Mestia: What to See, What to Do, and How to Get There from Tbilisi

Mestia is the regional center of Upper Svaneti. This small yet captivating town, with a population of around 2,000 people, is at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

Located 456 kilometers from Tbilisi, the journey to Mestia by car takes approximately 8 hours. Despite its remote location, tourists from around the world visit this mountain village year-round. Let’s explore, what to see in Mestia.

In 2022, Mestia was recognized as one of the best tourist villages by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This achievement marks a historic victory for the South Caucasus region. Mestia truly deserves this accolade, as it offers numerous opportunities and conditions for tourism.

The region is also fascinating due to its unique history. In Mestia, you can explore medieval churches adorned with paintings, icons, and frescoes and admire the Svan Towers, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The exact date of the first tower’s construction remains unknown; however, it is believed that these towers were built between the 8th and 18th centuries. Constructed by hand from local stones, many of these towers have survived to this day. Their striking presence against the backdrop of the mountains adds a special charm and mystery to the landscape of Mestia.

Personal Experience:

I have visited Mestia five times: twice in the summer, once in the fall, and twice in the winter. Each visit revealed a different landscape that amazed me with its beauty. In the summer, vibrant flowers bloom in the mountains of Svaneti, making it an ideal time for hiking. In the fall, the colorful foliage is a sight to behold. And in winter, the snow-covered forests and mountain peaks create a breathtaking scene.

Mestia, the regional center of Upper Svaneti, boasts numerous hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and cafes, along with a wealth of cultural, natural, and historical attractions. In the warmer months, tourists are drawn to the stunning hiking routes that wind through the picturesque landscape. During winter, the nearby ski resorts of Hatsvali and Tetnuldi provide an additional reason to visit Svaneti.

The Svan Towers are the region’s most iconic attraction. Handcrafted from stone, these remarkable structures served multiple purposes: they protected against enemies and avalanches, stored food supplies, housed livestock during winter, and signified a family’s status—typically, the taller and wider the tower, the wealthier the family. These distinctive towers can be found throughout Mestia and in the nearby villages of Latali, Lenzheri, and Ushguli. Each village features towers that vary in shape and color, making them intriguing to explore.

Among these towers, two are open to tourists: the house-museum of the famous climber Mikhail Khergiani and the house-museum of the Margiani clan. Visitors can immerse themselves in the interior of a traditional Svan house, view fascinating exhibitions, and climb to the top for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Working Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday

Make sure to visit this modern museum located near the city center. The exhibits are presented in a European style, and their diversity and authenticity are sure to impress. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Svan people. You’ll find ancient Svan bibles, intricate jewelry, silver and iron weapons, traditional Svan clothing, household items, and much more. After your tour, relax at the museum café, which boasts a lovely view of the Svan Towers.

Mineral springs can be found beyond just Borjomi. Enhance your visit to the museum with a scenic walk along the mountain forest trail. Just a 10-15 minute walk from the museum leads you to an equipped mineral spring that flows directly from the ground, providing refreshing sparkling water.

Working Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

In the summer, you can combine a ride on the cable car with a hike to the Meteorological Station. In winter, it’s worth taking the trip up for the best views of Ushba from the observation deck near the café at the upper station. The cable car has recently been renovated, and while open-air seats are available only at the lower station, comfortable enclosed cabins operate at the upper station. The ascent itself is an unforgettable experience: you’ll rise above the treetops, and enjoy views of Mestia, its iconic towers, and the stunning Caucasus Mountains.

Coordinates: 43.07371858980115, 42.75452343537569

This church is built on the foundation of a temple dating back to the 10th-11th centuries. Inside, you can admire ancient paintings and significant relics, including a unique 11th-century cross, engravings, and a gold and silver jewelry icon depicting St. George.

Coordinates: 43.042880460146634, 42.727421068562265
Working Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM

This cinema screens the film Dede several times per day, which was filmed in Ushguli. The movie explores the complex family dynamics of the Svan people and highlights the challenges faced by women in society. While it presents some difficult themes, it is a compelling and important film for understanding the culture and history of Svaneti.

Indulge in traditional Svan dishes such as kubdari (a meat pie filled with pork, beef, onions, and Svan salt), tashmijabi (mashed potatoes mixed with creamy Svan cheese), and chvishtari (corn flatbread stuffed with cheese). You can find these delicious options and more on the menus at cafes like Laila, Leli, and Lanchval. The first two establishments feature live musical performances in the evenings, allowing you to enjoy Georgian music and singing for free.

