Martvili Canyon

Martvili is one of the most popular canyons in Georgia. It is located in the Megrelia region, not far from the small town of Martvili on the Abashi river, which, flowing for millions of years, formed a gorge up to 40 meters deep and the length of 2,400 meters.

The canyon is divided into two parts, Upper and Lower. Fans of extreme sports can ride a boat along the canyon from the Upper part that leads to a waterfall falling from the height of about 12 meters. Thanks to the climate of the terrain and high humidity, the walls of the canyon are covered with moss, you will also see lianas that grow along the whole length of the canyon, small streams and waterfalls. A truly fabulous picture! In the lower part of the canyon there is a “pool” where you can swim and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature. Even on the hottest day the water here is cool, therefore this place is very popular among locals who come to Martvili to run away from the summer heat. In summer days, the canyon is full of tourists and locals. In low season you can enjoy solitude.

In spring, when the snow begins to melt, the river rises to 6 meters and the waterfall crashes from the height with even more power and thunder. In summer, the level is lower, the rivers are smaller and the rocks are covered with grass.

While visiting Martivili canyon it is worth to visit the Martvil Monastery (Chkondidi) of the VI century, which is on the way to the canyon. In 735 the monastery was burnt, the paintings on the walls were destroyed. And only a century and a half later it was restored. Today, on the territory of the monastery there is the temple of the Assumption of the Virgin, the church of the 10th century, in the south-west there is a 20-meter-high pillar and chapel, which was built on the site of an old destroyed chapel.