If you are looking for the best things to do in Sighnaghi, Georgia, you have come to the right place! From wineries to monasteries to where to stay, it’s all here. Let’s dive in and explore the top things to do in Sighnaghi, Georgia!
Want the See the Sights Without all the Planning? Check out the best Sighnaghi tours below!
⫸ A Kakheti Wine Region Full Day Group Tour from Tbilisi – visit wine cellars, walk the town of Sighnaghi, try local bread and cheese, and visit the Bodbe Monastery! Book your tour here.
⫸ A Private Full Day Tour to Sighnaghi and the Kakheti Region – visit several wineries, learn about the traditional winemaking process, walk Sighnaghi’s cobblestone streets, and eat a traditional Georgian lunch! Book your tour here.
Sighnaghi, Georgia (often spelled Signagi, Georgia) is proud of it’s winemaking heritage. In fact, the Kakheti region in Georgia claims to be home to the oldest winemaking practices in the world!
For over 8000 years, Georgian’s have masterfully aged their local wines in egg-shaped ceramic vessels called Qvevri’s. These are found quite literally within many local houses, often in the basement or right off of the dining room. Families bury these vats into the ground while the wine ages, and even today the modern wineries use this process.
Imagine, having your own personal wine stash in your basement?!
Sighnaghi was a beautiful nd peaceful small town – a perfect escape from Tbilisi. I spent many days exploring this picturesque city, walking the cobblestone streets, taking in the mountainous views, and exploring the churches and monasteries. I can absolutely see why Sighnaghi, Georgia is called “the City of Love” by the locals!
Whether you visit for one day or one week, here are all of the best things to do in Sighnaghi, Georgia.
(Fun fact, if you visit Areni, Armenia, they will argue that Georgia’s claim is false. They believe that their region is actually the oldest in winemaking, originating in a cave! I suggest you visit both and see which you prefer for yourself!)
Pin Me for Later!
The Best Things to Do in Sighnaghi, Georgia
Though Sighnaghi is fairly small, there are loads of things to find all throughout the quaint little town. Historical sights, local crafts, and of course delectable local food and wine can be easily found if you know where to look!
After my time exploring Sighnaghi, Georgia, I am going to share with you the best things to see and do while visiting Sighnaghi. Let’s dive in!
1) Walk to three local Sighnaghi wineries.
There are three local wineries within walking distance of just about anywhere in Sighnaghi. I higly recommend a stop into all three if time allows!
Pheasant’s Tears
Pheasant’s Tears is a popular Sighnaghi winery – probably the most well-known of the three. They have a beautiful courtyard where guests are served artisanal wines and fresh, local food. Definitely make a reservation for dinner here if you have the time!
OKRO’S
OKRO’S is a family owned winery that produces natural wines free from sulfates and serves them with a view. The rooftop patio is divine! The Qvevri’s are right in the basement, on site, so you know what you are drinking is fresh.
Cradle of Wine
Cradle of Wine seems to be a bit of a hidden gem – the least known winery of the three listed here. They serve Sapperavi wines, which is a type of grape grown locally, and it is definitely worth a tasting!
You May Also Like: Visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi
2) Book a guesthouse with a view.
I stayed at this wonderful guesthouse in Sighnaghi, Georgia, and can’t recommend them enough!
Upon arrival, I was ushered to the patio and brought out fresh bread, cheese, and the family’s own wine. You will start to notice that this is a common thing in Sighnaghi – everyone who lives there seems to whip up their own homemade blends!
The views from the patio and balconies are beautiful – the sweeping green treetop views span across the small city and off into the distance. My room was basic but very comfortable, equipped with A/C (a must for summer visits!), a private bathroom, strong wifi, and a comfortable bed.
They offer various room types that would fit most traveler’s budgets. Breakfast and dinner are available, too, and are served on the large patio.
At the time of my visit, breakfasts were $5 USD and contained fresh fruits, cheeses, vegetables, and breads. Dinners were a bit more expensive, but they were tasty. Served family style, you will get to meet other guests as well as the host family! Dinners included fresh veggies, breads, cheeses, wines, and meats for the meat-eaters out there.
3) Explore the Bodbe Monastery.
The Bodbe Monastery was one of my favorite places in Sighnaghi. The grounds are beautiful, and again – the views!
Ladies, sure to bring a shawl or scarf if you want to enter any of the buildings. On the day of my visit, we were allowed to enter into one of the two main structures while the other was closed for cleaning. The interiors are pretty, but the exteriors are what stole my breath!
Check out my video above to see some of the detail work in the construction. Stunning!
The Bodbe Monastery is roughly one and a quarter mile from Sighnaghi’s center, located here. So not too bad for walking, but leave early during the summer months to avoid the heat.
4) Book a wine tour.
If you are just visiting for a quick day trip, I highly recommend ether this Sighnaghi group tour or this Sighnaghi private tour, depending on your budget and needs.
However, if you are staying several days in Sighnaghi, then you may have better luck booking through your guesthouse. The family who runs the guesthouse where I stayed (book them here) set mine up.
