Larnaca – Top Things To Do in Larnaca
You find yourself in Larnaca and don’t know what to do? Well this blog post is just for you. I have compiled the most popular locations to go to in Larnaca and also some fun and interesting activities to do.
Phinikoudes Promenade
Phinikoudes photo by me
The most famous road in Larnaca. Finikoudes is lined with palm trees, with the beach to one side and restaurants and hotels to the other. There are countless things to do at Finikoudes that you can spend a whole day there and not be bored or disappointed.
Larnaca Marina and boat excursions
Situated at the entrance of Finikoudes Promenade you can stop by the Larnaca Marina. Walk around and enjoy the sight of the boats and yachts that are parked for the day there. You can also stop by the booths at the entrance and browse the selection of boat tours offered, ranging from sunset boat tours to day tours around Ayia Napa/Protaras, to diving tours to the ship wreck of Zenobia.
Check out these websites to book boat excursions from Larnaca:
Makenzy Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Larnaca. This beach lies beside the Larnaca Airport, so you can pass your time not only sunbathing and swimming but also plane watching. Mackenzy Beach is also filled with restaurants, especially the popular fish meze, cafes and bars/clubs at night. Makenzy is the place to go to party at night in the summertime.
Larnaca Castle (Fort)
Larnaca Castle photo by me
The Larnaca Castle is situated at the end of the Finikoudes Promenade and the beginning of the road to Makenzy. It was built in the 12th century as the first fortification of the Byzantine Era. The exact origins remain a mystery to this day, some sources believe that it was built by James I, the Luzignian King, as a way to protect the harbour. Other sources state that it was built by the Turks in 1625 A.D. It is clear, however, that the castle was used by the British as a prison and execution ground until 1948. Visitors can enter and explore the grounds of the castle for €2.50 and they can also make their way to the 2nd floor to the museum they have there as well.
Piale Pasha street
Piale Pasha photo by me
Enjoy a stroll by the sea in this street being bracketed by the Larnaca Castle on one side and Makenzie beach on the other. This road is lined with both traditional Cypriot restaurants, and modern international ones, further ahead there is a section full of ice cream/ dessert cafes where you can stop to buy your desired treat to enjoy while on your stroll.
Dekelia Road
Dekelia beach walkway photo by me
Dekelia road is a long road that connects Larnaca and Dhekelia, the British bases. Dekelia road is filled with restaurants, cafes, shops, bars and hotels. There are beaches you can choose from to lay and swim in. There is also a stretch of walking path next to the sea where you can enjoy a nice morning or evening walk while enjoying the views and the nice sea breeze.
Agios Lazaros
Agios Lazaros photo by me
Agios Lazaros is one of the most exceptional examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus. Named after the saint Lazararos, he came to Cyprus after being resurrected by Jesus Christ. He lived here for thirty years after being ordained as the first Bishop of Kition by the Apostles Barnabas and Paul. Saint Lazaros tomb is in the sanctuary under the church, where visitors can enter and see his tomb. The church is located in the square named after the saint in the center of the city, at walking distance from the Finikoudes Promenade. Next to the church there is also the Byzantine Museum that you can visit for a fee of €1.00. The museum’s exhibits include important religious icons, artefacts and relics, including Byzantine icons, gospels, crosses and other ecclesiastical treasures from the whole district of Larnaka.
Ermou Street
This shopping street is one road above Finikoudes. Situated in very close proximity to everything else, this road is filled with shops, ranging from clothes, shoes, to electronics and hair salons. You can do all your shopping on this road without running out of options. There are also your fair share of options in restaurants and cafes, for you to take a break in from your shopping.
Pervolia Beach & KiteSurfing
For the sport enthusiasts, Pervolia Beach is for you. Located close to the Larnaca airport, this beach is a hot spot for kitesurfing and surfing. The crystal clear water and the shore break the waves. The strong thermal winds usually originate from the south, southwest which create the perfect conditions for freestyle, long distance and bump and jump kite-surfing. However, for those who don’t have the skills or those who want to improve their skills, there are plenty of schools on the spot that offer lessons and rent out the needed equipment.
Check out Kahuna Surfhouse, they offer kite surfing, surfing, sup and foil lessons for beginners to experienced and they rent out most of the equipment needed. And they hold the annual King of Kite competition. They also offer summer camps and winter snowboarding camps for those interested.
Camel park
For the animal lovers, this place is located at only 15 minutes from the Larnaca Airport in Mazotos. It is very conveniently located in between Larnaca, Limassol and Nicosia. In the park you can enjoy the views of camels, ostriches, lamas, deers, goats, ponies, kangaroos, turtles, fish and birds. You can also enjoy rides on the ponies and the camels and feed the lemurs for €5.00. The park also includes rides, and other activities, like swimming pool and restaurant. This is a place where you can enjoy a full day excursion with no worries. The entrance fee to the park is €7.00 and the camel ride is €7.00.
Check out their website for more info on their amenities and tickets: https://camel-park.com
Salt lake and Hala Sultan Tekke
A magnificent natural place. The total surface area of the Larnaca Salt Lake is 2.2 Km² and it is considered one of the most important wetlands in Cyprus with an array of plants, birds and wildlife. It has a history as a natural habitat of sea life that can be traced as far back as 3 to 5 million years ago. From the 17th century B.C. onwards it was a natural port for the prehistoric town next to Hala Sultan Tekke, but was then abandoned by the inhabitants during the 11th century B.C. Hala Sultan Tekke is dated around the 18th century, it is built over a tomb which according to tradition belongs to Umm Haram, foster-mother of the Prophet Mohammed.
