Georgia was on my bucket list primarily for the mountains, countryside, and wine, so when it actually happened last month, Svaneti was firmly placed in my sights as a top priority. This spectacular mountainous part of Georgia is situated on a lovely, winding route which is an absolute delight for road trippers.
Many visitors, like yours truly, like to swing from one place to another to explore destinations that are off the beaten path, so I decided to drive from Tbilisi to Mestia (while stopping in beautiful Martvili for two days).
My intention was to see the magnificent Svaneti region of Mestia and to experience for myself the unbelievable tales I heard about its beauty. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. By lunchtime I had reached Svaneti and found myself walking beneath medieval fortified towers, roaming pigs, horses and stone houses seemingly from an entirely different era.
Quick Book Guide to Mestia Georgia
Are you planning a last minute trip to Mestia? Well then fret not, here’s a handy quick book list of best stays and tours.
Top 3 Hotels in Mestia
Hotel Bangurini – This was our preferred hotel in Mestia and we loved it to bits. Lovely scenery and friendly staff made it a great choice and we will highly recommend it. Click to book.
Winterfell Mestia – Chalet in the mountains? Yes please – this is what you get when you book the gorgeous Winterfell.
Ecohouse Svaneti – Sustainable and cost effective rooms with mountain views. Highly recommended for a budget stay in Mestia.
3 Best Tours in Mestia
Day Tour from Mestia to Ushguli
Svaneti Trek Mestia Ushguli 4 Days
Full-Day Historical Tour in Mestia
Other spots on my Georgia road trip itinerary were – Kazbegi, Kakheti and Signagi which I was easily able to cover in my 2 week Georgia itinerary.
Mestia Travel Guide – Food, Stay, Tips & More
For all the grandeur surrounding the place, Svaneti Mestia is still quite underrated. However, things are changing fast and tourist traffic is on the rise. I found the locals to be extremely accommodating and friendly. My stay there was surprisingly cheap and the food, washed down by the customary shot of the ever popular moonshine, cha-cha, very spartan.
The best time to visit Svaneti is during the summer months from June to September. Even though it did get a bit cold, the days were relatively warm and all the hiking trails were open. Svaneti is also fast becoming a winter ski destination between December and April.
How to reach Mestia
The nearest International airport is the Queen Tamar Airport at Kutaisi. Vanilla Sky runs regular flights to Svaneti from Natakhtari aerodrome four times a week (do note that they book well in advance).
From Kutaisi there are minibus connections with Mestia or private taxis on offer. Alternatively, you can access the town by road through Zugdidi from Tbilisi which takes approximately twelve hours to complete. (456 km). Beware the roads are quite treacherous and prone to landslides. This was our mode of transport to Mestia.
Night trains are also a popular option. These services run between Mestia and Tbilisi(8hours) and connect with minibus service from Zugdidi to Mestia (3 hours).
Tip – Click here to read my DIY road trip guide to Georgia to understand how to reach Svaneti and where it can fit into your Georgian itinerary.
Getting around in Svaneti
While there is little or no public transport in the smaller side valleys, getting around Svaneti too has its ups and downs. While the main road to Mestia sees a lot of traffic, so it is recommended to self-drive from Tbilisi.
Georgia is also excellent for hitchhiking and locals are more than happy to offer you a ride.
Eating out in Svaneti
Svaneti, like all other regions of Georgia, has its own local cuisine. I absolutely fell in love with the local foods in Svaneti; my absolute favorite being – Kubdari, which is pretty much a huge chunk of meat stuffed bread.
My favorite place to try this was the lovely cafe/restaurant in the city called – Trattoria Svaneti.
A fun place to enjoy some live Georgian bands in the evening with great food and wine is – Bar-Restaurant Lile.
Guesthouses and restaurants are the only places to get a warm meal in Svaneti and all along the road to Ushguli and further to Zugdidi. While you are there, try out the other signature local dishes of Fetvraal Khachapuri and Chvishtari. Bon appetit!
