road is passable even with a standard car, but after rain a high-clearance vehicle (a crossover or 4x4) is preferable;
• The final stretch of the road is uneven - drive slowly and carefully;
• Stock up on fuel and water in advance, as services in the nearby area are limited.

6. The Kakheti Wine Road

„The Kakheti Wine Road“ is the general name for the route you travel from Telavi to Sighnaghi. Along the way you will come across numerous wineries and family cellars, from which impressive views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains open up. It is here, in Kakheti, that the ancient tradition of making qvevri wine is still alive to this day, a tradition inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The route is convenient and perfectly comfortable for a modern car, although it is worth allocating your time well - there are many places to stop along the way.

What to keep in mind:

• The road is paved and easily passable even with a standard car;
• Plan your wine tasting so that a sober driver is at the wheel;
• To visit popular wine cellars, book your visit in advance, especially during the high season.
• If fuel economy is important for long-distance travel, explore our guide to the most economical cars.

7. Shatili

About 150 kilometers from Tbilisi, in the heart of Khevsureti, a unique sight awaits you. Shatili - a complex of medieval towers and fortified houses - is Khevsureti's most important cultural heritage. Along the way you will certainly enjoy the impressive landscapes of the Arkhoti and Khada valleys.

The road is mountainous and winding, so special caution is required.

What to keep in mind:

• A high-clearance vehicle is essential, preferably an all-wheel-drive (4x4) one;
• The Datvijvari Pass is often closed in winter - the route is mainly passable in summer and autumn;
• Fill up on fuel in advance and be sure to check the weather forecast, as services along the way are limited.

8. Borjomi

Borjomi is famous for its therapeutic mineral waters and its national park - from the central park you can taste the famous water straight from the spring. For nature lovers, the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is equipped with hiking trails. Here you can also visit the Green Monastery and Timotesubani, which is distinguished by its frescoes from the 12th-13th centuries.

What to keep in mind:

• The road to Borjomi is paved and easily accessible even with a standard car;
• For hiking in the national park, carry comfortable footwear and water with you;
• It is advisable to check the weather forecast before your visit, especially when heading out onto the mountain trails.

9. The Adjara Mountains

 Beyond Batumi, the Adjara Mountains are one of the best examples of Georgia's natural diversity, where the impressive massif of the Caucasus blends with the sea climate. The Goderdzi Pass, with its unique views and clean air, is ideal for relaxation, while Mtirala National Park is distinguished by its subtropical climate and rich flora and fauna. Traveling in the Adjara Mountains is especially impressive in autumn, when the forests fill with a variety of colors. Here you can go hiking, stay in mountain villages, and get to know local traditions.

The route from Batumi to the Goderdzi Pass is one of the most diverse in all of Georgia - within a few hours you go from the seaside to a mountain resort. Part of the road is distinguished by modern infrastructure, although on certain stretches you will have a more comfortable experience with a high-clearance vehicle.

Recommended vehicle:

• Crossover;
• All-wheel-drive vehicle;
• Family SUV.

10. Tusheti

Tusheti is one of Georgia's most distinctive and inaccessible corners, which is especially impressive for its authentic culture and natural beauty. Omalo, Diklo, and Shenako are the main villages of Tusheti, which showcase the uniqueness of local architecture with their towers and historic structures. If adventure and extreme routes appeal to you, you must certainly visit Tusheti.

Traveling here requires courage - the Abano Pass is considered one of the most difficult and highest driving roads in Europe, where getting around with an ordinary car is practically impossible. That is exactly why Tusheti is the best place for those drawn to off-road culture and extreme car travel.

What to keep in mind:

• A high-clearance, all-wheel-drive (4x4) vehicle is essential;
• An experienced driver who has experience driving on mountain roads is advisable;
• The car must be in flawless technical working order;
• Be sure to carry a spare tire and a first-aid kit with you;
• The Abano Pass is passable only during the warm season - in winter the road is closed.

How to Prepare Your Car for a Long Journey?

Before any road trip, it is important to carry out a technical inspection of the car.

Be sure to check:

• The condition of the tires;
• The engine oil;
• The braking system;
• The cooling system;
• The spare tire;
• The first-aid bag.

Especially in mountainous regions, the sound condition of the car is the most important factor for safety.

Conclusion

Georgia is an ideal country for traveling by car. The country's diverse nature allows you to visit the sea, the mountains, the desert, and historic cities all within a single trip.

If you are planning a comfortable, family road trip, Kakheti and Kazbegi are the best choice. For lovers of extreme adventures, Tusheti and Vashlovani offer an unforgettable experience.

The main thing is to choose the right car, plan your route in advance, and always keep the safety rules in mind.

That is exactly how an ordinary drive turns into a true automotive adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which car is needed for traveling in mountainous regions?

For Tusheti and Shatili an all-wheel-drive (4x4) vehicle is essential; for Svaneti and the Adjara Mountains a crossover or SUV will serve you well; while for Borjomi, Vardzia, and the Kakheti Wine Road a standard car is enough.

Which season of the year is best for traveling in the mountains?

Tusheti and Shatili are mainly passable in summer and autumn - in winter the passes are closed. Svaneti, Borjomi, Vardzia, and Kakheti, meanwhile, are accessible throughout the year.

How do I prepare my car for a trip?

Check the tires, engine oil, and the braking and cooling systems. Carry a spare tire and a first-aid kit with you, and in the mountains fill up on fuel in advance and check the weather forecast.