Larnaca holidays

Larnaca holidays

Deals from £395 per person

From beach fun to discovering the rich local culture, Larnaca holidays have it all. Situated on the south-eastern edge of Cyprus, the coastline around the city boasts some of the country’s best beaches and diving sites, perfect if you’re a bit of a water baby! There are plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep little ones happy, too.

And there are lots of archaeological sites to explore if you love a bit of history. When it comes to food, you’ll find a cosmopolitan choice of restaurants, cafés and bars catering to every taste, from sampling the delicious local wines and Cypriot cuisine, to enjoying fish and chips or pizza.

Things to do

From exploring the antique shops of the old town to hitting the water on a banana boat, there’s something for everyone on your Larnaca holiday. The soft golden sands and shallow waters of Nissi Beach are a short bus ride away, putting you within easy reach of one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

The thrilling complex of slides and pools at Water World, Cyprus’ largest water park, are at nearby Ayia Napa, and are a must-visit for families.

Fancy something more laid back? Simply stay and enjoy a leisurely lunch along Larnaca’s bustling palm-lined seafront promenade. In the evening enjoy your meal like a local at a quiet taverna, or head to the bright lights of nearby party-capital Ayia Napa to dance the night away.

History and culture

Being the oldest city in Cyprus, it’s no surprise that Larnaca has so much history to explore. The historical centre offers visitors a whole host of museums and ancient sites to visit, such as the famous Saint Lazarus Church and Larnaca Fort. And what’s more, the size of the city means that you can easily make your way around the most popular hotspots by foot.

Night life and dining

Larnaca’s modern city was built on top of the ruins of the ancient city of Kition. In its place, you will now find a huge selection of bars, restaurants and cafés where you can indulge in all the local food and drink. You’ll find plenty of places along the seafront promenade where you can take a seat and watch the world go buy whilst enjoying a drink or two. Or, if you prefer things a little more fast paced, there is a good selection of clubs and discos too.

Choice of beaches

Larnaca has a wealth of sandy beaches stretching along its coastline. Two of the most famous beaches in the Larnaca area are McKenzie Beach and also Phinikoudes Beach, boasting blue flag status. Phinikoudes is situated just north of the city and is lined with countless palm trees. It’s the main tourist area of Larnaca and is surrounded by a huge choice of shops, bars and restaurants. Venture further afield and you’ll find no less than 14 blue flag beaches in the Ayia Napa area.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Ayia NapaLimassol | Nissi Bay | Paphos | Protaras

 

Map of Larnaca

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27 ℃

The hot and sunny summer months of June, July and August are popular with beach lovers.

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4.5 hours

Larnaca International Airport (LCA).

Larnaca is best for...

Families: Protaras and Pernera resorts are firm favourites for families, with a choice of safe, clean beaches and a more relaxed nightlife.    

Beach lovers: You’ll find the best beaches in Cyprus here. Head to the famous Nissi Beach or popular Fig Tree Bay and sink your toes into the soft white sand. 

Party animals: Hit the dance floor 24-7 in party-town Ayia Napa. As well as the wild foam parties, you’ll find plenty of spots for more refined cocktails too.

Fast facts for Larnaca

Language: Greek and Turkish.

Currency: The local currency is the Euro (€).

Local time: Larnaca is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Larnaca International Airport. You're right at the centre of Larnaca after leaving the airport.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Larnaca is 4–5 hours.

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at https://www.visitcyprus.com/index.php/en/.

 

Getting around Larnaca

By bus: Buses are a cheap and easy way to get around, linking the main locations. 

By car: Hiring a car in Larnaca or at the airport gives you more freedom to explore when and where you want. There are plenty of options available and you can organise your rental before you arrive or when you get here.

By bike: The flat seafront promenade is ideal for a gentle cycle. There are a number of places where you can hire a bike, and it’s a pleasant way to get around.

Events in Larnaca

Summer Festival: In July, Larnaca holds its annual Summer Festival. A mix of art and cultural events, the festival features a programme of dance, music and theatrical performances, as well as poetry readings and film screenings. 

Wine festival: Cyprus has a thriving wine making industry. Each year this is celebrated at the Limassol Wine Festival. For the cost of a small entrance fee you’ll be able to sample unlimited local wines while being entertained by live music. It’s also a great place to try some of the local food. Around an hour’s drive away, it takes place at the Municipal Gardens in Limassol in August/September.

Ayia Napa festival: Every August, Ayia Napa hosts its Summer Festival to celebrate local culture and traditions. It takes place in the town’s bustling main square with a packed programme of concerts and exhibitions that give you a real flavour of island life. 

Larnaca weather

Temperature: Averages 25-27°C in summer.

Best time to visit: June and July are popular with beach lovers.
Cyprus experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot and sunny summers that begin warming up around May. The hottest month to go on holiday to Larnaca is July, which has around 12 hours of sunshine a day and an average temperature of 27°C.

Best hotels in Larnaca

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Popular questions for Larnaca
Larnaca explained
Is Larnaca cheap?

Larnaca is fairly cheap, though not compared to some other areas of Cyprus. If you’re budgeting on food, travel and sightseeing, it is possible to spend no more than around 30 euro a day. If you’re planning to travel and see the sights, you should keep around 50 euro per person, per day in the kitty.

Where’s the best place to go shopping in Larnaca?

Larnaca’s town centre is located just behind Finikoudes beach, one of the most famous on the south side of Cyprus. There are modern boutiques, international supermarkets, big-name fashion brands and local wineries.
 

Where should I go to eat in Larnaca?

Many of the more popular restaurants are located in the town centre, just behind Finikoudes beach. There’s a decent representation of world cuisines, so you’ll be bound to find something to satisfy any specific cravings. If you’re after traditional Cypriot cooking, you’d be better off venturing off the tourist trail to a local taverna, such as To Kazani Traditional Tavern or Grada Tavern.