Where to Stay in Mestia
Hotel Banguriani, Mestia was our pick for the duration of our time in Svaneti. Idyllically located around 1 km from main city center, overlooking the region of Svaneti, this hotel offers unparallel valley and mountain views, right from your verandah.
Hoteles Banguriani Mestia gives the perfect serene environment to relax or make it as the base for your hiking adventures up north.
Staff is friendly and so very helpful. We met the chef who was constantly giving us cha cha shots and hugs.
Love our choice of stay? Click here to check lowest rates for Banguriani.
The cost of accommodation depends entirely on the season and services expected. Family run guesthouses and hotels are widely available throughout the Svaneti Georgia region. I found the Svan families to be very hospitable and almost every evening you can easily end up with homemade food drowned by copious rounds of cha-cha. Still, it is advisable to book in advance, especially in Ushguli and Mestia. Based on your budget, here are some excellent stay options in Mestia.
Don’t forget to read reviews and book here!
Top things to do in Mestia
If you are wondering what to do in Mestia Georgia, then here are my personal recommendations –
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Hiking
Svaneti is a virtual mecca for trekkers, as I discovered from the profusion of outdoor gear outlets in Mestia. From day hikes to multiple-day treks, this is a leading tourist attraction here.
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Visit Ushguli
Tucked securely in the mountains, the four villages of the Ushguli region are said to be the highest permanent abode in Europe and a must-visit spot on any itinerary. If you have limited time and are wondering what to see in Mestia, then a visit to Ushguli should be a part of your itinerary.
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Explore the Svaneti Museum
The Svaneti Museum of Ethnography and History is the window to the incredible history of the region. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily, except Mondays and is well worth the cost of 5 Gel. Surely one of the best Mestia attractions for first time tourists.
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Dine at the highest restaurant in Georgia
A local informed me that the Hatsvali to Zurudi ski lift allows visitors to reach the highest dining outlet in Georgia, Restaurant Zur Aldi, for the ultimate party in the sky. I couldn’t make it, but you must try it.
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Understand local life at Margiani’s Museum
Housed in one of the stone towers, this museum portrays the day to day life of a Svan family. The museum is located on Lanchvali Street and open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
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Climb to the Tower of Love
Few locals could offer authentic Mestia tourist information, but from what we heard, the tower was erected as a shelter for a girl who spent long periods waiting for her lover. Tower of Love is an ideal photo spot between the road from Mestia to Ushguli. Add it to your Mestia things to do list.
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Enjoy Nightlife
As soon as the sun sets, Mestia comes alive with traditional music played by the bands in the many restaurants and cafes of the city. Cafe Laila, for one, on the main square, is the most popular of all. Performances commence daily from 8.30 pm onwards.
Is Mestia Safe for Travelers?
Gone are the issues which prevailed years ago regarding the crime scene in Svaneti. The region now is completely safe to travel, despite the remoteness. Still it is a good idea to avail insurance for Georgia, like every where else.
Till recently, the Svaneti region used to be given a wide berth, even by the citizens of the country. This historic Caucasus region, dating back to the ninth century remained isolated for many years, but things have changed for the better. Today, Svanian fortress is considered to be the most iconic region of Georgia, famous for the ethnographic pieces of art.
Mestia FAQ’s
What is the Best Time to Visit Mestia?
The best months to visit Mestia and surrounding areas are the summer months from June to September.
How Far is Ushguli from Mestia?
The village of Ushguli is a rugged 40 km drive from Mestia.
How is the Road to Drive to Mestia?
Roads are very good all around Georgia and we had no issues driving anywhere in our 4 by 4 wheels.
This was my Mestia travel guide for those visiting this pristine region of Georgia. I had just 3 days here so any tips from those who spent longer or hiked would be epic.
This alongside regular visits to Indian jungles in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, fueled her zest for adventure, nature and wildlife.
Now she is a renowned travel blogger, outreach expert and has worked with over 500 travel brands in the last 15 years.
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