Things to do in Mestia: Svaneti’s Mountain Jewel

Nestled high in the Caucasus Mountains of northwestern Georgia lies Mestia, a picturesque town where medieval Svan towers stand tall against a backdrop of rugged peaks. I stayed for a whole month as a digital nomad discovering all the best things to do in Mestia and let me tell you, this place is seriously underrated as a travel destination!

Mestia is the cultural heart of Upper Svaneti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a relatively undiscovered haven for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

Getting to Mestia

Despite its remote location, Mestia is quite well connected by road and air, and I’d definitely recommend booking a transfer with Budget Georgia. Here’s how to get there from a few key spots in Georgia:

From Tbilisi

• Marshrutka (minibus): The cheapest option is to take a marshrutka from Tbilisi’s Didube Bus Station. They leave early (around 7:00 AM) and take 9-10 hours, stopping in Zugdidi before continuing up the winding roads into the mountains. Expect to pay 50 GEL.
• Train & Marshrutka: A more comfortable option is to take the Tbilisi-Zugdidi train (6 hours, 16 GEL), then switch to a marshrutka for the final 3-hour drive (35-40 GEL).
• Flight: Vanilla Sky Airlines operates 1-hour flights from Natakhtari Airport (just outside Tbilisi) to Mestia. Prices start from 90 GEL, but flights are often fully booked and weather dependent.
• Private Taxi: If you prefer a direct and flexible journey, a private driver from Tbilisi costs around 250-300 USD.

From Kutaisi

• Marshrutka: The most common way is to take a direct 5-6 hour marshrutka from Kutaisi’s main bus station for 40 GEL. This is what we did and we booked in advance via Budget Georgia.
• Flight: Kutaisi also has occasional flights to Mestia, usually on Wednesdays, for around 50 GEL.

From Batumi

• Marshrutka: A direct marshrutka takes 6-7 hours (50 GEL), but schedules can be unreliable. A better option is to take a train or minibus to Zugdidi (3 hours, 10 GEL), then a marshrutka to Mestia (35-40 GEL).

Travel Tips: The road to Mestia is mountainous, and delays can occur due to weather or roadworks. If you’re visiting in winter, make sure to check conditions in advance and consider a 4×4 vehicle for safety.

Best Time to Visit

Mestia is a year-round destination, with each season offering something unique:

• Summer (June-August): The best time for hiking, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. However, this is the busiest season, so expect more visitors.
• Autumn (September-October): A stunning time to visit, with golden forests and fewer tourists. By mid-October, it can get quite cold at higher elevations.
• Winter (November-March): Ideal for skiing and snowboarding at Hatsvali and Tetnuldi resorts. However, some hiking trails become inaccessible.
• Spring (April-May): A quieter time, with blooming flowers and dramatic landscapes, but some high-altitude treks may still be snow-covered.

For most people, June to early October offers the best mix of accessibility, good weather, and outdoor activities.

Top Things to Do in Mestia

Hike to Koruldi Lakes

One of Mestia’s most famous hikes, the trail to Koruldi Lakes takes you through pine forests, alpine meadows, and up to a viewpoint with breathtaking views of Mount Ushba. The full hike takes around 8 hours round-trip. You can also take a 4×4 taxi to a higher point and hike the final section.

Trek to Chalaadi Glacier

A shorter 2-3 hour hike that leads to the dramatic Chalaadi Glacier, where you can see ancient ice formations and rushing meltwater streams. The trailhead is a few kilometres outside Mestia, so most visitors take a taxi (30-40 GEL each way) to the starting point.

Ride the Hatsvali Cable Car

Take the Hatsvali cable car up to Zuruldi Ridge for panoramic views. From the top station, you have two great options for exploring the ridge. Or if you don’t fancy a walk, just enjoy the view from the cafe at the top of the cable car!

Option 1: Head left along Zuruldi Ridge for a scenic walk with breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains. This is a great route if you want a leisurely stroll along the ridge with multiple viewpoints, which is perfect for photography.

Option 2: Head right to reach the flying swing, where you can quite literally swing above Mestia. If you choose this route, you can continue down to the lower cable car station, which allows you to return to Mestia without having to hike back up the hill – a much easier way to end your adventure!

The return ticket for the cable car costs 30 GEL, and it’s a fantastic way to experience Mestia’s landscapes from above.

Multi-Day Trek to Ushguli

For serious trekkers, the Mestia to Ushguli trek is one of Georgia’s most rewarding hikes. This 4-day route passes through remote Svan villages, ancient towers, and high mountain passes. Each night, you’ll stay in local guesthouses (60-80 GEL per night, including meals). If you prefer, you can visit Ushguli on a day trip by 4×4 (200-250 GEL per vehicle).

Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography

A must-visit for history lovers, this museum houses a collection of medieval icons, ancient manuscripts, and traditional Svanetian artefacts. Entry is 15 GEL.

Paragliding Over Mestia

For an adrenaline rush, try paragliding over Mestia. Flights start at 300-400 GEL and offer a breathtaking aerial view of the mountains.

Where to Eat

Mestia has a growing food scene with a mix of traditional Svanetian eateries and modern cafes. Whether you’re after a hearty local meal or just a great coffee, here are the best places to eat in Mestia:

• Lushnu Qor – One of the best places in town to try authentic Svanetian cuisine. Their kubdari, tashmijabi, and chvishtari are fantastic, and the cosy, rustic setting makes for a great dining experience.
• Khinkali House – If you love khinkali (Georgian dumplings), this is the place to go. They serve a variety of fillings, including meat, mushroom, and cheese, and they pair well with a cold beer.
• Georgian Bread Bakery – A must-stop for fresh, hot bread straight from the oven. This small local bakery is perfect for grabbing a quick bite before heading out on a hike.
• ERTI KAVA Cafe – The best coffee shop in Mestia, offering quality espresso, great breakfast options, and fresh pastries. The modern, cosy vibe makes it a great place to relax and recharge.
• Twin Peaks – A stylish bar-restaurant that’s great for an evening drink and meal. They have a mix of Georgian and international dishes, and their cocktails and local wines are worth trying.
• Vichnasi – A lesser-known but excellent local restaurant, serving traditional Svanetian dishes with fresh ingredients and homemade flavours. Their meat stews and grilled dishes are especially good.
• Cafe Laila – A popular spot in Mestia’s centre known for its traditional Svanetian food, live music, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great place to try kubdari, chashushuli (spicy beef stew), and local cheeses, all while enjoying a lively evening setting.

Svanetian Cuisine to Try

Svaneti isn’t just about breathtaking hikes and medieval towers – it’s also home to some of Georgia’s most delicious and unique regional dishes. The food here is hearty, designed to keep mountain dwellers fuelled for long days of farming, trekking, and fighting off invaders. If you’re visiting Mestia, here are some must-try Svanetian dishes:

• Khachapuri – The classic Georgian cheese-filled bread that comes in many regional variations. In Svaneti, however, they do things a little differently…
• Fetvraal – Svaneti’s unique take on khachapuri, made with a blend of cheese and millet flour, giving it a slightly grainy texture and a richer taste.
• Kartoplaar – A heartier version of khachapuri that includes mashed potatoes along with the cheese, making it extra filling and perfect for refuelling after a long hike.
• Kubdari – A true Svanetian speciality (and my favourite!), kubdari is a meat-filled pie spiced with cumin, coriander, and other regional herbs. It’s a must-try and best eaten hot from a local bakery.
• Mushroom Kubdari – A vegetarian variation of kubdari that swaps out the meat for a rich and earthy mushroom filling.
• Tashmijabi/Nertsvi – This dish is essentially cheesy mashed potatoes, but calling it that doesn’t do it justice. It’s ridiculously gooey, stretchy, and absolutely addictive.
• Chvishtari – A savoury cornbread with melted cheese inside, often served as a side dish or snack. A bit crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it pairs wonderfully with local honey or Svanetian salt.
• Kalti – A rich meat stew, often slow-cooked with beef or lamb, packed with flavour and served with traditional bread.

Most restaurants and guesthouses in Mestia serve these dishes, so be sure to sample as many as you can during your stay. Pair them with a glass of local wine or chacha, Georgia’s infamous homemade grape spirit, for the full experience.

Where to Stay

• Budget: Nino Ratiani’s Guesthouse (50-60 GEL per person, including breakfast)
• Mid-Range: Hotel Posta (150-250 GEL per night, central location)
• Luxury: Gistola Hotel (upscale hotel with spa and panoramic views)
• Airbnb: Svanland (cute cottage on a family-run campsite)

Most guesthouses in Mestia are family-run, offering a warm and authentic experience. However, they typically only accept cash if you don’t book in advance, so be prepared.

Mestia is one of Georgia’s most magical destinations, offering a mix of adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re hiking to glaciers, sampling Svanetian cuisine, or simply enjoying the mountain air, this town will capture your heart. I hope this travel guide helps you plan an incredible journey – and if you do make it to Mestia, be sure to raise a toast to Svaneti’s enduring spirit!