Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Larnaca
Larnaca is a fantastic destination for sightseeing, being the oldest town on the island with a history dating back 6000 years, there are plenty of sites to visit.
One of the most important archeological sites are the Ruins of ancient Kition where you can see the remains of five temples as well as gold, bronze and ivory tombs dating back to the 1300 BC. There are also several intriguing archeological museums where you can discover more about Cyprus’ history with rare and fascinating finds on exhibit.
The Pierides Foundation Museum is also well worth visiting and contains an interesting mix of artifacts including rare prehistoric ceramics, antique maps, clothing, furniture, jewellery and many other items dating across Cyprus’ long history.
Larnaca is also home to several religious sites of importance. The Church of St. Lazarus (Agios Lazarus) is built over the tomb of St. Lazarus and his marble sarcophagus can be seen inside the 9th century church which also houses a small museum.
The Hala Sultan Tekke is a large and distinctive mosque which is of extra importance as it contains the tomb of Mohammed’s foster mother. The mosque is considered to be one of the top five holiest sites in the world for Muslims and attracts many pilgrims every year.
Larnaca Castle is a 17th century fortress which was initially used to defend the island from the Turks and was then used as a prison. The castle now houses a museum with finds from excavations across Larnaca and is also well worth a visit for the stunning views across the ocean from the promenade walls.
An amazing natural sight in Larnaca is the Salt Lake which stretches out over 2.2 square kilometres and is the second largest on the island. Filled with water in the winter months, the lake dries up in the summer months leaving a vast and stunning spread of salt crust. The Salt Lake is also home to up to 12,000 pink flamingoes who feed from the water in the lake.
Activities
Fun Seekers in Larnaca
Larnaca is a great destination for all of you fun seekers out there who are not content to relax on a beach for your entire holiday.
There are a huge number of water sports on offer on the main beaches which cater for every experience level. Try your hand at jet-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, sailing and banana boat rides as well as many more activities.
The sea is warm and clear making it an excellent location for snorkelling and scuba diving, both of which are very popular. Larnaca Bay is the location of the Zenobia, one of the top ten diving wrecks in the world, which sank in 1980 on her maiden voyage just off of the Larnaca coast.
Zinonos Kitios is the main shopping hub which leads to a busy market. The market is especially good for local produce as well as silver and copper goods and is a great place to pick up bargains and souvenirs to take home.
The main promenade, Laiki Yeitonia, is where all of the best restaurants and tavernas can be found with every type of cuisine available as well as the authentic kebab vendors. The promenade is also where the main hub of bars and clubs are located with two of the best being Club Memphis and Scaliano.
If you’re looking for a wild night out then you can take an hour’s drive out to Ayia Napa, the world renowned party central of Cyprus which is absolutely packed to bursting with clubs, bars and pubs.
Families
Family Fun in Larnaca
Larnaca is the perfect destination for a family beach holiday with 25km of long sandy beaches. Many of them have been awarded Blue Flags for cleanliness including two of the main beaches, Phinikoudes and McKenzie beach.
If the kids won’t be content for long with just a bucket and spade then there are glass bottom boat trips available which are fun for the whole family. See the marine life on the Cyprus coast and feel the cool sea breeze through your hair.
If you want to get even an even closer look at the marine life then why not take the kids snorkelling in the clear, warm seas where you can all view the underwater world from the best seat in the house.
Just a 15 minute drive away from Larnaca is the village of Mazotos where you will find the Camel Park. The park contains restaurants, a kids play area, swimming pool and of course the camels which you can ride through the village, a thrilling trip for both adults and kids alike.
If after your camel ride you are feeling a bit warm and craving some watery fun to cool off then the Water Park in Ayia Napa will provide hours of fun on over 50 attractions, just an hour’s drive away from Larnaca.
If all this isn’t enough to keep you all entertained throughout your holiday then you will also find facilities for go-karting, bowling, quad biking, windsurfing and sailing. You’ll probably need another holiday afterwards to relax after an action packed break with the kids in Larnaca.
Couples
Romantic Breaks in Larnaca
As the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love, the beautiful island of Cyprus is an ideal destination for a romantic break away with Larnaca offering many attractions for couples.
With a plethora of luxurious hotels to choose from you can sit back and relax in the gorgeous sunshine. Sip a refreshing cocktail by the pool or on the beach while you enjoy each other’s company. If you feel the need for some pampering then there are also many fantastic spa hotels, where you can indulge in treatments and massages to leave you looking and feeling gorgeous, ready for a romantic meal.
The main palm tree-lined promenade offers a vast array of tavernas, restaurants and bars where you can spend a romantic evening. Kantara, Rendez-Vous and Ganga on the Dhekelia Road are arguably the best restaurants in Larnaca with a fantastic international wine list. After dinner why not head to the Blue Pine Bar where you can sit and relax with chilled out blues music and real spirits before taking a moonlight stroll along the seafront hand in hand with your loved one.
Tips
Top Tips for Larnaca
Taxis are quite cheap to travel around Larnaca town – by law they must display and use a meter although some refuse to do so. If this is the case make sure you settle on a fare before starting your journey.
Cost of a pint of beer:£3.10