There are such a lot of wonderful issues to do in Larnaca, the energetic and delightful beach-front metropolis on the south coast of Cyprus. Larnaca boasts golden sand seashores, attention-grabbing historical past, and a very good location for exploring the remainder of Cyprus.
I’ve spent round 4 months residing in Cyprus as a digital nomad, and I beloved exploring the different cities and villages this small island has to supply.
Throughout my time in Cyprus, I used to be principally based in Limassol however usually ventured over to Larnaca, which I name Limassol’s extra laid-back neighbor.
Together with some actually enjoyable stuff to do in Larnaca, it additionally has a unbelievable food and drinks scene. So, let’s check out the very best issues to do in Larnaca Cyprus.
Greatest Issues To Do in Larnaca
Larnaca is one in all my favorite cities in Cyprus, and it’s stuffed with enjoyable issues to do. It has its personal worldwide airport and it’s additionally an ideal base to be positioned in case you’re seeking to discover the remainder of the island.
I’ve put collectively an inventory of the very best issues to do in Larnaca that will help you make the very best of your time right here. For extra particulars on touring to Cyprus, don’t miss my in-depth guide.
1. Spend the Day at Finikoudes Seaside
The most effective issues to do in Larnaca is to move to the seashore. As a coastal city, it has a protracted shoreline and though it might come as a shock to some, its metropolis seashores are wonderful.
Finikoudes Beach is within the coronary heart of Larnaca. It’s backed by palm timber and a promenade. The seashore itself is clear, spacious, and blanketed in high-quality, comfortable sand. The ocean is superbly clear and heat a lot of the yr.
As a metropolis seashore, it additionally has all of the facilities you could possibly need. From loungers and parasols to loads of bars and eating places. It’s the center of the town and some of the well-liked locations to go in Larnaca for locals and vacationers alike.
2. Take a Troodos Mountain Wine Tasting Tour
The most effective methods to get to know a brand new place is thru its wine. Cyprus is residence to the oldest named wine nonetheless in manufacturing in Commanderia. It’s a dessert wine, (so don’t attempt it as a refreshing drink on the seashore).
Head into the center of the wine-making country in Cyprus with this amazing day-long tour of the Troodos Mountains. You’ll get to go to the unimaginable, conventional city of Omodos in addition to a sequence of wineries on this well-known wine-growing area.
In all, you’ll get to attempt 15 completely different wines, together with Commanderia. Water, espresso, and snacks are additionally included within the value, and also you’ll be delivered again to your lodging on the finish of the day. An excellent tour and lots of enjoyable – an ideal time out for {couples} seeking to delight their senses.
☞ SEE ALSO: When to Visit Cyprus (Best Weather and Costs)
3. Cycle the Larnaca Salt Lake
Larnaca is residence to not one however 4 salt lakes, and collectively they’re thought of some of the necessary wetlands in Cyprus. It’s some of the spectacular issues to see in Larnaca, notably throughout the winter season (from November to March), when tens of hundreds of flamingos descend on the lakes.
The most effective methods to discover the lakes is by bike. In addition to the picturesque lakes, you’ll cease off on the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and the attractive Kamares Aqueduct.
Cease for a espresso at Mackenzie seashore earlier than heading again to the middle of Larnaca. It’s some of the enjoyable issues to do in Larnaca, and it retains you match too!
4. Go Snorkeling
For me, exploring the unimaginable snorkeling spots is likely one of the high issues to do in Larnaca. There are some unimaginable areas to find alongside this coast of Cyprus.
First, is the brand new underwater museum within the Cape Greco space. Right here you’ll discover 93 completely different statutes which were creatively positioned to create an underwater forest to be found.
Barely additional up the coast is a smaller museum with statues, which is a well-liked hangout for Inexperienced and Loggerhead turtles. The statutes additionally appeal to plenty of tropical and brightly coloured fish so that you can swim amongst – it’s actually magical.
☞ SEE ALSO: 10 Best Hiking Trails in Cyprus (For All Levels)
5. Uncover the Church of St Lazarus
The gorgeous stone church of Agios Lazaros, or the Church of Saint Lazarus, is likely one of the most spectacular locations to go to in Larnaca. It’s an unimaginable instance of Byzantine structure and sits proudly in its personal sq. within the middle of city.
It’s stated that Saint Lazarus came to Cyprus after he was resurrected by Jesus, and he continued to dwell in Larnaca for the following 30 years. After his dying, he was buried under the Church within the sanctuary.
The church is gorgeous each in and out and is certainly price a go to – it’s undoubtedly probably the greatest issues to do in Larnaca. There’s a Byzantine museum subsequent door to the church, which homes necessary non secular relics and artifacts.
6. Be taught to Make Halloumi Cheese
What higher approach to get a real understanding of conventional Cypriot life than by studying to make one in all their hottest exports?
