მარტვილის კანიონი
A gorge with turquoise waters and a boat ride on the Abasha River
Martvili Canyon is a natural monument in the Samegrelo region, carved by the Abasha River. A rocky gorge stretching 2.4 km with vertical walls up to 70 metres, covered in moss and subtropical vegetation. The water stays turquoise year-round thanks to the limestone riverbed. National monument status since 2013.
From Kutaisi it's 50 km, about 1 hour by car. From Tbilisi – 280 km, 3.5–4 hours. Often combined with Prometheus Cave on a day trip. Easiest access by rental car or an organised tour.
Admission is 20 GEL (~$7), boat ride an additional 20 GEL (~$7). Walking trail 700 m + boat section 300 m. Allow 1–1.5 hours for the visit.
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.
Entrance tickets:
Foreigners (18+): 20 GEL (~$7)
Georgian citizens: 12 GEL
Children 6–18: 5.50 GEL (~$2)
Children under 6: free
Boat ride: 20 GEL (~$7) – additional to entry. Children shorter than 1 metre are not allowed on the boat.
Additional:
Civil marriage ceremony: 100 GEL
Tickets at the visitor centre cash desk; card and cash accepted. Tickets are non-refundable.
Swimming is prohibited. No pets. No smoking. No bicycles or motorbikes. Maximum 10 people on bridges and viewing platforms at a time. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. No alcohol-impaired visitors on the trail. Boat rides cancelled in rain and snow. Sports shoes recommended – the trail is slippery after rain.
On site:
Visitor centre with ticket desk
Toilets
Small cafés and souvenir stalls near the entrance
Parking: Paid, 2 GEL/hour (~$0.70). Located at the entrance.
Connectivity: 4G works at the visitor centre and on the trail.
Accessibility: The trail is paved but includes steps and a steep descent to the boat dock. Not wheelchair accessible.
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.
Practical answers about visiting, routes and time on site.
Entry: 20 GEL (~$7), boat: additional 20 GEL (~$7). Children 6–18: 5.50 GEL (~$2), under 6 free. Children shorter than 1 metre are not allowed on the boat.
Yes. The boat passes through the most scenic part of the canyon – a narrow stretch between cliffs inaccessible on foot. 15–20 minutes, up to 6 people, with a guide steering.
No, swimming inside the canyon is prohibited. Downstream, outside the protected area, there are spots where swimming is permitted.
Yes. The two sites are ~55 km apart. By car or on a tour, both fit in one day. Start with the canyon in the morning, then head to the cave.
The walking trail stays open but is slippery. The boat ride is cancelled in rain or high water. If the boat is your main goal, pick a dry day.
For children aged 5–6 and older, yes. The trail is paved but has steps. Children shorter than 1 metre are not allowed on the boat. Strollers won't get through.
Yes, year-round. Greenery persists in winter thanks to the subtropical climate. Boats may not run due to weather. Winter hours: 10:00–17:00.
The canyon closes at 18:00 during peak season. Some sources mention 3D light displays after dark – check with the visitor centre for current availability.
