Mestia serves as the cultural and historical heart of Georgia’s most mountainous region, Svaneti. Perched at an elevation of 1,500 meters in a breathtaking valley at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, this picturesque town may be modest in size, but it boasts a wealth of sights and experiences. From medieval churches and chapels to ancient homes and the region’s famed Svan towers, the architectural heritage of Upper Svaneti has earned UNESCO World Heritage status. In recent years, however, travelers have also flocked here not only to admire the awe-inspiring scenery but to enjoy skiing at a modern resort that opened just a few years ago. Mestia has also gained a reputation as Georgia’s premier hub for mountaineering and alpine tourism, serving as a starting point for expeditions to peaks such as Janga-Tau, Ushba, Shkhara, and other lofty summits.
Historically, the region was characterized by a unique social structure in which villages would unite to form close-knit communities, a necessity in these isolated highlands where cooperation often meant survival. The central part of Mestia was once known as Seti, and today it remains the site of the town’s main square. Surrounding this core are three historic villages—Lagami, Lanchvali, and Lekhtagi—each still distinguishable by the preserved stone towers that mark their legacy.
The Svan towers are among Mestia’s most iconic historic and architectural features. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, these robust stone structures were designed as fortifications to protect local families from invaders. Despite variations in location and size, all were constructed following a similar blueprint. The first level was a solid stone foundation, roughly two meters high, that helped the tower withstand natural disasters and enemy assaults. Above this, a small hatch—accessible only by a removable ladder—served as the entrance. The interior floors above were divided into rooms of varying purpose, while the top level offered a lookout point with panoramic views.
Among Mestia’s most important religious monuments is the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, located in the village of Lagami, now part of the greater Mestia area. This church is a two-level construction: the first level was built in the 9th century, and the second was added in the 13th century.
The town’s Museum of History and Ethnography safeguards some of Georgia’s greatest cultural treasures. With a collection exceeding 200,000 items, it features rare icons, ancient manuscripts rescued from invading forces, archaeological artifacts, and more. Another highlight is the House-Museum of legendary Soviet-era mountaineer Mikheil Khergiani. This museum offers fascinating exhibits tracing the evolution of Soviet mountaineering and honors the life and achievements of Khergiani, including a preserved room where he once lived.
Even Mestia’s airport stands out as a notable attraction. If you don’t arrive by air, it’s still worth visiting this architectural gem. Opened in 2010 and located on the northern edge of the town, the Queen Tamar Airport was designed by renowned German architect Jürgen Hermann Mayer. Its striking glass structure gives the impression of soaring into the sky, blending harmoniously with the mountain surroundings.
Mestia is also home to several mineral springs. One is centrally located on the town square, while three others lie along the banks of the Malakhuri River.
As the gateway to the Svaneti region, Mestia is the starting point for countless adventures. Begin by exploring the town itself—visit the ancient towers and churches, take a walk to the museum, and then set off on one of many excursions. These include hikes, horseback rides, or scenic drives. Several shorter trails start right in Mestia and are perfect for a day trip. One of the easiest is taking the cable car up to the upper station of the Hatsvali Ski Resort, where sweeping views and a cozy café await.
For a slightly more demanding outing, head to the Chalaadi Glacier. You’ll need around three hours with vehicle support or about five hours on foot. A more strenuous journey is the trek to Koruldi Lakes, which takes 5–6 hours uphill and 3–4 hours back down. This is a full-day hike involving a serious elevation gain—Koruldi sits at 2,760 meters above sea level. Alternatively, the same route can be completed by vehicle in about three hours round trip. The panoramic views and dramatic high-altitude setting make the effort well worth it.
Some local Svans also offer guided gold-panning experiences, and with some luck, you might walk away with 2–3 grams of gold—an unforgettable souvenir.
Additionally, horseback riding is both affordable and readily available in Mestia. Whether you want a short scenic ride or to use a horse to ascend to Koruldi Lakes, it’s an excellent way to experience the landscape.
It’s important to note that activities in Mestia are highly weather-dependent. On rainy or foggy days, options are limited—but at least there’s always good coffee.
The fastest way to travel from Tbilisi to Mestia is by air. Vanilla Sky Airlines operates flights from the small suburban Natakhtari Airport every day except Wednesdays and Saturdays. Departures are at 10:00 AM, while return flights leave at 3:00 PM on Mondays and Fridays, and at 12:00 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Be aware that flights are frequently canceled due to poor weather, so it’s wise to have a backup plan.
For a more budget-friendly option, there’s the marshrutka (minibus). These depart from Tbilisi’s main railway station starting around 5:30 AM daily, though there’s no fixed schedule—they leave as they fill up. On average, about ten trips run per day, and the journey takes approximately nine hours.
An even cheaper alternative involves taking a train and then a marshrutka. Start by boarding the night train to Zugdidi, which departs Tbilisi at 9:50 PM and arrives at 6:05 AM. From there, transfer to a marshrutka bound for Svaneti. A train ticket starts at just 11 GEL and the ride lasts a little over five hours. The marshrutka fare is around 23 GEL per person, and the ride to Mestia takes about two and a half hours.