Europe's most underrated country is set to have more flights
Georgia, a country in the Caucuses Region at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, has been one of the travel community’s best-kept secrets for a while now.
But that’s all set to change soon, as Tbilisi Airport is set to resume a direct flight with the UK, and it’s hoped that this is the start of other flights from the capital to elsewhere in Europe.
Direct UK to Georgia flights are restarting for the first time since 2020
UK to Georgia flights are resuming for the first time since 2020, when Georgian Airways last made the route.
This route was halted during the pandemic; because the UK is not visa-free for Georgian nationals (unlike the EU), demand has been less over the last few years. But it’s hoped that this direct flight is a first step when it comes to more relaxed travel policies between the two countries.
The first direct flight between London Gatwick and Georgia in four years is scheduled to take off on 13th May and will run three times per week.
There also used to be a budget WizzAir flight from Kutaisi Airport to London Luton. This flight was also discontinued during the pandemic, and it hasn’t yet been reinstated, but the travel industry hopes that this is the start of better connections to Georgia.
Currently, Tbilisi and Kutaisi Airport have connections to many cities in Europe, including Warsaw, Paris, Riga, Athens and Istanbul, and also fly to destinations in Central Asia and the Middle East, along with neighbouring countries like Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Why visit Georgia?
So why is this country becoming increasingly well-known on the tourist trail?
Avid travellers have been raving about the country of Georgia for quite a while, but recent geopolitical events in the region have sadly impacted the tourism industry. But Georgia is keen to promote itself as a safe destination; in fact, Tbilisi is usually very high on the Global Safety Index (far above cities like London and New York).
One of the best reasons to visit Tbilisi, and all of Georgia, is for its gastronomy. It’s a paradise for food lovers, with unique dishes like khinkali (dumplings), kachapuri (cheesy bread) and lobio (bean stew).
It was also the birthplace of wine and has arguably the oldest wine culture in the world. A day trip from Tbilisi to the nearby wine regions is a must-do for any fans of viticulture!
Georgia has a welcoming and warm culture. While its position means that it has been through its fair share of occupations and wars, it has a strong, passionate identity that travellers can experience through its hospitality. Georgian supras (traditional meals) are a must-experience. They go on for hours and include dozens of toasts by the tamada (toastmaster) and guests!
History’s abundant in the country, too. Georgia’s second city, Kutaisi, is known as the “city of churches” and is famous for its wonderful architecture. Uplistsikhe is a 3,000-year-old town, while Mtskheta is a former capital brimming with culture and history.
In the winter months, Georgia’s mountains are prime for skiing, with slopes like Gudauri offering ski rental and lift passes at budget-friendly prices. And in the summer, the same mountains are criss-crossed with hiking trails.
Batumi, a city on Georgia’s Black Sea coastline, is not only a popular city for beachgoers; it’s sometimes known as the “Las Vegas of the Black Sea” due to its casino scene. Right on the border with Turkey, locals and tourists alike head to the city to play blackjack and other games.
Batumi is a welcoming city for tourists, investors and digital nomads, with new apartments being built every month.
Practicalities of visiting Georgia
One of the reasons why Georgia has historically been very appealing to digital nomads and long-term travellers is its relaxed visa policy. Travellers from many countries can stay in the country for up to a year with no visa.
English is spoken well throughout the cities and there are plenty of high-quality hotels and tour companies that make trip planning here a breeze.
Travel in the countryside can be a little more challenging, but adventurous tourists have been exploring the mountains and Black Sea coastline for years, and infrastructure is only improving. For anyone a little nervous about exploring Georgia independently, tours are available throughout the entire country.
In essence, Georgia is a straightforward country to visit; made even easier by the increasing flight opportunities around Europe!
Flying to Georgia just got easier!
If you’re UK-based, this flight will make travelling to Georgia much easier (it’s also excellent for any transit passengers). And, as soon as you land and taste the food, sip some wine and step back into its history, you’ll see that this country is well worth the hype!
