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The oldest city in the isle of Cyrus, Larnaca is located on a port and houses the main international airport. The city is divided into the older city center and more of a tourist area on the coast, with dozens of Oceanside hotels and restaurants. Larnaca is a great place to relax and take in some rays, while checking out a few of the historical landmarks. Because Larnaca is such a small town, it is relatively easy to walk around most of it, especially the Larnaca Promenade (Phinikoudes). In the past decades, Larnaca’s oceanfront has undergone much renovation and is now great to stroll down and explore. Come check out the gorgeous seaside city of Larnaca and book your student airline ticket today!

Larnaca Pictures

Things to do in Larnaca

Although the number of actual sites to see is somewhat limited in Larnaca, there are plenty of miles of beach to relax and lay on as well as places in the city to explore on your own time. A main attraction to Larnaca, especially for experienced scuba divers, is the wreck of the Zenobia, which is a ferry that sunk in 1980. Even if you have never dived before, Dive-In Cyprus can accommodate you to explore this fascinating underwater scene. Larnaca also has gorgeous churches to tour, such as the Ayia Phaneromeni Church, which is built over a rock cave. The Church of St. Lazarus was built in the ninth century and is said to have been built around the tomb of Lazarus, the brother of Mary. Head over to the northern side of town, where you can find the ancient ruins of Kition and the Phoenician temple of Astarte. During the winter (from November to March) the Larnaca Salt Lake is frequented by flocks of pink flamingos. On the edge of the Salt Lake is the Hala Sultan Tekke, an important Islam mosque which holds the tomb of Umm Haram (the mother of Mohammad).

Nightlife in Larnaca

No matter what day of the week, there is always something going on in Larnaca, and there are always people looking to have a great time. The place for nightlife in Larnaca is the city center just off the main promenade called “Laiki Yeitonia”. This area has numerous bars, pubs, and nightclubs which come alive at night. A couple of the most popular nightclubs in Larnaca are Club Deep and Times. Another popular club in the area is the Corridor Club, which is a fairly classy club with live music. Another area of the city to head for great nightlife is Larnaca-Dhekelia Road, where you can find many British tourists at the hotels, nightclubs, and bars. If you are looking for a wide selection of spirits, check out the Blue Pine Bar near the American Academy after 10pm, where you will find a relaxed atmosphere and a great time.

Dining in Larnaca

Along the seaside located near many of the newly renovated hotels, seafood restaurants are frequent and do great business with the tourists. In order to find a true favorite of Cypriots, look for a restaurant filled with locals, not English-speaking tourists. To try the traditional food of Cyprus, go to Militzis, where you can get meat and potatoes, complete with a delicious house wine. Right on the main promenade is Hobo’s, another favorite of the locals, that serves a variety of local and international cuisines. Some of the best restaurants, though a bit more on the expensive end, are Kantara, Rendez-Vous, and Ganga, located on Dhekelia Road. A few Italian restaurants to check out are Casa Mia and Summer Queen cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. If you are looking for a cheap but delicious place for lunch, head to Jimmy’s Cafe, where you can get a variety of toasted sandwiches along with a large Keo beer, for around $5.

Shopping in Larnaca

One of the main trades in Larnaca is jewelery-making, and owning jewelry and watchmaking shops (which you can find everywhere) is very common. Head down to Ermes/Ermou Street to have your choice of many of the fine independent jewelers and watchmakers. Oro Fino Jewelery has many Italian and Greek designs, diamonds, and even name-brand watches from DKNY to Guess for much cheaper than normal prices. Another great jeweler is C. Charalambous Art Collection, where you can find very unique and stunning pieces of jewelry. Another local favorite, Tony’s Jewelery, is much cheaper than the places in town and will customize anything to make your piece truly special. Lace and silverware can be found readily in the nearby village of Lefkara, definitely worth a visit.

Larnaca Travel Tips

• When shopping in Larnaca, it is important to remember that most shops have half day closing on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and are closed completely on Sundays. Also, in the summer, most shops take a siesta from 1-4 pm.
• Check out the free beach concerts on Sundays at 11am, where you can experience Greek folk music and dancing for an hour.
• Beware of the strong heat and extreme sun rays in Cyprus. It is very easy to get a sunburn!