Georgia’s landscape is shaped by the collision of the Eurasian and Arabian plates, giving the country a mix of rugged peaks, volcanic plateaus, and mineral-rich soils. From low ridges to highland volcanic complexes, these features have influenced local ecosystems, agriculture, and hiking routes.
There are 6 Volcanoes in Georgia, ranging from Abuli-Samsari volcanic complex to Trialeti Volcanic Range. For each, the table below lists Location (region; lat,lon decimal degrees),Status (active/dormant/extinct, monitored),Last eruption or age (year CE or ka),Description (30-50 words about geology, notability, and access); you’ll find below.
Are any of these volcanoes still active or monitored?
Most Georgian volcanoes are considered extinct or long-dormant, with volcanic activity largely in the geological past (ka to Ma ages). Some sites are monitored for seismicity and geothermal interest by national agencies, but there are no widely reported historical eruptions in recent centuries.
Can I visit these volcanic sites, and what should I expect?
Many sites are reachable by day hikes or rural roads, though remoteness and seasonal weather can affect access; expect unmarked trails and basic facilities. Check local guides or authorities for permissions, safety updates, and the best seasons for visiting.
Volcanoes in Georgia
| Name | Location (region; lat,lon decimal degrees) | Status (active/dormant/extinct, monitored) | Last eruption or age (year CE or ka) | Description (30-50 words about geology, notability, and access) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kazbek | Greater Caucasus (Mtskheta-Mtianeti);42.70,44.53 | Dormant | Unknown | Kazbek (Mkinvartsveri) is a high stratovolcano on Georgia’s northern border with glaciers and dramatic slopes. A Quaternary volcanic massif notable for mountaineering and mythology. Access via Stepantsminda; climbs require alpine gear and local guides. |
| Javakheti Volcanic Plateau | Samtskhe-Javakheti;41.50,43.30 | Dormant to extinct; limited monitoring | Unknown | The Javakheti Plateau is a broad volcanic field of shields, cones and lava flows in southern Georgia. Geologically important and scenically high, with lakes and birdlife. Accessible by roads from Akhalkalaki and Akhaltsikhe; many dirt tracks and trails. |
| Didi Abuli | Javakheti (Samtskhe-Javakheti);41.62,43.42 | Extinct to dormant | Unknown | Didi Abuli is a prominent basaltic volcanic mountain on the Javakheti plateau, offering volcanic rock exposures and wide views. Notable local landmark. Reachable by mountain roads and hikes from nearby villages; weather and rough tracks can limit access. |
| Abuli-Samsari volcanic complex | Samtskhe-Javakheti;41.55,43.60 | Dormant | Unknown | The Abuli-Samsari complex comprises overlapping stratovolcanoes, domes and lava flows forming part of southern Georgia’s highlands. Of geological interest for volcanic stratigraphy and crater lakes. Visit by road and multi-day treks; local maps and guides recommended. |
| Samsari Volcano | Samtskhe-Javakheti;41.45,43.85 | Dormant | Unknown | Samsari is a rugged cratered volcano in the Samsari Range with alpine lakes and steep ridges. Part of the Abuli-Samsari province and popular with trekkers. Access via Akhalkalaki dirt tracks; suitable for experienced hikers. |
| Trialeti Volcanic Range | Shida Kartli / Kvemo Kartli;41.65,44.35 | Extinct to dormant | Unknown | Trialeti is a volcanic mountain range south of Tbilisi composed of andesites and basalts that form scenic ridges. Important for regional volcanic geology. Foothills are reachable by road; many areas good for day hikes though some slopes are forested or private. |
Images and Descriptions
Kazbek
Kazbek (Mkinvartsveri) is a high stratovolcano on Georgia’s northern border with glaciers and dramatic slopes. A Quaternary volcanic massif notable for mountaineering and mythology. Access via Stepantsminda; climbs require alpine gear and local guides.
Javakheti Volcanic Plateau
The Javakheti Plateau is a broad volcanic field of shields, cones and lava flows in southern Georgia. Geologically important and scenically high, with lakes and birdlife. Accessible by roads from Akhalkalaki and Akhaltsikhe; many dirt tracks and trails.
Didi Abuli
Didi Abuli is a prominent basaltic volcanic mountain on the Javakheti plateau, offering volcanic rock exposures and wide views. Notable local landmark. Reachable by mountain roads and hikes from nearby villages; weather and rough tracks can limit access.
Abuli-Samsari volcanic complex
The Abuli-Samsari complex comprises overlapping stratovolcanoes, domes and lava flows forming part of southern Georgia’s highlands. Of geological interest for volcanic stratigraphy and crater lakes. Visit by road and multi-day treks; local maps and guides recommended.
Samsari Volcano
Samsari is a rugged cratered volcano in the Samsari Range with alpine lakes and steep ridges. Part of the Abuli-Samsari province and popular with trekkers. Access via Akhalkalaki dirt tracks; suitable for experienced hikers.
Trialeti Volcanic Range
Trialeti is a volcanic mountain range south of Tbilisi composed of andesites and basalts that form scenic ridges. Important for regional volcanic geology. Foothills are reachable by road; many areas good for day hikes though some slopes are forested or private.
