Larnaca - resort town of Cyprus: hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport

Larnaca is one of the largest and oldest cities in Cyprus. Based on the evidence found, it is assumed that the territory of Larnaca was inhabited 6 thousand years ago. Today, the port city of the southern Cypriot coast is a large tourist center. This destination is quite popular due to its versatile recreation and proximity to the airport. In addition, Larnaca is considered to be a more budget resort compared to other major cities in Cyprus. The modern infrastructure is well developed here, there are many hotels and inns, a picturesque embankment, full of establishments and historical architecture that is worth seeing.

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City`s history

Larnaca located on the site of the ancient city-state of Kition. According to legend, the settlement was founded by Kittim, the grandson of the righteous Noah.

• From the 9th century BC, Kition was a Phoenician city.
• In 333 BC it was conquered by Alexander the Great.
• From 312 BC - under the rule of the Egyptian Ptolemies, then the Roman and Byzantine Empires.
• Between the 7th and 10th centuries, Kition was abandoned after earthquakes and Arab raids.
• Since 1570 the city has been under the rule of the Turks.

Presumably, the modern name of the city could come from the Greek word "larnakes", that is, ancient sarcophagi, of which archaeologists found a large number here.

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Larnaca hotels

There are more than three hundred hotels, apart-hotels and hotels in the resort town, so there should be no problems finding accommodation. Nevertheless, if you have looked after a popular option, you should definitely book a room in advance. Both on the coast and closer to the city center you can find a lot of offers. Check out the amenities of the following popular hotels in Larnaca:

• Rise Hotel
• Sun Hall Hotel
• Best Western Plus Larco Hotel
• Frangiorgio Hotel
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Larnaca
• Edem Traditional House
• Hotel Indigo Larnaca - Adults Only
• Alkaeos Holiday Rooms & Apartments
• La Veranda Hotel
• Tuck Inn
• Jimmy's Suites
• Solaar Apartments

Hotel Indigo Larnaca

Transport in Larnaca

In total, there are more than 20 bus routes for domestic and intercity flights in Larnaca. They communicate the city with nearby villages and major cities - Paphos, Limassol, Protaras, Ayia Napa, Famagusta and Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. On average, it takes about 20 minutes to wait for a particular flight.

The central bus station of Larnaca, from where many bus lines diverge, is located near the beginning of Finikoudes boulevard, near the Seaport. At every public transport stop you will find route maps with timetables. The cost of a single ticket is 1.5 euros. You can buy a one-day ticket for 5 euros. There are several bus routes in Larnaca that run around the clock. Night fare is 2.5 euros.

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Larnaca Airport

Larnaca Airport (LCA - Larnaca International Airport) is one of two international airports in Cyprus. It serves flights of more than 60 airlines in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and receives about 5 million passengers a year. The airport is located 8 kilometers from the city. You can get to the center by taxi or public transport in about 15 minutes. A more budget transfer option would be a bus. A taxi from the airport can cost 20 euros.

Buses that can take you from the airport to the city: No. 417,419, 425,429. The cost of the train is 1.5 euros. At night (from 21:00 to 04:00) the rate is 2.5 euros.

Intercity bus shuttles from Larnaca Airport are carried out to major cities: Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos. To Ayia Napa - only with a change in the center of Larnaca to the Intercity bus (stop at the Foinikoudes embankment).

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Weather and climate in Larnaca

The climate of Larnaca is conducive to beach holidays. Six months of the year, from May to October, the temperature of the water in the sea is never below +19°C. Summer is sunny and hot - the peak of the tourist season. Daytime temperatures often exceed 33°C. In winter, a very mild climate remains with an average temperature of +11…+15°С. The velvet period in Cyprus comes with the onset of autumn - in September-October.

To choose a vacation time in Larnaca, it is better to think about goals and routes in advance. If you prefer to combine a beach holiday with sightseeing and excursions, you should definitely focus on the dates for April-May and the autumn months so that the hot heat does not change your plans.

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Things to do in Larnaca

Larnaca is considered a quiet resort, which is often preferred for family vacations. Although the entertainment infrastructure of the city is suitable for all ages. It has everything - from historical monuments to nightclubs. The latter are mainly concentrated in the area of the Finikoudes boardwalk. At night, the main promenade turns into the center of noisy parties. The streets that go inland from the center are characterized by calm establishments with a measured atmosphere and sophisticated furnishings.

Promenades along the Palm Embankment and along the picturesque beach are the most popular entertainment. Slow walks are combined with visits to local cafes, bars, taverns and restaurants, which abound on the coast. During the summer months, you can often find holidays and festivals here.

If you prefer to be active, there are sports and playgrounds, diving clubs, motorized and non-motorized water sports. In the resort of Larnaca, there are many ways not to sit still.

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Excursions

From Larnaca, you can go on independent trips or organized tours to nearby towns and traditional villages. Of the most recommended - vintage Limassol, 65 kilometers from the city. No less exciting will be a sightseeing trip to Ayia Napa and the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia.

