Summer Tour in Georgia: Mountains, Sea, Wine, and the Best Road Trips

Georgia in summer is a traveler's dream, combining beach relaxation, mountain adventures, and rich cultural heritage. From the towering peaks of the Caucasus Mountains to the subtropical shores of the Black Sea, the country amazes visitors with its diverse landscapes. Summer brings lively festivals, open mountain passes, and vineyards ripening under the warm sun. Below, we highlight the most exciting routes through Georgia’s main regions and offer tips to plan the perfect summer trip.

Why Renting a Car in Summer Is the Best Choice

Complete freedom: You're not limited by bus schedules or hotel locations.
Access remote villages, secluded beaches, and scenic trails.
Convenient, travel, especially with children or elderly family members.
Comfort on the road: air conditioning, music, and the flexibility to stop anywhere, anytime.
We offer a wide range of cars—from economical options to SUVs, minivans, and stylish convertibles. All vehicles undergo regular maintenance and are prepared for long journeys.

Summer is peak tourist season in Georgia, creating high demand for car rentals. We strongly recommend booking your vehicle in advance to secure the ideal model at the best price. Convertibles are especially popular during summer, perfect for coastal and wine country routes—fresh air, sunshine, scenic drives, and maximum enjoyment of nature.

Svaneti: Majestic Peaks and Medieval Towers

Summer in Svaneti: mountain landscapes dotted with ancient towers

Svaneti is a mountainous region in northwestern Georgia, renowned for its ancient traditions and breathtaking scenery. Here, the Caucasus Mountains reach their highest peaks, including four of the ten tallest summits of the Caucasus, notably Mount Shkhara (5201 m), Georgia's highest point. Hidden in alpine valleys are authentic villages like Ushguli, Europe's highest permanently inhabited settlement, at about 2100 m above sea level.

The region’s hallmark is its medieval Svan defensive towers, towering dramatically above each village. Around 175 of these stone towers, built between the 9th and 13th centuries, survive today; the architectural ensembles of Upper Svaneti are UNESCO World Heritage sites. In summer, mountain slopes bloom with alpine flowers, providing stunning backdrops for hiking trails. From Mestia—the main town of Svaneti—visitors can trek to glaciers (such as the impressive Ushba) or embark on the famous four-day hike to Ushguli, marveling at rivers and waterfalls along the way. Every evening offers warm Svan hospitality: stay in family guesthouses, taste homemade cheese, and feel like you’re in a fairy tale under the starry skies above Caucasus peaks.

Kakheti: Wineries, Velds, and Historic Towns

Kakheti, a sunny region in eastern Georgia, is famed as the cradle of winemaking. This region produces up to 70% of Georgia's wine, and the tradition of aging wine in clay qvevri vessels dates back 8,000 years and is recognized as a UNESCO intangible heritage. No wonder Kakheti is often called the “Little Tuscany”—its endless vineyards and rolling valleys against the backdrop of mountains create a similarly idyllic landscape. The best time to visit is late summer when grapes ripen, orchards overflow with fresh fruits, and vibrant harvest festivals (Rtveli) with feasts and folk songs take place all over Kakheti.

Aside from wine tastings, Kakheti offers numerous cultural discoveries. Be sure to visit Telavi—the region’s main city and former capital of the Kakhetian kingdom. Here you can explore the Batonis-tsikhe fortress and see the famous 900-year-old plane tree in the city square. Around Telavi, you’ll find Georgia's best wineries (for example, in Tsinandali and Napareuli) and historic monasteries. Not far away is the impressive 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral and Gremi Castle, once a royal residence. Another must-visit is Sighnaghi, a charming hilltop town overlooking the Alazani Valley. Its streets with terracotta roofs and fortress walls create a romantic atmosphere; many visitors enjoy sipping aromatic Kindzmarauli wine here while watching the sunset over the valley. Kakheti generously offers experiences: in a single day, you can visit several wine cellars (marani), meet winemakers, and even take part in grape pressing if you arrive during harvest season. Don’t forget to sample signature Kakhetian wines—the white Rkatsiteli, the red Saperavi, and amber wines fermented with grape skins using ancient techniques. Their flavor fully embodies the spirit of Kakheti’s hot summers and local hospitality.

