Martville Canyon is located 50 kilometers northwest of Kutaisi, near the city of Martvili. This canyon is one of the most beautiful natural attractions of Georgia. If you are in Kutaisi, then an excursion to the Martville Canyon must be planned.
The Martville Canyon was cut by the Abasha River in the soft limestone mountains. A convenient tourist infrastructure has been created in the Martville Canyon, thanks to which this place has become very popular. In addition to the Martville Canyon itself, tourists can see beautiful cascading waterfalls here, as well as a grove of ancient yews and boxwoods. In Georgia, such places are called the "Colchis forest".
At first, tourists can visit the observation decks near the waterfalls. They offer a beautiful view of the streams of the river, which fall from several rocky ledges down the crevices. Constant moisture from splashes, protection from winds in the crevice have created a special ecosystem here. Here, not only the branches of boxwood trees, but also the stones and the ground around them are covered with moss.
After admiring the waterfalls, go to the boat station. Here you can board rowing boats that sail along the narrowest section of the Martville Canyon. Its length is 2.5 kilometers, and the rocks rise 30-50 meters above the river. At first, tourists sail a rowing boat against the current. The views that open up behind every bend of the river are magnificent. The rocks on the slopes of the gorge are covered with moss. In some places, the walls of the canyon almost close over their heads.
In some places, the current of the Abashi River is quite strong. Ropes are fixed along the riverbed. The boatman asks the men in the boat to pull them to overcome difficult stretches. The boat sails back along the river; tourists can relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the Martville Canyon once again.
There are many trekking trails in the surrounding area, so you can plan a whole day to visit the canyon. If you are traveling by car, then a visit to Martville Canyon can be combined with a visit to Okatse Canyon. They are located at a distance of 30 kilometers from each other, northwest of Kutaisi.
