Your guide to Larnaca
Larnaca highlights
East meets West
The traditions and religions of Turkish and Greek Cypriots rest side by side at Larnaca’s historic sites. See Catholic woodcarvings and Greek Orthodox icons in the ninth-century Agios Lazaros church. Larnaca Salt Lake surrounds Hala Sultan Tekke, an 18th-century mosque that houses the tomb of Umm Haram. Book a winter trip to Larnaca to see pink flamingos around the salt lake.
Ocean adventures
Scuba divers from across the world explore the MS Zenobia wreck. The ferry sank in 1980, and it’s now home to turtles, grouper and barracuda. Join a diving tour from Larnaca Marina, or stay dry on a glass-bottom boat trip. MacKenzie Beach offers banana boat rides, kitesurfing and parasailing.
Cypriot cuisine
Freshly caught seafood, fragrant herbs and olive oil are among the star ingredients of the famous Mediterranean diet in Cyprus. Visit the Rural Larnaca Honey Villages and enjoy wine tastings at vineyards such as Christoudia Winery. For budget trips to Larnaca, grab takeaway at a local souvlaki shop.
Larnaca: Know before you go
| Language | Greek, Turkish |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST) |
| High season | May - October |
| Low season | November - March |
Find the best time to go to Larnaca
Weather in Larnaca
March – May: There might not be a better time to visit Larnaca. Temperatures are pleasant, and the countryside bursts with wildflowers. Still, expect the occasional rain shower.
June – August: Summers are generally sunny, hot and humid. Spend most of your waking time in the water, and don’t forget to apply plenty of sun cream.
September – November: The weather stays warm in September and October, though November can be iffy. Pack a jacket for cooler evenings.
December – February: The days are shorter and rainier, but overall, Larnaca’s winters are pretty mild. And even though it’s the off-season, businesses and attractions remain open for the most part.
Events in Larnaca
Anthestiria Flower Festival (May): Inspired by ancient pagan traditions, this spring festival celebrates rebirth in all of its floral glory. The highlight is the procession of decorated floats winding through town.
Kataklysmos (June): The ‘Festival of the Flood’ is Larnaca’s biggest public party. For six days, the Finikoudes Promenade showcases local handicrafts to a backdrop of live music and entertainment. Watch out for pranksters spraying water at the unwary.
Larnaca Summer Festival (July): Summer heats up with a programme of performing arts and entertainment hosted at the Larnaca Medieval Fort and the Pattichion Municipal Amphitheatre. Enjoy everything from music and dance to theatre and film screenings.
The best neighbourhoods in Larnaca
Mackenzie
If you can’t wait to collapse on the sand when you arrive, Mackenzie Beach is the best area to stay in Larnaca. Dip your toes in the Mediterranean within a quick drive from the airport. Hire sunbeds and kayaks, dine at stylish beach clubs, and let the kids loose at waterfront playgrounds. When the sun goes down, the fun heats up at bars with DJs and bands.
Good for: Water sports, nightlife, families
Finikoudes
If you’re wondering where to stay in Larnaca to be in the heart of the action, Finikoudes is a good choice. Finikoudes (Palm Tree) Promenade stretches along a sandy beach with gym equipment, seaside bars and alfresco restaurants. Europe Square hosts the Municipal Art Gallery, and the magnificent Larnaca Medieval Castle rests at the end of the strip.
Good for: Historical landmarks, beach, restaurants
Pervolia
The village of Pervolia is one of the best areas to stay in Larnaca for a peaceful beach break. It’s dotted with historical landmarks, including the Venetian Watchtower and Faros Lighthouse on Cape Kiti. Cycle along the coastal pathway, admire the Byzantine Agios Leontios church, and dine with locals at traditional restaurants.
Good for: Local life, cycling, beach holidays
Things to do in Larnaca
Family friendly things to do
Exploring the Storytelling Statues along the Finikoudes Promenade is one of the top things to do with family in Larnaca. Scan the QR code on monuments of Hippocrates, Cypriot Pan and more to hear stories on your device. You’ll also find statues at the Municipal Gardens, along with a playground and the Municipal Museum of Natural History.
Shopping
Buying artisan souvenirs like handmade lace, silverware and pottery is a highlight of shopping in Larnaca. Make a beeline for the Larnaca Art Workshops Neighbourhood to watch sculptors and painters at work while you browse. Find designer shops along Ermou Street and haggle for antiques at the Larnaca Sunday Market. Metropolis Mall is a great rainy day option.
Take in the culture
Set aside plenty of time to visit fascinating museums in Larnaca. Housed in the castle, the Medieval Museum features Venetian swords and Byzantine wall paintings. Discover old surgical instruments at the Kyriazis Medical Museum and unique shakers at the Salt and Pepper Museum. Enjoy free entry to the Municipal Historical Archives Museum and see their coin and photo displays.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Larnaca suits every mood, with casual pubs, glamorous cocktail bars and live music venues. Craving a big night out? Head to Mackenzie Beach for bar-hopping and hit the dance floor with DJs at Ammos Beach Bar. Check the schedule for live bands at Savino Rock Bar, or join the locals for people-watching at late-night restaurants and cafes.
Places to eat
Savour seafood fresh from the boat or taste flavours from around the world at restaurants in Larnaca. The memorabilia at Zenon Tavern creates a cosy space to enjoy seasonal Cypriot and Greek dishes. Or sample gourmet Japanese at Nippon Restaurant. With seafood, steak and sunbeds for a nap after lunch, settle in for leisurely hours at Lush Beach Bar Resto.
Beaches
Blue Flag beaches in Larnaca offer everything you need to stay from sunrise to sunset. Along with Finikoudes and Mackenzie, Kastella Beach is a family favourite, with water sports, lifeguards and ice cream parlours. To escape the tourist scene, take a 30-minute drive to the quaint village of Zygi. There’s a sheltered beach near the marina and fish restaurants that locals love.
Get ready for Larnaca
Budget
With reasonable prices across the board, it’s easy to enjoy an inexpensive stay in Larnaca. You’ll find a meal at a simple restaurant for about 12 euros (€) and a local beer or a cappuccino for about €3. You should be able to walk to most of the main attractions. But if you do need to catch a taxi, a short trip costs about €15.
Day trips from Larnaca
Just half an hour from the city, Lefkara is famous for its handicrafts, including its UNESCO-listed ‘Lefkaritika’ lace. Or explore Choirokoitia, home to a Neolithic settlement. Escape the heat and head for the Troodos Mountains, a scenic drive that takes about an hour and 45 minutes. Here, you’ll find picturesque villages, Byzantine monasteries and stunning scenery.
Getting around Larnaca
You’ll do lots of walking on your visit to Larnaca — hotels, restaurants and attractions are just steps from the promenade. There’s also an efficient bus network. Buy single tickets or a Motion Bus Card to get on your way. Taxi stands are available in tourist areas, along with bike rental shops. You’ll want to hire a car to explore further around Cyprus.
FAQs about visiting Larnaca
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