About Martvili
Martvili is a small town in Samegrelo, in western Georgia, north-west of Kutaisi. It is best known for its canyons and its hilltop monastery, and most visitors come on a day trip from Kutaisi.
The town sits in western Georgia and is reached by road from Kutaisi. The main draws are the canyons and the monastery above the town, along with Balda Canyon and Oniore Waterfall to the north.
Things to see and do
Martvili Canyon
Martvili Canyon is a limestone gorge with turquoise water, walkways and short boat rides.
Martvili Monastery
Martvili Monastery is a medieval monastery on a hill above the town, also called Chkondidi.
Balda Canyon
Balda Canyon is a narrower canyon with a walking trail, north of Martvili.
Oniore Waterfall
Oniore Waterfall is a waterfall near Balda Canyon.
Getting there
Martvili is reached by road from Kutaisi, and marshrutkas run between the two. Kutaisi International Airport is the nearest airport, a straight-line distance of 33 km from Martvili.
Where to stay nearby
None of the hotels we track in Martvili returned a bookable price in our latest availability check (November 2026 dates). These are the nearest places with bookable hotels; distances are in a straight line.
Frequently asked questions
What is Martvili known for?
Martvili is best known for its canyons and its hilltop monastery.
How do I get to Martvili?
Martvili is reached by road from Kutaisi, and marshrutkas run between the two. Kutaisi International Airport is the nearest airport.
What can I see in Martvili?
You can visit Martvili Canyon, a limestone gorge with turquoise water, walkways and short boat rides, and Martvili Monastery, a medieval monastery on a hill above the town, also called Chkondidi. North of Martvili there is Balda Canyon and, near it, Oniore Waterfall.
Do most visitors come on a day trip?
Yes, most visitors come on a day trip from Kutaisi.
Where can I stay near Martvili?
None of the hotels we track in Martvili returned a bookable price in our latest check. The nearest places with bookable hotels are Tsqaltubo (25 km), Kutaisi (36 km), Zugdidi (39 km) (straight-line distances).