Essays About life, about food, about friends and travel. Where to swim in Tbilisi How to get from Tbilisi to the sea

Is it a shame to look on social networks at the happy faces of friends sunbathing on the Black Sea, when you yourself have to spend hot summer days in stuffy Tbilisi? There is a way out, even more than one! You also have a place to relax, sunbathe on sun loungers, breathe fresh air and take a couple of enviable selfies without leaving the city.

1. Lake Lisi. Now there is a well-maintained beach there, you can rent sun loungers (cost - from 5 to 10 lari). On the beach line there is a lounge cafe, a coffee shop where you can have a snack, and several booths with cold drinks. People carry ice cream, sunflower seeds and boiled corn along the beach. On the other side, unsuitable for swimming or sunbathing, you can often see (and join) fishermen. A little further away you can feed the ducks. When the sun is already unbearably hot, vacationers usually move to a forest a few tens of meters from the beach area. There, children and adults play outdoor games or have picnics. By the way, few people know, but on the territory of Lake Lisi there is also a complex of sulfur baths (1), (2). The only inconvenience is the lack of parking and frequent traffic flow. You will have to wait from 10 to 40 minutes for a minibus or bus.

2.Turtle Lake. There are paid (5 GEL - the price includes sun loungers) and free beaches. Unlike Lisi, where it is quite shallow, on Cherepashka the buoys are located close to the shore. Vigilant lifeguards work on the lake and issue long reprimands to those who break the rules and swim beyond the buoys. Here you can rent boats and children's boats (within 5 GEL), there are a lot of cafes and restaurants around the reservoir. There are also children's sports grounds, and sometimes concerts are held in the evenings. Just like near Lisi, there is a forest close to the shore of Turtle Lake. And also, 1 km from it there is the Ethnographic Museum. You can get to Turtle by car in ten minutes from the Vake district.

3. White or Large(old name) lake in Gldani. Entrance to the paid beach costs 3 GEL (sun lounger included). The second side is called free, but, nevertheless, you need to pay 1 GEL for entry. The water is not very clean. There are cafes, but they are not functioning. True, there are slides for children, but they are also not in the best condition. But this place is very suitable for fishing (3). From Gldani, minibus No. 180 goes directly to the reservoir.

4. Tbilisi Sea. There are no problems with roads here. Transport is good. The most popular beach is from the Temka district. The Olympic village has already been built here, and the zoo will be moved in the near future. Various goodies are carried along the beach, there are many cafes and restaurants, a playground and a forest. You can go boating and motorboating. There is also a paid beach (15 GEL), it is located further - towards the Lotkin area, although it is better to swim on the free one. But in the paid area there is a clean pool, albeit a shallow one (4).

Since we are talking about places suitable for swimming, I will also say about the lake located near Tbilisi.

5. Lake Bazaleti. It is located 45 minutes drive from Tbilisi. You can get from Tbilisi by car or by minibus to Dusheti, and from there you can get there by taxi, train or bus in 10 minutes. The air in these places is very good, the area is more designed for tourists. There is a hotel and a residential complex for camps. There is a large children's entertainment area. The water in the lake is clean, almost transparent.

Well, if you can’t get further than the center or the Old Town, but want to swim, look for fountains! Yes, in fact, in Georgia there are no prohibitions or fines for this! You can see this for yourself: walk by the fountain near the Rustaveli metro station in Rike Park - you will see many happy faces escaping the heat!

Where to swim in Tbilisi (map)

