Tskaltubo: Thermal Baths, Park and Caves

Tskaltubo is a year-round balneological resort offering relaxation and therapeutic treatments. Mineral water and thermal baths shape the town; the 70-hectare central park, museums, caves and local foods complete the picture. If you are looking for a hotel in Tskaltubo, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: should the thermal water be at the center, are you interested in the park and nature, or would you like to include culture and caves?

Thermal Water and Spa Tradition

The natural optimum temperature of the mineral water is 35 °C. The water in the thermal baths comes directly from the springs and is neither heated nor cooled. A spa treatment may include daily thermal baths lasting twenty minutes each. The microclimate of the karst caves is also used as a natural therapeutic factor. These details refer to different things: 35 °C is the natural optimum temperature of the mineral water, while twenty minutes refers to a possible duration for daily baths as part of a treatment.

Tskaltubo Central Park

Tskaltubo Central Park covers 70 hectares. Its features include walking paths, bridges and tree-lined avenues, as well as evergreen and rare trees and decorative flowerbeds. The park also contains the “Spring of Beauty” fountain, amusement rides and tennis courts. In addition to the thermal baths, the park offers a distinct focus, combining garden features with other leisure activities.

Museums and History

The Tskaltubo History Museum has around 30,000 exhibits. They date from the Paleolithic period to the late feudal period, giving the town a distinct cultural and historical focus alongside its spa and nature themes. The Otia Ioseliani House Museum is another cultural site, located in the heart of Tskaltubo.

Tetra Cave and the Prometheus Route

Tetra Cave opened as an ecotourism destination in 2019. Its underground limestone chamber covers 2,000 square meters and is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is associated with evidence of prehistoric human habitation dating back around 30,000 years. At Tetra, geological features and a cultural and historical connection come together.

Nearby, the Prometheus Cave route ends with a tour on foot or by boat along the underground course of the Kumi River. Comparing the caves, Tetra is notable for its limestone chamber and evidence of early settlement, while the Prometheus route offers a different kind of finale with its tour along the river course.

Local Products and Wine

A small winery and a brewery are located in the heart of Tskaltubo. The agricultural market offers natural products from local farmers and freshly baked Georgian bread. Wine is also part of the offering at Tetra Cave: it matures under natural conditions, and tastings are available on site. So, for culinary interests, there are both market products and bread to consider, as well as wine aging and tastings in the cave.

Discover more destinations: Sairme, Vardzia, Etseri, Meore Obcha, Motsameta, Chkvishi, Kutaisi, Terjola

For the overview of the wider region: Imereti.