Destination
Mestia
Upper Svaneti: medieval towers, glacier valleys and the Ushguli villages, the highest in Europe.
How to get to Mestia
By car, Mestia is about 8 h 50 min from Tbilisi (453 km). The closest airport is Kutaisi International Airport, about 5 h 45 min away by car (220 km). With a driver it is door to door at a fixed price, with stops on the way if you add them. See drivers & prices
Which car to take
- Sedan · comfort
- Minivan
- Minibus
- SUV
- Sedan · premium
Paved, but long and steep. Choose a car that is still comfortable after four hours.
Best time to go
- Summer
- Winter
How long to stay
3–5 days
Not counting the drive there and back.
Main sights
- Ushguli
- Mount Ushba
- Tetnuldi
- Hatsvali
- Latali and its towers
- Lenjeri
- Ipari
- Kala
What people come to see. Ask your driver to stop at any of them.
Worth stopping for
- Zugdidi and the Dadiani palace
- The Enguri dam
- Khaishi, halfway up the gorge
On the way from Tbilisi. Your driver can add any of them to the trip.
Good for
- Mountains
- Nature
- Winter resorts
What to eat here
- Kubdari
- Chvishtari
- Tashmijabi
- Svan salt
The cooking of Svaneti. Ask your driver where people actually eat.
Transfers to Mestia
Tours that include it
Questions about Mestia
- How far is Mestia from Tbilisi?
- About 8 h 50 min by car, 453 km.
- Which airport is closest to Mestia?
- Kutaisi International Airport, about 5 h 45 min away by car (220 km).
- When is the best time to visit Mestia?
- Summer and winter.
- How many days do I need in Mestia?
- 3–5 days. Not counting the drive there and back.
