Guria
Guria: Georgia’s Overlooked Region (And That’s Kind of the Point)
Magnetic sand beaches, a mountain resort locals love, and wetlands that feel like the Amazon—Guria is where you go when you’ve already done everything else in Georgia
Let’s be honest up front: most people skip Guria.
You probably haven’t heard of it. Your Georgia itinerary probably doesn’t include it. The guidebooks give it a page or two at most. And that’s… fine. Guria is the region you drive through on the highway between Batumi and Kutaisi, glancing at the Black Sea to your left and green mountains to your right, never actually stopping.
But here’s the thing: for a specific type of traveler, Guria is exactly what you’re looking for.
This small region in western Georgia offers black magnetic sand beaches (Ureki), a mountain resort that’s popular with Georgians but virtually unknown to foreigners (Bakhmaro), and wetlands that locals call “Georgia’s little Amazon” (Kolkheti National Park). It’s quiet, undeveloped, affordable, and refreshingly free of tourist infrastructure.
Is it a must-visit? No. Should you rearrange your Georgia trip to include it? Probably not. But if you have extra time, want to escape crowds, or you’re specifically interested in therapeutic magnetic sand or off-the-beaten-path nature, Guria delivers a side of Georgia most tourists never see.
Think of it as Georgia’s B-sides album – not the hits, but if you’re a fan, there are some gems here.
Should You Actually Visit Guria?
The honest answer: It depends.
Skip Guria if:
- You have less than 10 days in Georgia (prioritize Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Kakheti, maybe Batumi)
- You want dramatic mountain scenery (Svaneti and Tusheti are better)
- You want pristine beaches (neighboring Adjara’s beaches are nicer)
- You need tourist infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, English speakers)
- You want Georgia’s “greatest hits” (Guria isn’t on that list)
Visit Guria if:
- You’ve already done the main Georgia destinations and want something different
- You’re interested in therapeutic magnetic sand (Ureki’s claim to fame)
- You want an affordable, uncrowded Black Sea beach experience
- You’re a nature enthusiast interested in wetlands/birdwatching (Kolkheti National Park)
- You’re passing between Batumi and Kutaisi anyway, and want to break up the drive
- You like discovering places where tourism hasn’t taken over yet
- You’re traveling with Georgian friends (Bakhmaro is popular with locals)
The bottom line: Guria is a “bonus destination,” not a primary one. If you’re on your first Georgia trip and choosing between Guria and Svaneti, choose Svaneti. But if you’re on your second Georgia trip, have extra time, or specifically want to avoid tourist crowds, Guria offers a glimpse of coastal Georgia without Batumi’s chaos.
Ureki Beach: The Magnetic Sand Phenomenon
The main reason tourists visit Guria
Ureki (also spelled Urekhi) is a small beach resort town famous for one thing: magnetic black sand. The beach contains magnetite, a naturally magnetic mineral that creates a black sand beach with supposed therapeutic properties.
What’s the Deal with Magnetic Sand?
The sand at Ureki Beach has a high concentration of magnetite (iron oxide), which makes it literally magnetic. Bring a magnet to the beach and watch the sand stick to it. It’s the only magnetic sand beach in Georgia and one of the few in the world.
The claimed health benefits:
- Improves blood circulation
- Helps with cardiovascular conditions
- Reduces inflammation
- Benefits the nervous system
- Aids in recovery from injuries
The scientific reality: Soviet-era studies claimed health benefits, and many Georgians swear by it. Western scientific evidence is… limited. But the magnetite is real, the sand is genuinely magnetic, and whether it’s placebo or actual therapy, people report feeling better after spending time here.
