GEORGIA

Halal-friendly holidays

Georgia is not a Muslim-majority country, but it is generally Muslim-friendly. About 10% of the population is Muslim, mainly in regions such as Adjara and Kvemo Kartli. Mosques can be found in Batumi, Tbilisi and other towns. While alcohol is common in Georgian culture, Muslim travellers will find welcoming communities and halal options in larger cities.

Halal food is available, particularly in Tbilisi and Batumi, where halal restaurants and Turkish eateries serve kebabs, pilaf and other dishes. Supermarkets in big cities often stock halal meat. Traditional Georgian cuisine includes khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali (dumplings), mtsvadi (grilled meat skewers) and lobio (bean stew). Vegetarian options are easy to find, and desserts like churchkhela (walnut and grape must sweet) and pakhlava are popular.

There are a few hotels in Tbilisi that are alchol-free and serve halal food only. Some hotels in Tbilisi, Batumi and other tourist centres provide some halal food or on request, and alcohol-free rooms. Family-run guesthouses and self-catering apartments are also good options for Muslim travellers looking for more privacy and flexibility.

• Tbilisi Old Town – Narrow alleys, sulphur baths, colourful houses and historic churches and mosques.
• Batumi – A lively Black Sea resort city with a beach promenade, modern architecture and subtropical gardens.
• Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) – Mountain landscapes dominated by Mount Kazbek and hiking trails.
• Svaneti – Remote mountain villages with medieval watchtowers and spectacular views.
• Mtskheta – Georgia’s spiritual capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Kakheti – Famous for vineyards and rolling hills (though mainly for wine culture, travellers can enjoy the landscapes and traditional villages).
• Borjomi – Known for mineral springs and a scenic national park.

Yes, Georgia has several mosques, especially in areas with Muslim populations. Notable ones include the Tbilisi Central Mosque, the Batumi Mosque, and the Juma Mosque in Tbilisi, which is unique for hosting both Sunni and Shia worshippers together.