Hostels in Georgia

Situated between Europe and Asia, with the Caucasus Mountain range on the northern border, Black Sea resorts on the west coast, and a large wine-producing region in the east, Georgia has something to offer to all kinds of tourists and at any time of the year. The Georgian government has invested a lot in the tourism industry over the last years, and it is now paying off. Georgia is a stunning country and now has a good infrastructure for budget travelers too.

Hostels in Georgia are plenty, and in every city or town that is interesting to tourists you can find at least one Georgia hostel. Whereas the prices at businesses that cater tourists in some (developing) countries are increased big time, Georgia remains very affordable, not only for transport, food, and possible entrance fees, but also for hostels in Georgia. Georgia hostels are some of the cheapest in the world. Dorm beds at decent hostels in Georgia for a few US Dollars are not unheard of. Some of the cheap hostels in Georgia may even have benefits such as free Georgian wine for hostel guests.

Georgia has a long list of places of interest and it's surely not a country that can be covered in a week, despite its small size on the map. Mountain views that you will never forget, wine tasting in one of the many vineyards, and a long coastline on the Black Sea are what attract all kinds of visitors to the country.

Two of the most popular destinations in the Caucasus Mountains are Mestia and Stepantsminda (formerly known as Kazbegi). These villages are remotely located in the mountains, and offer hikes with the most incredible views. Despite their remote location, they are well connected by mini buses. Stepantsminda is the end of the Georgian part of the military highway, a road that connects Tbilisi with Russia; it's a joyful ride with scenic views and is worth getting off for several stops. Stepantsminda and Gudauri on the military highway are also winter sport destinations.

The Black Sea is a popular beach holiday destination in Georgia, in particular among Georgians, Russians, and Turks. Batumi is the most cosmopolitan city on the Black Sea with a wide rocky beach. If you have been elsewhere in Georgia before, you may question if you really are still in Georgia. Batumi is also the city on the Black Sea with the most Georgia hostels. There are also quieter towns on the Black Sea with Georgia hostels, such as Gonio.

Georgia is mostly a destination for its nature. Citywise, Batumi is one of the more interesting cities to visit. There are also a few cultural sites in Kutaisi, which is also the city where most budget airlines from Europe fly to. Tbilisi is Georgia’s capital and a nice city in which to spend a few days. The most vibrant part of the city is around Rustavelli Avenue, where there are also many Georgia hostels.

Georgia is the oldest wine-producing country in the world, and thus a visit to Georgia would be incomplete without a visit to a vineyard. Base yourself in one of the towns in the Kakheti province and explore from there. Some Georgia hostels organise wine-tasting tours as well. Telavi, Kvareli, Sagarejo, and Sighnaghi are some of the towns with budget accommodations housed in a Georgia hostel.

Other interesting destinations are Borjomi, a national park famous for its spring water; Gori, the birthplace of Stalin with an interesting museum; and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mtskheta. Again, at each of these places you can find Georgia hostels to stay the night.

Handwritten by local expert for Georgia hostels Martin Straatman