Larnaca Holidays
Larnaca Overview
Impressive city: Much like holidays to Paphos, Larnaca holidays have beautiful sights around almost every corner. Within Larnaca you’ll see ancient temples, 13th century BC ruins, Byzantine churches and charming municipal gardens. You could even see the otherworldly evaporated salt lakes that now have only salt crystals left behind.
Conveniently close to everything: As Larnaca holidays are close to the major Larnaca airport, transfer times are often under 15 minutes. And holidays in Larnaca are just as convenient if you fancy a few nights out in lively Ayia Napa or Protaras – they’re only an hour away by car.
Attractions in Larnaca
Kitium: Larnaca was originally named Kitium or Kition in ancient times and this site is certainly the most interesting of all the ruins you can see on holidays to Cyprus. That’s largely because of their age – some of the remains of the temples here date back to the 13th century BC, making them over 3,000 years old! You’ll be able to see the ruins of the famous giant Cyclopean walls which were created by the Mycenaean Greeks all that time ago. They’re truly memorable sites on your holidays to Larnaca.
Fort of Larnaca: This rectangular fort was built by the Turkish in 1625. It was primarily created as a means of defence for Larnaca, which lies close to the sea and is therefore open to attacks and piracy. Nowadays however, it’s used for more sedate purposes as an attraction for tourists on their holidays in Larnaca, with an interesting museum and pleasant open-air garden inside.
The Church of Lazarus: This beautifully ornate church has a long and illustrious history dating back to 890 AD. The body of St Lazarus was missing for hundreds of years until a tomb was found on this site with his named inscription. It was after this discovery that it was decided to build a church here, where St Lazarus’ body is now held in a marble sarcophagus surrounded by glistening golden decorations and ornaments. You can now visit this astoundingly beautiful (and often photographed) attraction on your holidays to Larnaca.
Activities in Larnaca
Camel Park: Only 15 minutes from the centre, this fun park makes the perfect day out on family holidays. The highlight of the park is obviously the camel rides – children will love the excitement of riding on these unusual desert animals during their holidays. There’s also a swimming pool, a playground and an open zoo with goats, donkeys and even ostriches that you can feed by hand.
Larnaca Salt Lake: Close to the beautiful Islamic shrine Hala Sultan Tekkesi, this majestic mirror-like salt lake is awash with water in the winter, but then evaporates during the hot dry summer months. The result is a pure white lake of rock salt which is stunning to see amongst the arid dusky brown landscape. It’s an unforgettable sight if you’re in Larnaca for your summer holidays.
Palaeontology Museum: If you think all museums on holidays are dour, boring places, then this palaeontology museum in Cyprus will make you think again! Inside there are amazing fossils which are up to 500 million years old, as well as exhibits of extinct animals including pygmy elephants which used to roam on Cyprus.
Beaches in Larnaca
Phoinikoudes Beach: This pleasant beach is very centrally located in Larnaca, and follows a clean promenade of the same name. The Blue Flag status of the beach means you can be sure it’s kept clean and safe at all times. Being the most conveniently placed beach for Larnaca holidays, it can often get busy in the summer months, but the large expanse of sand should still be enough for you to find a good sunbathing spot.
McKenzie Beach: Another beach on Larnaca holidays which has been awarded Blue Flag status. Luckily, this one’s a little quieter too as it’s on the outer edge of town, near to Larnaca airport. The sand is just as good though, and you’ll appreciate the whirlpool warm water with its calm soothing waves.
Yanathes Beach: This inviting golden beach is based in Oroklini, a quiet little village based 8km north of Larnaca. It’s actually worth your while taking a quick tour of the area itself, as many people choose to actually have holidays within the resort of Oroklini. There is a good selection of restaurants and pubs as well as some amazing views if you venture to the top of Oroklini Hill. The beach is well facilitated with showers, toilets and many water sports activities available.
Restaurants in Larnaca
Art Cafe 1900: This quirky combined restaurant and bar has walls literally covered from top to bottom in paintings and newspaper clippings. It’s understandable then, that the owners are artists themselves! At your table you can listen to the smooth sounds of jazz whilst eating delights such as lamb with spinach and lemon, and a huge variety of wines and cheeses. It’s a unique eating experience for your Larnaca holidays.
Militzis: A great place to go if you fancy some authentic Cypriot cuisine. Juicy slow-cooked lamb and beef are served here, as well as tasty vegetarian dishes such as bulgur wheat and grilled halloumi. The set menu also represents fantastically good value for cheap holidays to Larnaca.
Campanario: An excellent steakhouse with a distinctly Italian-sounding name! Whilst on holidays in Larnaca it’s best to try the speciality of Campanario – juicy flame-grilled steak served with a range of butters and sauces.
Nightlife in Larnaca
Traditional drinks: While certainly not as lively as nearby Ayia Napa, Larnaca holidays have a good selection of pubs and clubs, some of them British-based and some of the more traditional type. One of the best with an authentic Cypriot character is Moti Mahal – inside it’s like a cosy wooden cavern softly with candles. There’s also the Savino Cocktail Bar, which has a quaint traditional village style on the exterior and interior. In complete contrast, there are some stylish modern clubs and bars to be found on Larnaca holidays too, like Corridor Club and Scaliano. All the action is centred on Laiki Yeitona near the seaside promenade. Of course, if you prefer your nightlife even livelier you could head to Ayia Napa, which offers the best clubbing holidays in Cyprus. It’s only about an hour away by taxi.
Shopping in Larnaca
Markets and boutiques:Being a large city, Larnaca has plenty of choice whether you’re looking for market bargains on cheap holidays to Larnaca or designer boutiques during luxury all inclusive holidays here. If you’re after famous fashion labels like Cavalli, DNKY and Dolce & Gabanna you’d be best off heading to Ermou Street. Although funnily enough, you’ll also find a lively market at the end of this street too! The stalls here sell all kinds of things, from fresh fruit and vegetables to cheap clothes and bargain electrical items. The centre of town also seems to specialise in jewellery, and you can’t fail to be taken in by the glittering, elegant designs of shops such as Charalambous and OroFino. They’ll make the perfect gift for bringing back home from holidays in Larnaca.
