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Borjomi & Nature Tours 2026: Complete Guide to Georgia's Mineral Water Paradise
Borjomi is one of Georgia's most beloved resort towns, famous worldwide for its naturally carbonated mineral water. Nestled in a lush green valley surrounded by the Lesser Caucasus mountains, Borjomi offers visitors a unique combination of nature, history, and wellness. The town's centerpiece is the Borjomi Central Park — a stunning 19th-century park designed by the Romanov family, where visitors can taste mineral water directly from the spring, ride a cable car, and hike through pristine forest. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day trip from Tbilisi or a base for exploring southern Georgia, Borjomi should be on your itinerary.
Why Borjomi is a Must-Visit Destination
Borjomi isn't just a town — it's a sensation. The naturally carbonated mineral water, discovered in the 19th century, put this small Georgian town on the world map. The water was so prized that the Romanov family built their summer residence here and developed the magnificent central park. Today, Borjomi remains a top destination for those seeking natural beauty, fresh air, and healing mineral springs.
- World-famous mineral water — taste it directly from the spring for free inside the park
- Stunning 19th-century park — designed by the Romanovs, with waterfalls, bridges, and lush vegetation
- Cable car with panoramic views — rises to the top of the mountain overlooking the valley
- Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park — one of Europe's largest national parks with 30+ marked trails
- Historical architecture — Romanov Palace, old sulfur baths, and charming 19th-century buildings
- Gateway to southern Georgia — perfect base for trips to Akhaltsikhe, Vardzia, and Rabati Castle
Top Attractions in Borjomi
1. Borjomi Central Park — The Heart of the Town
Borjomi Central Park is a beautifully landscaped park spanning several kilometers along the Borjomula River. It features walking paths, small waterfalls, bridges, and — most importantly — the mineral water spring pavilion where you can taste Borjomi water for free.
- Entrance fee: 15 GEL (adults), 5 GEL (children under 12)
- Walking distance: The main path extends about 2 km to the spring pavilion
- Highlights: Mineral spring pavilion, waterfalls, Romanov-era bridges, swan lake
- Tip: Go early morning (8-9 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy the fresh mountain air
2. Cable Car — Panoramic Views Over Borjomi
The Borjomi cable car (also called the "Borjomi ropeway") takes you from the park entrance up to the top of the mountain at 800 meters above the town. The views of Borjomi valley and the surrounding Caucasus mountains are breathtaking.
- Price: 10 GEL one way, 15 GEL round trip
- Duration: Approximately 15-20 minutes each way
- Top station: Located at 900 meters with a small cafe, observation deck, and start of several hiking trails
- Best time: Late afternoon (4-5 PM) for golden hour views
3. Romanov Palace (Likani Palace)
The Romanov Palace, also known as Likani Palace, was the summer residence of Grand Duke Nicholas Mikhailovich Romanov. Built in the 1890s, this magnificent palace sits at the entrance of Borjomi and is surrounded by a beautiful park.
- Entrance fee: 10 GEL (guided tour included)
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- What to see: Original interiors, royal furniture, portraits, and the park with 200-year-old trees
- Tour duration: About 30-40 minutes
4. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
One of the largest national parks in Europe, the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park covers over 85,000 hectares of pristine forest, alpine meadows, and mountain peaks. The park is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
- Entrance fee: Free (register at visitor center)
- Number of trails: 30+ marked hiking routes ranging from 2 hours to 5 days
- Most popular trail: "Footprints of the Romans" (9 km, 4 hours) — starts from the cable car top station
- Other activities: Horseback riding, camping, bird watching, photography
- Visitor center location: On the main road entering Borjomi (open 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
5. Green Monastery (Chitakhevi St. George Church)
Located about 12 km from Borjomi, the Green Monastery is a beautiful medieval church (9th-10th century) surrounded by lush forest. The monastery gets its name from the green moss covering its stone walls.
