Martvili is one of the most popular canyons in Georgia. It is located in the Megrelia region, not far from the small town of Martvili on the Abashi River in Georgia, which, flowing millions of years, formed a gorge with a depth of up to 40 meters and a length of up to 2400 meters.
The canyon is conditionally divided into two parts:The upper part, on which you can ride on an inflatable boat and The lower part where you can see beautiful cascading waterfalls.
The lower part of the canyon is no less interesting than the upper. You can see many beautiful cascading waterfalls, take pictures at convenient viewing platforms and wash your hands in the waterfall.
In 2016, the canyon was seriously refurbished, life vests began to be issued, and a fixed skating price of 10 GEL was set.
This area is also interesting for its ancient temples and monasteries, architectural and historical monuments, and of course the local wine of Ocaljesi. But in order to see all this, it will take more than one day. Martvili Canyon has become very popular among tourists over the past couple of years, so we couldn’t miss it on our list of “excursions on our own”.
Access : Coordinates: 42.417422, 42.394061 / Location: Martvili Municipality, Gachedili Village, Abasha River Gorge, Martvili-Chkhorotsku Central Road./ Distance / Time: 284km from Tbilisi to Martvili, it will take 4 hours and 10 minutes to get there.
The city is 5.5 km from Martvili Canyon, 10 minutes away. / The distance from Batumi to Martvili is 150-160 km (about 3 hours of the road). The distance from Kutaisi to the canyons is about 55 km (about an hour drive). From Tbilisi to Martvili Canyons you will have to travel 290 km. It is 5-6 hours.
/ Batumi by car with a Russian-speaking guide or with a guided tour./ You can get to Martvili Canyon by public transport from Kutaisi. Transport reaches the canyon itself, you just have to go down to the river. Taxi to the canyon will cost 50 GEL-19 €.
The second is to get to Kutaisi first, and already there you can take a car with a driver or even take a minibus.
Highlights :
- Riding a boat takes from 20 to 30 minutes and depends on the mood of the boatman who will ride you. One boat accommodates from 2 to 6 people, depending on the number of tourists and the availability of free boats.
- The canyon is conditionally divided into two parts – Upper and Lower. Fans of extreme sports can take a boat ride along the canyon from the Top and get a waterfall that falls from a height of about 12 meters.
- Hiking : The 700m-long stone-paved circular hiking trail starts from the Visitor Center and passes the Dadiani Historic Trail. The trail features 2 bridges, 3 viewing platforms, a 30-foot historic staircase built of large limestone boulders.
Visitors can also take a boat ride on the 300-meter (one-way) section of the Abasha River and enjoy the beautiful views of the Mountain River Canyon. In order to use the itinerary the visitor must be more than 1 m high. - Prommetheus Caves – Prometheus Cave :Prometheus Cave is one of Georgia’s natural wonders and one of the largest in the world and has many underground rivers. It was discovered in 1984. Its unique features include a variety of halls and landscape diversity. Four distinct layers were formed during different stages of the Earth’s development and tourists are able to journey through the historic territory by foot or in boats. Prometheus Cave is one of the most popular international tourist caves, and includes various types of stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, petrified waterfalls, cave pearls, underground rivers, and lakes.
Note:The Martian Canyon tourist season lasts all year long, with an active season from April to October.- For the safety of visitors, boarding in the rain and snow is prohibited due to rising water levels./ – Tours are held throughout the year. The active season lasts from April to October.
Martvili Canyon Visitor Center is located at the canyon entrance. – Working hours: from 10 am to 6pm, Everyday except Monday. / Entrance fee for adults of foreign citizens is 15 GEL, for foreign children and students 5 GEL. For Georgian citizens it’s cheaper. Boating an additional 13 GEL for all categories / Additional Service: Civil marriage ceremony – 100 Gel
Activities : Fairytale world of Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon with a local guide. / White water rafting in Martvili Canyon / sightseeing / photo opportunities / trekking
/ Walk through the canyons
Go next : Martville Monastery (Chkondidi) of the VI century, which is located along the road to the canyon, is considered a landmark of the area / The mountainous Adjara, where you can see two beautiful waterfalls: St. Andrew the First-Called and Makhuntseti or a trip to Machakhela