This fascinating cheese-making and food tour takes you into the unimaginable Troodos Mountains, some of the lovely locations to go to close to Larnaca.
You’ll begin your meals journey at a cheese-making workshop in a traditional local village, the place you’ll make halloumi and anari cheese. That is adopted by brunch, the place you’ll mix your hand-made cheese with different native delicacies.
After brunch, you’ll proceed into the mountain countryside to go to an area honey producer, and also you’ll see some merchandise made with donkey milk. The tour concludes in a phenomenal, conventional village well-known for Cypriot lace making. The tour consists of all charges and door-to-door pickup. Learn more here.
7. Discover Cape Greco Nationwide Park
The shoreline round Larnaca is a few of the most spectacular on the island and exploring it’s one in all my favourite issues to do close to Larnaca. One of the best ways to discover is with this wonderful 4-hour tour of Cape Greco.
This tour will take you to a few of the best-hidden treasures in Cape Greco together with the unimaginable sea caves. The caves seem as majestic home windows carved into the rocks and supply unimaginable views over the turquoise-blue ocean past.
You’ll soak up Love Bridge (Monachus Arch) – sharing a kiss on the bridge is alleged to make your needs come true – and can have the possibility to see the gorgeous Ayioi Anargyroi Chapel perched on the cliffs. It’s a surprising a part of Cyprus and this Larnaca sightseeing tour is the proper approach to discover.
8. Take a Champagne Sundown Cruise
One other nice approach to discover the Larnaca shoreline is, in fact, by boat. Should you’re visiting with a associate, taking a sundown tour is likely one of the most romantic issues to do within the metropolis.
This 2-hour sunset cruise takes you out on a cushty yacht with an skilled skipper. The views over the ocean are as lovely because the sunsets, and also you’ll get pleasure from each whereas sipping on a glass of champagne, wine, or beer. The selection is yours.
Not solely will you get to benefit from the excellent views, however the boat will anchor, and also you’ll get the chance to view the sundown from the water. There’s additionally snorkel tools on board which you need to use at your leisure. Click here to learn more about this highly-rated journey.
9. Uncover the Thrilling Historical past of Paphos
Should you fancy getting out of the town, Paphos is likely one of the greatest locations to go to close to Larnaca. Paphos is full of ancient attractions and is a good place to go to in case you’re into historical past.
This full-day tour to Paphos will take you to many various websites in sooner or later, so that you needn’t fear about discovering your approach across the metropolis by your self. You’ll go to Kolossi Citadel, the traditional Amphitheater, and the traditional sea stack – Aphrodite’s Rock – believed to be the birthplace of the goddess of affection herself.
This fantastic tour consists of pick-up out of your lodge in Larnaca together with an expert driver and information to help you along with your journey. It’s an ideal, straightforward approach of exploring the traditional websites of Paphos.
10. Have Enjoyable at Ayia Napa Water Park
Ayia Napa is residence to the unbelievable WaterWorld Water Park which is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Larnaca for households.
They’ve rides for all ages from tremendous speedy tubes, to enjoyable inflatable household rides. There’s additionally an ideal lazy river and small water playgrounds for smaller children.
In the summertime months, it could actually get actually busy, so I like to recommend arriving simply earlier than it opens to get in earlier than the crowds and reserving a ticket on-line previous to your go to.
Should you’re popping out of season (exterior of June-September) test the web site for opening occasions. You’ll seemingly not should line up all day.
11. Go to the Larnaca Medieval Fort
Proper by Finikoudes Seaside, you’ll discover the Medieval Fort of Larnaca which is likely one of the most spectacular locations to see in Larnaca, used all through the Ottoman and Venetian eras.
Through the British occupation, the Fort was used as a jail till the center of the twentieth century, with the primary ground used to execute prisoners.
In 1948, it took up a reasonably much less ugly function and now capabilities as an in depth museum. The courtyard and facade are attractive too. The doorway prices simply €2.50, so it’s probably the greatest locations to go in Larnaca on a finances to be taught some historical past.
12. Take a Meals Tour within the Mountains
Should you’re a foodie, you’ll love this unique tour of the Troodos Mountains. It’s one in all my favourite issues to do in Larnaca.
You’ll be picked up out of your lodging and brought to a couple villages hidden throughout the mountains. Right here you’ll go to locals making conventional meals and get to style some Cypriot delicacies.
It’s an ideal tour, and it appears like nice worth since you cease off at 5 completely different areas. You’ll eat specialties like halloumi cheese, olive oil, wine, and conventional sweets, (meals on supply change relying on the season).
You’ll additionally get pleasure from a tasty meze lunch while you’re on this tour – you undoubtedly received’t return to Larnaca feeling hungry. The tour consists of entrance and tasting charges, transport, and lunch with drinks, so it’s wonderful worth.
