Tbilisi Sea
An 11.6 km² reservoir on the city's northeastern edge — Tbilisi's main summer beach escape, with an aqua park and yacht club 25 minutes from the center.
- Time needed
- 3 h
- From Tbilisi
- 15 km · 0:25
- Road
- Paved
- Car needed
- Economy class
- Season
- All year
- Entry
- free
The Tbilisi Sea is the city's main summer escape. The 11.6 km² reservoir on the Iori Plateau at Tbilisi's northeastern edge was created in 1953, when the water of the Iori River was channeled into the basins of three former saline lakes. The scale genuinely feels maritime: the reservoir stretches almost 8.75 km end to end with an average depth of 26.6 metres — which is why Tbilisians call it a sea rather than a lake.
In the hot months the western shore comes alive: sand-and-gravel beaches, shaded terraces, cafés and water attractions follow one another along the shore road. Here too are Gino Paradise — the city's biggest aqua park — and the yacht club, and the reservoir hosts windsurfing and open-water swimming events. The eastern shore is the opposite: wild, empty steppe, for anyone who wants space and quiet rather than facilities.
On the hill above the northwestern shore towers the monumental Chronicle of Georgia, with the best view over the water and the whole city. Combining the two is the most natural itinerary: the monument first, then down to the shore. Even in winter the sea is worth a detour — migrating birds stop over on the water and the shoreline is empty and calm.
Gallery
Practical advice
The swimming season runs June to September, with the warmest water in July and August. Access to the shore is free; only Gino Paradise and individual beach clubs charge. Sunday afternoons the western shore gets crowded — come in the morning or on a weekday. There is little natural shade on the beaches, so bring a hat and sunscreen. The eastern shore has no facilities at all — carry your own water and food.
How to get there from Tbilisi
From the center head northeast along George Bush Street and follow the signs to the sea — about 15 km and 20–25 minutes, asphalt the whole way. Any class of car will do, including an economy sedan. Parking is along the shore road by the beaches and the aqua park. The turn-off for the Chronicle of Georgia is on the same road — climbing to the monument first and then dropping to the water makes a natural loop.
Click a marker for details. Coloured lines are ready-made road trips.
Nearby places
MuseumThe Chronicle of Georgia
Tsereteli's colossal bronze pillars above the Tbilisi Sea — the city's most cinematic sunset viewpoint.
TownTsitsinatela Family Park
Shekvetili's amusement park — the main evening destination on the Gurian coast if you have children.
LakeLisi Lake
A lake on the plateau northwest of the city with a path all the way round — where Tbilisi goes running.