What to expect:
- Black sand beach (unusual and striking)
- Warm, shallow water (good for families with kids)
- Wider, less crowded than Batumi beaches
- More natural, less developed
- Soviet-era sanatoriums (many still operating)
Visiting Ureki Beach
- Length: Several kilometers of coastline
- Sand: Black magnetic sand (fine, like volcanic sand)
- Water: Black Sea, warm in summer (June-September)
- Depth: Gradual, shallow—great for kids
- Crowds: Busy in July-August (Georgian tourists), quieter in other months
- Facilities: Basic—some cafes, rental loungers, changing rooms
- June or September: Warm enough to swim, fewer crowds, affordable
- July-August: Peak season, busy with Georgian families
- May or October: Warm days, but water might be cool
- Winter: Dead—everything closes
Ureki:
- Soviet-era sanatoriums: €20-40/night (basic, nostalgic)
- Small hotels: €25-40/night (standard)
- Guesthouses: €15-25/night (family-run)
- Beach villas: €150-350/night for entire villa (modern, self-catering, groups/families)
- Newer hotels: €80-200/night (more comfort, better amenities)
Shekvetili:
- Luxury hotels: €80-200/night (resort-style, modern)
- Mid-range hotels: €40-80/night (comfortable)
- Beach villas: €200-400/night (newer, more upscale than Ureki)
- Apartment complexes: €50-100/night (modern, near entertainment district)
Grigoleti:
- Guesthouses: €15-25/night (quietest option, least developed)
- Small hotels: €25-40/night
- Budget villas: €120-250/night
Bakhmaro:
- Guesthouses with meals: €20-35/night (mountain hospitality)
- Small hotels: €30-50/night
- Limited options—book ahead in summer
Ozurgeti:
- Small hotels: €20-30/night
- Usually used as a transit point, not an overnight destination
General accommodation notes:
- Villa boom: Ureki and Shekvetili have hundreds of villas now—great for families/groups
- Shekvetili is upgrading: New luxury options appearing every year
- Book ahead: July-August requires advance booking (2-3 months for luxury/villas)
- Off-season deals: May-June and September offer 30-50% discounts
- English: Limited except in newer luxury properties
- Payment: Cash is still preferred in many places (especially villas and guesthouses)
Small restaurants along the beach road
Georgian home cooking in guesthouses
Nothing fancy, but fresh fish and Georgian staples
Prices: €5-10/meal
- From Batumi: Marshrutka from central station (3-4 GEL, 1.5 hours)
- From Kutaisi: Marshrutka (4-5 GEL, 1.5 hours)
- By car: Easy—on the main coastal highway
- Parking: Available near beach (usually free or minimal cost)
How long to stay: 1-2 nights is enough unless you’re specifically here for “magnetic sand therapy” (some people stay a week).
Is Ureki Worth It?
Honest assessment:
Pros:
- Unique beach (magnetic black sand is genuinely interesting)
- Quieter than Batumi
- Very affordable
- Good for families with small children (shallow water)
- Authentic local vibe (not tourist-focused)
Cons:
- The beach isn’t spectacular (it’s nice, but not amazing)
- Limited infrastructure
- Very little English spoken
- Not much to do beyond the beach
- Accommodations are dated
Verdict: If you’re curious about the magnetic sand phenomenon, have extra time, or want a budget beach alternative to Batumi, Ureki is worth a night or two. If you’re short on time or expecting a resort experience, skip it.
Bakhmaro: The Mountain Resort Georgians Know
Guria’s other main attraction
While foreigners flock to Gudauri, Bakhmaro sits at 2,000 meters elevation in Guria’s mountains, quietly being one of Georgia’s favorite domestic summer resorts.
What is Bakhmaro?
A small mountain resort village known for:
- Cool summer climate (when lowlands are sweltering, Bakhmaro is 15-20°C)
- Clean mountain air (pine forests, alpine meadows)
- Hiking trails (moderate difficulty, beautiful views)
- Horse riding (locals offer trail rides)
- Winter potential (gets snow but is undeveloped for skiing)
The vibe: Soviet-era dachas, new guesthouses, Georgian families escaping summer heat, very little foreign tourism. It feels like a local secret.
Why Visit Bakhmaro?
