Beyond the Canyons of Samegrelo: A Land to Explore Slowly

When travelers hear the name Samegrelo, Martvili Canyon is often the first place that comes to mind. Its turquoise waters and spectacular limestone walls have made it one of western Georgia’s best-known natural attractions. But Martvili is only the beginning. Samegrelo is a region where the landscape changes dramatically as you move from the lowlands toward the mountains, and some of its most remarkable places require a little more time, a good pair of walking shoes and a willingness to go beyond the usual tourist route. One of the best examples is Tobavarchkhili, a group of high-altitude lakes hidden in the Egrisi Mountains. Reaching the main lake is an adventure in itself, with several days of trekking through remote mountain landscapes, alpine meadows, rocky passes and wild valleys. The name Tobavarchkhili means “Silver Lake”, a fitting description of the way the water reflects the surrounding peaks. It is a completely different experience from the easy sightseeing of Martvili — quieter, more demanding and deeply connected with the mountains of Samegrelo. For those looking for something more accessible, Okatse Canyon offers spectacular views from its suspended walkway and forest trails, while the Nokalakevi area brings together nature and history around the remains of an ancient city and the nearby thermal springs. The Khobistskali River and the landscapes around it add another layer to the region, winding through green valleys and villages where everyday life still feels closely connected to the land. These are not simply individual attractions to tick off a list; together they show how diverse Samegrelo really is.

And perhaps the most rewarding way to experience this diversity is to slow down and explore it with the people who know the region best. In the villages of Samegrelo, a local guide can lead you along a trail that does not appear in a standard itinerary, tell you about a mountain or lake by its local name, or introduce you to a family where a simple visit can turn into a long lunch filled with Megrelian dishes and stories. Samegrelo is famous for its distinctive cuisine, from elarji and gebzhalia to rich Megrelian khachapuri, but food here is more than something to taste — it is part of the region’s hospitality and identity. You can combine a visit to Martvili with a walk through the surrounding countryside, spend more time around Nokalakevi, venture into the forests and valleys near the Egrisi Mountains, or take on the challenge of Tobavarchkhili for a completely different perspective. The beauty of Samegrelo is that there is no need to see everything in one day. Let Martvili be your introduction, not your final destination. Walk a little farther, stay in a family guesthouse, listen to local stories, taste the food, and give the landscape time to reveal itself. Beyond the famous canyons, Samegrelo becomes less about sightseeing and more about discovering a living region — its mountains, villages, traditions and the people who have called this extraordinary corner of Georgia home for generations.