Adjara: Black Sea Beaches and Tropical Greenery

Batumi's coast—a lively promenade, a modern cityscape, and the azure sea. If you dream of sea and palm trees, head directly to Adjara, an autonomous region in southwestern Georgia washed by the warm Black Sea. The regional capital, Batumi, turns into the Caucasus’s resort capital in summer. This dynamic city surprises with contrasts: historic quarters and shady parks stand alongside shining skyscrapers on the seaside boulevard. The 7-km Batumi promenade is lined with cafes, fountains, and sculptures. During the day, vacationers ride bikes or lounge on the beach, and in the evening the city comes alive with bright lights. Nightlife enthusiasts will appreciate Batumi: in summer, world-famous DJs arrive, open-air jazz concerts take place (the annual Black Sea Jazz Festival traditionally held in July), and numerous bars and clubs stay open till dawn.

Of course, Adjara’s main attraction is its Black Sea beaches. The coastline here is incredibly diverse. Batumi’s beach is pebbly, equipped with facilities and water attractions at every step. In peak season (July–August), the city beach buzzes with activity 24/7: kids ride banana boats and water slides during the day, fruits and corn are sold everywhere, and at night beach parties under the moonlight take place. If you want a change of scenery, explore other coastal gems in Adjara:

Kobuleti—a long beach north of Batumi with mixed sand and fine pebbles, bordered by pine forests filling the air with pine fragrance. This quiet resort town is perfect for family vacations, offering an amusement park, water park, and cozy promenade for evening strolls.
Sarpi—a scenic beach on the Turkish border known for steep cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise water. Here, the shore is covered with smooth pebbles from which thrill-seekers dive into the sea. Underwater rocks enhance water transparency, attracting diving enthusiasts.
Gonio and Kvariati—small resorts south of Batumi known for their clear water and secluded atmosphere. In the morning, sunlight gilds the surrounding mountains, and evenings offer breathtaking sunsets. The sea is calmer here than in the city, and divers explore sunken ships and old mollusk farms underwater.

Away from the coast, Adjara offers mountain adventures. Just an hour’s drive from the hot coastline brings you to the cool foothills of the Lesser Caucasus. Be sure to visit the 20-meter-high Makhuntseti waterfall and the ancient Queen Tamar arched bridge nearby—a perfect picnic spot on a hot day. If you go higher into Khulo mountains, discover the alpine Green Lake (Mtsvane Tba) hidden among fir trees at about 2,000 meters. In August, the alpine village of Beshumi on the lake's shore hosts the traditional Shuamtoba Festival, with horse races, folk music, and outdoor feasts. After the coastal heat, mountainous Adjara brings refreshing coolness, healthy mountain air, and opportunities to experience rural Adjarian mountain life. Descending from mountain passes back to the sea, you’ll appreciate anew all colors of Adjarian summer—from emerald peaks to azure waves of the Black Sea.

Racha: secrets of "Georgia Swiss"

Racha, hidden in the mountains of northwest Georgia, is the perfect destination for those seeking solitude and untouched nature. This region is often called the "Georgian Switzerland" for its scenic alpine landscapes: emerald meadows, pine forests, and mountain lakes set against majestic mountain ranges. Unlike the scorching summer plains, the mountains of Racha boast a mild climate — summers here are comfortably cool, ideal for midday hikes. Racha remains one of Georgia's least traveled regions, preserving its authentic lifestyle and pristine nature. Traveling through the villages of Racha feels like stepping back in time: wooden rural cottages, ancient churches, and vineyards tended by locals using age-old traditions dot the landscape.