Summer (June-September):
- Escape coastal humidity
- Hiking in pine forests and alpine meadows
- Cool, refreshing climate
- Wildflowers (June-July)
- Horseback riding
- Stargazing (minimal light pollution)
Winter (December-March):
- Gets heavy snow (up to 3 meters)
- NO ski infrastructure (just a natural winter wonderland)
- Only for serious adventurers or snow lovers
- Road often impassable
- Most accommodations closed
What to Do in Bakhmaro
Hiking: Multiple trails through forests and meadows:
- Easy trails: 1-2 hour loops around the village
- Moderate trails: 3-4 hour hikes to viewpoints
- Challenging: Full-day hikes to higher peaks. No marked trails—ask locals for directions
Horseback riding: Locals rent horses (20-30 GEL for a few hours). Ride through meadows and forests. No formal booking—just ask around the village.
Simply relaxing: Many visitors come just to breathe mountain air, read books on guesthouse balconies, and disconnect.
Gomismta: A nearby, even more remote mountain area (mentioned in the original text). Less developed than Bakhmaro. Only for serious adventurers. The road is rough. Fewer facilities.
Practical Information
- From Ozurgeti: Marshrutka or taxi (40-50 km, 1.5-2 hours)
- By car: 4WD recommended (road is rough, especially last section)
- Road condition: Paved until last section, then rough mountain road
- In winter: Often impassable without 4WD and chains
- Guesthouses: €15-30/night, family-run, meals included
- Small hotels: €25-40/night
- Book ahead in July-August (busy with Georgian tourists)
- Off-season: Many places are closed
- Most guesthouses serve meals (book ahead)
- Few standalone restaurants
- Simple Georgian home cooking
- Fresh dairy from local farms
- Warm clothes (even in summer—it gets cold at night)
- Rain jacket (weather changes quickly)
- Good walking shoes
- Cash (no ATMs in Bakhmaro)
- Best: June-September
- Peak: July-August (crowded with Georgians escaping heat)
- Shoulder: May and October (cooler, quieter)
- Winter: Only for hardcore adventurers
Guria’s Unique Attractions: Beyond the Beach
Musicians Park (Next to Black Sea Arena) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Located in Ozurgeti, right next to the Black Sea Arena, this park is dedicated to Georgian musicians and composers who came from Guria.
Why it matters: Guria has a disproportionately large contribution to Georgian music. The region is famous for its polyphonic singing traditions and has produced numerous renowned musicians. This park celebrates that heritage.
What’s here:
- Sculptures and monuments of famous Georgian musicians from Guria
- Walking paths through landscaped gardens
- Benches and shaded areas
- The Black Sea Arena (modern concert hall) is adjacent
- Musical performances are occasionally held in the arena
Who should visit:
- Music lovers interested in Georgian culture
- Anyone passing through Ozurgeti
- Nice spot for a relaxing walk
Practical info:
- Location: Ozurgeti city center, next to Black Sea Arena
- Entry: Free
- Time needed: 30-60 minutes
- Best combined with: Stop on the way to/from Bakhmaro
It’s a pleasant park with cultural significance, but not a “must-see” unless you’re specifically interested in Georgian music or killing time in Ozurgeti. The Black Sea Arena itself is architecturally interesting from the outside.
Tea Plantations ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Modern Artisan Tea Producers:
In recent years, a new generation of Georgian tea farmers has emerged in Guria, moving away from Soviet-style mass production to focus on high-quality, artisanal tea. These small-scale producers make exclusive, organic teas and actively welcome tourists for visits, tastings, and farm experiences.
What makes them special:
- Quality over quantity: Small-batch production, hand-picked leaves
- Organic methods: No pesticides or chemical fertilizers
- Traditional + modern techniques: Combining Georgian tea heritage with contemporary processing
- Direct sales: Buy exclusive teas you won’t find in stores
- Tourist-friendly: English-speaking owners, organized tours, proper tasting experiences
- Sustainable farming: Focus on environmental practices and preserving tea culture
The experience: These modern tea farms offer more than just a quick look at tea plants. Expect:
- Guided tours: Walk through tea plantations with the farmer
- Processing demonstrations: See how leaves become finished tea
- Professional tastings: Learn to taste tea properly (similar to wine tasting)
- Workshops: Some offer tea-picking experiences or processing workshops
- Farm-to-table: Fresh tea prepared on-site
- Personal stories: Hear about the revival of Georgian tea culture
- Purchase options: Buy exclusive teas directly from the producer
Our recommendation: If you’re genuinely interested in tea and want a quality experience, visit one of the modern artisan producers. If you just want to see tea fields for photos and don’t care about tasting, the old plantations are fine.
