Samtskhe-Javakheti: Georgia’s Highland Mosaic of Cultures & Volcanoes

Samtskhe-Javakheti is a high-altitude wonderland of ancient cave cities, volcanic lakes, and Armenian heritage, stretching along the borders of Turkey and Armenia. This is Georgia’s "South Caucasus frontier"—where dramatic landscapes meet a unique cultural blend.

Key Facts

Capital: Akhaltsikhe (home to the spectacular Rabati Fortress).

Population: ~160,000 (mixed Georgian, Armenian, and Russian).

Languages: Georgian (official), Armenian widely spoken.

Religion: Georgian Orthodox & Armenian Apostolic.

Famous For: Vardzia cave city, Javakheti lakes, and sulfur baths.

Why Visit Samtskhe-Javakheti?

UNESCO Wonders – Vardzia & Khertvisi Fortress.

Volcanic Lakes – Paravani, Saghamo, and Madatapa (birdwatching paradise).

Armenian Influence – Distinctive food, churches, and traditions.

Off-the-Radar – Few tourists outside Vardzia.

Top Places to Visit

1. Akhaltsikhe & Rabati Fortress

Rabati Castle – A restored 12th-century fortress with a mosque, church, and synagogue.

Akhaltsikhe Sulfur Baths – Like Tbilisi’s, but cheaper and local.

2. Vardzia & Cave Cities

Vardzia – 12th-century cave monastery with 600 rooms (like Cappadocia!).

Khertvisi Fortress – 2,000-year-old castle on a rocky hill.

Vanis Kvabebi – Smaller, atmospheric cave complex near Vardzia.

3. Javakheti Highlands & Lakes

Paravani Lake – Georgia’s largest lake (2,073m altitude).

Saghamo Lake – Flamingos in summer!

Javakheti National Park – Wetlands with migratory birds.

4. Borjomi & Mineral Springs

Borjomi Central Park – Sip famous mineral water straight from the source.

Borjomi-Kharagauli NP – Hiking in Europe’s largest national park.

5. Armenian Heritage Sites

Akhalkalaki – 90% Armenian town with Soviet vibes.

Kumurdo Cathedral – 10th-century Armenian-Georgian church.

Cultural Mix

Markets selling lavash, basturma, and Armenian sweets.

Ottoman Legacy – Mosques and caravanserais in Akhaltsikhe.

Georgian Spa Culture – Borjomi’s healing waters.

Must-Try Foods

Borjomi Mineral Water – Naturally fizzy & digestive.

Javakheti Khachapuri – Made with local mountain cheese.

Ghapama – Pumpkin stuffed with rice, dried fruit, and honey (Armenian dish).

Sokhokhili – Spicy chicken stew (Megrelian influence).

How to Get There?

From Tbilisi:

3h to Akhaltsikhe.

4h to Vardzia.

Train: Night train Tbilisi-Borjomi (scenic but slow).

Best Time to Visit

June-Sept – Warm weather, birdwatching.

Winter – Snowy Vardzia is magical (but roads may close).

Avoid April – Muddy from snowmelt.

Samtskhe-Javakheti is Georgia’s hidden cultural crossroads—where cave cities, Armenian bakeries, and alpine lakes collide. Perfect for history lovers, birdwatchers, and road-trippers.