Wine, Culture, & History: Your Complete Sighnaghi, Georgia Guide
Sighnaghi, or Signagi, (AKA the “City of Love”) is a small town in the Eastern Kakheti wine region of the Caucasus country of Georgia. It sits above Alazani Valley and boasts views of the Caucasus Mountains a short distance away - a gem of a historic town among the natural beauty of Georgia. This guide will share how to get to Sighnaghi, where to stay and where to eat, tips for your visit, and help you discover the charm, culture, and history of Sighnaghi. From exploring centuries-old architecture to indulging in the region's renowned UNESCO wines to exploring the must-visit local attractions, you will learn everything you need to know about visiting Sighnaghi, Georgia here. Plus, 5 things to do in Kakheti!
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Best Time to Visit Sighnaghi & How Many Days
The most popular tourist season in Sighnaghi is the summer months of July and August. You can expect the most crowds and the highest cost of accommodation during this time. However, you will also have the warmest temperatures and the best chance for clear weather for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and vineyard tours - all of which are popular in the area.
Spring and Autumn offer cooler temperatures but less consistent weather - typically meaning more rainy or gloomy days. The grape harvest season for Georgia’s massive wine production typically falls in the Autumn months of September through October. This is an excellent reason to visit the Kakheti wine region and Sighnaghi during this time to be able to tour nearby vineyards and learn/see this special process in person.
Winters are cold and on occasion, snowy! Georgia celebrates Orthodox Christmas on January 7th each year making winter (and specifically December through January) a unique time of year to visit the region for the celebrations, decor, and Orthodox Christmas festivities.
I recommend visiting Sighnaghi for 2-3 days to allow yourself time to immerse yourself in the charming streets, local wineries, and breathtaking landscapes. If you are short on time, a day trip to the region will be a great introductory option. Here is the Kakheti Wine Region tour I went on that included a stop in Sighnaghi.
How to Get to Sighnaghi
The most convenient international airport most visitors will fly into is Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) in Georgia’s capital city of Tbilisi. Sighnaghi is a 1 hour 45 minute - 2 hour drive East of Tbilisi depending on traffic and route.
There are a few ways to get to Sighnaghi from Tbilisi:
Transfer Agencies (GoTrip.ge)
My recommendation for convenience, safety, and cost is to book your private transfer from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi (and back) through GoTrip.ge. Through GoTrip you can guarantee finding a reliable driver with ratings, add stops along your route to customize your trip, and be in the safety of locals who know the roads.
GoTrip transfer Tbilisi to Sighnaghi start at around $60 USD for a one-way route
Car Hire
You can rent a car in Tbilisi to drive yourself to Sighnaghi. Reputable international car rental agencies can be found at Tbilisi International Airport upon your arrival to the country. Alternatively, locally-owned car hire agencies in the city are also an option, usually at a lower daily cost. Two excellent sources for browsing available rental cars in Georgia are through LocalRent and Cars4Rent.
Car rentals in Georgia start at around $15 USD/day.
Minibus (Marshrutka)
A minibus, or marshrutka, is a small, shared passenger bus available in Georgia for longer-distance transfers. This is a very cost-effective option for those on a budget who don’t mind sharing a tight ride with strangers. Central bus stops in Tbilisi and Sighnaghi make this an efficient and straightforward transport. Travel time on a minibus is longer than driving independently or with GoTrip.
Marshrutka transfers start at around $3 USD for a one-way route
Get minibus transport details on Rome2Rio.com
To get back to Tbilisi from Sighnaghi, you can arrange any of the above transportation options again in the opposite direction.
Take a Day Trip Tour
If you are limited on time or just prefer to be shown around Georgia with a local guide, don’t shy away from the option of taking a day trip to Sighnaghi from Tbilisi! I took a day trip to the Kakheti wine region with Gamarjoba Georgia Tours, a tour operator based in Tbilisi (that I HIGHLY recommend using), who made a stop in Sighnaghi for a short time. It was a great introductory visit to the city. You can book the Kakheti wine region tour with a visit to Sighnaghi on Viator here.