Booking tip: Contact farms at least 2-3 days in advance, especially in summer. These are small family operations—they need time to prepare for your visit and may have other commitments (farming is their primary business, tourism is secondary).
Tsitsinatela Amusement Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shekvetili’s entertainment complex
Located in Shekvetili, Tsitsinatela (which means “firefly” in Georgian) is a large entertainment complex. It’s Georgia’s attempt at a theme park/resort destination.
What’s here:
Amusement Park Section:
- Rides for kids and families (Ferris wheel, carousels, etc.)
- Water attractions
- Mini-golf
- Game zones
- Climbing walls
- Trampolines
Summer Entertainment:
- Concerts (Georgian and international artists)
- Dance shows
- Children’s performances
- Cultural events
- Evening light shows
Who it’s for:
- Families with kids: Primary target audience
- Georgian tourists: Very popular with domestic visitors
- Couples: Evening entertainment and concerts
- Beach-goers: Something to do beyond the beach
Practical info:
- Location: Shekvetili (on the coastal highway)
- Entry: Free to enter the complex; individual attractions have fees
- Ride costs: 5-15 GEL per attraction
- Concert tickets: Vary by event (20-100 GEL)
- Hours: 18:00-22:00 (longer in peak summer)
- Season: Open May-September (some winter activities)
- Parking: Available (free)
Honest assessment: Tsitsinatela is fun for families and provides entertainment beyond the beach. It’s not Disneyland—think more “regional amusement park” than world-class theme park. The medieval castle aesthetic is kitschy but charming. Georgian families love it (especially when concerts are happening). If you’re traveling with kids or want evening entertainment in Shekvetili, it’s worth a visit. If you’re expecting major theme park thrills, you’ll be disappointed.
Park of Miniatures (Georgia in Miniatures) ⭐⭐⭐
Georgia’s landmarks in model form
Located in Shekvetili, this outdoor park features miniature replicas of Georgia’s most famous buildings and monuments.
What’s here:
- 50+ scale models (approximately 1:25 scale)
- Miniature versions of:
- Tbilisi landmarks: Narikala Fortress, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Bridge of Peace
- Historic churches: Svetitskhoveli, Jvari, Gelati, Alaverdi
- Fortresses: Ananuri, Gonio, various mountain fortresses
- Regional buildings: Traditional towers from Svaneti, traditional houses
- Modern structures: Some contemporary Georgian buildings
- Walking paths connecting all models
- Information plaques (Georgian and English)
- Photo opportunities (fun to pose with tiny buildings)
Why visit:
- See “all of Georgia” in one place (useful if you won’t visit all regions)
- Great for kids (they love miniature worlds)
- Educational (learn about Georgian architecture)
- Good photos (creative perspective shots)
- Quick activity (30-60 minutes)
Practical info:
- Location: Shekvetili, near Tsitsinatela complex
- Entry: 10 GEL adults, 5 GEL children
- Hours: 10:00-20:00 (summer), 10:00-18:00 (off-season)
- Time needed: 1 hour
- Best for: Families with kids, architecture enthusiasts, rainy day activity
- Accessibility: Flat paths, wheelchair accessible
Honest assessment: It’s cute and mildly interesting. Kids enjoy it. Adults find it charming for about 45 minutes. The models are well-made and maintained. If you’re in Shekvetili with time to kill or traveling with children, it’s worth the 10 GEL. If you’re an adult without kids, it’s skippable unless you specifically enjoy miniature parks. Combine it with Tsitsinatela for a full entertainment complex experience.
