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Swimming & Rivers near Tbilisi

🇬🇪Tbilisi, Georgia·Updated 26 June 2026

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Tbilisi is 350 km from the Black Sea coast. The closest swimming for dogs is the Mtkvari (Kura) river banks in the city, Lisi Lake (8 km northwest), and the Iori River valley (60 km east). The Turtle Lake above Vake Park is the city's most accessible dog-swimming spot.

💡 Quick Tips

1.Turtle Lake (Kus Tba, 3 km from Vake Park) has a shaded beach and clear mountain water; dogs swim freely throughout. Reachable by forest walk (45 min uphill) or the Vake cable car (dogs in carriers).
2.Lisi Lake (8 km northwest by car) is a purpose-built recreation lake with a 2.5 km circular path and a dog beach at the south end; very popular with Tbilisi dog owners at weekends.
3.The Aragvi river valley (45 km north, Mtskheta area) has calm riverside banks where dogs swim freely alongside the main Tbilisi-Gudauri highway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog swim in the Kura river in Tbilisi?

The Kura (Mtkvari) river flows through central Tbilisi but the current is strong in the main channel. The calmer sections at Peace Bridge and Rike Park have accessible banks; dogs can wade but swimming in the main flow is not safe. Better to go to Turtle Lake or Lisi Lake for proper dog swimming.

How far is Tbilisi from the Black Sea coast for a beach day trip?

Batumi (the main Georgian Black Sea resort) is 350 km west, about 4-5 hours by car on a good highway. It is better treated as a separate destination than a day trip from Tbilisi; a Tbilisi-plus-Batumi trip makes excellent sense for a 7-10 day Georgia holiday with a dog.

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Pet-friendly destinations nearby

Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Tbilisi also welcome your dog.

🇬🇪Kazbegi 🇬🇪Batumi

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