Staying With A Georgian Family Homestays

Staying with a Georgian Family Homestays

Traveling to Georgia is more than visiting a country—it’s stepping into a land where tradition, hospitality, and culture are deeply woven into everyday life. While hotels and guesthouses can offer comfort and convenience, there’s something uniquely enriching about staying with a Georgian family. A homestay experience opens the door to genuine cultural exchange, warm hospitality, and unforgettable memories that no guidebook or tour can provide.

From homemade wine to heartfelt toasts, and from shared meals to stories passed down through generations, here’s why choosing a homestay in Georgia is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country.

Why Choose a Homestay in Georgia?

1. True Georgian Hospitality

Georgians are known around the world for their legendary hospitality. There’s a well-known saying in the country: “A guest is a gift from God.” This belief is not just symbolic—it’s a way of life. When you stay with a Georgian family, you’re not treated like a customer, but as a valued guest or even as part of the family.

Expect to be welcomed with warm smiles, offers of home-cooked food, and genuine interest in your life and culture. Many hosts will go out of their way to ensure your comfort, help you explore the area, or introduce you to local customs.

2. A Taste of Authentic Georgian Cuisine

One of the biggest highlights of a homestay is the food. Georgian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly diverse. When you stay with a family, meals are typically homemade using fresh, local ingredients—and they’re often abundant.

You might enjoy dishes like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (meat dumplings), lobio (bean stew), and chakapuli (herb-lamb stew). Most meals are accompanied by homemade wine, often produced by the family themselves. In some homes, you may even get to participate in cooking or wine-making, offering a hands-on cultural experience.

Top Regions for Homestays in Georgia

1. Kakheti

Kakheti, located in eastern Georgia, is the country’s wine-making heartland. Homestays here often include vineyard visits, wine tastings, and participation in local wine production methods. The scenic countryside, charming villages like Sighnaghi, and ancient monasteries add to the charm.

Staying in a Kakhetian family home gives you the chance to try traditional qvevri wines and learn about the centuries-old wine-making process that’s been passed down through generations.

2. Svaneti

Svaneti is a remote and mountainous region known for its dramatic landscapes and unique culture. The Svans have preserved their language, traditions, and architecture, making it one of the most distinct regions in Georgia.

Homestays in towns like Mestia or Ushguli offer a blend of rugged adventure and cultural immersion. You’ll sleep in stone houses, dine on mountain dishes, and hear tales of highland life. Many homestays are family-run and involve multiple generations, offering an intimate look into rural Georgian life.

3. Adjara

In western Georgia, near the Black Sea, Adjara offers a blend of subtropical nature and ancient traditions. Batumi, the capital, is modern and vibrant, but the real homestay charm lies in the nearby villages like Machakhela and Keda.

Here, families welcome travelers into wooden houses surrounded by lush greenery. Local dishes often include corn-based breads, fish from nearby rivers, and unique herbal teas. The cultural identity of Adjara, with its mix of Georgian and Muslim influences, adds depth to your stay.

4. Tusheti

Accessible only in the summer months, Tusheti is one of Georgia’s most remote and untouched regions. Known for its stone towers, alpine meadows, and strong cultural identity, this is a destination for those seeking a true off-the-grid experience.

Homestays in villages like Omalo or Dartlo are often simple, but rich in cultural value. You’ll eat rustic meals, hike through stunning terrain, and witness traditional sheep-herding practices. With limited internet or phone service, it’s a perfect place to disconnect and truly immerse yourself in Georgian highland life.

What to Expect During a Homestay

Shared Spaces and Conversations

Unlike hotels, many homestays involve shared dining areas or living rooms where guests and hosts interact regularly. Meals are often communal, and conversation flows easily—sometimes with the help of gestures or translation apps if there’s a language barrier. These interactions are often the most memorable part of the trip.

Cultural Insights and Traditions

Your host might teach you how to make khinkali, invite you to a family celebration, or introduce you to local customs like the supra (traditional feast). These moments offer a firsthand understanding of Georgian values—respect for elders, strong family ties, and love for their land and traditions.

Modest Comforts with Warmth

While some homestays are luxurious, many are simple and modest. You might sleep in a guest room with basic furnishings, share a bathroom, or use a wood stove for heating in rural areas. But what these homes lack in luxury, they make up for with warmth, sincerity, and cultural richness.

Tips for a Great Homestay Experience

Learn a Few Words: Knowing basic Georgian phrases like “hello” (gamarjoba) and “thank you” (madloba) goes a long way in showing respect and effort.
Be Open and Respectful: Accept hospitality graciously, try new foods, and respect local customs. Georgians are proud of their traditions and love sharing them.
Bring a Small Gift: A small token from your country (tea, sweets, or souvenirs) is appreciated and often reciprocated with great generosity.
Confirm Amenities in Advance: Especially in rural areas, confirm details like heating, bathroom access, or meals to avoid surprises.
Leave a Review: Positive feedback helps family-run homes gain visibility and support their livelihoods.

Final Thoughts

Staying with a Georgian family is not just about having a place to sleep—it’s about stepping into a way of life. It allows you to experience the heart of Georgia through the eyes of its people, share in their joys, traditions, and daily routines, and form meaningful connections that often last long after your trip ends.

In a world where travel can sometimes feel rushed or superficial, a homestay in Georgia offers something rare: authenticity, depth, and humanity. Whether you’re in a mountain village or a vineyard-covered valley, staying with a Georgian family ensures your journey is not just seen—but truly felt.