Best Photography Spots in Mestia & Svaneti

Svaneti, a breathtaking region in northwestern Georgia, is a dream destination for photographers. With its snow-capped peaks, ancient stone towers, picturesque villages, and alpine lakes, Mestia and its surroundings offer countless opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and dramatic scenery.

Whether you're a professional photographer or just love capturing travel memories, here are the best photography spots in Mestia and Svaneti that you shouldn't miss!

1. Ushguli – The Highest Inhabited Village in Europe

• Location: 45 km from Mestia

• Best Time for Photos: Early morning or sunset

• Best Season: Summer & Autumn (for vibrant landscapes), Winter (for snow-covered towers)

Ushguli, a UNESCO-listed village sitting at 2,200 meters, is one of the most photogenic places in Georgia. It’s famous for:

• Iconic Svan towers set against the backdrop of Mt. Shkhara (5,193m), Georgia’s highest peak.

• Medieval stone houses and untouched mountain culture.

• Golden autumn colors and winter wonderland scenery during colder months.

Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full village and mountain background in one frame!

2. Koruldi Lakes – The Mirror of the Caucasus

• Location: 15 km from Mestia (accessible by hike or 4x4)

• Best Time for Photos: Early morning (for perfect reflections)

• Best Season: Summer & Autumn

Koruldi Lakes offer one of the most iconic photo spots in Georgia. These high-altitude alpine lakes reflect the towering Mt. Ushba (4,710m), creating perfect mirror-like reflections.

• Crystal-clear lakes with dramatic mountain reflections.

• Sunrise and sunset provide the most magical colors.

• Wildflowers in summer, golden landscapes in autumn.

Photography Tip: Use a polarizing filter to enhance reflections and capture the clouds mirrored in the water.

3. Hatsvali Cable Car Viewpoint – Panoramic Mestia Views

• Location: Hatsvali Ski Resort, 8 km from Mestia

• How to Get There: Take the Zuruldi cable car

• Best Time for Photos: Sunset

• Best Season: Winter (snow-covered landscape), Summer (lush green valleys)

For aerial-style shots of Mestia, take the Hatsvali cable car to the Zuruldi ridge. From the top, you get a sweeping panoramic view of Mestia, the Svan towers, and surrounding mountains.

• Breathtaking sunset shots with golden mountain peaks.

• Mestia’s rooftops and iconic towers from a high vantage point.

• Winter scenes with thick layers of snow covering the valley.

Photography Tip: Use a telephoto lens to capture details of the Svan towers from above.

4. Chalaadi Glacier – A Dramatic Ice Wonderland

• Location: 9 km from Mestia

• Best Time for Photos: Midday (for the best light on the glacier)

• Best Season: Summer & Autumn

For a more dramatic and rugged photography experience, Chalaadi Glacier is an incredible location. This easily accessible glacier sits at the base of the mighty Caucasus Mountains, offering raw, untouched ice formations and towering cliffs.

• Icy blue glacier formations against dark rocky mountains.

• Best place to capture the contrast between ice and lush greenery in summer.

• Ideal for adventure and documentary-style photography.

Photography Tip: Use a neutral density (ND) filter to capture the movement of melting ice streams.

5. Mestia’s Svan Towers – The Heart of Svaneti

• Location: Mestia town

• Best Time for Photos: Sunrise or blue hour (after sunset)

• Best Season: Year-round

Mestia itself is a photographer’s paradise, with centuries-old stone towers rising against a backdrop of snowy peaks. The town’s blend of medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and stunning mountain views makes it a must-visit.

• Capture the traditional Svan towers with Mt. Ushba in the background.

• Shoot during the blue hour for glowing lights against the mountains.

• Street photography opportunities with local Svan people.

Photography Tip: Try long exposure shots during the blue hour for an ethereal feel to the town’s lights and landscape.

6. Ushba Waterfalls – Nature’s Hidden Treasure

• Location: Near Mazeri village (20 km from Mestia)

• Best Time for Photos: Midday for best lighting

• Best Season: Summer (for full water flow)

The Ushba Waterfalls are one of Svaneti’s lesser-known gems, offering dramatic cascading water against lush mountain slopes. It’s an off-the-beaten-path photography spot, perfect for capturing nature in its rawest form.

• Giant waterfall dropping from a cliffside with lush greenery.

• Less crowded, making it perfect for peaceful nature photography.

• Stunning foreground of alpine meadows filled with wildflowers.

Photography Tip: Use slow shutter speed (1/4s – 1s) to create a smooth, silky waterfall effect.

7. Latpari Pass – The Ultimate Mountain Panorama

• Location: Between Mestia and Lentekhi

• Best Time for Photos: Sunset or sunrise

• Best Season: Late Summer & Autumn

If you want one of the best panoramic views in Georgia, head to Latpari Pass. Sitting at 2,800m, this pass offers uninterrupted views of Svaneti’s jagged peaks, making it a photographer’s dream location.

• Panoramic views of Svaneti and Racha regions.

• Golden landscapes in autumn, lush greenery in summer.

• An epic sunrise and sunset photography spot.

Photography Tip: Capture a timelapse video of the sun setting behind the mountains for a dramatic effect.

8. Enguri Dam – The Largest Dam in the Caucasus

• Location: 30 km from Mestia

• Best Time for Photos: Mid-morning for best lighting

• Best Season: Spring & Summer

The Enguri Dam is one of Georgia’s most impressive man-made structures, offering stunning turquoise water set against steep mountain cliffs. This massive hydroelectric dam is an unexpected yet breathtaking photography spot.

• Capture the striking contrast between the blue water and rugged mountains.

• Less crowded, making it great for unique shots.

• Perfect for drone photography to show the dam’s scale.

Photography Tip: If using a drone, shoot at golden hour for softer light on the landscape.

Final Thoughts: Why Svaneti is a Photographer’s Paradise

• Unmatched natural beauty with towering mountains and lakes

• Ancient history and well-preserved medieval architecture

• Diverse landscapes – from glaciers to waterfalls and alpine meadows

• Less touristy, allowing for unique, crowd-free shots

If you're planning a trip to Georgia, Mestia tour or Svaneti tour is the best choice, they have to be at the top of your photography bucket list! Whether you're capturing village life, dramatic peaks, or untouched wilderness, this region offers once-in-a-lifetime shots.