In Georgia you can relax no worse than in European resorts; there is a sea here. However, many local residents prefer to choose not the Black Sea, which you have already thought about, but the reservoir, which is located in the capital of this state. It is located within the city of Tbilisi. Georgians call it nothing more than the Tbilisi Sea. Why? What is special about this reservoir?
The reservoir is located in the northeastern part of Tbilisi, next to the national park. This artificial reservoir was created in 1952. It appeared after waters from the Iori River flooded 3 salt lakes, which, united, formed the Tbilisi Sea. The length of the reservoir is 9 km. On average, its width is 3 km. But if you study the depth, it becomes clear why the locals called the reservoir the sea. In some places, the bottom moves away from the surface of the water by 45 m. However, the average depth is 26 m.
Despite its size, the water level often fluctuates depending on the season. Replenishment occurs in summer, autumn and spring. The amplitude of water fluctuations reaches 10 m. The Tbilisi Sea is fed mainly by the resources of the Iori River. Water enters it through the Samgori Canal. The reservoir itself is part of the irrigation system and is actively used to irrigate nearby lands.
In the summer season there are always a lot of vacationers here, this is easy to explain. By July, the water in the reservoir warms up to +28°C. Swimming is very comfortable. However, this is not the only advantage. The Tbilisi Sea is located at an altitude of 535 m above sea level, so in the summer it is not hot or stuffy here.
In winter, the reservoir does not freeze. Although, according to official historical information, the reservoir undergoes glaciation every 20-30 years. Such natural anomalies were recorded in 1992 and 2012. There is also information that freezing occurred in the first half of the 60s.
Since its foundation, the Tbilisi Sea has attracted residents of the capital and visitors as a pleasant place to relax. Today, the western and northern banks of the reservoir have been improved. Many entertainment facilities have been built and put into operation here. For a pleasant stay, a large water park has been built here, which fully complies with European standards. It is considered the largest regional institution of this type. The water park has 12 different pools with salt and fresh water. The slides have a height of up to 31 m. There are 6 of them on the territory. There is also a ship that is equipped with a jacuzzi, and guests are offered delicious cocktails on its deck.
In addition to the water park, an Olympic village was built on the Tbilisi reservoir in 2015. It was here that the Youth Olympics were held. On the territory of the village, many houses have been built that can accommodate up to three thousand athletes. When arranging this area, all aspects were taken into account in order to provide guests with maximum comfort during training and for a good rest.
There are private areas with paid stay for vacationers, where there is parking, restaurants, beaches, boat trips on scooters and catamarans, and much more with the maximum level of comfort.
The shores of the free beaches are different, depending on the location. On the northern shore, the entrance to the water is gentle, and on the western shore, the shore consists of rocks, so you have to go down into the water along rocky paths, or dive into the depths from a height. Improvement has not yet reached the southwestern shore and many local residents go down to the water here directly by car. Even on weekday evenings in the summer there are a lot of people here. The bottom is rocky and the depth is shallow. There is an island nearby that turns into a peninsula in summer. Many people fish here. The southern and eastern banks are mainly not used by locals for recreation, as they are heavily silted and livestock often graze here.
Despite all the advantages, the Tbilisi Sea has one significant drawback - urban transport does not go to it. but maybe this is for the better! Only the northern part of the sea can be reached on foot from the nearest metro station, all the rest can only be reached by car. From the center of the capital to the reservoir it takes about 45 minutes by car.

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Thanks for the detailed description

In Georgia you can relax no worse than in European resorts; there is a sea here. However, many prefer to choose a reservoir that is located in the capital of this state. It is located within the city of Tbilisi, or more precisely, in the northeast. Local residents call it nothing more than the Tbilisi Sea (photos can be seen in the article). Why were such associations held? What is special about this reservoir?

Characteristic

The reservoir, as mentioned above, is located in the northeastern part of Tbilisi, next to the national park. This artificial reservoir was created in 1952. It appeared after waters from the Iori River flooded 3 salt lakes, which, united, formed the Tbilisi Sea. The length of the reservoir is 9 km. On average, its width is 3 km. But if you study the depth, it becomes clear why the locals called the reservoir the sea. In some places, the bottom moves away from the surface of the water by 45 m. However, the average depth is 26 m.

Despite its size, the water level often fluctuates depending on the season. Replenishment occurs in summer, autumn and spring. water reaches 10 m.

The Tbilisi Sea is fed mainly by the resources of the Iori River. Water enters it through the Samgori Canal. The reservoir itself is part of the irrigation system and is actively used to irrigate nearby lands.

Climatic features

In the summer season there are always a lot of vacationers here, this is easy to explain. By July, the water in the reservoir warms up to +28°C. Swimming is very comfortable. However, this is not the only advantage. The Tbilisi Sea is located at an altitude of 535 m above sea level, so in the summer it is not hot or stuffy here.