Dendrological Park (Ozurgeti) ⭐⭐⭐
Botanical garden in Guria’s capital
Located in Ozurgeti, this small dendrological park (botanical garden focused on trees and shrubs) is a green oasis in the city.
What’s here:
- Collection of trees and plants (both native Georgian and exotic species)
- Walking paths through gardens
- Benches and shaded areas
- Small ponds
- Old trees (some over 100 years old)
- Labeled plants (mostly in Georgian)
History: Established in the 19th century, expanded during Soviet times. It’s not as grand as Batumi Botanical Garden, but it has its own charm as a local, unpretentious garden.
What to expect:
- Small size (can walk the whole thing in 30-45 minutes)
- Local atmosphere (families walking, elderly people resting)
- Peaceful, quiet
- Well-maintained but not touristy
- No English signs or information
Practical info:
- Location: Ozurgeti city center (ask locals—”Dendrologiuri Parki”)
- Entry: Usually free or minimal fee (2-3 GEL)
- Hours: Daylight hours (roughly 9:00-19:00)
- Time needed: 30-60 minutes
- Best for: Plant lovers, peaceful walks, killing time in Ozurgeti
Who should visit:
- Botanical enthusiasts
- People with extra time in Ozurgeti (before/after Bakhmaro trip)
- Anyone wanting a quiet escape from heat
Who can skip:
- Anyone short on time (Batumi Botanical Garden is better)
- Not interested in plants (it’s just a garden)
Honest assessment: It’s a pleasant local park, nothing spectacular. If you’re passionate about dendrology or botanical gardens, you’ll appreciate it. If you’re in Ozurgeti anyway (transit to Bakhmaro or exploring the city), it’s a nice 30-minute diversion. Otherwise, skip it. The Batumi Botanical Garden is far more impressive and worth prioritizing if you’re choosing between the two.
Kolkheti National Park ⭐⭐⭐
Georgia’s wetland paradise
This 29,000-hectare national park protects Colchian wetlands—bogs, marshes, lakes, and forests along the Black Sea coast. It’s part of the ancient Colchis region (think Jason and the Golden Fleece).
What’s here:
- Wetlands ecosystem
- Rare bird species (over 190 species—paradise for birdwatchers)
- Walking trails and boardwalks through marshes
- Pichori River (called “Georgia’s little Amazon” by locals)
- Lake Paliastomi
Activities:
- Birdwatching (bring binoculars)
- Kayaking on the Pichori River
- Nature photography
- Guided eco-tours
Practical info:
- Visitor center: Near Poti (neighboring Samegrelo region)
- Entry: 5 GEL
- Best time: Spring and autumn migrations (March-May, September-October)
- Tours: Ask at the visitor center or book through eco-tourism agencies
Is it worth it? Only if you’re specifically interested in wetlands, birdwatching, or unique ecosystems. It’s not “tourist-friendly” in the conventional sense—it’s for nature enthusiasts.
Churches and Monasteries
Guria has several historic churches:
- Shemokmedi Monastery (11th-13th century)
- Church in Likhauri
- Archangel’s Church in Jumati
Reality check: These are small, local churches—interesting for architecture enthusiasts but not major pilgrimage sites like Mtskheta or Gelati.
Practical Information
Ready to Explore Off-the-Beaten-Path Georgia?
If you’re the type of traveler who wants to discover Georgia beyond the guidebook highlights, we can help you explore Guria alongside the main destinations.
Contact us for a custom itinerary that includes Guria in a comprehensive Georgia tour, or browse our tours to see how we can incorporate off-the-beaten-path destinations into your trip.
Guria works well combined with:
- Batumi → Guria → Kutaisi (coastal to mountain route)
- Complete Georgia tours (3 weeks that include everything)
- Nature-focused tours (Kolkheti + Borjomi + Vashlovani parks)
We’re honest about destinations—if Guria doesn’t fit your interests or timeline, we’ll tell you. But if you’re curious about Georgia’s quieter corners, we’ll show you why they’re worth discovering.