13. Dive the Zenobia Wreck
Should you’re a diver, you received’t need to miss visiting the Zenobia Wreck. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Larnaca and Cyprus as an entire in case you like to dive.
The Zenobia is a RO-RO ferry that sank in 1980 on its maiden voyage off the coast of Limassol. It’s usually named one of many best wreck diving sites on the earth, so in case you’re a eager diver, it’s not one to overlook.
Resting on its aspect, it’s an ideal website for divers of all expertise ranges, with a chance to view the 120 autos which sank alongside together with her.
It’s an enormous wreck to discover, and you could possibly simply do a number of dives on the market and see one thing new each time. Test the PADI site for extra particulars.
14. Absorb the Solar at Mackenzie Seaside
Mackenzie Beach is a beautiful stretch of high-quality, darkish golden sand with calm and clear shallow water. It’s round 1 km lengthy, and it has each amenity you’d want for the proper seashore day. This is likely one of the best beaches in Cyprus, and is only a fast stroll from Larnaca.
Alongside the stretch, you’ll discover sunbeds (priced at €2.50 every), showers, a altering room, umbrellas, cafes, bars, and eating places.
You may simply spend the entire day right here, absorbing the solar and in case you merely pitch your towel on the sand, it’s probably the greatest free issues to do in Larnaca.
If you wish to seize a chew to eat, or simply get pleasure from a drink with a view, I like to recommend Ammos for his or her wonderful sushi and salads- completely refreshing within the Cypriot solar.
15. Discover the Inside of Cyprus
A lot of conventional Cyprus lies away from the coast and towards the middle of the Island. This great day tour takes you to the small village of Lefkara, which is legendary traditionally for lace-making and silversmithing.
Should you love wine, you’ll go to the small household vineyard in Kato Drys and style some conventional Cypriot wine and be taught all in regards to the business of winemaking in Cyprus.
For the historical past buffs, you’ll be taught in regards to the historical past of faith on the Ayios Minas monastery and about what life was like in Cyprus, 9000 years in the past at a neolithic settlement. It’s a very nice expertise to be taught extra about Cypriot tradition. Learn more about the day trip here.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Larnaca
Listed here are a number of itineraries to assist present a place to begin when planning what to do in Larnaca. These embody a few of the greatest issues to do in Larnaca in addition to some day journeys exploring the rest of Cyprus.
1 Day in Larnaca Itinerary
Should you’ve solely bought sooner or later in Larnaca, and also you’re a eager diver, you must undoubtedly dive the Zenobia Wreck. It’s probably the greatest wreck diving spots on the earth, so that you shouldn’t miss that.
Should you’re extra of a beachgoer, head to both Finikoudes or Mackenzie Seaside for a soothing morning within the solar.
Within the afternoon, take a stroll alongside the principle promenade alongside Finikoudes seashore to the Medieval Fort, then have a peek on the Church of Saint Lazarus earlier than stopping in for a drink at one of many nice surrounding bars and eating places.
2-3 Days in Larnaca Itinerary
If in case you have a bit longer to spend in Larnaca, then you must take into account reserving a day journey to discover the villages exterior of Larnaca, or visiting close by Paphos.
In your first day, I recommend following the 1-day itinerary. This may allow you to get to know the world and discover your approach round.
On the second day of your journey, I like to recommend heading into the Troodos Mountains. Should you’re a foodie, this might be on the food tour, or with a information to discover the native villages.
On the third day, I like to recommend exploring the coast additional past the sandy seashore. You possibly can both go to close by Cape Greko Nationwide Park and awe on the crystal clear water and sea caves or e-book a snorkeling tour to find beneath the floor.
1 Week in Larnaca Itinerary
In a single week, you possibly can discover fairly a little bit of Larnaca and the encircling areas in Cyprus.
Along with the issues listed within the 2-3 day itinerary, I undoubtedly advocate a day journey to the neighboring metropolis of Limassol. It’s shut by, and it has a totally completely different really feel to Larnaca. Try my weblog put up, 15 Best Things to Do in Limassol for some inspiration.
One other good thing to do close to Larnaca is to go wine tasting. Larnaca could be very near the Troodos Mountains, the place wine has been made for hundreds of years. This tour is great, and the wines are scrumptious.
As you have got a bit longer, you could possibly be part of a biking tour of the Salt Lake. It’s tremendous spectacular and in case you’re visiting between November and March, you’ll seemingly see flamingos. It’s an excellent enjoyable approach to discover the lake and takes in plenty of different Larnaca vacationer points of interest too.
In case you are keen to move a bit additional afield, there are quite a few things to do in Nicosia to warrant a full day of exploration.
The place to Keep in Larnaca
These are a number of of the very best neighborhoods in Larnaca for vacationers.