Local tourist offices offer a huge number of interesting and informative routes to the best places in South and North Cyprus. You will have the opportunity to visit authentic wineries, walk along the ancient cobbled streets, see the unique museum collections of antiquities and enjoy the culture of Cyprus. Center Larnaca Napa Sea Cruises offers exciting sea voyages and cruises of various durations.

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Entertainment for the whole family

• Hobos is one of the most popular entertainment centers for an active family weekend, with carousels, a ferris wheel, playgrounds and an excellent location near the main Finikoudes beach.
• Lucky Star Park - Go-Karts in Aradippou. A large-scale and mega -modern karting club for lovers of speed and adrenaline.
• Camel Park. A huge complex with attractions, playgrounds, interesting locations and a real camel farm 20 kilometers from Larnaca .
• Donkey Farm Golden Donkeys. In the village of Skarinu, there is another interesting place where you can get to know the animals better. In addition to donkeys, other species live on the farm. The farm also has a botanical garden and a small museum.

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Larnaca beaches

In the list of the best beaches in Larnaca, the following are worth noting:

• Finikoudes. The most popular beach resort Larnaca. It is located in the center, not far from the old part of the city, and has a chic promenade surrounded by tall palm trees. The beach area in some places reaches a width of 100 meters.
• Mackenzie. Quiet beach area at some distance from the center, but close to the airport. People often come here to observe planes that fly low over the coast.
• Castella. Cozy, not crowded beach with cafes and restaurants on the coast. It is located near the picturesque fishing pier Psarolimano.
• Dasaki Pylas or Cyprus Tourism Organization. Equipped beach in the suburbs of Larnaca. Great place for a family holiday on the coast. There is all the necessary infrastructure and green lawns for activities.
• Salt lake. One of the most attractive natural places in the region, where tourists come to catch flocks of wild flamingos in the winter.

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Sights of Larnaca

In addition to beautiful beaches and tourist sites, the city has ancient architecture, museums and interesting locations that are worth seeing. Among the most popular places:

• Church of Saint Lazarus. The oldest Orthodox church in Larnaca, founded in 898. It was erected of stone, over the grave of a friend of Christ, the righteous Lazarus from Bethany. The church contains the tomb of a righteous man and a wonderful iconostasis of the 18th century. The Agios Museum is also located here. Lazaros Church with ancient icons and church utensils.
• Archaeological Museum. One of the most stunning archaeological collections in Cyprus is located in Larnaca and is dedicated to the ancient Kition. The museum consists of four halls with artifacts from different time periods, starting from the Neolithic era.
• Museum of Pieridis. The oldest private museum in Cyprus (since 1839) with art objects from previous eras, as well as collections of weapons, antique furniture, jewelry and mosaics.
• Larnaca Castle. Ottoman fortress of the 14th century on the coast. Today, the medieval castle houses the Historical Museum.
• Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. A striking example of the Islamic architecture of Cyprus. The historical complex consists of a mosque, a minaret, a mausoleum and residential buildings surrounded by a lush garden with fountains.
• Aqueduct Kamares. The old aqueduct of 1747, perfectly preserved to this day. One of the most recognizable sights around Larnaca.

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Shopping in Larnaca - what to pack

The city has two main shopping streets with branded clothing, footwear and accessories stores - Zenonos Kitieos and Ermou. These places are especially popular during the seasons of big discounts - August and February.

The main role in maintaining the color of Larnaca is played by endless souvenir shops and shops, concentrated between the central promenade and the Old Town. They sell natural cosmetics, Cypriot olive oil, silver jewelry, exclusive lace and famous Byzantine crockery.

Among the many goodies, guests of Larnaca often choose as souvenirs a variety of dried fruits, Cypriot Turkish delight, tea collections from local herbs, coffee and the popular halloumi cheese. An exclusive worth trying is the carob fruit pastille. Quite often, tourists prefer Cypriot wines as a souvenir.

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Cuisine and restaurants of Larnaca

Holidays in Larnaca, as in any other resort in Cyprus, will appeal to true gourmets. A huge selection of fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables, juicy meat according to local spicy recipes, soft cheeses, exclusive wines and oriental sweets - all this and much more can be found on the menu of numerous taverns, restaurants, and cafes.

There are a huge number of food establishments in Larnaca. Many gourmet restaurants, of course, are concentrated along the coast in the center of the resort. Among the most popular:

• Maqam Al Sultan Lebanese Restaurant, decorated in a subtle oriental style, overlooking the sea.
• Traditional tavern Vlachos stands out for its amazing Greek cuisine and level of service. There is an adult and children's menu.
• Art Cafe 1900. Atmospheric cafe-bar in a vintage style, the interiors of which take guests to the 20th century for a while.
• Panos Steak House. An amazing location in the center of the resort offers sea views, an extensive menu of traditional Greek, European and Mediterranean dishes.
• Ocean Basket. A seafood restaurant of a well-known chain in Cyprus is located near the port of Larnaca.

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