What to do in Larnaca: 15 Amazing Spots

Are you planning a trip to Cyprus and wondering what to do in Larnaca? Most people come to Larnaca for the beach; however, there is so much more to this part of the island than just sea and sand. A city that is packed with history, ancient ruins, sandy beaches, and fantastic food. There is something for everyone! While Larnaca isn’t the biggest city in the country, it is home to the most popular airport, so it is highly likely this is where you will start your trip. And here is why you should spend at least a day discovering what to do in Larnaca.

What to do in Larnaca

Here are the best sights and activities to enjoy when visiting Larnaca.

Visit the Church of St Lazarus

This might just be one of the most stunning churches I have been inside. It is so ornately decorated that you will need some time just to take it in. The church lies over the tomb of St. Lazarus, who came to Cyprus after being resurrected by Jesus. You can go down into the crypt to see the tomb for yourself. There is also a shrine in the church which contains some of his bones. It is after this saint that the city takes its name, and the church itself is a fine example of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus.

Walk the Finikoudes Promenade

The most famous road in Larnaca, Finikoudes Promenade, is a must-visit when deciding what to do in Larnaca and is perfect for a wander first thing in the morning or early evening. It runs between the castle and Larnaca Marina, and is lined with palm trees. On one side, you will find taverns, cafes and restaurants and on the other, Finikoudes Beach, which is Larnaca’s most famous and central sandy spot.

Discover Larnaka Medieval Castle – What to do in Larnaca

At one end of Finikaoudes Promenade is the medieval castle of Larnaca. It was built in the Middle Ages to protect the town’s harbour and is believed to have taken its current form during the Ottoman period. Today, there are three rooms to explore, which house the small Larnaca Medieval Museum. You can also head up to the top and have great views down over Finikoudes Promenade and the beach.

Take A Pottery Class

If your top idea of what to do in Larnaca involves something creative, then try a pottery class! Studio Ceramics offers 2-hour workshops where you get the chance to make your own pottery creation.  The studio was established in 1991 by Efthymios and Ingela Symeou, and is situated in the old part of Larnaca. The staff are very friendly and will help guide you through the class while allowing you to learn the techniques. Sadly, I don’t think it is where my talents lie; however, there is also a shop in the studio where you can purchase some of their handmade products.

Try a Brandy Sour

The Brandy Sour is the unofficial national cocktail of Cyprus! It was invented for the King of Egypt in the 1930’s, who loved Cypriot brandy. However, as a Muslim, he couldn’t be seen to be drinking alcohol, so he asked the staff to create a drink using brandy that looked like an iced tea, so that it wouldn’t be obvious he was enjoying alcohol. It is made with Cypriot brandy, which is traditionally sweeter, Angostura bitters, soda water (or lemonade) and ice. I enjoyed them during a cocktail-making class at Sunmoon Creatives. It is a creative space for social activities, arts, education and amusement, but they do open the bar on a Thursday night, so well worth checking out. A fantastic addition to any ‘what to do in Larnaca’ list.

Wander the Turkish Cypriot Streets – What to do in Larnaca

Close by to the castle is the old Turkish Cypriot quarter, which is one of Larnaca’s interesting areas. The streets are narrow and full of old Ottoman-era buildings, which are crumbling, as well as colourful doorways and, of course, lots of cats. It is a little rough around the edges, which makes it even more interesting. Make sure to grab a coffee and wander the streets to see a side of the city that most people don’t get to.

Spend an afternoon on Mackenzie Beach

Mackenzie Beach is situated right next to Larnaca Airport, so if you are a plane lover, this is a must-visit! It is a world-famous spot for plane-spotting, as there are thrilling views of low-flying aircraft as they come into land. The beach itself is a 1KM stretch, known for its shallow, crystal-clear waters and fine sand. There are also lots of tavernas right behind, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat.

Explore the Pierides Archaeological Museum

The Pierides Archaeological Museum is the oldest private museum in Cyprus, and is home to a comprehensive collection. This was assembled by the Pierides family and includes some of the most representative items of the island’s civilisation. The museum talks about the economic, social and cultural development over thousands of years in Cyprus. The objects on display date from 4000 BC to the 15th century AD, and are important in telling the story of a centuries-old civilisation that flourished in Cyprus.

See the Ancient Kition ruins – What to do in Larnaca

The Archaeological site of the ancient city-kingdom of Kition is proof that Mycenaean Achaeans arrived in Larnaca in the 13th century BC and stayed until the end of the 11th century BC. As well as the fact that the Phoenicians then inhabited the city in the 9th century BC. The most interesting architectural remains are those of the Temple of Aphrodite-Astarte, built by Phoenician masons. The site is one of the first that the Cyprus Department of Antiquities excavated after independence in the early 1960’s.

Browse Larnaca Municipal Market

Larnaca Municipal Market opened in 2023 and is home to 20 stalls selling local produce, wine, and baked goods. It was built on the site of the former original market, which closed in 1996. The new market is modern, but retains the traditions of an ‘agora’ (local market). The stalls can be found on the ground floor, with the mezzanine level for cafes and cultural events, and the upper level has a terrace with a seating area, a roof garden and a bar.