Where to Stay in Sighnaghi
Sighnaghi is a guest house/homestay/boutique inn lovers’ dream! A majority of accommodations in Sighnaghi are family-owned and run; many with views and are very affordable. I’ve listed below just a few of the many highly-rated places to stay in Sighnaghi but if none of these work for you, check out Booking.com for a full list of available properties to stay in the area!
Guest Houses in Sighnaghi
Zurabashvili Guest House is a highly-rated guest house boasting breathtaking views from the balcony of Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains in the distance. The property offers a shared kitchen and lounge, free WiFi, and bathrobes in the rooms.
Guest House Alazani Valley has large, clean rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in the mountainous views from your private balcony. There is a 24-hour service desk, garden, and shared kitchen available.
Guest House Lali is conveniently located near Sighnaghi attractions and a bus stop. The guest house offers a restaurant on-site, a courtyard garden, and breakfast for guests.
Boutique Hotels & Inns in Sighnaghi
Sighnaghi Art Hotel, a cozy bed-and-breakfast in Sighnaghi, provides guests with facilities and activities such as fitness classes, bicycle rentals, and hiking recommendations in the area. Select rooms can sleep up to 7 people so this is a good option for larger groups!
Boutique Hotel BelleVue has simplistic but tidy rooms, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant on-site. It is located in an ideal sightseeing location of Sighnaghi with city and valley views.
Note: I ate at the restaurant here and the food and views from the pool and restaurant were EXCELLENT.
Lost Ridge Inn, Brewery & Ranch is about 3km outside Sighnaghi city center. For those looking for more countryside accommodation with picturesque views, a brewery available for tastings and tours, and horseback riding on the ranch, Lost Ridge is perfect for you.
Signagi Glamping is one of the most unique and must-stay accommodations in Sighnaghi. Located on a hillside with 360-degree panorama views and a restaurant, are air-conditioned tent pods with private balconies and unforgettable valley views.
Accommodations Near Sighnaghi
Elizbar Talakvadze Winery (Kardanakhi) is located a short drive from Sighnaghi and offers wine tastings and tours of their winery, cooking classes, and cozy rooms - some with valley and vineyard views.
🚗 25 minutes from Sighnaghi
Savanna Guest House (Dedoplis Tskaro), is a sustainable guest house accommodation 33km from Bodbe Monastery, with private rooms or cottages available in the property garden. Breakfast is provided daily and car and bicycle hire are available.
🚗 45 minutes from Sighnaghi
Kvareli Lake Resort (Kvareli) is a tranquil resort on Kvareli Lake in the Alazani Valley. Rooms may have valley or mountain views and guests can relax by the lake, use the on-site swimming pool, rent bicycles, hike, fish, and dine at the hotel restaurant.
🚗 1 hour, 6 minutes from Sighnaghi
Hotel Qvevrebi (Telavi) offers a mix of modern, comfortable hotel rooms and unique bungalow stays in private rooms shaped like Qvevri’s! The property has a swimming pool, restaurant, 24-hour front desk, and is surrounded by beautiful vineyards.
🚗 1.5 hours from Sighnaghi
Photos from Kusika Restaurant & Hotel. Left: Khachapuri being made; Right: Our delicious khachapuri
Where to Eat in Sighnaghi
Sighnaghi restaurants specialize in traditional Georgian cuisines such as khachapuri, khinkali, churchkela, mtsvadi, Kakhetian shoti, and more. Here is a short list of delicious restaurants in Sighnaghi among the many (& just a bonus that many of these have incredible views as well).
SHIO’S RESTAURANT | Georgian cafe close to the Sighnaghi Wall with views of Alazani Valley. The welcoming staff serves excellent Georgian dishes and wine.
📍Location: JWGG+28C, Sighnaghi, Georgia - Get directions on Google Maps
KUSIKA RESTAURANT & HOTEL | I personally ate here and not only was the food outstanding, but the feast on your eyes of the valley from the restaurant and hotel pool was a highlight of my dining experience here.
