Larnaca – Cyprus

Larnaca, the pearl on the south coast of Cyprus welcomes you with open arms. The town is large enough to be classed as a city, yet small enough to have a village feel over it. Confusing? Just head down to the sea front promenade and let yourself get carried away be the positive energy in the town.

When the plane goes in for a landing at the Larnaca airport you are greeted by a palette of turquoise waters and endless white beaches. You may think that the plane will land on the beach, the approach to Larnaca airport is one of the coolest in the world.
The airport is located just a stone’s throw from Mackenzie Beach giving you a short transfer time to your chosen hotel.

It feels like the plane will land right on the beach.

So much to see and do in Larnaca
Larnaca is full of history and in the centre there are remnants of the ancient city Kition.  There’s plenty to see and do in Larnaca.

You feel the pulse of a big city in Larnaca, but amidst all the modern buildings, you can step into the small picturesque alleys in the old part of the town. Everything is within easy walking distance, yes, even the beach is right in the centre of the town.

On the sea front promenade you will find many hotels, restaurants, cafés and pubs. Starbucks and McDonalds has long been established here as well. The nightlife in Larnaca is concentrated to the sea front where you will find most of the action.

At the far end of the promenade you will find the marina with all the excursion boats and private boats that you happily can drool over for some time.

Shopping in Larnaca
Shopping is a great past time in Larnaca, the parallel street to the promenade is “Zinonos Kiteos” where you’ll find famous brands like The Body Shop, Zarah, Marks & Spencer Berska, Top Shop, Fendi and Ecco.

If you are looking for that perfect souvenir, no doubt you will find it here in Larnaca.

On the next parallel street you will find “Ermou Street”, which is a paradise for shopping. The big chains have not yet knocked out the quaint little shops and boutiques in Cyprus. If you are on the hunt for a perfect souvenir there is no doubt that you will find it here

Most shops in Larnaca are open from 09.00 to 13.30 – 16.00 to 19.00. But times may vary, and in the winter very few shops close  for siesta or a lunch break. During the peak season the siesta is normally taken around between 13.30 – 17.00. The shop owners then head for a shady place on the beach for a couple of hours.

Markets in Larnaca
The municipal indoor market now serves as the local market in Larnaca, there are plans to create a new market place, but for now you will find the market next to the large parking lot at the end of Ermou Street close to St Lazarus church.

The market offers a little bit more than just fruits and vegetables and is open Monday-Saturday 8:00 a to 19.00 except on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8.00 to 14.00.

Larnaca Bay
Dhekelia or Larnaca Bay as may people prefer to call is is a tourist area about 5 kilometres east of Larnaca. Here you’ll find many luxury, mid-range hotels and many hotel apartments with good standard.
There are local buses going into town several times per hour and the journey takes about fifteen minutes depending on the traffic.
In Larnaca Bay, there are plenty of restaurants, pubs, banks and souvenir shops. And if you are looking for hectic night life, this is the place to be.

Larnaca Bay with it's wonderful beaches and nice hotels.

The 6 km long beach is in some places shallow, there are plenty of beach chairs, umbrellas, water sports, kiosks and restaurants here. A bit out in the water, you see the breakwaters which makes it safe to swim even when there are big waves.
In Larnaca Bay the tourist season last from April – October, however, some major hotels are open year round. But if you are looking for a busy spot, choose Larnaca centre during the winter months.

Mackenzie
Mackenzie is another beautiful tourist area about 800 meters west of the old part of Larnaca. When you approach Larnaca by plane you will see this beautiful beach. And what better view can one have from the hotel window – turquoise sea and planes approaching for landing.

The Mackenzie beach is shallow and suitable for families, there are no disturbing water sports at this beach. There are plenty of fish restaurants in this part of Larnaca, and also many small shops and pubs.

Although it is so close to the centre of Larnaca, the Mackenzie area feels like as a small quiet town.