Larnaca Holidays

Top attractions

If you’ve booked a summer holiday to Larnaca, don’t miss Larnaca Summer Festival. Watch the village squares across the region come to life during the annual festival. Enjoy watching local dancing, traditional plays and fireworks displays. The most impressive celebrations take place in Larnaca Town’s Pattichion Amphitheatre and the medieval fort.

For an exciting day out, head to Anastasia Aquamania waterpark just outside Larnaca, between Pernera and Protaras. There are several pools, seven rainbow-coloured racer slides, a lazy river, and a children’s section. Another waterpark in the area is WaterWorld, Europe’s largest Greek-themed waterpark. Thrilling slides like Apollo’s Plunge, Phaethon’s Flume and The Fall of Icarus will take your breath away whilst the kids can take it easier in the Atlantis Activity Pool or the whole family can enjoy Aphrodite’s Bath.

Want to do something different? Take your shot at the Larnaca Olympic Shooting Range. In a safe and monitored environment you can practice shooting at clay targets and take part in fun competitions. All skill levels are catered for at the range, along with qualified staff who will guide you through your practice. Make a day of it and enjoy a Cypriot lunch at the onsite restaurant, as you take in the outdoor delights of the sprawling landscape below.

Down at the marina, you can see up to 200 berth yachts. Lined with charming palm trees and with views of the impressive collection of moored and sailing boats and yachts, the harbour is a wonderful spot to relax. You can enjoy a fresh coffee or even a glass of wine in one of the many taverns and cafes.

To witness the spectacular sight of over 85 species of migratory water birds, visit the Salt Lake in Larnaca. It is the natural habitat for flamingos and other birds. During January and February around 10,000 flamingos visit the lake, while in the summer months the lake dries up leaving a thick crust of salt.

Beaches

Larnaca hosts some of the biggest beach volley ball competitions, so it is no surprise that its beaches are high class. The beaches in Larnaca are characterised by their richly coloured sands and cool, shallow waters. To the west of the town are the quieter, more natural beaches, like Faros Beach which is ideal for families with young children as the sea is sheltered, shallow and calm.

For a bit more life, head to Phinikoudes beach which is bustling with lots of sunbathers. Potamos Bay Beach features a charming local fishing harbour with a traditional touch of Cyprus. If you want award winning beaches, rest your towel down on the Blue Flagged McKenzie and Phinikoudes beaches.

Another attraction to Larnaca is the fact that you have access to the whole Larnaca Region. Home to the popular resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras, there's no shortage of beaches or fun to be had.

Eating out

When it comes to food, there is something for every taste in Larnaca. With its mix of fine cuisine, seafood, local and international dishes, you will be spoilt for choice. Often family run and with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the local Greek tavernas are a brilliant place to eat. For authentic Cypriot dishes, book a table at Prasino Amaxoudi which serves some of the best traditional Cypriot meatballs, Sheftalia and other regional specialities. The Aquarium Bar Café is a family owned bar and café located on a boat in the old pier of Larnaca’s marina. You can choose to dine indoors or outdoors, enjoying meat, seafood, meze and other delicious dishes. Larnaca is overlooked by the Troödos Mountains which are home to sweeping vineyards and some of the best wineries in Cyprus. Follow the wine route that takes in three vineyards, past 11 traditional hillside villages, then invest in a wine tasting.

Nightlife

Whilst the nearby resort of Ayia Napa is one of the famous and buzzing night spots on Cyprus’ east coast, Larnaca has a more laid back feel however, whatever your age, you can have a night to remember. Enjoy live music at the Times Music Bar or go wild at Deep Club with a cocktail, then dance the night away. On Phinikoudes’ sea front you will find a huge range of bars and clubs where you can dance the night away to the beat of world famous DJs during the summer months.

Family holidays

When it comes to a family holiday, you cannot go to Larnaca and not have a beach day. Family favourite, Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa is a resort that boasts a golden beach, a huge water park WaterWorld and a lush green waterfront promenade, that is full of lovely eateries right night to the beach.

If the kids love the water, then spend an unforgettable family day out at Fasouri Watermania, where thrilling rides and lazy rivers await. Back on dry ground, take the children to meet the gentle donkeys at the Vouni Donkey Sanctuary. You will even be encouraged to help out.

Another family-friendly resort, one that's a little more laid-back, is Protaras. About an hours drive from Larnaca, Protaras provides peace, quiet and traditional Cypriot hospitality.

Couples holidays

The gorgeous bay washed with turquoise waters make Larnaca the destination for couples looking for a beautiful, relaxing holiday. The low-key resorts in the area will allow you to enjoy quality time together in tranquil surroundings.  It will be love at first sight when you get to the town of Protaras. With vine-wrapped tavernas and some of the prettiest coastal spots in the region, it is a quiet oasis away from the busy Larnaca.

Take a romantic walk in the countryside to the unspoilt hinterland of hill villages. Walk past the Neolithic sites at Tenta and Choirokoitia, as well as the spectacular Stavrovouni Monastery that sits on a mountaintop. Hiding a collection of medieval painted churches are the foothills of the Troödos Mountains, which are the ideal setting for a hike and picnic together.

Action & Adventure

Due to its proximity to the sea and mountains, Larnaca has a host of extreme activities. Whether you want to climb bare cliffs, drive go-karts, enjoy a paintball battle, scuba dive to explore wrecks or even relax by playing golf, you will find the right pursuit here. For a range of adventurous activities, visit Sayious Adventure Park and buckle up for a jeep safari, take aim at archery, amongst other action packed activities. Or challenge yourself rock climbing, mountain biking and kayaking at Zephyros Adventure Sports.

Culture

Full of history, Larnaca’s past is noticeable when you stroll down the winding streets of the historical Turkish Quarter. Here you can purchase a hand-crafted gift or take in the 17th century Larnaca Fort that harks back to a Cyprus that once was. Larnaca is also home to Ayia Phaneromeni, an unmissable rock cavern with two chambers. The town is renowned for its collection of six central museums, as well as its archaeological sites. The Byzantine Museum at the Church of Agios Lazaros and magnificent Greek Orthodox Church of Lazarus is worth a visit. Venture away from the tourist strip and you will find the real Cyprus. For the art-lover, you should head to Utopia, a private gallery with a display of African handicraft.