We got to visit several wineries – one was run by the family’s relatives and was situated in their house. It was an awesome experience t see the wine making process right inside a local home! And another notable one was a huge modern-day operation that sold loads of bottles and produced en-masse.
Both were a great experience and then you’ll visit others in between, too!
You May Also Like: The Best Things To Do in Tbilisi
5) Visit the local indoor market.
I only really explored this market on my last day in Sighnaghi, but boy am I glad I did! Here you can purchase flavorful Georgian spices, fresh vegetables and fruits, and of course get the famous Georgian churchkhela. This Gerogian candy is a long, tube-like strip of nuts – usually walnuts – that are dipped and covered in grape juice.
It’s definitely worth trying a few local treats or grabbing a few spice bags to bring back home. I bought Adjika and khmeli suneli, which I’ve since used for my own meals and to cook for friends. The verdict: A+ extremely tasty!
6) Check out the local handicrafts.
In the center of town, lining the cobblestone streets, local vendors set up daily to sell local handicrafts. These range from colorful rugs, shiny jewelry, knitted bags and socks, and even the odd antique here and there.
The prices are very fair, so if you need to buy some souvenirs or bring home gifts for friends, this is a great place to do so. It is also worth noting that the items I saw here were different than anywhere else in Georgia, so the gifts will feel one of a kind!
You May Also Like: A Complete Guide to Visiting Martvili Canyon, Georgia
7) Get lost on the cobblestone streets.
Part of the draw of Sighnaghi is how peaceful it is. I was traveling solo, and I found a great calmness in the town, especially early in the morning and near sunset. The streets were largely empty save for a few street vendors selling vegetables or other tourists taking a stroll.
There are a lot of small, maze-like roads and alleys to explore here, and cobblestone lanes leading in all directions. Just make sure you have your maps downloaded and your hotel marked so you can find your way back – it can get a bit confusing if you venture far!
Sighnaghi used to be a fortress, so if you walk far enough you just might see part of the old city wall, dating back to the 1770s. Pro tip, sit on top of the wall for a sunrise you will never forget.
I love helping my community plan amazing trips. When booking these services, consider booking them through the links below. Without any extra cost to you, you will be supporting This Rare Earth.
Thank you so much!
🏠 Get the best hotel prices here!
🛏️Find a hostel bed here!
🚣 Book your favorite tours and activities here!
🚗 Get the best rental car prices here!
⚠️ Keep your personal data secure here!
⚕️ Get a quote for travel insurance here!
🗣️ Start speaking a new language here!
💻 Shop my top Travel Essentials here!
8) Take photos of the churches.
There are two churches you can visit while in Sighnaghi – the Church of St. Stephen and the Church of St. George. I know others have had success visiting the interiors, but when I was there they were both locked. Maybe I went too early in the morning?
In any case, St. Stephen’s is most recommended for it’s rooftop views, where you can get a sweeping overhead look of the town. The other church, St. George, has a nice and photogenic exterior.
You May Also Like: The Best Tbilisi Cooking Class for Georgian Food
Things to Know about Sighnaghi, Georgia
- Sighnaghi, like much of Georgia, is primarily cash-based. Thankfully, there are a couple of ATM’s and banks within the city, so you don’t need to carry all of your cash on you at once. Just be sure to bring enough for your guesthouse, food, any tours you wish to take, and a little extra for souvenirs (or wine bottles!)
- There are also several “real” grocery stores in addition to the indoor market and outdoor vegetable vendors. So if you need basics like bread, snacks, or drinks, you can easily get them.
- Hitchhiking is quite common in Sighnaghi, and elsewhere in Georgia for that matter. Do not do it if you aren’t 100% confident about it. I did hitchhike to Bodbe and back with no issues, and I also walked to Bodbe and back. (Note that many locals don’t speak English though so know how to pronounce your destination in advance!)
- It is also worthwhile to take a tour or drive your rental car (if you have one) into the greater Kakheti region. Sighnaghi – though my favorite – is not the only place to find wine here.
How to Get to Sighnaghi, Georgia
You have a few options for transportation between Sighnaghi and Tbilisi, where most visitors come from.
On the way to Sighnaghi, I used a shared taxi. You basically meet at the taxi gathering spot and the driver waits until he has four riders and the car is full before he takes off. The cost was 20GEL.
On the way back, I traveled by mashrutka, or shared shuttle bus. It cost $10GEL and is a bit less comfortable, as you are crammed in with many riders, but it keeps costs down.
Both operate once the vehicle is full, though mashrutkas do have a somewhat “set” schedule. Your guesthouse can set you up with the exact timings, too.
I also later rented a car in Georgia, and driving was easy. While I did not have that car at the time of my Sighnaghi trip, the roads all seemed quite manageable from the various vehicle types I took. I would not hesitate to self drive.
***
Sighnaghi, Georgia was a great place to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of Tilisi. While there are loads of wineries and things to do in Tbilisi, Sighnaghi just has a different feel to it.
Pin Me for Later!
Leave a Reply