Larnaca and its surroundings are the place to spend an unforgettable vacation. Experience the culture and cuisine of Cyprus and visit the many attractions that friendly Larnaca has to offer!
Take a stroll along the Finikoudes promenade
For a quick and intimate introduction to Larnaca, it is best to opt for a walk along the seafront. You'll see not only the coastline, but also the most iconic sights, and if the weather looks good, you'll go for a swim in the sea.
You can start from any "end" of the promenade: either from Europe Square or from the medieval fort. In any place the photos will be amazing. If you're a fan of museums, you should go to both: one is just inside the fort, the other is in Europe Square. It is also home to the local art gallery. If you walk a little further than the square, you can see the beautiful harbor. Today it is being turned into a full-fledged marina with luxury real estate.
On the way you will see some extraordinary monuments, and you will also hear multinational chatter. This is not surprising: all tourists who come to Larnaca walk along Finikoudes. If you're just off the plane, but you're eager to see the city at once, this is the place to be!
Catch a Plane on Mackenzie Beach
Mackenzie is the western neighborhood of Larnaca, which is actively developing and modern. Many analysts are betting on it: it is considered one of the most profitable locations for investment in real estate in Cyprus. Tourists love it for its pleasant feature - clean and colorful beach.
Fact is that Mackenzie is very close to the airport, and therefore taking off and landing planes are passing right over the beach. In the season, and in spring too, airplanes fly very often, with an interval of only a few minutes. Therefore, the favorite entertainment of vacationers is to put out your hand and "catch" the plane in the sky. Photos turn out very bright and original.
Hint: in May, the sea near Larnaca is already warmed up to comfortable swimming temperature, and the cozy bay protects from too strong winds. So you can open the bathing season!
Wander around the ruins of ancient Kition
Earlier on the place of Larnaca there was a large port city of Kition. Later it "grew" new neighborhoods and moved a little. And of course, became more modern. But the ancient Kition has not gone anywhere: it quietly and calmly "lies" its ruins right in the center of Larnaca. It is really unusual: excavations in the city limits!
Of course, you won't find anything super grandiose (huge towers, dozens of houses). But here the task is different. It is necessary to feel that at this very place people lived since the ancient times. Just think about it, and the chill goes down your spine. Although it is already warm and even hot in Larnaca in spring.
See the Church of St. Lazarus
Since you're going to walk around the city center, it's worth going around not only Kition, but also to visit the Church of St. Lazarus. Even if you are far from religion - still do not remove this point from your itinerary. It is worth a visit if only for its architecture. There are very few such large churches in Cyprus!
Orthodox Christians will be interested to know that in a secret room (in the sense that it is not allowed to ordinary parishioners) is kept a part of the relics of St. Lazarus. Therefore, you can offer a prayer for healing and it will definitely be answered.
Walk along the Salt Lake to the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque (and catch a glimpse of flamingos)
There are several salt lakes in Cyprus, but the largest and most famous is in Larnaca. There is a walking path along it, from which you can see pink flamingos during the cold season (until about April). They come here to winter and raise their young, so you can catch them as early as March.
Be sure to go to the Hala Sutan Tekke Mosque. It is a unique attraction in every sense. First of all, it is one of the four largest mosques in the whole world. So, pilgrims come here. Secondly, it is erected in honor of a woman, which is very uncharacteristic for Islam. You can go inside if there is no worship going on - even women. You only need to have proper clothing.
Marvel at the ancient aqueduct
Another suburban walk can take place on the other side of Salt Lake. There are the ruins (perfectly preserved, by the way!) of an ancient aqueduct that supplied water to the entire city during the Ottoman Empire's rule on the island.
Now there are a few "spans" left of it, but it still looks majestic and beautiful. In addition, the surrounding area is very pleasant and will be appreciated by those who like calm and measured walks.
Head to the Stavrovouni Monastery on the mountaintop
One of the key attractions in Cyprus - both Orthodox and in the broadest sense - is the male monastery at Stavrovouni. It is famous not only for its scope and long history, but also for its location. The building is located literally on a mountain, which offers the most breathtaking view of the surroundings and the sea.
Women are not allowed to enter the monastery itself, but they can visit the observation deck with the chapel. Men will appreciate the interior of the famous Cypriot sanctuary.
