A green lake
Under the Caucasus.
Kober — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kober — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kober — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kober — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kober — CC BY-SA 4.0
A calm green lake at the foot of the Greater Caucasus near the town of Kvareli in Kakheti, named after the Georgian writer Ilia Chavchavadze, born in this town. Forested hills ring it, with Caucasus peaks behind that are snow-capped in winter and spring. A promenade with gardens and benches circles the lake; small boats and pedal boats are hired in summer, and a hotel and restaurants on the shore look over the water. Near the lake is the Ilia Chavchavadze house museum, and Kvareli has tunnels carved into the mountain where wine bottles are stored, plus wineries that welcome visitors. It is free and always open; boats cost a little. Restaurants around it serve Georgian dishes and barbecue, so ask about halal, or choose vegetable and cheese dishes and stuffed Georgian bread. It is cooler here in summer than on the Kakheti plains. The drive from Telavi takes about an hour, so pair it with nearby Gremi fortress on the same road.
Under the Caucasus.
In Kvareli's mountain.
The Georgian writer's museum.
Near Kvareli town, at the foot of the Greater Caucasus, about an hour from Telavi
May to October; summer is milder here than on the plains, and autumn brings lovely forest colours.