📍Location: Vahtang Gorgasali 15, Sighnaghi 4200, Georgia - Get directions on Google Maps
THE TERRACE SIGNAGI | An epic restaurant for sunset. Try to get a table outside on the covered patio!
📍Location: #10 ნიკოლოზ ბარათაშვილის ქუჩა, Sighnaghi 4200, Georgia - Get directions on Google Maps
RESTAURANT MTEVANI | Cozy Georgian restaurant on Sighnaghi Central Square with indoor and outdoor seating.
📍Location: #15 April 9th Str, Sighnaghi 4200, Georgia - Get directions on Google Maps
OKRO’S WINE RESTAURANT & CELLAR | Georgian dishes, wine tastings, and friendly staff. For the best views, dine on the top floor.
📍Location: ილია ჭავჭავაძის 7a, Sighnaghi, Georgia - Get directions on Google Maps
AMO | Modern and upscale feel serving humble food and panoramic views of Sighnaghi.
📍Location: 29 E. Bezhanishvili Str, Sighnaghi 4200, Georgia - Get directions on Google Maps
NINO’S CAFE IN SIGHNAGHI | Lowkey and simple cafe serving coffee. Cute outdoor seating.
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Best Things to Do in Sighnaghi
Discover the enchanting town of Sighnaghi with a myriad of captivating activities and sites. Explore historic landmarks, enjoy wine tasting in the famed Kakheti region, stroll through charming cobblestone streets, and savor local cuisine in quaint cafes. Sighnaghi is a Georgian town that gifts an unforgettable travel experience.
Left: Bodbe’s Cathedral; Right: Panoramic views from the back of the cathedral
Visit Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral
This 9th-century Orthodox monastery and nunnery, Bodbe’s St. Nino’s Convent Cathedral, is a must-visit religious site in Sighnaghi.
On the complex is a cathedral (left picture above), panoramic landscape views, the tomb of St. Nino, nunnery living quarters, herb and vegetable gardens grown by the nuns, a small store and plant shop selling their goods grown on the land, and some cafes for coffees and snacks outside the gates.
Left to right: Plant shop at the monastery, Orthodox steeple, herbs sold in nunnery shop, garden, and landscape views
More Orthodox Churches to Visit in Sighnaghi:
NOTE: Women must dress modestly when entering the churches covering their hair with a scarf, and wearing clothes that cover their knees and shoulders. Men must remove hats and sunglasses before entering and also cover their shoulders and knees. Pictures are not allowed inside.
Left: Inside a watch tower; Right: View of the wall surrounding Sighnaghi from the top of the wall
Walk Atop the Sighnaghi City Wall Fortress
The best activity in Sighnaghi for tourists is to walk along the top of the Sighnaghi City Wall Fortress. The Sighnaghi Wall was built in the 1700s and is nearly 5km (~3 miles) long. The wall, now only partially visible but once surrounded the city, was a protection barrier for the Sighnaghi residents and refugees fleeing conquerors of the region. The towns’ location high above the valley was an ideal choice as intruders could be seen approaching easily from below.
This is free to do. Take your time exploring the watch towers and lengths of the still-standing stone wall. Stop along the way to take in the unbelievable sights of the Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains. Take lots of pictures!
NOTE: Wear comfortable shoes with good traction and watch your step. Much of the path along the wall is uneven and has deteriorated over time (though restorations and the safety of parts you can explore are a priority). The steps up and down are inconsistent and sometimes very steep so hold on to the railings and wall to balance yourself. Wear sunscreen or sun protection as there is no covering while on the wall.
Sip Georgian UNESCO Wine at a Winery
While in the #1 wine region of Georgia and Caucasus (and if you drink alcohol) you must indulge yourself in the Georgian UNESCO-listed wine culture. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, Georgian wine is made from a traditional clay vessel known as qvevris and uses a diverse array of indigenous grape varieties (Saperavi and Rkatsiteli grapes for example), making the Georgian winemaking process a living testament to centuries of expertise and naming Georgia the inventors of wine.