Visit the camel park in Mazotos
The whole family, including children, should go to the village of Mazotos to interact with the camels. These cute animals are kept in excellent conditions and are very happy to all visitors. Especially if they treat them with carob fruit (sold there and cost 1 euro).
On the territory of the Camel Park, there is a playground for children, a restaurant, a picnic area and other interesting attractions. But the top entertainment is, of course, camel safari.
Swim among the white rocks at Governors Beach
On the border of Larnaca and Limassol districts there is an absolutely marvelous place: a beach surrounded by white as chalk rocks. Not only is it very picturesque, but it is also comfortable. There is never a lot of people here, besides, the beach is equipped with everything you need.
Interestingly, there is also a well-equipped camping site, so you can take a tent and live in beauty for more than one day. But it is a pleasure to drive here even for a few hours. In May, the water in the sea warms up to +20-22 degrees, so you can safely swim - even for children.
Eat seafood in Zygi
We're in Cyprus and we're not without gastronomic delights! Zygi is a fishing village which, despite its modest size, is famous in Cyprus and even beyond. If you ask the locals "Where to eat seafood" they will send you to Zygi.
Here, on the beach near the harbor, you will find many taverns where they bring the freshest fish. And at the same time fishing boats with their goods. If you are in Cyprus for the first time and want to try everything at once, order meze. But keep in mind that one meze for two or even three people will be enough to fill you up.
Participate in the Anthestria flower festival
In May, the grand festival of flowers, Anthestiria, is held all over Cyprus. Larnaca is one of the biggest organizers of the event, so you get two in one: a gorgeous spectacle and a sea of fun.
On Anthestiria, the whole city is decorated with flowers and a carnival parade runs through the streets. People have a day off on this day, so almost everyone goes out on the streets and has a lot of fun. At flower fairs you can buy flowers and give them to everyone you know - it's a tribute to tradition.
See the oldest settlement in Choirokoitia
The site is protected by UNESCO and dates back to the Neolithic era. If you're not a history buff, let us give you a hint: it was about 6,000-10,000 years ago! Just imagine how long ago it was.
You will see several reconstructed round houses and you can look inside. This will give you an impression of how people of that time lived, what they did and how they organized their everyday life. Be sure to check it out, as the settlement in Choirokoitia is one of the oldest not only in Cyprus, but also on the planet.
Buy silver and lace in Lefkara
Lefkara is a large and beautiful village that very vividly captures all the flavor of rustic Cyprus. In fact, there are so many things to do and see here that it's simply impossible to see them all in one day! So, if you have time, stop in Lefkara for at least 2 nights.
So, what you should definitely do:
- Stroll through the colorful streets;
- dine at a local tavern and have a frappe;
- buy traditional sweets - sujucos, jams made from unusual fruits;
- walk to the Church of the Holy Cross;
- take a look at the surrounding area from the observation deck;
- see (and maybe even buy) lefkaritika, a special lace that is unique;
- buy silver jewelry.
There are two crafts in the village of Lefkara: the women have long been creating embroidery, which is famous all over the world, and the men do silver jewelry. Lefkara silver is also unique: local craftsmen first forge thin wire, and then as if weaving lace jewelry from it. Such methods are practically unheard of in the world.
Picnic on the Kalavasos Dam
On any fine day (and there are plenty of such days in Cyprus in spring) you can rent a car and take your family or group to the causeway for a picnic. Kalavasos is a rather large dam that looks like a natural lake. There are even fish here. However, it is not allowed to catch it.
Not far away, by the way, there is an abandoned mine. You shouldn't go inside, of course, for safety reasons, but you can easily take impressive photos! And in general, the surroundings dispose to spend the day in complete harmony with nature.
Visit the abandoned village of Agios Sozomenos
Speaking of abandoned villages. There is a special charm to them, and many people love to visit them rather than the popular tourist attractions. Well, if you are staying in Larnaca and love the flavor of the olden days, then you are on your way to the village of Agios Sozomenos.
Apart from the abandoned and semi-destroyed houses, there is something really interesting here: the ruins of a Gothic temple, which is about 500 years old. Interestingly, the characteristic arches have survived until today, despite all the earthquakes and other unfavorable conditions.
More information about all projects in Larnaca can be obtained from the specialists of DOM real estate agency by phone +357 24 030062, or in person at Agias Faneromenis 21, Faneromeni 6025, Larnaca, Cyprus.
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