Kutaisi is Georgia's third-largest city and, thanks to Wizz Air, the country's cheap-flight gateway from Europe. It's a quiet, low-rise capital of the Imereti region and the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Colchis — the destination of Jason and the Argonauts. Most travelers spend 1 night here on arrival before heading to Tbilisi or the mountains, but the surrounding Imereti countryside is one of Georgia's most rewarding day-trip regions: two UNESCO monasteries, three karst canyons, and a cave system, all within 40 minutes of the city.
Top things to do in Kutaisi
- 1.Bagrati Cathedral — 11th-century UNESCO site on a hill above the Rioni River
- 2.Gelati Monastery — UNESCO, founded by King David the Builder in 1106
- 3.Prometheus Cave — 1.5 km walking trail through illuminated karst chambers
- 4.Okatse Canyon — 780-m cliff-side walkway over the gorge
- 5.Martvili Canyon — boat ride through turquoise water and waterfalls
- 6.Sataplia Nature Reserve — dinosaur footprints and a glass viewing platform
April–October. Summer is humid (28–33°C); May, June, and September are ideal.
Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) is served by Wizz Air from 30+ European cities. The airport is 20 minutes from downtown by taxi (30–40 GEL). Tbilisi is 3.5 hours east by marshrutka or GeorgianBus shuttle.
The central pedestrian area around White Bridge and Colchis Fountain is the best base. Newport Hotel and Best Western Kutaisi are the reliable mid-range picks.
1 night in the city + 1 full day for Prometheus/Okatse/Martvili canyons.
Deep-dive guides for Kutaisi
Four dedicated pages with everything a first-time visitor needs.
Frequently asked questions about Kutaisi
Is Kutaisi worth visiting?
Yes for the UNESCO monasteries and canyon day trips. If you're only in Georgia for a week, one night here plus a day of canyon excursions is enough.
How do I get from Kutaisi airport to Tbilisi?
GeorgianBus and Omnibus run direct shuttles matching every Wizz Air flight (4 hours, 30–50 GEL). Book online in advance.
Can I do Prometheus and Okatse in one day?
Yes — they're 40 minutes apart. Start with Okatse in the morning (cooler, less crowded) and Prometheus in the afternoon.
Tours related to Kutaisi
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