Borjomi: Georgia’s Legendary Spa Town & Gateway to the Caucasus

Borjomi is a 19th-century resort town cradled in the lush Borjomi Gorge, famous for its healing mineral water, Soviet sanatoriums, and hiking trails in the surrounding national park. Once a playground for Russian aristocrats, it’s now a mix of retro charm and eco-tourism.

Key Facts

Population: ~10,500 (feels bigger in summer).

Altitude: 820m (cooler than Tbilisi in summer).

Claim to Fame: Borjomi mineral water (Georgia’s most famous export).

Vibe: Relaxed, slightly faded grandeur, with a touch of Soviet nostalgia.

Top Attractions

1. Borjomi Central Park

Mineral Water Springs – Taste the fizzy, salty-sulfur water straight from the source (free or paid taps).

Ferris Wheel & Cable Car – Panoramic views of the gorge.

Romanov Palace (Likani) – Tsarist-era summer home (closed to public but visible from outside).

2. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

One of Europe’s largest national parks – Beech forests, wildflowers, and bears (rarely seen).

Hiking Trails – From easy walks to multi-day treks (best: Nigvziani Trail to waterfalls).

3. Soviet-Era Sanatoriums

Borjomi Springs Sanatorium – Stalin’s favorite spa (still operating).

Abandoned Soviet Buildings – Crumbling but photogenic.

4. Nearby Gems

Timotesubani Monastery – 12th-century frescoes in a hidden valley.

Green Monastery (Tsminda Sameba) – Peaceful 9th-century forest monastery.

Borjomi’s Mineral Water

What’s Special?

Naturally carbonated, high in minerals (good for digestion).

Fun Fact: Stalin had it shipped to the Kremlin.

Warning: The taste is strongly sulfuric—an acquired taste!

Food & Drink

Must-Try:

Borjomi Khachapuri – Extra cheesy to balance the mineral water.

Trout from the Borjomi River – Grilled with pomegranate sauce.

Local Honey – From national park bees.

Drink:

Borjomi water (obviously).

Tsolikouri wine (from nearby Imereti).

How to Get There?

From Tbilisi:

3 hours by car/marshrutka (scenic route via Khashuri).

Train (slow but nostalgic).

From Kutaisi: ~2.5 hours.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June-Aug): Cool escape from Tbilisi’s heat.

Autumn (Sept-Oct): Golden forests.

Winter: Quiet, with possible snow (some sanatoriums stay open).

Insider Tips

Bring an empty bottle to fill with free mineral water.

Stay overnight to soak in the Soviet spa vibe.

Hike early to avoid afternoon heat in summer.

Borjomi is Georgia’s natural pharmacy—where you can hike through pristine forests, sip legendary water, and unwind in a Stalin-era spa. It’s not flashy, but it’s uniquely Georgian.