There are such a lot of superb issues to do in Larnaca, the full of life 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 dwelling in Cyprus as a digital nomad, and I beloved 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 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 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 one in all my favourite cities in Cyprus, and it’s filled with enjoyable issues to do. It has its personal worldwide airport and it’s additionally an excellent base to be situated when you’re trying to discover the remainder of the island.
I’ve put collectively an inventory 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 Seaside
The most effective issues to do in Larnaca is to move to the seaside. As a coastal city, it has a protracted shoreline and though it could come as a shock to some, its metropolis seashores are glorious.
Finikoudes Seaside is within the coronary heart of Larnaca. It’s backed by palm bushes and a promenade. The seaside itself is clear, spacious, and blanketed in nice, comfortable sand. The ocean is superbly clear and heat many of the 12 months.
As a metropolis seaside, 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 guts of the town and some of the widespread 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 dwelling to the oldest named wine nonetheless in manufacturing in Commanderia. It’s a dessert wine, (so don’t strive it as a refreshing drink on the seaside).
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 strive 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 a whole lot of enjoyable – an ideal time out for {couples} trying 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-about some of the vital wetlands in Cyprus. It’s some of the spectacular issues to see in Larnaca, significantly through 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 gorgeous Kamares Aqueduct.
Cease for a espresso at Mackenzie seaside 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 without doubt one of the prime 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 a number of tropical and brightly coloured fish so that you can swim amongst – it’s actually 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 without doubt 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 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 beneath the Church within the sanctuary.
The church is gorgeous each inside and outside and is unquestionably price a go to – it’s positively 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. Study 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 meals tour takes you into the unimaginable Troodos Mountains, some of the stunning locations to go to close to Larnaca.
You’ll begin your meals journey at a cheese-making workshop in a conventional 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 an area 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 contains all charges and door-to-door pickup. Study extra right here.
7. Discover Cape Greco Nationwide Park
The shoreline round Larnaca is a number of the most spectacular on the island and exploring it’s one in all 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 number 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 absorb Love Bridge (Monachus Arch) – sharing a kiss on the bridge is alleged to make your needs come true – and can have the prospect to see the gorgeous Ayioi Anargyroi Chapel perched on the cliffs. It’s a shocking 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, after all, by boat. For those who’re visiting with a accomplice, taking a sundown tour is without doubt one of 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 stunning 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 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
For those who fancy getting out of the town, Paphos is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to close to Larnaca. Paphos is filled with historical points of interest and is a superb place to go to when 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 Fort, 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 contains pick-up out of your resort in Larnaca together with an expert driver and information to help you together with your journey. It’s an excellent, straightforward approach 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 without doubt 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 excellent lazy river and small water playgrounds for smaller children.
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.
For those who’re popping out of season (outdoors of June-September) test the web site for opening occasions. You’ll seemingly not must 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 without doubt 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 quite much less ugly goal 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 price range to study some historical past.
12. Take a Meals Tour within the Mountains
For those who’re a foodie, you’ll love this distinctive 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 excellent 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 get pleasure from a tasty meze lunch while you’re on this tour – you positively received’t return to Larnaca feeling hungry. The tour contains entrance and tasting charges, transport, and lunch with drinks, so it’s glorious worth.
13. Dive the Zenobia Wreck
For those who’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 when 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 greatest wreck diving websites on the earth, so when you’re a eager diver, it’s not one to overlook.
Resting on its facet, it’s an excellent web site for divers of all expertise ranges, with a chance to view the 120 automobiles which sank alongside along with her.
It’s an enormous wreck to discover, and you could possibly simply do just a few dives on the market and see one thing new each time. Examine the PADI web site for extra particulars.
14. Absorb the Solar at Mackenzie Seaside
Mackenzie Seaside is a beautiful stretch of nice, 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 seaside day. This is without doubt one of the greatest 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 may simply spend the entire day right here, absorbing the solar and when 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 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.
For those who 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. Study extra in regards to the day journey right here.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Larnaca
Listed below are just a few itineraries to assist present a place to begin when planning what to do in Larnaca. These embrace a number of the greatest issues to do in Larnaca in addition to some day journeys exploring the remainder of Cyprus.
