Lake Lisi Tbilisi: Beach, Bike Trail and Park near the City

🏖️ Resort Lake · ⏱️ 2–5 hours · 📍 Southwestern outskirts of Tbilisi, 17 km from the center

🧭 Who This Article Is For

Lisi Lake is not some remote natural spot far outside the city, but a full-fledged recreation area just 17 km from the center of Tbilisi. Locals head here on weekends to swim, ride bikes, and sit in cafes overlooking the water. Tourists often find out about it by accident—and are later surprised that they almost missed it. This article is for those who want to understand whether it's worth going and what exactly to do there.

🏔️ A Lake at the Top of the City

Lisi Lake is located at the highest point of Tbilisi — a hilly plateau at 724 meters above sea level, which is 100 meters higher than the rest of the city. This creates a special microclimate: it is noticeably cooler here, there is less urban stuffiness, and the air is cleaner.

The lake is fed by rainwater, snow, and underground springs. In spring, the water level is high, while in autumn, it is lower. The surface area is 0.47 km², and the maximum depth is 4 meters. The shoreline is gentle — an important feature for swimming with children.

The development of the area began in 1937 when about 1400 plant species were planted — the very ones that now create the green belt around the water.

💧 The Water: Warm, Mineral, and Healing

In summer, the water temperature reaches 28°C — comparable to a warm sea. In winter, the shores become covered with a crust of ice, which also has its own special atmosphere.

The water in the lake contains salts of calcium, hydrogen sulfide, and magnesium. The total mineralization is 2695 mg/l. For comparison, in most ordinary lakes, this figure is 10–20 times lower. It is this high mineralization that makes the water therapeutic.

Official medical indications for treatment (according to medical data):

• chronic joint diseases
• peripheral cardiovascular diseases
• nervous system disorders
• gynecological diseases

Sulfur baths operate near the lake, serving as a great addition to swimming in the mineral water.

🚴 What to Do at the Lake

• Bike paths around the lake are one of the most pleasant ways to spend a few hours. Flat terrain, good pavement, and water views.
• Swimming — during the season, the water is warm, the shore is gentle, and access is easy. A great beach for families with children.
• Kayaks and boats — rentals are available during the season. Getting out on the water and looking at the shoreline from the lake offers a completely different perspective.
• Windsurfing — the lake's size and wind conditions make it suitable for beginners.
• Picnic — there are equipped areas, so you can bring your own food. There are several restaurants and cafes by the water to fit any budget.
• Forest walks — there are forest trails around the lake where you can spend an hour or two.

🏇 Tbilisi Hippodrome Nearby

In 2007, the Tbilisi Hippodrome opened near the lake, covering an area of 31 hectares. Equestrian sports and horse racing enthusiasts can combine visits to both places. The hill near the hippodrome offers a view of the city — one of Tbilisi's non-standard panoramic viewpoints.

🗺️ How to Spend a Day at Lisi Lake

1️⃣ Get to the lake — a taxi from the center takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic (17 km). Minibuses (marshrutkas) also run — check for the current route number.

2️⃣ Start with a bike ride or a walk around the perimeter — this allows you to explore the entire lake and choose a spot for swimming.

3️⃣ Hit the water in season — 28°C in summer — swimming in mineral water with a gentle slope is comfortable for all ages.

4️⃣ Rent a kayak or a boat — rentals are available right by the shore during the warmer months.

5️⃣ Find a cafe or restaurant with a water view — enjoy a leisurely lunch.

6️⃣ Take a look at the Tbilisi Hippodrome nearby — enjoy the city view from the hill.

💬 What Visitors Say

"We visited Lisi Lake with the whole family last summer. The surrounding nature is simply stunning, and the climate really turned out to be mild — it was comfortable even in August. I discovered that water can be so rich in minerals. Thermal waters work wonders."

"The territory is well-maintained, and the view of the city is truly mesmerizing. The climate is indeed mild; even in winter, it's pleasant to walk along the shores."

"Lisi Lake is a great alternative to the sea for locals and tourists, especially on hot days. The water in the lake is clean, and the surrounding views are breathtaking."

"The nature around is just amazing. I'm glad that the lake is therapeutic and treats many illnesses. Especially chronic joint diseases."

🏁 Is It Worth Going?

Lisi Lake is what replaces the sea in Tbilisi. Warm mineral water 17 km from the center, bike paths, lakeside cafes, forest walks, a hippodrome, and sulfur baths. A place where Tbilisians go every weekend — and where tourists somehow rarely reach. It is definitely worth going, especially if you want to spend a day by the water without leaving greater Tbilisi.

ℹ️ Distance from the center — 17 km. 20–40 minutes by taxi. Boat and kayak rentals — seasonal, check on-site. Sulfur baths and wellness procedures — in sanatoriums near the lake. Information is current at the time of publication.

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• Kumisi Lake: Georgia's Best Birdwatching Spot Near Tbilisi, Where People Fish and Harvest Healing Mud