- Distance from Borjomi: 12 km (15 minutes by car)
- Entrance fee: Free
- Best time: Spring (May-June) when the surrounding forest is most green
- Tip: Combine with a visit to nearby Tsaghveri mineral springs
Borjomi Prices 2026
| Attraction / Service | Price (GEL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Borjomi Central Park entrance | 15 GEL | Adults, includes access to all park areas |
| Borjomi Central Park (children 6-12) | 5 GEL | Children under 6 free |
| Cable car (one way) | 10 GEL | Adult and child same price |
| Cable car (round trip) | 15 GEL | Save 5 GEL by buying round trip |
| Romanov Palace guided tour | 10 GEL | Includes 30-40 min tour |
| Green Monastery | Free | Donations welcome |
| Parking in Borjomi | 2-5 GEL | Various lots near the park |
How to Get to Borjomi
Borjomi is easily accessible by rental car from Tbilisi, Kutaisi, or Batumi. Public transport options exist but are less flexible.
- By rental car (recommended): 160 km from Tbilisi (2.5 hours via the Samtredia-Khashuri highway). Road is fully paved and in good condition. Rent a car from Tbilisi with TripBox.
- By marshrutka (minibus): From Tbilisi Didube station (depart hourly). Cost: 15-20 GEL. Drops you at Borjomi's main square. Returns from the same location.
- By train: Train from Tbilisi to Borjomi (limited schedule, about 3 hours). Cost: 10-15 GEL. Less convenient than marshrutka.
- Parking: Multiple paid parking lots near the park entrance — 2-5 GEL per day.
Combine Borjomi with Nearby Attractions
Borjomi is perfectly positioned for exploring southern Georgia's top sights. Many visitors combine Borjomi with Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia in a 2-3 day itinerary.
| Attraction | Distance from Borjomi | Drive Time | Recommended Visit Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akhaltsikhe (Rabati Castle) | 65 km | 1 hour 15 min | 2-3 hours |
| Vardzia Cave Monastery | 110 km | 2 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Khertvisi Fortress | 90 km | 1 hour 40 min | 30-45 min |
| Akhaltsikhe — Sapara Monastery | 70 km | 1 hour 20 min | 1 hour |
Best Time to Visit Borjomi
| Season | Weather | Activities | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | 10-20°C, occasional rain | Nature waking up, waterfalls full, fewer tourists | ✓ Green landscapes, ✗ Some trails may be muddy |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 20-30°C, sunny | Best for hiking, cable car, park walks | ✓ Perfect weather, ✗ Peak crowds, higher prices |
| Autumn (Sep-Oct) | 15-25°C, crisp air | Beautiful fall colors, fewer tourists | ✓ Stunning colors, ✗ Days get shorter |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | -5 to 5°C, snow | Winter walks, snow-covered scenery, cozy cafes | ✓ Magical snow views, ✗ Some facilities may be closed |
Plan your Borjomi nature tour. Rent a reliable car from TripBox for easy access to Georgia's natural wonders.
Browse Cars →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4x4 car to visit Borjomi?
No — all main attractions in and around Borjomi (park, cable car, Romanov Palace, Green Monastery) are accessible by paved roads. Any sedan works fine. Only if you plan deep hikes in the national park, a 4x4 is not necessary for access — the trailheads are reachable by regular car.
Is Borjomi mineral water safe to drink from the spring?
Yes — the water from the spring pavilion is safe and has been consumed by visitors for over 100 years. The water is naturally carbonated and warm (about 15-20°C). It can taste strong — some people prefer to let it sit for 5 minutes before drinking.
How long should I spend in Borjomi?
For the main park and cable car: 3-4 hours. For a full day: add the Romanov Palace (1 hour) and Green Monastery (1 hour). If you plan to hike in the national park, plan a full day or overnight.
Can I do Borjomi and Vardzia in one day from Tbilisi?
Yes — but it's a long day. Start at 7:00 AM from Tbilisi → Borjomi (2.5 hours, spend 2-3 hours) → drive to Vardzia (2 hours, spend 2 hours) → return to Tbilisi (3 hours). Total driving: 7-8 hours. Better to do a 2-day trip or start very early.
Where should I stay in Borjomi?
Borjomi has many guesthouses and hotels. Budget options: 50-80 GEL/night (guesthouses near the park). Mid-range: 100-150 GEL/night (hotels with views). Luxury: 200+ GEL/night (Borjomi Likani Hotel or similar). Book in advance for summer weekends.
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