There are such a lot of superb issues to do in Larnaca, the energetic and exquisite beach-front metropolis on the south coast of Cyprus. Larnaca boasts golden sand seashores, fascinating historical past, and a very good location for exploring the remainder of Cyprus.
I’ve spent round 4 months dwelling in Cyprus as a digital nomad, and I cherished exploring the completely different cities and villages this small island has to supply.
Throughout my time in Cyprus, I used to be largely primarily based in Limassol however typically 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 improbable foods and drinks scene. So, let’s check out one of the best issues to do in Larnaca Cyprus.
Finest Issues To Do in Larnaca
Larnaca is considered one of my favourite cities in Cyprus, and it’s stuffed with enjoyable issues to do. It has its personal worldwide airport and it’s additionally an amazing base to be positioned in the event you’re seeking to discover the remainder of the island.
I’ve put collectively a listing of one of the best issues to do in Larnaca that will help you make one of the best of your time right here. For extra particulars on touring to Cyprus, don’t miss my in-depth information.
1. Spend the Day at Finikoudes Seashore
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Larnaca is to go to the seashore. As a coastal city, it has an extended shoreline and though it might come as a shock to some, its metropolis seashores are glorious.
Finikoudes Seashore is within the coronary heart of Larnaca. It’s backed by palm bushes and a promenade. The seashore itself is clear, spacious, and blanketed in positive, delicate sand. The ocean is superbly clear and heat a lot of the 12 months.
As a metropolis seashore, it additionally has all of the facilities you may need. From loungers and parasols to loads of bars and eating places. It’s the guts of town and one of the vital widespread locations to go in Larnaca for locals and vacationers alike.
2. Take a Troodos Mountain Wine Tasting Tour
Top-of-the-line methods to get to know a brand new place is thru its wine. Cyprus is dwelling 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 guts of the wine-making nation in Cyprus with this superb 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 worth, and also you’ll be delivered again to your lodging on the finish of the day. A superb tour and quite a lot of enjoyable – an ideal day trip for {couples} seeking to delight their senses.
☞ SEE ALSO: When to Go to Cyprus (Finest Climate and Prices)
3. Cycle the Larnaca Salt Lake
Larnaca is dwelling to not one however 4 salt lakes, and collectively they’re thought of one of the vital vital wetlands in Cyprus. It’s one of the vital spectacular issues to see in Larnaca, notably through the winter season (from November to March), when tens of hundreds of flamingos descend on the lakes.
Top-of-the-line 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 gorgeous Kamares Aqueduct.
Cease for a espresso at Mackenzie seashore earlier than heading again to the middle of Larnaca. It’s one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Larnaca, and it retains you match too!
4. Go Snorkeling
For me, exploring the unimaginable snorkeling spots is among 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 have been 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 entice a number of tropical and brightly coloured fish so that you can swim amongst – it’s really magical.
☞ SEE ALSO: 10 Finest Climbing Trails in Cyprus (For All Ranges)
5. Uncover the Church of St Lazarus
The attractive stone church of Agios Lazaros, or the Church of Saint Lazarus, is among 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 heart of city.
It’s mentioned that Saint Lazarus got here to Cyprus after he was resurrected by Jesus, and he continued to dwell in Larnaca for the subsequent 30 years. After his loss of life, 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 vital non secular relics and artifacts.
6. Be taught to Make Halloumi Cheese
What higher method to get a real understanding of conventional Cypriot life than by studying to make considered one of their hottest exports?
This fascinating cheese-making and meals tour takes you into the unimaginable Troodos Mountains, one of the vital lovely locations to go to close to Larnaca.
You’ll begin your meals journey at a cheese-making workshop in a standard native 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 a neighborhood honey producer, and also you’ll see some merchandise made with donkey milk. The tour concludes in a ravishing, conventional village well-known for Cypriot lace making. The tour consists of all charges and door-to-door pickup. Be taught extra right 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 considered one of my favourite issues to do close to Larnaca. The easiest way to discover is with this glorious 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 provide unimaginable views over the turquoise-blue ocean past.
You’ll soak up Love Bridge (Monachus Arch) – sharing a kiss on the bridge is claimed to make your needs come true – and could have the prospect to see the beautiful Ayioi Anargyroi Chapel perched on the cliffs. It’s a shocking a part of Cyprus and this Larnaca sightseeing tour is the proper method to discover.
8. Take a Champagne Sundown Cruise
One other nice method to discover the Larnaca shoreline is, in fact, by boat. When you’re visiting with a companion, taking a sundown tour is among the most romantic issues to do within the metropolis.