In winter, the reservoir does not freeze. Although, according to official historical information, the lake undergoes glaciation every 20-30 years. Such cases were recorded in 1992 and 2012. There is also information that freezing occurred in the first half of the 60s.

Infrastructure

Since its foundation, the Tbilisi Sea has attracted residents of the capital and visitors as a pleasant place to relax. Therefore, the city administration decided to equip this artificial reservoir with attractions for a great time.

Today, the territory of the reservoir is landscaped. Excellent conditions have been created for vacationers so that they can enjoy their vacation to the fullest. Many entertainment establishments have been built and put into operation here, where you can have a pleasant time with family or friends.

There are also beaches on the reservoir. Here they offer vacationers boat trips on scooters and catamarans. Rescuers and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations work on the territory around the clock. Based on this, there is no need to fear for safety when visiting the Tbilisi Sea; the beach is always under the supervision of professionals. Not only adults, but also children can swim here.

The shores on the free beaches mainly consist of rocks, so you have to go down into the water along rocky paths. But the paid ones have much more amenities, and they look much more attractive.

In addition, on the territory of the Tbilisi Reservoir there are spa centers with massage rooms, fitness, gyms, saunas and others. There is even a yacht club here.

Fishing is popular in Georgia, and the Tbilisi Sea is no exception. However, fishing here is paid, but inexpensive. The price is discussed with the local administration.

Water park and Olympic village

For a pleasant holiday for children and teenagers, there is a water park on the local territory, which fully complies with European standards. It is considered the largest regional institution of this type. The water park has 12 different pools with salt and fresh water for vacationers. The slides have a height of up to 31 m. There are 6 of them on the territory. There is also a ship that is equipped with a jacuzzi, and guests are offered delicious cocktails on its deck.

In addition to the water park, an Olympic village was built on the Tbilisi reservoir in 2015. It was here that the Youth Olympics were held. On the territory of the village, many houses have been built that can accommodate up to three thousand athletes. When arranging this area, all aspects were taken into account in order to provide guests with maximum comfort during training and for a good rest.

Tbilisi Sea: how to get there

Despite all the advantages, the capital's reservoir has one significant drawback - city transport does not go to it. Only the northern part of the sea can be reached from the nearest metro station, all others can only be reached by a personal car or by taxi, which is sometimes economically unprofitable if you travel every day. Guests of the capital can afford this pleasure because they come for 2-3 days. It has been noted that a taxi takes 40 minutes to get from the center of the capital to this artificial reservoir. And you can always negotiate the fare.

At the height of summer, more than ever, you want to relax by the pond and take a break from the bustle of the city.

Tbilisi Sea

Tbilisi Reservoir is located in the northeastern part of the capital of Georgia. Created in 1952 by flooding the waters of the Iori River and 3 bitter-salty lakes. The length reaches 9 km, and the width is 3 km. The maximum depth is 45 m, the average depth is 26.6 m. The reservoir is filled in the spring; In summer and autumn, water from the reservoir is intensively used, due to which the seasonal fluctuation in depth is 7-10 m.

From the very beginning of the creation of the artificial reservoir, its banks were and are used as places for recreation and entertainment. Today, the territory is landscaped, and all modern conditions have been created there for a full-fledged pastime.

Lake Bazaleti

This small mountain lake is located 40 kilometers from Tbilisi. The area of ​​the reservoir is 1.22 square kilometers, the maximum depth is seven meters.

The lake contains algae that have medicinal properties and are good for people with dermatological, gynecological and rheumatological diseases.

Today, the lake is a popular health resort - an entire hotel complex “Bazaleti” was built here, which includes cottage hotels, a park with alleys and a fountain.

Zion Reservoir

The Zion Reservoir, with an area of ​​12.8 square kilometers, is located 45 kilometers from the Georgian capital.

The reservoir is replenished from the Iori River, so there is a lot of wildlife living here, and you can fish.

Swimming enthusiasts should take into account that the maximum depth of the reservoir is 67 meters.

