Larnaca
For many, Larnaca is nothing more than a stop off point, on trips to and from the island of Cyprus. It’s an airport gateway to popular resorts like Nissi Bay, Ayia Napa, and Protaras. It also houses a busy commercial port and marina, and there’s much to offer the holiday maker too.
A major seaside city, its clear blue waters can attract many tourists in peak season, many of whom also hang out on the beachfront at Phinikoudes, a parade of shops, bars, and cafes. Other beaches in the area include Alaminos, Castella, Mckenzie, Ellinas and Yannathes, some of which offer scuba diving and other water sports. Active pursuits onland are also possible, with guide books available for the many hiking and cycling trails, that take in forests, mountains, and historical attractions. The E4 hiking trail from Larnaca to Paphos is one of the most famous routes. The Salt Lake is another famous attraction in the city, which in the first two months of the year attracts a large population of Flamingos. Once mined for salt when the lake dried up in summer months, this is now a prominent tourist attraction.
Other attractions in the area are based around a historical/cultural theme, and include important monuments, churches, and villages. There’s the Ancient Kition with its ruined tombs and temples, St Lazarus Church, Pierides Foundation Archaeological Museum, and Mazotos Village Camel Park. Camel rides are available here, and the park also houses a restaurant, and swimming pool.
There are attractions to suit all tastes and a variety of nightlife and entertainment too. Nighclubs in Larnaca include the centrally located Deep Club, Circus Club, Times Music Bar, and the Sky Bar, which gives great views of Larnaca. Expect a wide variety of music, and everything from a lively jive night, to a quiet coffee in an old town pub. To fully experience all that Larnaca has to offer in the way of entertainment though, it’s best to visit during one of their many festivals that are held at various times throughout the year. These include Green Monday, at the beginning of Lent and August Village Festivals, Carnival, and also a festival to celebrate patron saint, St Lazarus.
Along with all these attractions and events, Larnaca is home to many other things you’d expect from a bustling modern city, such as an efficient infrastructure, cinemas, theatres, including the Skala Theatre, and Museums paying tribute to the rich past of the area, and Cyprus itself. These include the Rural Museum and Lace Making village of Kato Drys, a Wax Museum at Lefkara, and Larnaca Medieval Museum, housed at Larnaca Fort. When you’ve had you’re fill of culture, history, sunshine, and entertainment, all that’s left is to pick up some traditional souvenirs to remember your holiday by, from the many shops and workshops dotted around the city.
As you can see, there’s plenty to do here, so why not bypass the coach transfers, and spend a Cypriot holiday in Larnaca.