Sighnaghi happens to rest in the heart of the famous Kakheti wine region so there is no shortage of access to this notable beverage. Here are some wineries in Sighnaghi to try Georgian qvevri wine and/or have a wine tasting:
BONUS: Cherkeza's Zedashe - Located a quick 6-minute drive out of Sighnaghi, is this family-operated winery. A little gem of the area!
Left: Cobblestone streets of Sighnaghi; Right: Fortress gate
Get Lost in Sighnaghi’s Quaint Streets
Sighnaghi is a town that you WANT to get lost in and explore every corner of. Every turn gives visitors something new to discover, from picture-perfect cobblestone streets and medieval architecture to hidden local shops, juice stands, welcoming and smiling locals, and quiet neighborhoods with underrated viewpoints and the feeling of a simplistic way of life. I highly recommend taking the time to just…walk.
Left: Views from Sighnaghi Wall; Right: Views from viewpoint behind Sighnaghi National Museum
Seek Out Breathtaking Viewpoints of Alazani Valley
Since Sighnaghi is beautifully set on the hilltops overlooking the Alazani Valley, you don’t need to look very hard to find lookouts and viewpoints of the surrounding town landscape. Most restaurants on the Eastern and Northern edges of town are built to showcase the views of the valley and mountains in the distance.
In addition, here are some viewpoint locations around Sighnaghi:
Viewpoint behind Sighnaghi National Museum (pictured above right) - Picturesque town, valley, and mountain views
Sighnaghi Wall (pictured above left) - Best views in Sighnaghi!
St Stephen Church - Climb to the top of this church for a couple of lari for 360 views
Sighnaghi Viewpoint - A central location to get panoramic views of the area
Alazani Valley Viewpoint - A turnoff point at the edge of town just outside the wall ruins to the North
Visit a Museum
It is a small town but has an impressive handful of museums! For an indoor activity on rainy or cold days, check out these Sighnaghi museums:
Sighnaghi National Museum - A local history and heritage museum of Sighnaghi
Vano Sarajishvili Museum - A little museum honoring Georgia’s first professional opera singer, Vano Sarajishvili, born in Sighnaghi
Sandro Mirianashvili House Museum - Memorial museum for Sandro Mirianashvili housing his instruments, paintings, collections, and more
Left: Sighnaghi Town Hall; Right: Toastmaster Statue
Visit Sighnaghi Central Square
Centrally located in Sighnaghi is the Central Square, home to the Sighnaghi Town Hall, shops, stunning latticework balconies and architecture, the occasional street performer, monuments, and restaurants. Seek out these places in Sighnaghi Central Square:
Sighnaghi Town Hall (pictured above left) - Located in the heart of Signaghi Square is the historic Municipality building with a clock tower
Toastmaster statue (pictured above right) - This statue of a toastmaster is a representation of Georgia’s hospitality, tradition, and love for wine
Sighnaghi Theater - Not operational at this time but a beautiful architectural structure in the square dating back to the 1800’s
Sighnaghi Fountain - Simply a lovely spot in the square to sit around and enjoy the soothing sounds of this intricate fountain
Solomon Dodashvili Monument - This monument was erected to remember Mr Dodashvili, a Georgian philosopher, journalist, & enlightener
World War II Memorial - A solemn memorial listing the names of those who lost their lives in WWII from Georgia
Photos of locals selling goods on the streets of Sighnaghi
Do Some Local Shopping in Sighnaghi
Along the main roads in Sighnaghi, you will see stands and stalls of locally sourced textiles, art, apparel, food, flea market trinkets, and Georgia souvenirs. In addition, check out the few brick-and-mortar shops around town as well! It was a joy to walk around and explore these goods and purchase knowing that your money is benefiting the local community.
Be sure to have GEL (Georgian Lari) with you and you may need to use the Google Translate app to communicate while purchasing.
