Resort Gomismta

Resort of Gomismta is a hidden pearl of Georgia. It is located in the Lesser Caucasus, between 2100 and 2.755 metres above sea level and only 65 kilometres from the Black Sea coast. 

What makes Gomismta a special place is the combination of sea and fresh mountain air, as well as its alpine location and unspoilt nature with unique views.

The location

Gomismta is located in the western Georgian region of Guria, about 30 kilometres from the town of Ozurgeti.

The name

Gomismta means "The Mountain of Gomi" and Gomi is the village below the resort.

How to get to Gomismta

There is no public transport to this beautiful place yet. You have to take a minibus (marschutka) to Ozurgeti and from there either hitchhike or take a taxi for the last 30 kilometres. The roads are not tarred, but you can get there without a 4x4.

The road is closed in winter due to heavy snowfall. 

Accommodations at Gomismta

There are now several simple wooden houses available for rent, but don't expect too much; most houses have running water and toilets in the yard.

Camping at Gomismta

There are several places where you can camp. As the area is not yet very touristy, camping is not restricted and no fee is charged.

Who is this place best for?

- For those who want to get to know Georgia off the beaten track.

- Those who travel by car, especially 4x4, and want to avoid the main roads.

- Perfect if you are on holiday by the Black Sea and want to get to know the hinterland in the mountains.

- And, of course, for those who simply want to enjoy the mountains and the great outdoors.

Resort Gomismta in winter

In recent years the resort has opened up to ski tourers and freeriders, especially those who stay in Bachmaro and make day trips from there to Gomismta.

Things to know

The area around Gomismta has been inhabited since ancient times, but the inhabitants did not live here permanently, only during the summer. They were mainly cattle breeders who came up every summer with their animals.

These old wooden houses are still there, and their inhabitants continue to come to Gomismta every summer, even though they no longer need to make a living from animal husbandry.

Conclusion: Not all accommodation in Gomismta is holiday accommodation, but normal family homes that are only occupied in the summer.

Local specialties

As there are local people here, there are also local specialities. Milk, in particular, is used to make a variety of things, and if you are in Gomismta, you should definitely try the Georgian version of kaymak, which is very nutritious but tastes delicious.

Gomismta as a health resort

It was not until 1961 that a road was built to Gomismta and the town began to develop as a health resort. By the end of the 1970s there were around 2,000 small cottages and the resort had around 20,000 visitors a year.

The resort closed in 1990 and over the next three decades much of it fell into disrepair. Reconstruction only began in 2010, but much of the tourist infrastructure is still in ruins. 

Military base and pioneer camp at the spa

In good weather, you can see the Black Sea and a relatively large part of Turkey from Gomismta, which is why a military base with anti-aircraft missiles was stationed here during the Soviet era.

Next to the military base there was a small pioneer camp where students, mainly from nearby villages, spent their summers.

The folk festival

The Gomismtoba folk festival is held every year on 2 August. There are horse races followed by various concerts. (The date may change depending on the weather).