Catania is Sicily's second city, on the Ionian Sea coast at the foot of the active volcano Mount Etna. The city is built from black lava stone, giving it a unique, dramatic look — its baroque churches and squares are carved from volcanic rock. Catania is the gateway to eastern Sicily, close to Etna, Syracuse and Taormina. Let's see how to reach Catania from Tbilisi and what to see there.
✈️ Flights from Tbilisi
- There's no direct Tbilisi-Catania flight — you travel with a connection via Rome, Milan or Istanbul
- The most flexible route is a flight to an Italian hub, then a short domestic flight to Catania
- Total duration including the connection — roughly 7-11 hours
- Ticket price: $280-560 round trip, depending on season (most expensive in summer)
- Airport: Catania-Fontanarossa (CTA), ~7 km from the center; Travel365's price calendar — find cheap dates
🛂 Visa and entry
Italy is a Schengen member, so Georgian citizens need a Schengen visa. A type C tourist visa allows up to 90 days within 180 days. Prepare documents at least 4-6 weeks before your flight.
Travel insurance with at least €30,000 coverage is mandatory, and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Keep an eye on the phased rollout of ETIAS — ETIAS 2026.
Italy's currency is the euro (EUR, €). Withdrawing from an ATM is more favorable than a currency exchange booth — more in the Europe currency guide.
🚌 Transport — getting around the city
- Alibus: from the airport to the center and main station ~€4, 20-25 minutes
- The center is compact — the main sights are walkable
- Metro (one line) and buses — for short distances within the city
- Train: to Syracuse ~1 h 20 min, to Taormina ~50 min — ideal for a day trip
- To climb Etna — an organized tour or the AST bus to Rifugio Sapienza
🏛️ Top attractions
- Piazza del Duomo: the central square with the cathedral and the famous lava elephant fountain (u Liotru)
- Via Etnea: the main avenue with shops, cafes and views of Etna
- Mount Etna: Europe's largest active volcano — climbs, lava caves, views
- La Pescheria: a lively fish market in the old town — authentic Sicilian atmosphere
- Castello Ursino: a 13th-century castle, now a museum
- Monastero dei Benedettini: a vast Benedictine monastery on the UNESCO list
💰 Budget
- Hotel: 3★ $65-120/night || 4★ $130-220/night
- Food: Sicilian street food (arancini, cannoli) $4-8; a restaurant $22-45
- Transport: Alibus ~$5; a city bus ~$1
- Etna tour (half day): $55-105 per person
- Round-trip train to Taormina: ~$11-18
🗓️ Best season and tips
The best time is April-June and September-October — warm, but without the July-August crowds and heat (+35°C). Winter is pleasant too, and snow settles on Etna — even skiing is possible. When climbing Etna bring warm clothing; it's cold at the summit even in summer.
Catania is often combined into one Sicilian trip with Naples and the rest of southern Italy, or with day trips to Syracuse and Taormina. Get an eSIM in advance for internet, and find a cheap ticket with Travel365's flight search.
Book your Etna tour for the morning hours — by midday cloud often covers the summit and the view is lost. The weather changes fast on the mountain, so carry a windproof jacket.
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