Go Horseback Riding
Living Roots Horse Ranch (Lost Ridge), located just outside of the city center of Sighnaghi, offers guided horseback riding tours through the serene and breathtaking Kakheti landscape and is a must-do outdoor activity in the region. This activity is suitable for both experienced and inexperienced riders!
Take a Day Trip from Sighnaghi
Sighnaghi is located in one of the most beautiful and special regions of Georgia, the Kakheti Wine Region. If you have the time, I highly recommend venturing out of Sighnaghi for a day to explore the region around you. You can visit Kakheti vineyards, go hiking, visit more monasteries, and broaden your indulgence in the stunning nature and small towns nearby. Keep reading for a list of attractions in Kakheti (or skip to that section now).
Things to Do in Georgia’s Kakheti Wine Region
Georgia’s Kakheti region makes up the entire Eastern part of Georgia. It is famous for being the primary grape producer for Georgian wine across the country but also for its stunning landscape, kind people, and delicious cuisine. I recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Kakheti if you can because there are many things to do and see in this region.
If you are limited on time, a guided day trip is a great way to be introduced to Kakheti. You can book a Kakheti wine region tour with a visit to Sighnaghi and wine tastings (that I went on) on Viator here.
Left: Qvevri aging process at Kindzmarauli winery; Right: Underground wine cave at Khareba Winery in Kvareli
Tour Kakheti Vineyards & Have a Wine Tasting
While in the cradle of wine and the primary growing and production region of Georgia for wine, you can’t go without touring some of Kakheti’s famous vineyards and wineries, and having a wine tasting (or 3).
Here are some of the must-visit wineries in Kakheti:
Note: If you and your group all want to drink when visiting wineries, plan responsibly with someone as a designated driver to stay sober, join a wine-tasting tour, or hire a private driver to safely get you around for everyone’s safety ❤️
Go Hiking in Georgia’s Underrated Landscape
People from all over the world flock to Georgia in the summer to hike the incredibly underrated landscape all across the country. The Kakheti region is no exception as it is home to valleys, part of the Caucasus mountain range, national parks and nature reserves, waterfalls, and more.
My favorite way to find notable trails people love is by browsing AllTrails, a useful website and app with person-reviewed trekking trails, maps, trail guides, and photos.
Hop Around the Small Towns
Other than Sighnaghi, there are a number of small towns in Kakheti worth a visit. Whether you are going for a day trip from Sighnaghi or making these towns a stop along a bigger exploration of the region, keep in mind the following:
Visit David Gareja Monastery (+ other historical sites)
Kakheti is not only wine, cute small towns, and stunning scenery. It also is a very historical region with significant religious sites and architecture.
One of the most notable of this region and popular among tourists is the David Gareja Monastery, an ancient Georgian Orthodox monastery complex built into the desert rocks of Mount Gareja. This impressive religious cave system is located near the border of Azerbaijan and was built in the 6th century.
Want to see more impressive religious and cultural sites in Kakheti? Here are some:
Nekresi Monastery - 6th-century Orthodox Monastery in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains
Gremi's Archangels' Complex - 16th-century church and castle with panoramic views
Ikalto Monastery - Famed 6th-century monastery and ruins
Chailuri (Niakhura) Castle - Medieval Georgian fortress still standing from the 16th-century on a hilltop
Kvareli Fortress - Fortress walls in the center town of Kvareli
Ujarma Fortress & Church - Ruins of a fortress and church from centuries ago
BONUS: კესელოს ციხე (Upper Omalo Fortress & Towers) - I threw this one in as a bonus because not many people will likely trek this far into Tusheti National Park as it is not the easiest place to get to but it is COOL. Located in the mountainous town of Omalo are fortress and tower ruins with 360-degree mountain views. Just go look at the pictures on Google. If you happen to be making your way around Tusheti, look into fitting this location into your itinerary.
