Georgia’s underground world is as dramatic as its soaring Caucasus peaks. Caves in Georgia range from record-breaking abysses to family-friendly show caves and ancient rock-hewn cities that shaped the nation’s culture. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable subterranean adventure—while helping your search for “caves in Georgia” land right on the first page of Google.
Why Georgia’s Caves Are Unlike Anywhere Else
Karst Wonderland
Georgia sits on vast limestone belts riddled with sinkholes, rivers, and caverns sculpted over millions of years. Expect glittering stalactites, crystal lakes, and echoing halls the size of cathedrals.
Speleological Superlatives
Home to Veryovkina Cave—the deepest known cave on Earth—Georgia is a pilgrimage site for extreme cavers. Neighboring systems like Krubera and Sarma push past the 1,700-meter mark.
Living History Underground
Rock-cut monasteries such as Vardzia and David Gareja hide frescoes, secret passages, and centuries of legend, blending geology and human creativity in one breathtaking package.
Snapshot: Georgia’s Must-See Cave Experiences
- Prometheus Cave – A dazzling, well-lit show cave with underground rivers and boat rides.
- Sataplia Cave – Combine stalactite chambers with genuine dinosaur footprints.
- Vardzia Cave City – Twelve-story medieval monastery carved into a sheer cliff.
- Uplistsikhe – A 3,000-year-old rock town that charts Georgia’s shift from paganism to Christianity.
- Veryovkina & Krubera – Bucket-list descents for elite spelunkers.
- Cave Spring (Rolater Park) – A charming spring-fed cave and historic small town detour.
Show Caves for Every Traveler
Prometheus Cave Natural Monument
Location: Imereti | Open path: 1.8 km | Highlights: Light shows, boat ride
Walk through six vast halls aglow with color-changing LEDs, marvel at milky flowstone formations, and glide across an underground river by boat. Paved pathways and steady temperatures (~14 °C) make it ideal for all ages.
Sataplia Cave & Dinosaur Plateau
Location: Imereti | Combo ticket with nature reserve
A short, scenic loop reveals stalactite-rich chambers before delivering you to an open cliff deck overlooking the Imereti lowlands. Above ground, 120-million-year-old dinosaur tracks spice up the experience for families and paleontology buffs.
Historic Cave Towns Carved by Civilizations
Vardzia – Georgia’s Cliffside Monastery City
Tunneled into Erusheti Mountain in the 12th century, Vardzia once contained 3,000 rooms over 13 tiers, complete with wine cellars, royal quarters, and the exquisite Church of the Dormition. Earthquakes exposed its honeycomb façade, creating today’s iconic view.
Uplistsikhe – From Pagan Capital to Silk Road Hub
Older than Rome, this Iron-Age settlement weaves temples, streets, and royal halls into rolling sandstone. Wander rock-hewn theatres, pagan altars, and the 10th-century basilica crowning the summit.
David Gareja – Monastic Life in the Semi-Desert
A labyrinth of 13 cave monasteries straddling the Georgia–Azerbaijan border, David Gareja dazzles with 12th-century frescoes and lunar badlands scenery. Sunrise hikes up Udabno Ridge offer sweeping steppe views.
Wild Depths for Serious Adventure Cavers
Veryovkina Cave – The Planet’s Deepest
Plunging 2,209 m beneath Abkhazia’s Arabika Massif, Veryovkina demands technical rigging, week-long underground camps, and expert experience. Temperatures hover near freezing; waterfalls thunder in vertical shafts.
Krubera & Sarma – Challengers of the Abyss
Once considered Earth’s deepest, Krubera remains a rite of passage for international speleology teams. Nearby Sarma pushes 1,830 m, luring explorers with maze-like passages, siphons, and pure exploration adrenaline.
Planning Your Journey to Georgia’s Caves
Best Time to Visit
- April–June & September–October: Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, open mountain roads.
- July–August: Peak season for show caves; arrive early to avoid queues.
- November–March: Many high-altitude roads close; ideal for urban cave towns like Uplistsikhe.
Getting There
- Kutaisi is the gateway to Imereti show caves.
- Tbilisi offers day-trip minibuses to Uplistsikhe and David Gareja.
- Car rental grants flexibility for remote sites; 4×4 recommended in wet weather.
Permits & Safety
- Show caves require only an entry ticket.
- Deep caves (Veryovkina, Krubera) demand coordination with Georgian or Abkhazian speleology clubs and specialized gear.
- Bring headlamps, sturdy shoes, and a light jacket—underground temps average 11–14 °C.
Responsible Caving
- Touch nothing—oils from skin halt stalactite growth.
- Pack out every bit of trash.
- Photograph with low-impact lighting; avoid startling bats.
Sample 4-Day Itinerary for Cave Lovers
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Kutaisi; tour Sataplia Cave | Hike to dinosaur lookout deck | Kutaisi Old Town dinner |
| 2 | Early visit to Prometheus Cave | Scenic drive to Borjomi | Soak in Borjomi sulfur pools |
| 3 | Explore Vardzia (3 hrs) | Wine tasting in Akhaltsikhe | Overnight in cave-view guesthouse |
| 4 | Drive to Gori; tour Uplistsikhe | Return to Tbilisi | Evening stroll in the capital |
Frequently Asked Questions about Caves in Georgia
Q1. Are Georgia’s caves safe for children and seniors?
Yes—show caves like Prometheus and Sataplia feature paved paths, guardrails, and stable temperatures.
Q2. Do I need a guide?
Guides enhance historical insight at Vardzia, Uplistsikhe, and David Gareja. For wild caves beyond basic show paths, professional guidance is mandatory.
Q3. How much time should I budget for Vardzia?
Allocate at least three hours to navigate multiple tiers, climb stairways, and admire frescoes without rushing.
Q4. Can I photograph inside the caves?
Photography is allowed in most sites, but flash may be restricted to protect fragile formations and paintings.
Q5. What should I wear?
Closed-toe hiking shoes, a light jacket or fleece, and hands-free lighting if you plan to wander beyond illuminated sections.
Final Thoughts
From the glittering halls of Prometheus to the dizzying depths of Veryovkina and the storied rock cities of Vardzia, the caves in Georgia offer experiences found nowhere else on Earth. Whether you’re a family seeking an easy underground stroll or a hard-core explorer hungry for world-class descents, Georgia’s karst kingdom welcomes you. Start planning, respect the delicate subterranean environment, and prepare to be awestruck by the hidden wonders beneath the Caucasus.
