Larnaca
Save18 hand-picked places in 8 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
7 places on the map
Instagrammable
- 1
Palm-lined seafront promenade with a sandy town beach.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Shallow water, good for kids
- Evening stroll is a local habit
- Cafés all along the front
📷 Photos
- 2
9th-century church built over the tomb of Saint Lazarus.
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- See the crypt with the tomb
- Small museum in the courtyard
📷 Photos
- 3
Salt lake where flamingos winter, by the airport.
3 tips
- Flamingos best December to March
- Bring binoculars
- Nature trail along the shore
📷 Photos
- 4
Ottoman mosque complex on the Salt Lake shore.
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Lovely palm-framed views
- Combine with flamingo watching
📷 Photos
- 5
18th-century Ottoman aqueduct with a long line of arches.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Lit up at night
- Free to see
- Short drive from the centre
📷 Photos
- 6
Stone mountain village famous for lace and silverwork.
3 tips
- About 40 minutes by car
- Buy authentic lace from local makers
- Quieter in the afternoon
📷 Photos
- 7
Seafront medieval fort with a small museum.
3 tips
- Small entry fee
- Climb up for sea views
- Summer concerts in the courtyard
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Larnaca tips
Transportation
- Take the airport bus: Zinonas and Cyprus Public Transport buses link Larnaca Airport with the Finikoudes seafront and bus station in about 20 minutes.
- Use intercity buses for day trips: Intercity Buses run from Larnaca to Nicosia, Limassol and Ayia Napa, much cheaper than a taxi.
- Drive on the left: If you rent a car to reach Kiti, Lefkara or Cape Greco, remember Cyprus drives on the left with UK-style roundabouts.
Security
- Agree taxi fares or use the meter: Urban taxis should run a meter; for the airport, ask the price before you leave the rank.
- Carry your passport to the north: Crossing the Green Line from Nicosia to the north requires ID; rental car insurance often does not cover it.
- Watch for jellyfish and sun: Mackenzie and Finikoudes beaches are safe, but summer sun is fierce; swim between flags and stay hydrated.
Saving
- Swim at public beaches: Finikoudes and Mackenzie Beach are free, with sunbeds only if you want them.
- Order a meze to share: A fish or meat meze in a family taverna feeds a group for less than ordering mains separately.
- Buy a bus day ticket: Day and weekly tickets on Cyprus Public Transport save money if you ride several times.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect long hot summers: June to September is very hot and dry; pack light linen, a hat and high-factor sunscreen.
- Pack a light jacket in winter: December to February is mild by day but cool at night, with occasional rain.
- Cover up for churches: Bring a scarf or light layer to cover shoulders when visiting the Church of Saint Lazarus.
Cultural
- Visit the Church of Saint Lazarus: This 9th-century church built over the tomb of Lazarus is the heart of old Larnaca.
- See flamingos at the Salt Lake: In winter, flamingos gather on Larnaca Salt Lake beside the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque.
- Join Kataklysmos: The Festival of the Flood around Pentecost fills the seafront with water games, music and stalls.
Local Hacks
- Dive the Zenobia wreck: The sunken ferry off Larnaca is one of the top wreck dives in the world; book with local dive centres.
- Walk the old Turkish quarter: Lanes around the fort and Skala hold pottery workshops and quiet cafes away from the seafront.
- Day trip to Lefkara: The hill village is famous for lace and silverwork, about 40 minutes by car.
1-day itineraries in Larnaca
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.