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Martvili Canyon

Imereti & Racha · Nature

Getting there
About 45 km (1 h) from Kutaisi on paved roads
Best time
May–October
Recommended stay
1–2 hours

About Martvili Canyon

Martvili Canyon is a narrow limestone gorge of the Abasha river near the village of Inchkhuri in Samegrelo, about 45 km (1 h) north-west of Kutaisi. A paved loop of about 700 m leads over two bridges to viewpoints above turquoise pools and small waterfalls, and a short rowing-boat trip of about 300 m takes you up the gorge between the cliffs. It is a protected natural monument and one of the easiest nature stops in western Georgia, often paired with Okatse Canyon or Prometheus Cave.

Tours Including Martvili Canyon

See all 3 tours

Must-See Attractions

  • Boat trip

    About 300 m by rowing boat up the Abasha between the canyon walls, around 15–20 minutes; runs in dry weather only.

  • Canyon loop

    A 700-metre paved circuit with two bridges and three viewing platforms over the pools.

  • Dadiani steps

    The historic stairway of limestone blocks where the Dadiani princes are said to have bathed.

  • Waterfalls

    Several small falls pour into the gorge along the path.

Nearby

  • Martvili Monastery (Chkondidi): 10th-century church on a hill above Martvili town, about 10 km (15 min).

  • Okatse Canyon

    Cliff walkway over a second gorge, about 40 km (50 min).

  • Kinchkha Waterfall

    Three-step waterfall near Okatse, about 45 km (1 h).

  • Kutaisi

    About 45 km (1 h).

Location42.4667° N, 42.3833° EView on map

Good to know

Getting there

About 45 km (1 h) from Kutaisi on paved roads; about 4–4.5 h (about 280 km) from Tbilisi.

Best time

May–October

Best time

The boats run reliably from late spring to autumn; the water is greenest in dry spells of summer and early autumn, and after heavy rain it turns brown and boats may stop.

Recommended stay

1–2 hours

Fees

The path and the boat are separate tickets from the Agency of Protected Areas: foreign adults about 40 GEL entry and 20 GEL for the boat. Combo tickets with Okatse, Kinchkha or Prometheus Cave save money.

Opening hours

Daily, about 10:00–18:00.

Heads-up

Boats do not run in rain, snow or high water, and the canyon is crowded at midday in summer; arrive at opening.

Walking

About 700 m on paved paths with steps; shoes with grip.

History & culture

History

The canyon lay on the estate of the Dadiani, the ruling princes of Samegrelo, and local tradition says the family came here to bathe; a stone stairway on the Dadiani path is shown as the spot. The site was developed for visitors by the Agency of Protected Areas and opened as a natural monument in the 2010s.

Local Cuisine

Samegrelo is known for spicy food: try elarji (cornmeal with melted sulguni), gebzhalia (young cheese rolls in a mint and milk sauce), Megrelian khachapuri topped with extra cheese, and red ajika. Family restaurants in Martvili town and along the canyon road serve them.

Accommodation

Guesthouses in Inchkhuri and Martvili town and a few small hotels nearby; most travellers stay in Kutaisi, an hour away.