Travel · Georgia

A Weekend in Tbilisi from Cyprus: Flights, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Quick answer

Tbilisi is about 1h 50m from Larnaca on a direct Georgian Airways flight that runs year-round. Georgia's capital mixes an atmospheric old town, sulphur baths, a lively food and wine scene and easy day trips, and a long weekend of two to three days is ideal.

  • Direct flights from Larnaca with Georgian Airways, year-round, about 1h 50m.
  • Tbilisi is 1–2 hours ahead of Cyprus, as Georgia doesn't change its clocks.
  • The currency is the Georgian lari; EU roaming doesn't apply.
  • Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons; autumn is also grape-harvest time.
  • Mtskheta, a UNESCO-listed old capital, is an easy half-day trip.
Flight time
about 1h 50m
Fly from
Larnaca
Season
Year-round
Currency
Georgian lari
Time
1–2 hours ahead of Cyprus
Airlines
Georgian Airways

Tbilisi is one of the most rewarding short-haul escapes from Cyprus: a characterful capital of crumbling balconies, cobbled lanes, hilltop churches and some of the best food and wine in the region. It feels genuinely different from the Mediterranean, yet it's under two hours away.

How do you get to Tbilisi from Cyprus?

Georgian Airways flies direct from Larnaca (LCA) to Tbilisi year-round, and the flight takes about 1h 50m. There's only one direct option, so it's worth booking early for public holidays and autumn weekends, when demand is higher. Routes and schedules change by season, so check with the airline before booking.

Tbilisi International Airport is around 20 minutes' drive from the centre. City bus 337 links the airport with the city, and taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Bolt are the easiest option with luggage or on a late arrival. If you take a taxi, agree the fare first or book through an app.

Is Tbilisi good for a weekend?

Very. The historic centre is compact and walkable, food and drink are excellent value, and the mix of history, nightlife and nature suits couples, groups of friends and solo travellers alike. It's also a good choice if you're craving cooler weather or autumn colours.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit, with mild temperatures; autumn brings the grape harvest. Summers are hot, and winters are cold with occasional snow, though the city is lively all year.

What to do in Tbilisi in a weekend

Day 1

Start in the Old Town (Kala), wandering the lanes around the Abanotubani district, where the domed brick roofs of the sulphur bathhouses sit beside the river. Take the cable car from Rike Park up to Narikala Fortress for views over the city, then walk along the ridge to the Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) statue. Back down, cross the glass-and-steel Bridge of Peace and finish with an evening soak in one of the sulphur baths, followed by dinner in Sololaki.

Day 2

Walk Rustaveli Avenue, the city's grand boulevard, stopping at the Georgian National Museum. Browse the Dry Bridge flea market for Soviet-era curios, then head to Fabrika, a former sewing factory turned creative hub with cafés and bars. Late afternoon, visit Holy Trinity (Sameba) Cathedral, or ride the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park for sunset.

If you have a third day

Take a half-day trip to Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the hilltop Jvari Monastery. Alternatively, spend a full day in the Kakheti wine region, including the hill town of Sighnaghi.

Where to stay in Tbilisi

  • Old Town: atmospheric and central, ideal for first-timers who want to walk everywhere.
  • Sololaki: grand old houses, good restaurants and wine bars, a short walk from the Old Town.
  • Vera: leafy and residential with a café culture, suits a slower, local feel.
  • Vake: upmarket and quieter, good for families and those who prefer parks and modern amenities.

What to eat

  • Khachapuri: cheese-filled bread; the boat-shaped Adjarian version comes topped with egg and butter.
  • Khinkali: juicy dumplings, eaten by hand; leave the knotted top on the plate.
  • Badrijani nigvzit: aubergine rolls filled with spiced walnut paste.
  • Pkhali: vegetable and walnut pâtés, often served as a colourful starter.
  • Churchkhela: strings of walnuts dipped in thickened grape juice, a classic snack.
  • Qvevri wine and chacha: amber wines fermented in clay vessels, and a potent grape brandy.

Practical tips for travellers from Cyprus

  • Currency: the Georgian lari. Cards are widely accepted in the centre, but carry some cash for markets and small shops.
  • Language: Georgian, with its own alphabet. English is increasingly spoken by younger people and in tourist areas.
  • Time difference: Tbilisi is 1–2 hours ahead of Cyprus, because Georgia doesn't change its clocks.
  • Passport and entry: Georgia isn't in the EU, so you'll go through passport control in both directions. Check the entry rules for your nationality before you book.
  • Mobile roaming: EU roaming doesn't apply in Georgia. Check your provider's roaming rates or use an eSIM; see our expat toolkit.
  • Local custom: at a traditional feast (supra), a toastmaster (tamada) leads a series of toasts; it's polite to wait for the toast before drinking.

Looking for more ideas nearby? Try a weekend in Yerevan, or browse all our weekend getaways from Cyprus.

Plan your trip to Tbilisi

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Cyprus to Tbilisi?

Direct flights from Larnaca to Tbilisi take about 1 hour 50 minutes. Georgian Airways operates the route year-round.

Is a weekend enough for Tbilisi?

Yes. Two days covers the Old Town, Narikala Fortress, the sulphur baths and the main neighbourhoods. Add a third day for a trip to Mtskheta or the Kakheti wine region.

What is the best time to visit Tbilisi?

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather. Summers can be hot and winters are cold, but the city is a year-round destination.

How do you get from Tbilisi airport to the city centre?

City bus 337 runs between the airport and the city, and taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Bolt are widely used. Agree the fare or use an app before setting off.

Do I need a visa for Georgia from Cyprus?

It depends on your nationality. Many EU and UK passport holders can visit visa-free for short stays, but check the entry rules for your nationality before you book.

Useful resources

  1. Georgia Travel – Georgian National Tourism Administration
  2. Tbilisi International Airport

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