One of Racha's greatest treasures is the legendary red Khvanchkara wine, a hallmark of the region. This naturally semi-sweet wine made from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes offers a velvety taste with raspberry notes. Khvanchkara is considered a national treasure of Georgia; it's no wonder Churchill and Roosevelt themselves appreciated a glass during the 1945 Yalta Conference. In Racha, you can enjoy wine tastings in home wineries, where local winemakers gladly share their finest wines, accompanied by the heartfelt polyphonic songs for which the region is famed.

Besides wine tourism, Racha offers plenty of natural attractions. Don't miss the Shaori Reservoir — a vast lake situated around 1,100 meters high, whose mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding forested mountains. Adventure lovers can hike to the alpine lakes Udziro and Masi, hidden among peaks, or even trek to the Buba Glacier near the North Caucasus border (these trips usually require experience). But even without challenging hikes, you won't be bored: the region has many accessible trails along rivers, waterfalls, and caves, ideal for enjoying the silence and coolness of karst grottoes. Culture enthusiasts will find the white-stone Nikortsminda Cathedral particularly captivating, a masterpiece of Georgian architecture from the 11th century with exquisite carvings. Hidden in Racha's mountains, the cathedral impresses visitors both externally and with its preserved frescoes inside. Walking around Nikortsminda, among quiet villages and vineyards, evokes feelings of peace and harmony.

Finally, Racha is steeped in legends. Near the town of Tsageri rises the mysterious Mount Khvamli — a flat-topped cliff immortalized in the myths of Prometheus. According to legend, it was here that angry gods chained Prometheus, and here the Argonauts sailed in search of the Golden Fleece. Today, Khvamli attracts travelers not with its myths but with stunning views: at sunset, its slopes glow with a reddish hue, creating unforgettable scenery. Racha knows how to surprise and inspire — whether through wine stories, mountain legends, or just friendly feasts on verandas overlooking endless forests. This region leaves a unique impression on your heart, beckoning you to return again and again.

Samtskhe-Javakheti: Fortresses, Caves, and Volcanic Lakes

If you're looking for a lesser-known yet impressive destination, head to the Samtskhe-Javakheti region in southern Georgia. It's a land of volcanic plateaus, ancient fortresses, and thermal springs.

The region’s central city is Akhaltsikhe, famous for its fortress, Rabat. This extensive historical and architectural complex has been fully restored, becoming the region’s jewel. Inside, you'll find museums, observation towers, a mosque, a church, and an oriental palace. Nearby is the legendary Vardzia, a monastic complex carved into rock in the 12th century. At its peak, Vardzia had up to 13 levels and over 600 rooms, including churches, monastic cells, wine cellars, and dining halls. Today, visitors can explore tunnels hidden within cliffs and enjoy views of the Mtkvari River valley. You should also visit Lake Paravani, Georgia's largest lake, lying at an elevation of 2,073 meters. It's an excellent spot for picnics and fishing, especially in July and August when alpine meadows are in bloom.

Samtskhe-Javakheti is perfect for independent travel by car, featuring few tourists, excellent roads, and numerous fascinating stops along the way.

Tips for Planning Your Route

Travel Duration: To fully enjoy each region, plan to spend at least 2–3 days in each.
Route and Transport: Distances in Georgia are relatively short — in one day, you can travel from mountains to the sea.
Booking and Season: The summer months (especially July and August) are the busiest, so book accommodation and transportation early.

A summer tour in Georgia provides memories for every taste. In a single journey, you can sunbathe on the beach, conquer a mountain pass, and stroll through vineyards with a glass of wine. When planning your route, freely combine different regions — in Georgia, you can swim in the sea and climb a mountain ridge on the same day. Summer is the ideal time to experience Georgia in all its splendor: lush vineyards, roaring waterfalls, the scent of the sea, and the taste of ripe peaches from local markets.