This 2-hour sundown 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 take pleasure in each whereas sipping on a glass of champagne, wine, or beer. The selection is yours.
Not solely will you get to benefit from the good views, however the boat will anchor, and also you’ll get the chance to view the sundown from the water. There’s additionally snorkel gear on board which you should utilize at your leisure. Click on right here to study extra about this highly-rated journey.
9. Uncover the Thrilling Historical past of Paphos
When you fancy getting out of town, Paphos is among the finest locations to go to close to Larnaca. Paphos is filled with historical points of interest and is a superb place to go to in the event you’re into historical past.
This full-day tour to Paphos will take you to many various websites in at some point, so that you needn’t fear about discovering your manner 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 improbable tour consists of pick-up out of your resort in Larnaca together with knowledgeable driver and information to help you along with your journey. It’s an amazing, straightforward manner of exploring the traditional websites of Paphos.
10. Have Enjoyable at Ayia Napa Water Park
Ayia Napa is dwelling to the improbable WaterWorld Water Park which is among the finest 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 amazing lazy river and small water playgrounds for smaller youngsters.
In the summertime months, it may 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.
When you’re popping out of season (outdoors of June-September) test the web site for opening occasions. You’ll possible not must line up all day.
11. Go to the Larnaca Medieval Fort
Proper by Finikoudes Seashore, you’ll discover the Medieval Fort of Larnaca which is among the most spectacular locations to see in Larnaca, used all through the Ottoman and Venetian eras.
In the course of the British occupation, the Fort was used as a jail till the center of the twentieth century, with the primary flooring used to execute prisoners.
In 1948, it took up a somewhat much less grotesque objective and now capabilities as an intensive museum. The courtyard and facade are beautiful too. The doorway prices simply €2.50, so it’s probably the greatest locations to go in Larnaca on a funds to study some historical past.
12. Take a Meals Tour within the Mountains
When you’re a foodie, you’ll love this distinctive tour of the Troodos Mountains. It’s considered one of my favourite issues to do in Larnaca.
You’ll be picked up out of your lodging and brought to some 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 amazing tour, and it looks like nice worth since you cease off at 5 completely different places. You’ll eat specialties like halloumi cheese, olive oil, wine, and conventional sweets, (meals on provide change relying on the season).
You’ll additionally take pleasure in 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 glorious worth.
13. Dive the Zenobia Wreck
When you’re a diver, you received’t wish to miss visiting the Zenobia Wreck. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Larnaca and Cyprus as an entire in the event 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 typically named probably the greatest wreck diving websites on this planet, so in the event you’re a eager diver, it’s not one to overlook.
Resting on its facet, it’s an amazing web site for divers of all expertise ranges, with a possibility to view the 120 autos which sank alongside together with her.
It’s an enormous wreck to discover, and you may simply do a number of dives on the market and see one thing new each time. Test the PADI web site for extra particulars.
14. Take in the Solar at Mackenzie Seashore
Mackenzie Seashore is a beautiful stretch of positive, 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 among the finest seashores 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’ll be able to simply spend the entire day right here, absorbing the solar and in the event 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 chunk to eat, or simply take pleasure in a drink with a view, I like to recommend Ammos for his or her superb 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 nice day tour takes you to the small village of Lefkara, which is legendary traditionally for lace-making and silversmithing.
When you love wine, you’ll go to the small household vineyard in Kato Drys and style some conventional Cypriot wine and study all in regards to the business of winemaking in Cyprus.
For the historical past buffs, you’ll study 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 extremely nice expertise to study extra about Cypriot tradition. Be taught extra in regards to the day journey right 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 finest issues to do in Larnaca in addition to some day journeys exploring the remainder of Cyprus.
1 Day in Larnaca Itinerary
When you’ve solely obtained at some point in Larnaca, and also you’re a eager diver, it is best to undoubtedly dive the Zenobia Wreck. It’s probably the greatest wreck diving spots on this planet, so that you shouldn’t miss that.
When you’re extra of a beachgoer, head to both Finikoudes or Mackenzie Seashore 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
When you’ve got somewhat longer to spend in Larnaca, then it is best to take into account reserving a day journey to discover the villages outdoors of Larnaca, or visiting close by Paphos.
In your first day, I recommend following the 1-day itinerary. This can make it easier to get to know the world and discover your manner round.
On the second day of your journey, I like to recommend heading into the Troodos Mountains. When you’re a foodie, this may very well be on the meals 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 might both go to close by Cape Greko Nationwide Park and awe on the crystal clear water and sea caves or ebook a snorkeling tour to find beneath the floor.
