A Guide to Larnaca: The Best Things to Do in Larnaca
From sweeping sandy beaches, vibrant nightlight and ancient ruins, there really is something for everyone in Cyprus. Plus, rugged mountains, picturesque countryside’s and colourful sun sets add to the attraction. Although it isn’t the largest island, the many cities have the perfect buzz for couples, families and those sun-seeking adventurers. Here are the best things to do in Larnaca!
Looking for food recommendations in Cyprus? Head to our blog on where to eat in Paphos and Larnaca. Oh, and if you are looking for accommodation recommendations, then head over to our guide to Cyprus blog.
The Best things to do in Larnaca
Contrary to expectations, Larnaca was far livelier than Paphos! Whilst historical sites like Larnaca Fort and the St. Lazarus Church attract visitors to Larnaca, the city also offers plenty of nightlife and water sports to keep you entertained.
📍Visit the Church of St Lazarus
The Church of St Lazarus was a focal point for us. Just a 5 minute walk from our hotel, we found lively bars and coffee shops here with the stunning Church backdrop. This is an example of Byzantine architecture and sits in its own square in the centre of Larnaca town – it is definitely worth a visit.
📍Hop on a Boat trip to the Zenobia Wreck
I am an absolute sucker for boat trips and Larnaca is the perfect place for one! We picked the glass bottom boat venturing over to the Zenobia Boat Wreck. At €25 each, the Zorky Yellow Semi-submarine was the perfect cruise along the Larnaca coastline, and turning just by Larnaca Airport - the perfect opportunity for plane spotting. Plus we were pleasantly surprised by the viewing deck, offering panoramic views from the semi-sub!
If you are a keen diver, then the Zenobia Boat Wreck is the spot for you. The RO-RO ferry sank in 1980 on its maiden voyage, sounding a bit familiar to the Titanic unfortunately! This one is far easier to visit, and is named one of the best wreck diving sites in the world. Plenty of conspiracy theries have been thought of through the years, yet there is no concrete reasoning behind the sinking.
📍Visit Larnaca Salt Lake
There are four salt lakes just to the west of Larnaca. The extensive areas dry during the summer months creating a dry, moon-like terrain, but, during the winter season it’s the hub for migratory birds. Best known for thousands of flamingo’s migrating to the wetlands providing an impressive sight which is well worth the visit.
Sadly, there were no flamingo’s in October, but that didn’t stop us from walking over to visit Larnaca Salt Lake.
📍Soak up the sun at Finikoudes Beach
Finkoudes beach is the main spot in Larnaca, with the bustling palm-lined promenade and all the amenities you could need. If you fancy relaxing on the beach, then sunbeds and umbrellas cost just €2.50 for the day.
You can also stroll along the promenade to Mackenzie Beach. A gorgeous stretch with the best bars and some fancy restaurants. On your way you may pass the Medieval Fort of Larnaca, perched between Finikoudes Beach and Mackenzie Beach. The first floor used to be pretty gory as the spot to execute prisoners, however now it serves as a museum with entry just €2.50.
📍Salt and Pepper museum
This one was sadly shut during our visit but the Salt and Pepper Museum definitely caught our eyes as not something we expected to see on our holiday!
All you need to know is that there are more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers collected from all over the world. Definitely a sign of a love for salt and pepper shakers! It’s taken 30 years to collect and surely it is a unique museum to visit!
Most importantly, enjoy Larnaca’s food scene
Alongside all the things to see and do in Larnaca, it also has a fantastic food and drink scene. Take a look at our foodie blog to find out the best food spots in Larnaca. There are so many places to eat in Larnaca, but these are a few of our favourites, including great places for evening drinks whilst soaking up the last of the sun!
Larnaca Food & Drink Recommendations:
📍Militzis Restaurant - The Best Traditional Tavern
📍Glikolemono - A Buzzing Italian Meal
📍Helicon Rooftop Bar - Stunning Sunsets & Signature Cocktails
📍StoArtos - Coffee with the Best View of St Lazarus
📍Secret Garden Wine & Coffee Bar - A Cosy Secret Garden
📍 To Kafe Tis Chrysanthi’s - A Cafe Start Up to All Day Venue
If you are missing home, there are plenty of international bars and restaurants with Cyrpiotic gems all over the city.
All in all, plenty of visitor’s bypass Larnaca but we would definitely have this on our visit list!