Enjoy a Seafood Meze By Larnaca’s Fishing Harbour

If you head down to the working fish port of Larnaca, you can find some of the best fish meze in Cyprus. Zephyros Restaurant is a well-known seafood spot with fresh, plentiful dishes. It has been in operation since 1976 and is a true local institution. The fish meze is widely regarded as among the best in Cyprus.

Watch flamingos at Larnaca Salt Lake

If you are visiting Larnaca at the right time of year, you will be treated to the sight of flamingos on the Larnaca Salt Lake. In the summer, the water evaporates into a salt flat, leaving a large, stunning, white expanse. However, between the winter months of November and March, rainfall transforms the flat back into a lake. During this time, it becomes home to over 85 varieties of migratory birds. The most famous of these is the pink flamingo, which flocks here to eat the shrimp that feed on the lake’s dark red algae. The flamingo population can reach tens of thousands, making it quite a spectacular sight.

The lake is located right next to Larnaca Airport, and there is a 4 km trail that you can walk along to take in the views.

Visit the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque – What to do in Larnaca

The town of Hala Sultan Tekke was a Late Bronze Age settlement and sits on the western edge of Larnaca Salt Lake. The mosque was built in 648 AD on the spot where Umm Haram, who was thought to be a close relative of the Prophet Mohammed, died after falling from her mule during one of the first Arab raids on Cyprus.

Today, the mosque is an important Islamic monument, and one of the most revered sites in the Muslim world and is still used for religious purposes. It is open all year round to visit, but do remember to dress respectfully.

Learn About Herbs at Cyherbia

A hidden gem located around 40KM from Larnaca, but well worth the drive! Cyherbia is a unique place to visit for a fun day out. Here you can take part in workshops to make soap and face mist, get lost in the maze created by the owners, and wander through the herb gardens to learn about the property. There is also a cafe on site which does the most delicious herbal drinks, and a shop where you can buy fabulous products. The owner is so passionate about what they do and about the properties of herbs when it comes to healing. Which makes this a really special place to visit.

Take a Day Trip – What to do in Larnaca

While you are based in Larnaca, there are plenty of options for taking some fantastic day trips:

Ayia Napa: About 40 minutes east of Larnaca, Ayia Napa is famous for its nightlife, but there’s plenty to enjoy during the day too. The coastline around Cape Greco is stunning, with sea caves, crystal-clear water, and some of the best beaches in Cyprus. It makes for an easy and rewarding half-day or full-day trip.

Find out everything you need to see and do in Ayia Napa:
What to do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus: A Complete Guide

Troodos Mountains: For something completely different, head up into the Troodos for cool air, pine forests, and pretty mountain villages. Stop in Omodos to browse the cobbled streets and try some local wine, or seek out one of the painted Byzantine churches that dot the hillsides. Several are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Boat Trip along the Coast: One of the best ways to see Larnaca’s coastline is from the water. Several operators run trips from the marina, ranging from leisurely cruises along the shore to snorkelling excursions out to quieter coves and sea caves. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to spend a day, and on a clear day, the water is an almost unreal shade of blue.

Where to Stay in Larnaca

There is a wide range of hotels in Larnaca to suit every budget:

LUXURY: Hotel Indigo Larnaca – A stylish boutique hotel with a modern design that nods to old Larnaca’s charm. It has a rooftop pool, sea views, and a great restaurant, and it’s well-placed for exploring the city centre.

MID-RANGE: Leonardo Boutique Hotel – A reliable and well-located option just a five-minute walk from the beach. Rooms are comfortable and clean, the breakfast gets good reviews, and there’s a well-equipped gym on site. Great value for the location.

BUDGET: Mariandy Hotel – A quiet, friendly little hotel a short drive from the centre, with the beach just a five-minute walk away. It has a nice pool area, breakfast included, and a relaxed, family feel. A solid place to stay if you want to keep costs down.

How to get to Larnaca

The airport for the city is Larnaca International Airport (LCA), which is a mere 8km away from the city centre and takes approximately 15 minutes to drive. Jet2 offers flights to Larnaca from several UK airports, making it a convenient choice for British travellers.

Once you land, you have a few options for getting into the city centre. A private transfer or taxi is the most hassle-free option, taking around 15 minutes directly to your hotel door. There is also an airport bus service, with tickets costing just a few euros, though journey times can be longer depending on the route.

In terms of getting around once you are there, hiring a car is strongly recommended. Larnaca’s city centre and promenade are very walkable, but having a car makes it much easier to visit the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and Salt Lake, explore the coastal road south towards Mackenzie Beach, and take day trips to nearby spots like Choirokoitia or the Troodos Mountains.

How long do you need in Larnaca?

Two to three days is a great amount of time to spend in Larnaca, which would allow you to experience the best of what the city has to offer. In that time, you can visit the historical sites, take part in something creative and experience the culture.

That said, if you have more time, it is absolutely worth staying longer. Not only does the wider Larnaca region have plenty more to discover, but there is also enough in the area itself to fill four or five days comfortably. This also gives you plenty of time to take a day trip or two, and visit some of the sites that are a little further out. Overall, the more time you can give it, the better.

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Heading to Cyprus, check out these posts to help you plan your trip:

• What to do in Ayia Napa
• Three-Day Ayia Napa Itinerary

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