Larnaca is claimed to be the oldest city in Cyprus and is a firm favourite with British holidaymakers, Larnaca is well connected to other parts of the island and boasts a variety of attractions of its own. Whether visitors come here for cultural enrichment, downtime with friends or a relaxing week in the sun, Larnaca has something for everyone.
it is located on Cyprus’ southern coast within easy reach of a number of other popular resorts, such as Ayia Napa and Nicosia, the island’s capital city.
Due to its low altitude and position on the coast, Larnaca enjoys great weather year-round. While rain mostly falls between November and March, grey clouds are rare here, so holidaymakers can be sure of soaking up the sun no matter what time of year they choose to arrive.
Summer heat averages stand at around 27°C, while the temperature in the winter is a pleasant 12°C.
Cheap Larnaca holidays offer visitors more than an affordable slice of history, as people also come here for the assortment of beaches stretching along this part of Cyprus’ coast. Mackenzie Beach is especially popular towards the end of the day, when awe-inspiring sunsets paint the sky over the Mediterranean in red and gold, and Finikoudes Beach is a favourite with tourists looking for a family-friendly daytime spot.
Diving is another pursuit available in Larnaca, with swimmers often heading beneath the waves to explore the mysterious wreck of MS Zenobia, which sank near Larnaca in the late ‘70s. The ship is considered to be one of the world’s best diving sites, and was ranked among the top 10 by The Times in 2003.
Larnaca itself is home to a large number of the island’s most historically rich sites. The Church of St. Lazarus, which dates back more than 1,100 years, is a popular spot for history lovers, as is Kamares Aqueduct and the imposing Larnaca Castle.
Larnaca is arguably the gastronomical capital of the island, with family-run Greek tavernas dotted all over the city offering warm, welcoming atmospheres and mouth-watering dishes. Local cuisine includes louvi me lahana, which is black-eyed peas and chard, a leafy green vegetable, or fasolaki, a dish of French beans cooked using red wine and served with lamb.
As with any coastal resort, there are also a host of seafood restaurants, many of which are situated near the waterfront.
Although the city isn’t quite as wild as some of its louder neighbours in terms of nightlife, there is still an assortment of relaxing bars here. Many are located on or near the city’s beautiful palm-lined waterfront.
For visitors after an exciting night out, Ayia Napa – one of the most popular clubbing destinations in the world – is located just 35 minutes east along the coast.
London: 4 hrs
(from London)
Euro
Greek, Turkish
GMT +2
€3
€20
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