1 Day in Larnaca Itinerary
For those who’ve solely bought sooner or later in Larnaca, and also you’re a eager diver, you need to positively dive the Zenobia Wreck. It’s probably the greatest wreck diving spots on the earth, so that you shouldn’t miss that.
For those who’re extra of a beachgoer, head to both Finikoudes or Mackenzie Seaside for a calming morning within the solar.
Within the afternoon, take a stroll alongside the principle promenade alongside Finikoudes seaside 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 a bit of longer to spend in Larnaca, then you need 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 counsel following the 1-day itinerary. This can make it easier 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. For those who’re a foodie, this might 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 seaside. You 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’ll be able to discover fairly a little bit of Larnaca and the encompassing areas in Cyprus.
Along with the issues listed within the 2-3 day itinerary, I positively 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. Take a look at my weblog publish, 15 Finest Issues 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 superb, and the wines are scrumptious.
As you’ve a bit of longer, you could possibly be a part of a biking tour of the Salt Lake. It’s tremendous spectacular and when you’re visiting between November and March, you’ll seemingly see flamingos. It’s a brilliant enjoyable approach to discover the lake and takes in a number of different Larnaca vacationer points of interest too.
In case you are keen to move 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 just a few of one of the best neighborhoods in Larnaca for vacationers.
Skala – Finest for Tradition and Nightlife
The Skala is the Outdated 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 slender 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 reasonably priced dinner.
Considered one of my favourite lodging is this pretty fashionable condo which is simply 5 minutes from the seaside.
Metropolis Heart – Finest for First Time Guests
The world near Finikoudes Seaside 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 number of the major Larnaca points of interest together with Finikoudes Seaside and the Church of Saint Lazarus, in addition to the principle buying avenue.
My alternative of condo is this beautiful suite which has a improbable location.
Mackenzie Seaside – Finest for Households
Mackenzie Seaside is a bit of 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 calming 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 glorious locations to eat in Larnaca dotted alongside the seaside.
The seaside right here is tremendous shallow and clear. 50 m offshore, the water remains to be solely waist excessive, so it’s an excellent possibility for these with youthful youngsters.
I really like this Seaside-Zen condo which is correct on the seaside.
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 Seaside Bar
This can be a nice possibility for lunch on the seaside, or for dinner in a stunning setting. The inside and ambiance at evening is romantic and chilled, and through the day there’s a pretty outside seating space to calm down and seize a salad.
What stands out at Ammos is the recent fish dishes. The oysters are improbable, and the sushi is a number of the greatest on the island.
Maqam Al-Sultan Restaurant
This nice Lebanese restaurant is correct reverse the seaside and serves a number of the greatest Lebanese meals I’ve ever tried. The worth is on the upper facet of mid-range, however the high quality is superb. 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 strive a little bit of every thing. The meals is so recent 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 surface, and its identify doesn’t actually scream “one of the best restaurant in Larnaca”. However, if you would 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 enormous, and it’s one of many least expensive locations to eat in Larnaca. Be sure to strive their particular sauce together with your meal.
Issues To Do in Larnaca: FAQs
Listed below 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 without doubt one of the greatest wreck diving websites on the earth.
The perfect time to go to Larnaca is Might to Mid-June or in September to keep away from the crowds. Whereas the seashores and eating places can 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 excellent base for visiting close by cities and villages. It’s additionally an excellent 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 will get a extra genuine expertise.
You can see Larnaca in a weekend or over just a few days. Nonetheless, if you wish to discover extra of Cyprus it’s an excellent place to base your self for day journeys, a lot of that are featured on this publish.
Sure. Finikoudes and Mackenzie seashores are pretty seashores with darkish golden sand and clear waters to swim and snorkel.
Conclusion
Larnaca is just not solely an excellent 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 gorgeous nature and shoreline, in addition to some glorious 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 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 High Issues To Do in Limassol
15 Fascinating Issues To Do in Nicosia
