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Winged Lion statue at Foinikoudes promenade, Larnaca, Cyprus

Things to do in  Larnaca

The gateway to Cyprus

Home to the largest airport in Cyprus, Larnaca is the first stop for many visitors to the country. While some use Larnaca as a quick stopover en route to other parts of the Mediterranean island, this beachfront city is a destination unto itself. The top things to do in Larnaca range from hitting the beaches to visiting the UNESCO–listed Hala Sultan Tekke mosque and Larnaca Salt Lake Complex. It's also a great base for a day trip to the Troodos Mountains, and tours to the region’s villages and monasteries are widely available.

Top 2 attractions in Larnaca

Top activities in Larnaca

All about Larnaca

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When to visit

The best time to visit Larnaca is in the spring or fall. The weather is lovely during both seasons, and the city can be enjoyed without the summer crowds. However, Larnaca can get busy over the Easter holiday. The last weekend in May—which coincides with the annual spring bank holiday in the UK— is also a busy time to visit, as Larnaca is particularly popular with British travelers.

Getting around

Larnaca's city center is easy to get around on foot, while local buses connect Lanarca to nearby towns, and taxis are widely available. You do not need a car to navigate the city, but many visitors prefer to rent a vehicle to explore other parts of the country. If you want to avoid the hassle of driving, though, there are a number of tours and transportation to choose from.

Traveler tips

You’ll find plenty of restaurants in the city serving up traditional Cypriot food. Popular options include Militzis Restaurant, which offers mezze (a selection of different dishes) along with oven-baked moussakas made vegetarian or with locally sourced meat. To Varelli Traditional Tavern is another popular option serving large portions of Cypriot fare, including sea bream, prawns, chicken souvlaki, and kleftiko lamb.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the best beaches to visit in Larnaca?
A:

One of the best beaches to visit in Larnaca is Finikoudes Beach, which has warm and typically calm waters and a beach promenade, all within easy access to the city center. Kastella Beach is another popular option and is just a short walk or drive from the heart of town.

Q:How do I get from Larnaca Airport to the city center?
A:

There are a few different ways to get from Larnaca to the city center. You can rent a car and drive yourself, take a taxi, book a private transfer, or hop aboard the Cyprus Public Transport bus (line 425), which will take you to the center of town.

Q:What are the top historical sites and landmarks to see in Larnaca?
A:

Larnaca's top historical sites include the Church of Saint Lazarus, which dates to the ninth century, and Larnaca Castle, a medieval fort that houses the Larnaca Medieval Museum. Hala Sultan Tekke, an Ottoman mosque on the western end of Larnaca Salt Lake, is another popular historical site.

Q:Are there any boat tours or cruises available from Larnaca?
A:

Yes, there are lots of boat tours and cruises that depart from Larnaca. Options include cruises along the coast of Cyprus, excursions to the MS Zenobia shipwreck, kayaking trips around Cape Greco, and sunset cruises. You can even charter a yacht for up to 40 people and take a half-day private sailing trip out to sea.

Q:What are the best day trips or excursions from Larnaca?
A:

Many of the best day trips and excursions from Larnaca will take you away from the beach scene and out to traditional villages. Some visit Lefkara, known for its winding village roads and its traditional lace industry, while others go deeper into the Troodos Mountains to showcase wineries, monasteries, and traditional villages.

Q:How many days do you need in Larnaca?
A:

You need at least two days in Larnaca to see its key historic attractions and have time left over to enjoy the beaches. However, it’s worth spending a bit more time in Larnaca and using the city as a base from which to take cruises or day tours to the Troodos Mountains.