Tourists who simply pass through Larnaca, the site of the main international airport of Cyprus, are missing out on Cyprus's most modern town. The town is large enough to provide extensive shopping, a lively nightlife and cultural diversity, while the relatively bare beaches are an ideal escape as you soak up the scorching summer heat. Holidaymakers who find the near 40°C summer temperatures too hot to handle will enjoy the very pleasant mild winter climate. Flights take approximately four hours 40 minutes from most UK airports and are available all year round.
An ideal retreat for anyone who wants shopping, nightlife and diversity without being overrun by clubbers…
As one of the quieter Cypriot destinations, Larnaca is most suitable for families and couples who want to enjoy a lively resort without being overrun by partygoers and clubbers. Larnaca does have an active nightlife scene though the majority of young single travellers will be drawn to Ayia Napa, Paphos and Protaras but the security in the town centre is unsurpassed. There are a number of modern facilities including changing rooms and beach furniture making this an ideal getaway for all ages. Larnaca is a working town and has many services associated with a location of this size.
Depending on what you want from your holiday, there are beaches to suit everyone in Larnaca.
McKenzie Beach, just five minutes from the aiprot, is renowned for its beautiful white sands and waters particularly suited to scuba diving. The waterfront is lined with restaurants and bars serving local cuisine and fish. Indeed good dining is a characteristic of the town with local patisseries, cafes and fast food outlets that will deliver to your accommodation if your prefer a night in.
Larnaca Public Beach is full of restaurants and sun loungers and is perfect for soaking up the sun, while Dhekelia Beach is renowned for watersports and a variety of other leisure activities. However, the real favourite with watersports enthusiasts is Dasoudi Public Beach, with its excellent water skiing, parasailing and windsurfing facilities.
Most of the nightlife is situated along the waterfront with lots of bars lining the promenade and some discos to be found in the centre of the town. Many venues offer live entertainment including traditional Cypriot dancing and music, while entertained at the Theatro Skala and the Antidote Theatre is also popular.
There are many sights to take in during your stay in Lanarca including the Turkish fort and Larnaca Castle situated on the seafront and built in 1625. Lazarus Church is one of the oldest remnants on the island, dating back to the ninth century, and is also the site of St Lazarus's tomb, while there are many museums such as the Pierides Foundation Museum and the Larnaca Archaeological Museum to keep you busy if the weather takes an unexpected turn.
If you want to shop in Larnaca then look out for the many hypermarkets and traditional boutiques. If items are not labelled then be prepared to haggle, though do not go below 20 per cent of the original offer.
