Martvili

Samegrelo, Georgia

The Martvili Canyon is a natural monument and located in the village Inchkhuri, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, 280 km west of Tbilisi.

The Martvili Canyon is a natural wonder. The natural monument is under the protection of the Georgian Agency of Protected Areas. It used to be a bathing place for Georgian Nobles, the Dadiani family. Now it represents a tourist site. People visit it to enjoy the scenery, and its waterfalls and take a boat trip in the river with deep green color. You can enjoy a 300-meter boat tour on river Abasha and beautiful views of the mountain river canyon. Taking walking or boat tours at Martvili Canyon tourists can explore the Dadianis’ Path, mountain river gorge, limestone natural bridges, overview platforms, waterfalls, XIX century water mill, fossil shells of nautiluses, and sea urchins.

Diving in Martvili Canyon

Martvili Canyon was named one of the best scuba-diving locations in Europe in 2017 based on the views of eight underwater photographers. The canyon is 2,400 m long, 20-30 meters deep, and 5-10 meters wide.

In addition, small waterfalls of 12-15 meters in height are formed in the middle of the canyon. There is a special place known as the «Dadiani Bath». To get here, the trail will lead to a staircase built of large limestone blocks. According to the historical documents, Giorgi Chkondideli and Davit Agmashenebeli used to go up these stairs and swim in the bath. The length of the route the boats take along the river is about 1 km, and the trip takes about 30 minutes (including photo stops). Children under 5 years old are not allowed on the boats.

«Here, there are caves and canyons so impregnable that not even a satellite can see inside, this place was like an illustration from one of Tolkien’s books, a place where elves dwell. It features clear waterfalls that fall from steep, fern-covered cliffs draped with hanging ivy branches that resemble festive lights. Everything is insanely beautiful», the underwater photographers said about Martvili Canyon.

Trips to Martvili