Martvili Canyon — Turquoise Water and Waterfalls of Western Georgia

There is a walking trail of about 700 metres with small bridges and several viewpoints. One of Martvili's highlights is a short boat ride along the river between sheer cliffs — the best views of the canyon are from the water, although boat trips may be cancelled after heavy rain or when the water is high.

A few hours are usually enough for the canyon itself. If you have the car for the whole day, combine it with Martvili Monastery or the Balda and Okatse canyons. Swimming inside the protected area of Martvili Canyon is not allowed.

How to get there from Kutaisi

Kutaisi → Tskaltubo → Khoni → Martvili → Martvili Canyon

About 50 km from central Kutaisi, usually 1–1.5 hours by car. One of the easiest day trips from Kutaisi: reach the canyon in the morning and continue to other sights in the region.

How to get there from Batumi

Batumi → Kobuleti → Poti → Senaki → Martvili → Martvili Canyon

About 145 km — allow 2.5–3 hours each way depending on traffic. From Batumi it is best to plan a full day and combine the canyon with one or two more places in Samegrelo.

How to get there from Tbilisi

Tbilisi → highway towards Kutaisi → Samtredia → Martvili → Martvili Canyon

About 277 km, roughly 4–6 hours by car depending on the route and traffic. From Tbilisi it makes more sense to include Martvili in a trip around western Georgia and stay overnight in Kutaisi, Tskaltubo or near Martvili rather than doing a round trip in one day.

Tip: you do not need a 4×4 for Martvili Canyon — any regular car reaches the visitor centre. The best light for photos is in the morning or late afternoon, when direct sunlight does not wash out the colour of the water.