Hot Springs and Thermal Baths You Can Drive To in Armenia and Georgia

Where Relaxation Meets the Open Road

There’s something magical about driving through the Caucasus with the windows down, the scent of pine and mountain air drifting into the car - and knowing that a steaming mineral pool awaits at the end of the road. Armenia and Georgia, both sitting on centuries-old volcanic beds, are dotted with thermal waters that bubble straight from the earth. Some lie in well-developed spa towns; others hide deep in gorges, accessible only by winding gravel roads and a sturdy SUV.

Whether you’re chasing a classic wellness retreat or a wild plunge under the sky, here’s your guide to the best hot springs and thermal baths you can drive to in Armenia and Georgia.

Jermuk, Armenia - The Spa Capital of the Highlands

A 3–3.5 hour drive from Yerevan through dramatic highland valleys brings you to Jermuk, Armenia’s most iconic spa town. The road is fully paved, the drive serene, and any standard rental car will take you there comfortably.

What awaits you:
• Dozens of mineral springs, from public pools to renowned sanatorium bathhouses
• Wide boulevards lined with pine trees
• Mountain trails perfect for a light walk before a soak
• The famous Jermuk Waterfall, where cold mountain water meets warm springs nearby

Best visiting window:
• June–September: Warm days, perfect for outdoors
• September–October: Fewer people + golden foliage
• Winter: A snowy spa retreat, but expect icy patches on the road

Best hours:
Late morning for warmth at altitude, or late afternoon when sunlight softens the landscape.

Tskaltubo, Georgia - Legendary Baths in a Soviet Spa Town

Just 20-25 minutes from Kutaisi, Tskaltubo is the easiest spa destination in Georgia for drivers. The road is smooth and accessible for any sedan.

This place feels like stepping into a retro wellness film.
Working bathhouses offer radon-rich mineral waters, while semi-abandoned sanatoriums create eerie, atmospheric backdrops for exploration between sessions.

What to expect:

• Endless mineral pools

• Historic circular bathhouses

• Old spa architecture turned into photo-worthy ruins

Best visiting window:
Late spring to early autumn.
Avoid weekends if you prefer peace over crowds.

Best hours:
Mid-morning or early evening - when the water feels just right.

Sairme, Georgia - Forest Retreat With Modern Comfort

About 50 km south of Kutaisi, Sairme blends deep-green forests with fully modern resort facilities. The access road is paved, scenic, and absolutely suitable for any car - though it winds, so take it slow and enjoy the views.

But beyond Sairme, the world changes.
Towards Abastumani, the path becomes gravel, rough, and occasionally rutted - calling for a 4WD or high-clearance SUV.

What awaits you:

• Steam rising from natural pools

• Wooden bath platforms surrounded by forest

• Long walks between springs and viewpoints

Best visiting window:
May–October for ideal conditions; winter driving can be snow-heavy.

Best hours:
Morning or late evening - fewer people, better light.

Wild, Drive-Up Hot Springs - For the Adventurous

If you’re willing to leave the pavement, both Armenia and Georgia reward you with secluded riverside pools where geothermal water flows directly from the earth.

Where to find them

Armenia:
Unmarked hot springs in gorges near Jermuk and Vayots Dzor - usually reached via 4x4 tracks, sometimes shared with shepherds and wild horses.

Georgia:

• Springs around Nokalakevi

• Remote pools fed by geysers in western regions

• Dirt roads that turn muddy after rain - perfect terrain for high-clearance SUVs

These wild spots offer privacy, silence, and the rare feeling of soaking under open sky with mountains surrounding you.

The Road, the Heat, the Mountains: A Perfect Match

Exploring the hot springs of Armenia and Georgia by car unlocks a world of landscapes that shift from alpine meadows to steaming riverbeds. Whether you’re lounging in a historic bathhouse or soaking in a hidden thermal pool with the mountains rising above you, this journey blends relaxation with adventure in the most satisfying way.

If you want maximum comfort, safety, and flexibility on this spa–road trip, rent a car suited to your route and let the Caucasus warm you in every sense.