Cheap flights to Larnaca from RON89*

Larnaca (or Larnaka) makes for a wonderful seaside getaway whether you’re looking to soak up some summer heat or winter rays. But the sea is just one reason to visit this eastern Mediterranean gem. One of the oldest settlements in Europe and the third largest city in Cyprus, Larnaca itself is packed with enough attractions to keep you busy for days. Or why not use the city as a base for exploring the many wonders Aphrodite's island of love has to offer?

Fly to Larnaca, Cyprus for:

Larnaca is steeped in history, with its roots dating back to the 14th century BC. Since its days as an ancient Greek city-kingdom known as Kition, the town has seen many rulers come and go, including the Persians, the Byzantines and the Ottomans, with all of them contributing to its fascinating cultural medley. Today, much of the city’s action revolves around its long seafront promenade, Finikoudes, fringed with palm trees and lively bars and restaurants.

Cultural riches

Start with the 9th-century Byzantine Church of St Lazarus (Agios Lazaros), whom Jesus is said to have brought back to life four days after his death. A few steps away, the iconic Larnaca Fort stands guard at the end of the promenade, home to medieval cannons, tombstones and a small museum. Continue your stroll to Skala, the old Turkish quarter and wander its narrow streets for a glimpse into a bygone world. The whitewashed buildings, many of which house arts and crafts shops these days, could be straight out of a storybook with their colourful shutters and doors. If you only have time for one exhibition in Larnaca, make it the Pierides Museum. The Pierides family’s private collection showcases rare treasures spanning thousands of years. Want to see where it all began? Venture northwest of the city centre to admire the remains of ancient Kition, including Cyclopean walls and temples dating back to the 13th century BC. And if you’ve got Larnaca Salt Lake pencilled in, make sure to visit the white mosque of Hala Sultan Tekke, the sacred resting place of Prophet Mohammed’s beloved aunt.

Gluttonous eats

Marrying Turkish, Greek and Middle Eastern influences, local cuisine is just as diverse as the country’s history. Meaning ‘taste’, meze is a feast of up to 30 small platters, made to be lingered over and shared with friends and family. For your first meze experience, To Arxontikon, housed in a charming historical building by Finikoudes promenade, is a solid choice, or check out To Kazani, located a bit outside the city centre but worth the trip. With at least 6,000 years of tradition, Cyprus is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. Commandaria is the most famous variety, an amber-coloured sweet dessert wine produced on the sun-drenched foothills of the Troodos mountains. The Oak Tree Wine Cellar & Tasting Room in the historic centre is a good place to sample some local tipples. If you’re a die-hard wine aficionado, be sure to pick up a tourist information booklet and follow one of the island’s six wine trails.

Lively nightlife

You’ll be spoilt for choice around the Finikoudes, with many cafés doing double duty and turning into buzzing bars after sunset. Fancy a cocktail? Old Market Street, on a little side street off the promenade, is one of the most popular bars in town, and with good reason. Head there for a laid-back ambience and an imaginative cocktail menu. During the summer, Larnaca’s Mackenzie Beach is also a great choice, especially if you’re into electronic music. For a more traditional pub experience, the Seagull Bar is the place to go, offering a good selection of beers on tap and bottled. Ready for an all-nighter? Make your way to the island’s party capital, Ayia Napa (Agia Napa), just 60 kilometres to the east.

Nissi Beach and other day trips

If you’re after golden sands and shallow waters, plus cafés and bars, both Finikoudes Beach and Mackenzie Beach tick all the boxes. Or why not jump on a bus and make your way to Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa? Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and snow-white sand, this is a photographer’s paradise and easily the most famous beach in the entire Mediterranean. Nearby Makronissos Beach, boasting stunning rock formations, is a bit less crowded but no less spectacular. No visit to Larnaca is complete without a day trip to the Larnaca Salt Lake, just outside the city and close to Larnaca Airport. In winter, you can spot flamingos strutting around, while in summer, see the water slowly evaporate, leaving a white layer of crust all around the area. How about some scuba diving? Just outside Mackenzie, Zenobia is ranked as one of the top ten wreck dives in the world, suitable for divers of all levels. MS Zenobia was a Swedish-built cargo ship laden with some 100 trucks that sank just off the coast in 1980. Today divers from all across the globe flock here to scour the ghostly vessel and the surrounding scrapyard.

Larnaca airport

Larnaca International Airport (LCA) is located 4 kilometres southwest of Larnaca and is the main international gateway to Cyprus. It has one main terminal building, which is easy to get around and offers plenty of seating. For extra comfort, book a pass to the Larnaca Airport lounges, complete with designated quiet zones, complimentary food and drink, and showers for freshening up. How to get to and from the airport? There are public buses to Larnaca just outside the departure hall as well as express buses to Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos.

Weather in Larnaca

There’s no bad time to visit Cyprus, enjoying a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and mild, somewhat wetter winters, with temperatures still hovering in double figures between December to February. Peak season is from late June to August. Expect 12-13 hours of sunshine a day at the height of summer and about six hours of sun in the winter. Snow is restricted to the peaks of the Troodos Mountains, where you can even go skiing in colder months.

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