Samegrelo is Georgia's northwestern region — sandwiched between the Black Sea coast and the Svaneti mountains — and the country's canyon capital. Martvili Canyon (turquoise water, waterfalls, boat rides through the gorge) and Okatse Canyon (an 780-m cliff-side steel walkway) are both in this region, along with the historic Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi. For most travelers Samegrelo is a stopover on the way from Kutaisi to Svaneti, but the canyons alone justify a full day.
Top things to do in Samegrelo
- 1.Martvili Canyon — boat ride and waterfall swimming
- 2.Okatse Canyon — 780-m cliff-side walkway
- 3.Dadiani Palace, Zugdidi — royal residence and museum
- 4.Salkhino — Dadiani wine cellar, home of Ojaleshi grape
- 5.Anaklia — Georgia's future Black Sea deep-water port
April–October. Summer is humid but the canyon water stays cold and refreshing.
Kutaisi is the closest airport. Zugdidi is the region's transport hub with train, marshrutka, and onward transfer to Svaneti.
Zugdidi for onward transport, Martvili for canyon proximity, or a boutique guesthouse in Salkhino for wine.
1 full day for the canyons; 2 nights if combining with Svaneti onward travel.
Deep-dive guides for Samegrelo
Four dedicated pages with everything a first-time visitor needs.
Frequently asked questions about Samegrelo
Are the canyons really worth visiting?
Yes — Martvili and Okatse are two of Georgia's most photographed natural sites. Combine them in one day from Kutaisi.
Tours related to Samegrelo
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