If Larnaca were a person, it would be a good-natured uncle in flip-flops, who knows how to make the best coffee, where to buy the freshest fish, and who doesn't understand where and why visitors are rushing to and from. This coastal town in Cyprus is an ideal place for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle but not lose touch with civilisation. Larnaca combines a traditional Mediterranean lifestyle with a modern infrastructure, making it an attractive place to live, work and invest in property. Let's explore what it's like to live in Larnaca and why it's such a good place to live... or not so good.
Advantages of living in Larnaca
1. The heat, the sea and 'I'm not working today'.
Living by the sea is romantic. Light breezes, salty air, morning jogs along the seafront (okay, who are we kidding - slow walks to the nearest cafe). Larnaca has almost 300 days of sunshine a year, so the chances of waking up to the sound of rain are about the same as meeting Bigfoot on Mackenzie Beach.
2. Prices don't bite (yet)
Unlike Limassol, where property costs as much as an aeroplane wing, property prices in Larnaca are still relatively reasonable. This applies to both primary and secondary properties. For investors, this means a lower entry threshold and good prospects for future price growth. In Larnaca it is still possible to buy an apartment close to the sea and not sell a kidney. Although, judging by the way the city is developing, you might want to hurry.
3. Strategic location and airport on the doorstep
Larnaca is located in the centre of the island and is well connected to other Cypriot cities. Do you like to travel? Great! Larnaca is home to Cyprus' main airport. You can buy a ticket and be in the departure zone in a matter of hours. The main thing is not to forget your passport in your favourite tavern when you celebrate.
4. Easy, zen and minimal stress
As in other Cypriot cities, no one is in a hurry in Larnaca. In general, the concept of 'urgent' in Cyprus is very relative: 'in an hour' can mean 'tomorrow' and 'in a week' can mean 'well, sometime'. But there is no nervousness. Larnaca is one of the safest towns in Cyprus. Unlike Limassol or Paphos, there is less tourist noise, crime is virtually non-existent and the standard of living remains high.
5. Food, and food again!
The local cuisine is a reason to live in Larnaca. There is the freshest seafood, souvlaki and the famous halloumi. All washed down with Cypriot wine, the day becomes beautiful and problems melt away like ice in a frappe.
6. Developed infrastructure
Larnaca is actively developing and offers its residents a modern infrastructure::
- Large shopping malls and supermarkets
- High quality medical facilities
- English speaking schools and nurseries
- Extensive public transport
The city is constantly being modernised and major investment projects (such as the redevelopment of the port and seafront) are making it increasingly attractive.
Disadvantages of living in Larnaca include:
1. You can melt in the summer
Do you know what it's like to feel like a chicken on a barbecue? Come to Larnaca in July or even better August. During the day the town turns into a free outdoor sauna. In summer, temperatures in Larnaca can reach +40°C and the high humidity makes it uncomfortable. This is especially important for those who cannot tolerate hot weather.
2. Careers? What kind of career?
Unless you're an IT guy, freelancer or tavern owner, jobs can be hard to come by. There are few large international companies here, so Larnaca is more a place to live than to build a career. Although the city is developing rapidly, Larnaca still lags behind Nicosia and Limassol in terms of jobs. There are few large international companies and the labour market is mainly focused on tourism, services and trade.
3. Entertainment: quiet, without fanaticism
There is a nightlife here, but it is not as raucous as in Ayia Napa or Limassol. If you are used to round-the-clock parties, Larnaca may seem too peaceful. It is more suitable for families and people who prefer a more measured lifestyle.
4. Shall we stand? traffic jams.
Yes, it's a small town, but parking is hard to come by and during rush hour (yes, it happens here too!) you can get stuck in traffic for 20 minutes or so. But no one gets nervous - you can listen to Greek hits on the radio and move slowly but surely forward. Although the centre of Larnaca is being actively developed, some areas remain underdeveloped. For example, the outskirts of the city do not yet have a full infrastructure, which can be inconvenient for living.
5. Possible language barriers
Despite the developed tourism sector, not all locals have a good command of English. This can be a problem for expats who do not speak Greek.
Is it worth investing in property in Larnaca?
Larnaca offers excellent investment opportunities:
- Affordable property prices compared to other Cypriot cities
- High rental demand from tourists and expats
- Large investment projects driving up prices
However, it is important to consider the risks involved:
- Low liquidity in some areas
- Limited career prospects, which may reduce demand from professionals
- Slow growth in property values compared to Limassol
It is fair to say that in Larnaca there are options to suit all tastes and budgets. It is home to both high-end residential complexes and budget apartments.
Larnaca is the ideal place if you like the sea, a leisurely lifestyle and a warm climate. It is a town where you can enjoy life without overpaying for square metres and still be at the centre of Cypriot life. The main thing is to have patience, learn to appreciate every sip of coffee and accept that in the local shops kefir is yoghurt and 'five minutes' can mean 'next month'. But that's the rush!
Read also:
- Larnaca Penthouses: Luxury, Privacy and Panoramic Views
- Larnaca through the eyes of locals: which neighbourhoods do Cypriots choose to live in and why?
- Permanent Residency in Cyprus in 2024
- TOP 5 most popular universities in Cyprus: their advantages and disadvantages
- Transport in Larnaca: How to get around the city and its surroundings?
