Tbilisi is a vibrant capital city offering numerous activities, restaurants, museums, and places to visit. What also makes it diverse is the different terrain it holds, including a large reservoir known as the Tbilisi Sea.
Only a short drive from the city center, the Tbilisi Sea is an artificial lake that opened in 1953. In recent years, it has become a hot spot for recreational activities, and an entire day can be spent browsing the different locations and sites around the reservoir. From lying on the beach, enjoying the water, or staring at monuments, everyone will find something fun to do here. Let’s explore.
The Chronicle of Georgia
A destination that not many people are familiar with is The Chronicle of Georgia, or “The Georgian Stonehenge.” This large monument is located off the Tbilisi Sea and is hard to miss, with a massive staircase leading to the top. It is comprised of various stones that depict Biblical scenes and Georgia’s history. It could take hours to look at all the details and decode the pillars. Also on the property is a colorfully frescoed church.
Gino Paradise Tbilisi
Get ready to splash and slide at Gino Paradise! Tbilisi’s only waterpark is right next to Tbilisi Sea, and boasts numerous rides and areas for people to sit back and have a good time. The park has indoor and outdoor attractions in summer, reduced to the indoor pools in winter, including a water rock climbing wall, lazy river, wave pool, pirate ship, spa and tower slides. If spending a few nights here sounds appealing, the establishment also has a hotel and restaurants to make it easy for guests to come and go from the water attractions.
Go to the beach
One of the best parts about being near a body of water is there is almost always a relaxation area for a nice afternoon out to tan. Tbilisi Sea has various beaches around it, making it accessible for walks and downtime. There are a handful of beaches to visit, all of them on the water and with great views.
Temka Beach
Close to The Chronicle of Georgia, this beach offers a nice view of the sculpture and has nice spots for sitting on sand.
Tbilisi Lake Park
This park lines the Tbilisi Sea and is a great route for a nice walk or to sit down and soak up the sun.
Bollywood Beach
Located across from the Tbilisi Sea Club, this beach is a perfect destination for those interested in water sports. The wind on this beach is a little stronger, and there is more grass, making it a good spot for a picnic.
Tbilisi Sea Club
Featuring two large outdoor swimming pools overlooking the sea, recreational amenities, yachts, slides, bungalows, and more, it’s easy to spend an entire day outside at the Tbilisi Sea Club. Open from May until late September, the club invites people from all around to participate in sports, relax, eat good food, and take a break from their busy schedules. They also host private events and training sessions for those looking to gain new skills in certain sports.
Tbilisi Yacht Club
Right on the blue waters of the “sea” is the Tbilisi Yacht Club. Offering a high-class restaurant, cabanas, boats, and more, this is the place to be for relaxing in fashion. Their restaurant, La Cote, is a European restaurant that invites guests to enjoy its dishes either inside or in its outdoor space overlooking the water. They also allow guests to try various water activities, such as yacht tours, boat excursions, jet skiing, catamaran trips, and waterskiing. Each activity is individually priced, and there is membership available for the club.
Water Sports
A handful of places along the Sea offer lessons for water sports, including the two abovementioned clubs. People can also bring their own equipment and use Tbilisi Sea for recreational purposes. Classes and sports in sailing, water skiing, parasailing, kitesurfing, and more are available through third parties. There are also volleyball courts available on some of the beaches, and various amenities such as showers and bathhouses to ensure guests have a healthy and enjoyable stay.
Tbilisi Dendrological Park
Created in 1956, this botanical park used to have numerous local and exotic species of plants, a greenhouse, a pond, and other things on its property. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and after the civil war years in the 1990s, the garden fell into serious disrepair. It has since been bought by a private company and is slated for renovation- with new sustainable wetlands and infrastructure promised. Right now, it is available for the public to walk through, engaging people in colors, scenery, and native species, right next to Tbilisi Sea.
By Shelbi R. Ankiewicz
