Half an hour from Kutaisi, around the spa town of Tskaltubo, are several unusual sights in one place: one of the most beautiful caves in the Caucasus, dinosaur footprints, a glass platform above the forest and a whole town of abandoned Soviet sanatoriums. You can see them all in a day — a great plan for a rainy or very hot day.
Prometheus Cave
Prometheus Cave (also called Kumistavi after a nearby village) lies a few kilometres from Tskaltubo. It was discovered in the 1980s and opened to visitors much later. The name refers to the myth of Prometheus, said to have been chained to the rocks of the Caucasus.
Inside:
- The tourist route of about one and a half kilometres passes through several huge halls.
- Stalactites, stalagmites, stone "curtains" and underground lakes are lit in different colours.
- The temperature stays cool all year, around 14°C — a relief in summer, but bring a sweater.
- At the end you can choose a boat ride on the underground river, paid separately and not always running — check.
Good to know:
- Visits are guided only, with groups on a schedule.
- The route takes about an hour; there are steps but no hard climbs.
- Floors can be wet — wear non-slip shoes.
- Photos are allowed without flash.
Sataplia
Sataplia Nature Reserve is a forested hill above Kutaisi with several sights. The name means "honey place" — wild bees once nested in the rocks.
What to see:
- Dinosaur footprints. A pavilion protects fossilised dinosaur tracks millions of years old so you can see them up close. Life-size dinosaur models outside delight children.
- Sataplia Cave — a small but pretty karst cave with lighting and stalactites.
- Glass viewing platform — cantilevered over the slope with views of the forest and Kutaisi, with a transparent floor.
- Colchic forest — relict trees and pleasant walking paths.
Time: 1.5–2 hours.
Tskaltubo
Tskaltubo was one of the most popular spa resorts of the USSR, where people came for warm radon waters. Huge sanatoriums with columns, mosaics and parks filled the town.
After the Soviet Union collapsed most sanatoriums emptied. Today Tskaltubo is a strange and beautiful place where grand Stalinist-style buildings stand half-abandoned among parks. Photographers and urban explorers come especially for them.
What to see:
- The central park with ponds and avenues.
- The spa baths — some still operate, and you can take a radon bath. The best known is Bath No. 6, associated with Stalin.
- Abandoned sanatoriums — impressive from outside.
Important: entering abandoned buildings is unsafe — floors can collapse, and some are still partly inhabited. Respect private property and residents. Several sanatoriums are now being restored as hotels.
Getting there
- From Kutaisi to Tskaltubo — 20–30 minutes by minibus or taxi.
- Prometheus Cave is about 10 minutes by taxi from Tskaltubo.
- Sataplia sits on a hill between Kutaisi and Tskaltubo; a taxi is easiest.
- A taxi for half a day or a day from Kutaisi is ideal for all three.
- Many tours combine Prometheus Cave with the Martvili and Okatse canyons.
Sample route
- 10:00 — Sataplia: footprints, cave, glass platform.
- 12:00 — lunch in Tskaltubo.
- 13:30 — Prometheus Cave.
- 15:30 — a walk around Tskaltubo, a bath or the park.
- 17:30 — back in Kutaisi.
Tickets
Prometheus Cave and Sataplia are part of the protected areas system and charge entry; the cave boat is extra. Tickets are sold on site. Some sites may close on Mondays — check opening days.
With children
One of Georgia's best family routes: the Sataplia dinosaurs, the colourful cave and an underground boat ride thrill kids of all ages. Bring warm clothes for the cave and snacks.
When to go
All year. Cave temperatures don't change, so they're good in heat and rain alike — and especially pleasant as an escape from summer heat.
In short
One day around Tskaltubo and you'll see the underground halls of Prometheus Cave, dinosaur footprints and Kutaisi from Sataplia's glass platform, then stroll among grand Soviet sanatoriums. Don't forget a sweater for the cave and comfortable shoes.
