📜 Introduction.
Although Paris is considered the most romantic city in the world, Sighnaghi is the one actually holding the title of the “City of Love.” This hilltop gem in the Kakheti wine region was the absolute highlight of my trip to Georgia.
Between the winding cobblestone streets and the terracotta-tiled roofs, every corner looks like a postcard.
So if you’re planning a getaway from Tbilisi, Sighnaghi and surroundings are the perfect place for a day trip. Even if you are not planning to get married, the real city of love needs to be on your bucket list!
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💖 Why is it called the City of Love?
You might wonder why it’s called the city of love. Aside from its dusky pink facades and rustic charm, there’s a rather cheeky reason for the town’s romantic reputation. The local wedding house is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can quite literally turn up at 3 AM and tie the knot! Think of it as a much more sophisticated, wine-soaked version of Las Vegas but without the neon lights.
🏰 Walking the “Great Wall” of Georgia.
Built in the 18th century by King Erekle II, these ancient city walls are some of the best-preserved fortifications in Georgia. There are 23 watchtowers, and you can climb several of them for the most breathtaking views. It’s the perfect spot to catch the morning light.
⛪ A Spiritual Stop: Bodbe Monastery.
Just 2 km stroll from the town centre (a path lined with tall, slender cypress trees), you’ll find Bodbe Monastery. It is one of Georgia’s most significant pilgrimage sites, as it houses the tomb of Saint Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to the nation in the 4th century. The gardens here are kept impeccably by the resident nuns. If you’re feeling energetic, follow the long, winding staircase down the hillside to the sacred spring. Local legends say that the water possesses healing powers. So yes, you can drink the water from St. Nino’s Spring.
🍷Wine Tasting and Food.
You cannot visit Georgia without a proper wine tasting, and Sighnaghi is one of the core places of the Kakheti wine region along with its capital, Telavi.
Although the town is small, there are several places worth a visit to taste delicious food and a glass of wine. Pheasant’s Tears is super chic yet wonderfully rustic. Kerovani Winery offers homemade food and a free tour of their winery (at least they used to). And Mari’s Wine Cellar is basically a wine bar where you can taste some snacks such has churchkhela and even purchase bottles of wine.
💡 Travel Tips.
The best time to visit Sighnaghi is spring, but also autumn (September/October) is spectacular because of the grape harvest.
To get there, take a marshrutka (the local minibus) from Samgori station in Tbilisi. It’s about a 2-hour journey, very cheap, and a bit of an adventure!
However, if you’d rather skip the bus station chaos, there are plenty of day tours from Tbilisi that cover Sighnaghi and surroundings. For a more curated experience, GetYourGuide has a vast selection of guided tours. I’ve linked my top recommendation for a Kakheti day trip below:
🎈 Conclusion.
Sighnaghi is more than just a postcard town. It’s a place with a soul that blends ancient history and legends in a sublime way. Between the wine, the walls, and the endless mountain vistas, it’s easy to see why this is the real city of love. It was the undisputed highlight of my trip, and I’m already plotting my return.
💬 And you? Did you know that in Sighnaghi you can get married at any hour?
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