Larnaca: How to get there, where to stay and what to do

Castles, salt lakes and seafood in south Cyprus

Lucy Hilton

18:38, 02 Jan 2020

Larnaca is the perfect combination of beach, city and sunshine break(Image: Creative Commons - decade_null)

Birthplace of Stoic philosopher Zeno, built on the ruins of an ancient city, Larnaca, on the southern coast of Cyprus, is home to castles, a salt lake and Festival of the Flood. With a large array of museums, palm-tree laden seafronts and a huge offering of seafood restaurants, Larnaca is the perfect combination of beach, city and sunshine break.

A lazy stay in Paphos

Must sees for free

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Larnaca is renowned for its salt lake , made up of a complex of wetlands, the biggest of which is Alyki. During summer, with a lack of rain, the lake dries out so much that areas are left as exposed layers of caked salt. In winter, rains refill the lake and an abundance of shrimp draws the island’s flamingos. Be prepared though: there are no nearby toilets and sunshine is brightly reflected and puts you at risk of sunburn.

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Larnaca Marina is a beautiful area right in the middle of the city. With a palm tree lined promenade and an array of restaurants and cafes, watch the sunset right by the water. Locals and visitors all agree that the abundance of stray but friendly cats simply adds to the ethereal quality of the marina.

Larnaca tourism board offer a number of free walking tours. No need to book, you just turn up at the meeting point before start-time. There are two different walks that each last for around two hours and are led by a licensed guide. Every Wednesday, 10am from the tourist information office is ‘Larnaca - Past and Present’ and every Friday, 10am from Larnaca Castle, is ‘Scala - Its Craftsmen’.

Larnaca Marina(Image: Creative Commons - *SHERWOOD*)

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Top sees for a fee

The Zenobia shipwreck is surrounded by water so clear you can see right through it from the surface. Sinking in 1980, there was no official investigation ever carried out, leading to an air of mystery surrounding the wreck. Glass-bottom boat tours are available from Larnaca harbour throughout the day for between €7 and €10 (around £6 to £9), but make sure you check times before you go.

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An adventure on solid land can be found at Larnaca Medieval Castle. Located at the end of a promenade, the fort was built during the Middle Ages and later became a prison. Entry costs €2.50 (just over £2.20) and can be bought as a combined ticket to multiple museums.

Larnaca Shooting Academy is available for anyone who fancies something more daring. With lessons available on Wednesdays and Sundays, you can learn or compete. The academy also has a restaurant on-site serving traditional Cyriot food. Prices are available upon request by emailing skolar@larnacashootingclub.org.

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Larnaca Medieval Castle(Image: Creative Commons - hAl1927)

Getting around

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Larnaca has a comprehensive bus route. Unlimited day tickets cost €5 (around £4.50) and an unlimited week ticket costs €15 (around £14). A full list of routes can be found online.

Zenobia shipwreck(Image: Creative Commons - Mal B)

Eating out and going out

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For familiar food away from home, try San Pedro Street Food. With a wide assortment of burgers and fries available and prices around €10 (£9), this one won’t break your budget or your tastebuds.

For some traditional Cypriot meze, head to Yevsei En Lefko Mezedotaverneio. With fair prices and a variety of seafood dishes, this restaurant is just minutes from Finikoudes beach and the castle.

DSTRKT offers food throughout the day before transforming into a club at night. Priding itself as an ‘all-day venue’, DSTRKT boasts brunch, cocktails and live DJs.

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Larnaca Salt Lake(Image: Creative Commons - tiffany!)

Hotels

Luxury

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The Josephine Boutique Hotel is situated just 50 metres away from Finikoudes beach and offers a rooftop swimming pool, fully air-conditioned rooms and a positioning just 10 minutes drive from the airport. Zenonos Kitieos and Mitsi Corner. From £90 per night.

Mid-range

The Frangiorgio Hotel is situated just 100 metres away from Finikoudes beach and boasts WiFi throughout, slippers and bathrobes for guests and a rooftop swimming pool. 9, Gregoriou Afxentiou street. From £63 per night.

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Budget

Tsialis Hotel Apartments is 200 metres away from the beach and offers a family run style of business, it’s own diving instructors and an on-site gym. Dhekelia Rd 2. From £44 per night.

Larnaca beaches(Image: Creative Commons - HappyTellus)

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Currency: Euros (€) £1=€1.18

Time zone: GMT+3

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The flight: 4hrs 55mins direct with Jet2 from £157 return.

Best time to visit: Temperatures are highest in July and August and allow the experience of the salt lake, but winter temperatures are still mild and enjoyable.

Visas, injections and precautions: None.

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