Skala – Greatest for Tradition and Nightlife
The Skala is the Previous Turkish Quarter and connects the town middle to the Mackenzie neighborhood.
In contrast to the remainder of Larnaca, it’s distinguished by two-story homes and slim streets and is nearly like village life proper in the midst of the town. The homes are peppered with good eating places and bars. I like to recommend Stefanos Fish Tavern for a tasty however inexpensive dinner.
One in every of my favourite lodging is this lovely modern apartment which is simply 5 minutes from the seashore.
Metropolis Heart – Greatest for First Time Guests
The world near Finikoudes Seaside is downtown Larnaca, and it’s the place you’ll discover the center of life in Larnaca. For anyone visiting Larnaca for the primary time, Finikoudes or the close by Marina is a good base.
Right here, you’re near a few of the foremost Larnaca points of interest together with Finikoudes Seaside and the Church of Saint Lazarus, in addition to the principle purchasing road.
My alternative of condominium is this pretty suite which has a unbelievable location.
Mackenzie Seaside – Greatest for Households
Mackenzie Seaside is a bit additional out of city, at round a 30-minute stroll, or a 5-10 minute drive to the middle of city, but it surely’s nice for getting away from the excitement of the town for a soothing retreat.
Whereas it’s out of city, this doesn’t imply there aren’t some nice eating places and bars. The truth is, you’ll discover some wonderful locations to eat in Larnaca dotted alongside the seashore.
The seashore right here is tremendous shallow and clear. 50 m offshore, the water continues to be solely waist excessive, so it’s an ideal possibility for these with youthful kids.
I really like this Beach-Zen apartment which is correct on the seashore.
Greatest Eating places in Larnaca
The food in Cyprus is fantastic, and Larnaca has some wonderful eating places. Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Larnaca.
Ammos Seaside Bar
This can be a nice possibility for lunch on the seashore, or for dinner in a stunning setting. The inside and ambiance at night time is romantic and chilled, and throughout the day there’s a beautiful outside seating space to chill out and seize a salad.
What stands out at Ammos is the recent fish dishes. The oysters are unbelievable, and the sushi is a few of the greatest on the island.
Maqam Al-Sultan Restaurant
This nice Lebanese restaurant is correct reverse the seashore and serves a few of the greatest Lebanese meals I’ve ever tried. The value is on the upper aspect of mid-range, however the high quality is great. Count on to pay round €25-€30 every for meals and drinks.
I like to recommend the platter for one or two, so that you get to attempt a little bit of the whole lot. The meals is so recent and scrumptious, you received’t remorse it.
Souvlaki.gr
You’re going to should belief me on this one, as a result of this little souvlaki joint doesn’t look a lot from the surface, and its title doesn’t actually scream “the very best restaurant in Larnaca”. However, if you need tasty Greek souvlaki, that is the place to go.
The service is wonderful, and the meals is SO good. Not solely that, however the parts are big, and it’s one of many least expensive locations to eat in Larnaca. Be sure to attempt their particular sauce along with your meal.
Issues To Do in Larnaca: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Larnaca.
Larnaca is understood for its beautiful stretches of golden sand and clear water, and for the divers amongst us, the Zenobia Ship Wreck, which is likely one of the greatest wreck diving websites on the earth.
The very best time to go to Larnaca is Could to Mid-June or in September to keep away from the crowds. Whereas the seashores and eating places shall be busier in summer season, June-August, the climate is sunny and scorching and ideal for sunbathing.
Undoubtedly. There are such a lot of nice issues to do in Larnaca, and it’s an ideal base for visiting close by cities and villages. It’s additionally an ideal place on the island to get a extra native really feel for issues.
Larnaca is completely different from Paphos. Larnaca has bigger sandy seashores than Paphos, which has a primarily rocky shoreline. Paphos has extra lodges and attracts extra vacationers, whereas Larnaca has a bigger inhabitants of locals, so you may get a extra genuine expertise.
You possibly can see Larnaca in a weekend or over a number of days. Nevertheless, if you wish to discover extra of Cyprus it’s an ideal place to base your self for day journeys, a lot of that are featured on this put up.
Sure. Finikoudes and Mackenzie seashores are beautiful seashores with darkish golden sand and clear waters to swim and snorkel.
Conclusion
Larnaca is just not solely an ideal place to go to in Cyprus in its personal proper, but in addition as a spot to base your self to see the remainder of the island. It’s residence to some gorgeous nature and shoreline, in addition to some wonderful nightlife and locations to eat.
I hope this weblog helps you intend what to do in Larnaca throughout your go to to Cyprus.
See extra Cyprus posts right here:
15 Best Restaurants in Limassol
15 Best Airbnbs in Limassol
25 Best Places to Visit in Cyprus
15 Fun Things To Do in Paphos
15 Top Things To Do in Limassol
15 Interesting Things To Do in Nicosia
