Ambrolauri

Ambrolauri is a town in Racha, Rioni.

Understand

Ambrolauri is the capital and gateway to the Racha region. While there isn't much to see or do in the town, there are many sights to see just a short drive away. Combined with its central location in the valley and availability of various services it is a perfect base for daytrips. Ambrolauri is also known for its Khvanchkara red semi-sweet wine which is popular throughout Georgia. Don't leave town without at least a bottle or two in your suitcase!

1 Tourist Information Office (intersection of Racha Highway and Kostava St). Small building just over the bridge out of town, the staff speaks English and has a lot of info about the region. (updated Nov 2017)

Get in

By bus

Marshrutkas are the most popular form of public transport in Georgia and also the cheapest way into Ambrolauri. There are regular departures from Kutaisi (10 lari), and a few from Tbilisi's Didube station.

By car

The main road into Ambrolauri and the Racha region runs north from the main Tbilisi-Kutaisi motorway, exit near Terjola and up via Tkibuli and along Shaori Lake. The road has been resurfaced and it's a smooth ride all the way.

By plane

2 Ambrolauri airport. (updated Nov 2017) A very modern and small airport opened in January 2017. Vanilla Sky operates twice weekly flights to/from Natakhtari Airfield for 50 lari per person including 15 kg baggage and transfer to the centre of Tbilisi. The flight takes about 30 minutes in a small 18-seater airplane and is quite scenic.

Get around

The town is quite small and is easily covered on foot. Even the airport is only a 20-minute walk from the centre. Taxis are also available at the roundabout near the bridge to take you to your guesthouse or any other place in Racha.

See

• 1 Ambrolauri Museum of Fine Arts. (updated Nov 2017)

Buy

• 1 Supermarket (corner of Makhaldiani and Kostava Street). The biggest shop in Ambrolauri and the closest thing to a western supermarket, it has all the basics covered. Right across the entrance is a small shop selling fruit and local vegetables. (updated Nov 2017)

Eat

• 1 1 lari bakery, Kostava street. Try the lobiani, it's a traditional round bread with bean-filling, which originates from this region. Just one lari and probably the best one you'll have in all of Georgia. (updated Nov 2017)

Drink

• 1 Winehall Royal Khvanchkara, 13 Kostava Street, ☏ +995 551267722. M-Sa 09:00-18:00. Wine tastings, as well as a shop (updated Nov 2017)

Sleep

• 1 Guesthouse Racha, 33 Agmashenebeli Street, ☏ +995 555678010. Affordable guesthouse with a very kind host. Modern bathroom and comfy beds. Call shortly ahead of arrival. 40 lari twin/double. (updated Nov 2017)

Connect

• 3 Magti Office, 2 Kostava Street (across the pharmacy, look for red/white logo). M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 10:00-17:00. Mobile operator which has the best coverage in the region. Prepaid SIM card packages with internet available. (updated Nov 2017)
• 4 Liberty Bank ATM & Office, 18 Aghmashenebeli Street. ATM accepts all major cards. Wifi hotspot available. (updated Nov 2017)
• 5 Georgian Post, 24 Kostava Street. M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 10:00-14:00. For all your postcard and package needs. (updated Nov 2017)

Nearby

Nikortsminda

6 Nikortsminda Cathedral. A thousand-year old cathedral with some interesting frescoes from the 17th century. Free. (updated Nov 2017)

7 Ice Cave. More of a chasm than a cave, and without any ice due to warming, it's still a cool place to see. There are signs part of the way, after you exit the village keep left and stick to the path. Free. (updated Nov 2017)

Tsesi

8 Barakoni Cathedral. Beautiful 18th-century church in medieval style, situated at the confluence of the Rioni and Lukhini river. Free. (updated Nov 2017)

9 Mindatsikhe Ruins. 11th-century fortress ruins, a very short walk from Barakoni. (updated Nov 2017)

Go next

• Go deeper into Racha to Oni or discover Lower Svaneti in Lentekhi.