Martvili Canyon

The visitor centre is in the village of Inchkhuri. From there, a 700-metre circular trail follows a stone path – the historic Dadiani trail, built by the princely family who used the canyon as a private bathing spot in the 19th century. The path runs along the upper edge of the canyon through Colchic forest – dense trees, moss-wrapped roots, and humid air. Along the route: 2 bridges over the gorge, 3 viewing platforms with waterfall views, and a historic staircase of 30 limestone steps.

From the viewing platforms you can see the Abasha flowing along the canyon floor – a turquoise ribbon between grey cliffs draped in greenery. Waterfalls cascade down the canyon walls at several points. The walking trail is paved but becomes slippery in rain – proper footwear with good grip is essential.

The boat ride is a separate experience: 300 metres along the Abasha River through the northern section of the canyon, inaccessible on foot. Inflatable boats carry up to 6 people; life jackets and paddles are provided. A guide steers while tourists help row. The ride takes 15–20 minutes – the boat glides between vertical walls, water so clear you can see the bottom, cliffs towering 30–40 metres above. The last boat departs 30 minutes before closing. Boats do not run in rain.

Canyon depth – walls up to 70 metres, gorge width as narrow as 5–10 metres

Water – turquoise year-round thanks to the limestone bed of the Abasha River

Boat ride – 300 m between vertical cliffs, 15–20 minutes, up to 6 people

Dadiani trail – historic 19th-century path, 700 m, with 2 bridges and 3 viewing platforms

Waterfalls – several cascades flow down the canyon walls

Vegetation – green all year thanks to Samegrelo's subtropical climate

Martvili Canyon was opened to the public by the Dadiani princely family in the 19th century. The ruling dynasty of the Samegrelo region (until 1867) used the gorge as a private bathing place. They commissioned a stone trail along the river and a limestone staircase – both structures survive today.

After the Soviet period the site fell into neglect. In 2013 the canyon was designated a natural monument of national significance. Major reconstruction followed in 2019: walking paths were upgraded, bridges and viewing platforms built, and a visitor centre established. Since then Martvili has become one of the most visited natural sites in western Georgia.

From Kutaisi (50 km, ~1 hour):

– Rental car – the most convenient option

– Taxi – 50–70 GEL (~$18–26) one way, 100–120 GEL (~$37–44) round-trip with waiting

– Shared minibus (marshrutka) Kutaisi–Martvili (~5 GEL / ~$2, 1.5 hrs, roughly hourly 8:00–18:00), then taxi from Martvili to the canyon – 10 min

From Tbilisi (280 km, 3.5–4 hours):

– By car via the highway through Zestaponi and Samtredria

– Organised day tour – usually combined with Prometheus Cave

– Train to Abasha station (4.5 hrs), then taxi 45 min

From Batumi (145 km, ~2.5 hours):

– By car via Zugdidi or Samtredria

On site: 3 minutes from parking to visitor centre. 5 minutes downhill from visitor centre to the boat dock.

Season: April–October is peak season. The canyon is green year-round, but summer brings the most vivid colours. Autumn (September–October) is the best window: fewer tourists, warm weather, and rich forest tones.

Time of day: Morning (10:00–11:00) or after lunch (14:00+) for smaller crowds. Midday in summer gets packed.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours: 30–40 minutes walking + 20 minutes boat + time for photos.

Avoid: Summer weekends (July–August) – maximum crowds, the trail gets congested. Rainy days – boats are cancelled and the trail is slippery.