Larnaca Tourist Attractions – Best places to visit
Larnaca is usually your first destination in Cyprus.
That’s because most flights from Romania to Cyprus land at the nearby airport.
This beautiful little coastal town in the south-east of the island offers glimpses of the best of Cyprus: beaches, history, architecture and gastronomy.
Ah, and cats. Yes, the island is famous for its furry four-legged creatures, also not to be found in Larnaca.
We spent a very nice afternoon here, visiting most of the sights of Larnaca.
See what to visit, where to eat well in Larnaca and much more!
Contents:
- Larnaca tourist attractions
- How much time do you need to visit Larnaca?
- Things to do in Larnaca
- Where to eat well in Larnaca
What to do in Larnaca
Larnaca tourist attractions not to be missed when in Cyprus
Below are our recommendations of places to visit in Larnaca that will make your visit to Cyprus even more interesting:
1. Larnaca seafront
Larnaca ‘s waterfront is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll. Enjoy a coffee at one of the waterfront terraces or take in the beautiful sunset view. You can also stroll along the promenade, rent a bike or stop at the old harbor to see the fishing boats. It’s a great place to relax, take photos and enjoy the fresh sea air.
2. Larnaca Castle
Larnaca Castle is located right on the seafront, close to the city center, and dates back to medieval times. Originally built by the Crusaders for defense, it was rebuilt by the Ottomans in the 17th century and served as a fortification and prison. Today, the castle houses an archaeological museum with exhibits illustrating the city’s history. You can visit it throughout the day, and opening hours may vary, so check ahead.
3. St. Lazarus
St. Lazarus Church in Larnaca is a place of worship built in the 9th century. It is dedicated to St. Lazarus, who, according to local tradition, became the city’s first bishop, although there is no evidence for this. The church is an outstanding example of Byzantine architecture. You can enter here throughout the day to see the building from inside.
4. The aqueduct – Kamares
The Larnaca Aqueduct, also known as the Kamares, is an impressive structure built in the 18th century by the Ottomans to bring water to the city. It is famous for its elegant stone arches, which span a considerable distance and are a symbol of the engineering of the time. The Aqueduct is a popular place to visit, with its outstanding architectural beauty and spectacular views over the region.
5. Pierides Museum
The Pierides Museum is a private museum housing a valuable collection of artifacts reflecting the history and culture of Cyprus. Founded by the Pierides family, the museum offers an in-depth look at the island’s traditions, with exhibits including handicrafts, jewelry, ceramics and art pieces from antiquity to modern times. This is a perfect place for history and culture lovers.
6. Finikoudes Beach
Finikoudes Beach in Larnaca is one of the most popular destinations on the Cypriot coastline, known for its fine sand and crystal-clear water. Situated right in the center of the city, it stretches along the seafront we mentioned earlier. It’s the ideal place for relaxing, swimming or strolling along the sea, and also offers water sports facilities. Finikoudes Beach is perfect for a summer’s day out to enjoy the sun and the lively atmosphere of the city.
7. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in Larnaca is a fascinating place, perfect for nature lovers. Here you will find an impressive collection of exhibits illustrating the flora and fauna of Cyprus. The museum displays native plant and animal species, including birds and insects, and gives you a deeper understanding of the island’s biodiversity. It is the ideal place to learn about the nature of Cyprus in an educational and interesting setting.
8. Salt lake
Larnaca’s Salt Lake is a special place for nature lovers. It is famous for its peaceful landscape and diverse wildlife, especially in winter when migrating flamingos can be spotted here. The lake is transformed into a haven for these birds, and the sight of them amid the crystal-clear waters is truly impressive. We were also very happy to see them here.
👉 See also the article – What to visit in Cyprus?
How much time do you need to visit Larnaca?
We spent about 3 hours in Larnaca. Unfortunately we didn’t have time for sightseeing and sightseeing inside. We would have loved to go inside the castle or the other museums, but our visit to Cyprus was too short.
If you want to see all there is to see in Larnaca, dedicate a whole day to the city. You won’t get bored, there really is a lot to see and do here.
Things to do in Larnaca – Cool activities
Larnaca, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, offers plenty of options for exciting activities.
And we always book one or more activities in the cities we visit just to enrich our experiences with unique memories.
Here are some activities we really enjoyed:
- Sunset cruise with a glass of wine
This is a very relaxing one and a half hour activity where you enjoy the sea waves and the sunset colors. Just imagine how nice it is to admire the city coastline while sipping a glass of chilled wine. And the price is very good – about 15 euros/person. But you have to book your seats in advance. We usually use Get Your Guide. You have the link below.
- Snorkeling the Zenobia wreck
The Zenobia wreck is one of the most famous diving wrecks in the world and lies off the coast of Larnaca. The ship, a Swedish cargo ferry, sank in
Where to eat well in Larnaca?
In Larnaca we tried 2 local tavernas, so we’ll let you know what it was like, how much we paid and what we ate.
In general, the food in Cyprus is good, so there’s nothing to worry about. Prices are average, neither low nor overpriced. But the portions are generous, which is true of all the restaurants I’ve eaten at in Cyprus.
Here are the 2 locations:
- The Blue Pine
The Blue Pine restaurant is not in the downtown area, but it’s worth the drive. We had a huge portion of ribs here, very good. Also, the chicken stew with fries and leek was enough for 2 people, even though it was a single serving. As for prices, the ribs were 22 euros and the stew 15. A beer is 6 euro/ 500 ml.
- Takis Kebab House
Takis Kebab House is a local tavern that has been serving Greek flavors on your plate for decades. It’s authentic and unpretentious. The dishes are made on the spot, always fresh. It’s not the most wow restaurant in terms of interior, but the food is very good, and the portions generous. A souvlaki is around €14.
Opinions about Larnaca
Larnaca is an interesting little town with sights and activities to suit all tastes.
It’s not really the destination to impress you, but it’s a nice place to walk around and take photos.
Because of its proximity to the airport, it can be busier than other towns in Cyprus. It’s therefore not very picturesque. But it has its charms.
It’s definitely not the city to go to as a vacation destination, but you can include it in your itinerary for a few hours or a day.
Were you here? Or are you about to go?
Write to us in the comments!