An amazing region that sits on the edge of Europe, it’s pretty incredible just how little is known about this wild and wonderful part of the world.

Comprised of 3 main nations – Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan – this diverse region of mountains, deserts, lakes and rivers is edged by Central Asia on one side and then Iran, Turkey and Russia takes up the other 3 corners… quite the combination!

With Orthodox Christianity predominating in Armenia and Georgia, whilst Islam dominates in Azerbaijan, the region is also home to a heady mix of cultures, that jostle against their large neighbours in a sometimes fascinating, but often quite challenging way.

I first visited this region back in 2018, after it had been on my bucket list for a long time.

Drawn in by the hiking and stunning scenery, I was captured, as ever, by the people of the Caucasus, their vibrancy, hospitality and their warmth.

Delightfully cheap to travel to (at least Armenia and Georgia are), the Caucasus region of Europe is a favourite with backpackers and adventures travellers, especially those for may have grown weary with the Southeast Asia or South America circus, and are looking for something a little different.

Don’t miss the fabulous region of Tusheti in Georgia if you can (it’s only accessible for a few months of the year when the snow melts) or the electrifying spirit of magnetism of Tbilisi, the country’s capital.

The beautiful area around Geghard and Garni in Armenia is another must see in my opinion and the Azerbaijani capital of Batu is certainly worth a look.

But when to visit these spots?

Spring and Autumn are definitely the best times to visit the Caucasus in my opinion – the comfortable weather during these months is ideal for hiking and sightseeing and will allow you to dodge the heavy snows of the winter and scorching temperatures of the summer.

Adventuring in the Caucasus region as a solo female, I’ve never felt safer, and doing so allowed me to see many ancient treasures and beautiful landscapes that really have not made it into the mainstream guidebooks.

If you want my advice, then it’s to hit up the Caucasus soon before everybody else gets in on the action…