Top 10 Reasons to Visit Guria

Guria, one of the smallest regions in Georgia, is a hidden gem blessed by nature with a stunning array of landscapes. The region’s coastal and mountainous resorts captivate visitors with their beauty and natural qualities.

1. Ureki Black Sea Resort

The history of this Black Sea resort spans over a century, but it has officially been recognized as a resort since 1971. Ureki boasts a humid subtropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 14.3 degrees Celsius. With its sea, sunshine, and beaches composed of magnetic sand, it is an ideal destination for relaxation and healing.

The natural environment of Ureki is particularly beneficial for treating respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal issues. The shallow waters along the Ureki coast make it a family-friendly destination, perfect for vacations with children. Besides Ureki, the coastal towns of Shekvetili and Grigoleti also offer delightful and restorative seaside experiences.

2. Nabeglavi Spa Resort

Nestled at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level, Nabeglavi is renowned for its unique climate and therapeutic properties. The mineral water source here, known as “Nabeglavi,” is popular not only in Georgia but also abroad.

Nabeglavi water is often compared to Borjomi, as its regular consumption helps the body detoxify and replenish essential minerals. It is utilized for treating gastrointestinal disorders, kidney ailments, liver issues, and joint problems, and is available for both drinking and bathing.

3. Bakhmaro Mountain Climate Resort

Bakhmaro, situated at an elevation of 2,050 meters above sea level, boasts a unique microclimate created by its location, coniferous groves, and abundant moist air. This distinctive resort lies in the Chokhatauri region and is surrounded by ancient evergreen plants, leading into a breathtaking alpine zone.

The western part of the valley benefits from the sea breeze, and it is this combination of mountain and sea air that renders the climate of Bakhmaro so exceptional. Each year, on August 19, traditional horse races are held, marking the culmination of the Christian holiday of the Transfiguration. Participants view victory in these races as a matter of honor, attracting not only locals but also visitors from around the world.

While Bakhmaro has traditionally been a summer resort, Georgian authorities are working to establish it as a year-round destination. This year, for the first time, winter sports enthusiasts enjoyed the slopes of Bakhmaro.

4. Lelo: Georgian Rugby

On Easter, the people of Guria engage in the game of Lelo. This traditional sport resembles rugby but is characterized by its lack of formal rules. The exact origins of Lelo are unclear, but it is known that Georgians have played this game since ancient times. Today, the tradition remains alive only in the village of Shukhuti in the Lanchkhuti district.

On this day, villagers split into two teams and compete fiercely for possession of a ball weighing exactly 16 kilograms. The leather ball is filled with sand and sawdust. The game has minimal rules; the competing teams must seize the ball and ground it in the opponent’s penalty area.

Historically, this game was used to hone and develop combat skills for battle.

5. Black Sea Arena

Opened nearly a decade ago along the Black Sea coast in Ureki, the Black Sea Arena has become a hallmark of the Guria region. The project, funded by billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, cost approximately $115 million.

The stage has hosted international stars such as Christina Aguilera, Vanessa Mae, the Scorpions, Aerosmith, Elton John, and Thirty Seconds to Mars, among others.

This year, as part of the Starring Georgia project, renowned bands including OneRepublic, Jungle, and once again the Scorpions will perform at the Black Sea Arena in Shekvetili.

Adjacent to the concert hall is the “Musicians’ Park,” featuring sculptures of iconic artists such as Elton John, Luciano Pavarotti, Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, Michael Jackson, Jansugh Kakhidze, and Viktor Dolidze. Each monument is equipped with a speaker playing the most famous compositions from the respective artist’s repertoire.

6. Palace of the Gurieli Princes

The Palace of the Gurieli Princes, built in 1873, still stands in the city of Ozurgeti. The Gurieli dynasty governed Guria for centuries, and this historic building is the city’s main attraction.

From 1974 to 1991, the palace housed a local history museum. Later, it was converted into a church that operated until 2008. Today, the building serves as the residence of the Bishop of Shemokmedi.

7. Tskhvarichamia Monastery (Shemokmedi)

This medieval monastery holds a special place among the region’s attractions. Perched on a hill, it comprises two churches and a bell tower. The right church was constructed in the 12th century, while the left dates back to the 16th century.

Shemokmedi was once regarded as one of the wealthiest monasteries not only in Guria but throughout Georgia. It also serves as the burial site of the Gurieli princes, adding to its historical significance.

8. Jumati Monastery Complex

The Jumati Monastery Complex is second only to Shemokmedi in historical importance within Guria. Located 15 kilometers from the center of Ozurgeti, atop a mountain, it offers breathtaking views of the Colchis Plain.

The complex features the medieval church dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel, a bell tower, and several other structures. The interior frescoes of the church date from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Once home to exquisite examples of Georgian chiseled art, many artifacts have unfortunately been lost over time, including an 11th-century gold icon of Saint George. A fragment of its frame is preserved in the Hermitage, highlighting the complex’s rich artistic heritage.

9. Askana Fortress

The Askana Fortress is a construction from the feudal period, with evidence of habitation dating back to ancient times, as indicated by artifacts from the first millennium BC.

At the fortress’s entrance, a lake with a deep well is found in the rocky soil, marking the start of a secret underground passage that connects the fortress to the Bakhvitskali valley. This fascinating historical site offers a glimpse into the region’s past and its strategic importance throughout history.

10. Ozurgeti Historical Museum

To truly understand the history of Ozurgeti, a visit to the historical museum is essential. The museum houses approximately six thousand exhibits, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Among the most intriguing items are Paleolithic artifacts, fragments of early architectural structures, and exquisite silver and gold pieces from antiquity. The museum also features ancient weaponry, including a sword gifted by Napoleon to French Prince Achille Murat. Personal belongings of the Gurieli princes are on display, providing visitors with a fascinating insight into the region’s illustrious history.