Personal Experience:

To secure a spot for a musical performance at Café Laila, it’s best to book a table a day or two in advance. At Café Leli, you can reserve a table just half an hour before your arrival. Starting around 8 PM, a talented group of young Svan musicians performs daily here.

During the warmer months, you can embark on one of the many hiking routes from Mestia, including trails to the Chalaadi Glacier, nearby waterfalls, and the stunning Koruldi Lakes (or simply hike to the observation deck at Cross).

Personal Experience:

From late spring to mid-autumn, a trip to the Ushguli community is highly recommended. This is one of the highest mountain settlements in Europe, where not only the iconic Svan towers are preserved but also the rich traditions of the locals. Here, residents raise livestock, produce their dairy products, and cultivate vegetables. The villages are nestled along the river in a valley that offers breathtaking views of Mount Shkhara, the highest peak in Georgia. This area is incredibly beautiful and exudes a remarkable energy.

To fully appreciate the atmosphere, culture, nature, and architecture of Mestia, plan to spend at least two days exploring this enchanting region.

• Tbilisi to Mestia: 463 km, approximately 8 hours
• Kutaisi to Mestia: 221 km, approximately 5 hours
• Batumi to Mestia: 266 km, approximately 5.5 hours

The journey from Tbilisi to Mestia typically takes between 8 and 10 hours. Most of the road is paved, but there are a few gravel sections along the winding routes. You have several transportation options to reach Mestia, including flying.

By Plane

• Flight Duration: 50 minutes (10:00 AM – 10:50 AM)
• Cost: 90 GEL, which includes baggage up to 15 kg per person (note that you’ll need to pay for a taxi from Mestia Airport). Tickets can be purchased online at vanillasky.ge.

Vanilla Sky operates small planes to and from Mestia, departing from Natakhtari Airport. This is the fastest way to reach Mestia, but keep in mind that flights only operate in good weather. Cancellations and rescheduling can occur during bad weather, sometimes right before departure. You can get a refund on your ticket if you cancel at least 72 hours in advance.

The airline also offers a free shuttle service from the bicycle monument in central Tbilisi (across from the Radisson Hotel). The shuttle leaves 1 hour and 45 minutes before departure. If this timing or location doesn’t work for you, you can arrange a taxi or GoTrip transfer (with the driver coming directly to your home).

By Marshrutka (Minivan)

• Duration: Approximately 9 hours
• Cost: 30 GEL, with departures between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM

Minibuses to Mestia leave daily from Didube Station in Tbilisi. They depart once all seats are filled, and tickets are paid in cash directly to the driver. If you miss a direct marshrutka, you can travel to Zugdidi and transfer to a minivan heading to Mestia, though this option will be slightly more expensive and take longer.

While this is the most affordable option, spending around 10 hours in a marshrutka can be tiring. You may not have much chance to enjoy the scenery along the way, and there’s often limited space for luggage. Consider breaking up the journey over two days with an overnight stay in Kutaisi.

By Taxi

• Cost: From 500 GEL (with additional charges for stops and waiting time)
• Duration: Approximately 8-10 hours

For a more comfortable trip to Mestia, you can book a taxi through an app. However, keep in mind that you won’t be able to choose your driver or vehicle, so it’s somewhat luck-based. In winter, due to high elevations and potentially icy conditions, driving on winding roads can be risky in a standard car; a four-wheel-drive vehicle with good winter tires is recommended.

Car Rental

• Cost: From $50 (approximately 140 GEL) per day (plus a refundable deposit, child seat if needed, and fuel costs)
• Duration: Approximately 8-10 hours

Renting a car is one of the more expensive ways to reach Svaneti. It’s not advisable to rent a car for just one day due to road conditions; winding sections can be challenging and even hazardous for drivers.

GoTrip Transfer

• Duration: Approximately 8-9 hours
• Cost: From 570 GEL

GoTrip offers transfers with experienced drivers using suitable vehicles for this route. You can choose your driver and vehicle based on photos, descriptions, and reviews. Transfers can be booked without a deposit for your desired date and time, with free cancellation available. All stops and waiting times are included in the price. You can also book a return transfer from Mestia to Tbilisi or any other city.

Book a transfer from Tbilisi to Mestia 
Book a transfer from Kutaisi to Mestia