1 Week in Larnaca Itinerary
In a single week, you may 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 very completely different really feel to Larnaca. Try my weblog submit, 15 Finest Issues to Do in Limassol for some inspiration.
One other great point to do close to Larnaca is to go wine tasting. Larnaca may 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’ve got somewhat longer, you may be a part of a biking tour of the Salt Lake. It’s tremendous spectacular and in the event you’re visiting between November and March, you’ll possible see flamingos. It’s an excellent enjoyable method to discover the lake and takes in a number of different Larnaca vacationer points of interest too.
In case you are keen to go a bit additional afield, there are quite a few issues to do in Nicosia to warrant a full day of exploration.
The place to Keep in Larnaca
These are a number of of one of the best neighborhoods in Larnaca for vacationers.
Skala – Finest for Tradition and Nightlife
The Skala is the Previous Turkish Quarter and connects town heart to the Mackenzie neighborhood.
Not like the remainder of Larnaca, it’s distinguished by two-story homes and slender streets and is nearly like village life proper in the course of town. The homes are peppered with good eating places and bars. I like to recommend Stefanos Fish Tavern for a tasty however inexpensive dinner.
Considered one of my favourite lodging is that this pretty fashionable condominium which is simply 5 minutes from the seashore.
Metropolis Middle – Finest for First Time Guests
The world near Finikoudes Seashore is downtown Larnaca, and it’s the place you’ll discover the guts of life in Larnaca. For anyone visiting Larnaca for the primary time, Finikoudes or the close by Marina is a superb base.
Right here, you’re near a few of the fundamental Larnaca points of interest together with Finikoudes Seashore and the Church of Saint Lazarus, in addition to the principle buying avenue.
My alternative of condominium is this beautiful suite which has a improbable location.
Mackenzie Seashore – Finest for Households
Mackenzie Seashore is somewhat 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 town for a soothing retreat.
Whereas it’s out of city, this doesn’t imply there aren’t some nice eating places and bars. In actual fact, you’ll discover some glorious 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 amazing possibility for these with youthful kids.
I like this Seashore-Zen condominium which is correct on the seashore.
Finest Eating places in Larnaca
The meals in Cyprus is improbable, and Larnaca has some glorious eating places. Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Larnaca.
Ammos Seashore Bar
It is 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 through the day there’s a pretty out of doors seating space to loosen up and seize a salad.
What stands out at Ammos is the contemporary fish dishes. The oysters are improbable, and the sushi is a few of the finest on the island.
Maqam Al-Sultan Restaurant
This nice Lebanese restaurant is correct reverse the seashore and serves a few of the finest Lebanese meals I’ve ever tried. The value is on the upper facet 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 every part. The meals is so contemporary and scrumptious, you received’t remorse it.
Souvlaki.gr
You’re going to must belief me on this one, as a result of this little souvlaki joint doesn’t look a lot from the skin, and its title doesn’t actually scream “one of the best restaurant in Larnaca”. However, if you’d like tasty Greek souvlaki, that is the place to go.
The service is superb, and the meals is SO good. Not solely that, however the parts are large, and it’s one of many least expensive locations to eat in Larnaca. Ensure you 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 thought for its pretty stretches of golden sand and clear water, and for the divers amongst us, the Zenobia Ship Wreck, which is among the finest wreck diving websites on this planet.
One of the 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 will likely be busier in summer time, June-August, the climate is sunny and sizzling and excellent for sunbathing.
Undoubtedly. There are such a lot of nice issues to do in Larnaca, and it’s an amazing base for visiting close by cities and villages. It’s additionally an amazing 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 motels and attracts extra vacationers, whereas Larnaca has a bigger inhabitants of locals, so you will get a extra genuine expertise.
You might see Larnaca in a weekend or over a number of days. Nevertheless, if you wish to discover extra of Cyprus it’s an amazing place to base your self for day journeys, lots of that are featured on this submit.
Sure. Finikoudes and Mackenzie seashores are pretty seashores with darkish golden sand and clear waters to swim and snorkel.
Conclusion
Larnaca just isn’t solely an amazing 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 dwelling to some beautiful nature and shoreline, in addition to some glorious nightlife and locations to eat.
I hope this weblog helps you propose what to do in Larnaca throughout your go to to Cyprus.
See extra Cyprus posts right here:
15 Finest Eating places in Limassol
15 Finest Airbnbs in Limassol
25 Finest Locations to Go to in Cyprus
15 Enjoyable Issues To Do in Paphos
15 Prime Issues To Do in Limassol
15 Attention-grabbing Issues To Do in Nicosia