Zhinvali Reservoir

The incredibly picturesque area of ​​Ananuri near the Zhinvali reservoir is located on the Georgian Military Road, 70 kilometers from Tbilisi.

The turquoise water of the Zhinvali reservoir and colorful landscapes have made Ananuri a favorite destination for tourists. And the medieval fortress and church became the hallmark of Georgia.

The area of ​​the reservoir is 11.5 square kilometers, the maximum depth is 75 meters.

Aragvi River

The Aragvi River, 66 kilometers long, is perhaps the most popular river in the country. Pushkin and Lermontov wrote about her, and in Georgia many establishments and refreshments were named after her.

You can swim and sunbathe in Aragvi in ​​the area of ​​Bulachauri, which is located 43 kilometers from Tbilisi.

During my stay in Tbilisi the heat is simply unbearable. Old-timers say that all temperature records are being broken! I felt it too: from 12 to 16 o'clock it is impossible to be on the street, it seems that even the asphalt is melting. But there is one plus: the air here is dry. Can you imagine what would happen if we added Khabarovsk’s 100 percent humidity to Tbilisi plus 40? It would look like a Russian steam room...

When it was once again announced that plus 39 was expected in Tbilisi, I decided that it was time for me to get acquainted with the legendary Tbilisi Sea and spend a day on its shores...

The Tbilisi Sea is not a sea at all in the usual sense of the word. This is a large lake north of Tbilisi. Once upon a time there were several salt lakes here, which in 1952 were flooded with water from the Iori River. A lake 9 kilometers long, of varying width and depth of about 30 meters, in some places up to 45, was formed. The height from sea level is officially 535 meters, that is, 100 meters above the level of the Kura in the Old Town area.
Now the Tbilisi Sea is one of three lakes (along with Lake Lisi and Turtle Lake) near Tbilisi, and the largest. So big that there is even a yacht club here. There is not much water near Tbilisi, so the lake is popular as a summer vacation spot. The shores here are mostly rocky, you need to enter the water on rocks, there is some silt. In winter, the lake does not freeze, although there are anomalies.

The big disadvantage of the lake is its inaccessibility by regular transport. They get here either by their own transport or by taxi.
I found out in advance from local residents (including taxi drivers) how much it costs to travel from Avlabari to Tbilisi Lake. Everyone confidently told me that no more than 10 lari (about 300 rubles). And when I hailed a taxi from my hand, got into the car, named my final destination, and waited for a question from the taxi driver:
- How many?
To please the driver, I said:
- 15 GEL!
And I expected in response words of gratitude, wishes of health to my mother and all my family. But taxi drivers all over the world are the same:
- What are you doing? No one will go there for 15 lari! Do you know how far it is?
- Don't know!
- That's it! Now we’ll get there and see for yourself how far it is!
We drove for a really long time. It felt like the taxi driver deliberately took me the longest route. We also got into a traffic jam because of a crashed motorcyclist: his corpse was lying on the road, and all the drivers, passing by, crossed themselves...
In order not to cause a showdown and not spoil anyone’s mood, I paid the taxi driver 20 lari. But he wasn’t happy with this either, judging by his face, but he didn’t argue with me...

The beach of the Tbilisi Sea is very reminiscent of the Khabarovsk beach of the mid-90s. Dirty cafes with plastic tables and chairs, kebabs offered (both soft and on the rib), a bunch of bodies on the rocky shore, which, for the sake of economy, do not take sunbeds, but sit on their towels.
I decided to relax culturally! I ordered a sun lounger (3 GEL), an umbrella (3 GEL), asked the guy to run me for a cold beer (5 GEL - in a local cafe the same beer is 2 GEL). The umbrella constantly fell on me, as it was difficult to secure it to the rocky ground. I had to sunbathe in the open sun...
There are a lot of vacationers, mostly young people who are on vacation. Everything is civilized, no one bothers anyone, no one swears, everyone is polite. I enjoyed watching the beautiful Georgian girls in swimsuits - for some reason, red is especially popular here...
A couple of hours on the beach was enough for me to... get sunburnt! By evening the temperature rose, but I quickly brought it down with a bottle of “Kindzmarauli”... That’s what Georgia is for, to be treated with wine!