Drive the Gombori Pass
Gombori Pass is a scenic stretch of road between the towns of Gombori and Kobadze known for its epic views and twists through forest, canyon, and hills. The highest elevation along this road is 1,620 meters (or ~5,315 feet) above sea level.
NOTE: If you are doing this drive during winter or rain, it is recommended to have an experienced driver take you as the tight zig-zags of this pass can be dangerous for inexperienced or unprepared drivers. As a passenger, if you get motion sickness easily, I recommend taking motion sickness prevention meds before embarking on this route.
Tips for Visiting Sighnaghi
Travelers from over 90 countries can enter Georgia visa-free for 90 days - 1 year! You can refer to the full list of countries allowed into Georgia visa-free here.
Note though that if and when Georgia is accepted into the EU (EU candidacy confirmed in December 2023), entry requirements and length of stay will change.
Keep Georgian Lari (GEL) on you. Georgia is still a country where cash is used frequently, especially in smaller towns such as Sighnaghi. It’s best to have some on you just in case. You can find ATMs in the Tbilisi International Airport upon arrival or around the city on the streets.
You can get an eSIM card ahead of your arrival in Georgia using the app Airalo. Get $3 off your first eSIM card with my referral code, ANNA5384
Have transport arranged to and from Sighnaghi (and anywhere else around Georgia) ahead of time using GoTrip.ge. Reliable and safe drivers will happily get you to where you need to go!
Book your Sighnaghi accommodation through Booking.com - my favorite and main hotel booking site because as a loyal user, I can get benefits such as up to 15% off, free breakfast, and free room upgrades on select bookings.
English is less frequently spoken in Sighnaghi (compared to Tbilisi). I recommend downloading Georgian and Russian on the Google Translate app on your phone just in case. Georgian is the main language spoken in Georgia though many are also fluent in Russian. Younger generations and service industry workers will more likely have more fluency in English. It is helpful and generous to at least know a few words in Georgian though for your visit.
Gamarjoba = hello
Madloba = thank you
Ki = yes
Ara = no
Dress appropriately for Georgian religious sites. If you are visiting any Georgian monasteries or churches in or near Sighnaghi, women must cover their hair with a scarf, hat, or hood before entering. Your knees need to also be covered. Men can’t wear hats or sunglasses inside.
Dress appropriately for Sighnaghi weather. Winters are cold, summers are warm. Come prepared with the appropriate apparel according to the forecast during your visit and the activities you plan to do. You can refer to The Weather Channel for the most up-to-date weather.
Sighnaghi is very safe for solo and/or female travelers. As with any travel destination, always be mindful and vigilant, especially if you are traveling solo or at night. Sighnaghi has a low crime rate and a very friendly community.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Sighnaghi. Tourists may have more of a reaction to the minerals of the Georgian tap water if they are not used to it. I drank the tap water and did not have any issues. However, if you want to be extra safe, hosts may supply your room accommodation with bottled water or you can purchase bottled water from the well-known convenience store chain in Georgia, Spar, among other store options available in town.
Georgia is not the most gluten-free and vegan-friendly country. If you are either of these, you are going to have some struggles maintaining this diet as so much of the traditional Georgian cuisine includes bread and cheese. Especially when you get to the smaller towns such as Sighnaghi with less Western influence of these dietary restrictions, it’s even more difficult to find dishes that suit your needs in restaurants. I recommend focusing on grocery shopping and getting accommodation with a kitchen if this is you!
Sighnaghi will be busiest with tourists during the midday. Several tour companies drop by the City of Love during the day as part of their tour packages so it is not uncommon to see large groups arriving at once. To avoid crowds around popular Sighnaghi sites, I recommend visiting in the mornings or evenings.
Get around Sighnaghi by walking, taxi, GoTrip scheduled rides, Bolt, minibus, or car hire.
Forget Google Maps, spend time getting lost in the quiet streets of Sighnaghi. I highly recommend exploring the sweet cobblestone streets and every corner of this little town on foot on your own accord. Enjoy the journey and see where the roads take you!
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