Martvili Canyon

მარტვილის კანიონი

A striking gorge of turquoise water flanked by mossy limestone walls and waterfalls, explorable by inflatable boat. Once a bathing place for the Dadiani nobility, it is now a favorite scenic day trip.

Things to do

• Boat ride through the canyon — Glide on an inflatable boat along the turquoise Abasha River between towering moss-covered limestone walls.
• Walk the cliffside trails — Follow the wooden walkways and stone paths that hug the gorge for constantly changing viewpoints over the water.
• See the waterfalls — Admire the several cascades that tumble down the canyon walls into the emerald pools below.
• Visit the Dadiani bathing spot — Stand where the noble Dadiani family once bathed in the cool river during the summer months.
• Cross the arched bridge — Pause on the old stone bridge for a classic photo looking down the length of the gorge.
• Zipline over the canyon — Soar across the gorge on the zipline for an aerial view of the turquoise water and forest.
• Day trip to Balda Canyon — Extend your visit to the nearby, wilder Balda Canyon with its own dramatic waterfalls.

Food to try

• Elarji — A hearty Megrelian cornmeal porridge stretched with sulguni cheese into elastic, stringy comfort food.
• Kharcho — A rich Megrelian walnut-and-spice beef stew that is far thicker and nuttier than versions elsewhere in Georgia.
• Gebzhalia — Rolls of sulguni cheese in a minty nadughi and herb sauce, a signature cold Megrelian dish.
• Megrelian khachapuri — A cheese-filled bread topped with an extra layer of melted sulguni for double the richness.
• Ajika — A fiery red pepper, garlic, and herb paste served as a condiment across the Samegrelo region.

Local customs & good to know

• Buy tickets and book boats on site — Entrance and boat rides are paid at the visitor center, and boat trips can involve a wait in high season.
• Wear sturdy shoes — The paths and walkways can be wet and slippery from the spray and moss, so grippy footwear helps.
• Come in spring or early summer — The water is at its most vividly turquoise and the waterfalls fullest before the late-summer dry season.
• Respect the Megrelian toasting tradition — If invited to a local meal, expect the tamada (toastmaster) to lead heartfelt toasts you should honor.

Nearby

• Okatse Canyon — 13 km
• Prometheus Cave — 20 km
• Tskaltubo — 21 km
• Sataplia Nature Reserve — 28 km