Larnaca is a beautiful city with many local restaurants, good cocktails bars, and nice sites to visit.
I tLarnaca is a charming city in Cyprus, featuring great local restaurants, bars, beautiful sites to visit, and a lovely promenade to stroll along. It’s definitely worth visiting and dedicating two to three days to explore. Additionally, Larnaca is a short drive from Ayia Napa and Protaras, so if you rent a car, you can also visit these towns for more attractions.
Tips Before Flying to Larnaca
SIM Card for Abroad
I recommend using an eSIM, and I suggest the company Airalo. I was very pleased with their user experience (simple video tutorials for setting up the SIM card), and everything worked without issues.
For blog followers, there is a 15% discount code for Airalo when purchasing an eSIM. To use the discount, click this link. The discount code is already included in the link and will appear at checkout.
The main downside is that some devices don’t support eSIM. How do you know if your device supports an eSIM? It’s simple: click this link for a list of supported devices.
Car Rental in Larnaca
Public transportation in Larnaca and Cyprus generally isn’t very convenient. Buses and taxis will be sufficient if you’re coming only for a beach vacation. However, if you also want to explore, I recommend renting a car. Driving here is indeed on the left side, but as someone who lives here, I can say that you get used to it quickly.
You can search for rental cars using the search engine Paapm Paapm. I personally love using it because it saves me time (instead of checking multiple websites) and lets you filter out unreliable car rental companies. I wrote a detailed post on car rentals abroad, and I recommend reading it, especially if this is your first time renting a car.
Special Offer for Blog Followers: I recommend renting a car from Cosmos, and I received a 10% discount coupon from the owner for online bookings. To rent a car directly from Cosmos, don’t forget to use the coupon code trvbox at checkout. Full details on car rentals in Cyprus.
Where to Stay in Larnaca? Recommended Hotels in Larnaca
Radisson Blu Hotel
Radisson Blu is a five-star hotel located just 10 minutes by car from the city center, the beach, and the new mall. We stayed in the suite with a panoramic view, and as Mayush described it: “Wow, what a room!” The suite includes a bedroom, living room, two bathrooms, a bathtub, a shower, a coffee machine, a pillow menu, and a balcony with a panoramic view of the city and sea.
The hotel features a pool, bar, gym, sauna, cafe, lounge, Japanese restaurant, steakhouse, and a sky bar. The service is exceptional, and overall, the hotel is fantastic. Most of the time, we relaxed by the pool, and the rest of the time we ordered room service to enjoy the lovely balcony. Breakfast was wonderful, with various cheeses, smoked salmon, pastries, pancakes, eggs of your choice (including eggs Benedict), bread, fresh orange juice, and more.
Book the hotel and read more reviews.
The Quality Lodge Boutique Hotel
The Quality Lodge is a modern boutique hotel that opened two years ago. It’s located in a quiet area of Larnaca, so it’s an excellent option for those with a car or those looking for peace. The hotel has spacious rooms with a separate bedroom and living room, and each room has a balcony. There is an outdoor pool, a small playground, and a restaurant. It’s just a three-minute walk from the beach.
We’ve stayed here twice and enjoyed it both times. On one occasion, we visited in the winter because it was close to the Christmas market in Larnaca and a wonderful vacation.
Book the hotel and read more reviews.
Sun Hall Hotel on the Promenade
Sun Hall Hotel is in an excellent location right on the promenade, just 50 meters from the beach. It’s a 4-star hotel offering breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a gym. The promenade has many restaurants and bars, making the hotel’s location fantastic.
Book the hotel and read more reviews.
Elenora Hotel Apartments
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option in a central location, we previously stayed at the lovely Elenora Hotel Apartments, which is located right in the heart of the city near restaurants, bars, and the promenade. The rooms are spacious, with a kitchen, balcony, and living room. There’s free parking and very kind service. We loved the location, which allowed us to walk to the beach and nearby restaurants and bars.
Note: I recommend requesting a rear-facing room, not one facing the main street, as the nearby bar plays music until 2 AM.
Book the hotel and read more reviews.
Jimmy’s Suites Hotel
In December 2024, we decided to spend a weekend in Larnaca to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. We chose a simple hotel, knowing we wouldn’t spend much time in the room and preferred to save on accommodation costs.
Jimmy’s Suites is in a super central area, surrounded by many cafes, restaurants, and shops. There’s no reception desk on-site, and check-in is done independently using access codes. The process was simple and quick, and communication with the staff was very convenient. When we requested extra towels, they arrived promptly.
The main drawbacks for me were the construction work across from the hotel that woke us up at 7 AM on Saturday and the relatively low level of maintenance – but the place was clean.
In short, this is definitely a good option if you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation in a central location.
Book the hotel and read more reviews.
By the way, if you’re looking for a boutique hotel in a central location, our friends stayed at two different hotels that they liked:
Christmas in Larnaca
Although Christmas in Cyprus isn’t as extravagant as in big European cities, there’s still a festive atmosphere. Every year, Larnaca hosts a Christmas Market with over 200 stalls offering souvenirs and food, creating a lovely vibe in the city. You’ll find a decorated Christmas tree and festive decorations in the old city centre at Saint Lazarus Square. This year, the Christmas market in Larnaca will take place from December 6 to 8.
- Opening Hours: Friday 17:00–22:00, Saturday & Sunday 15:00–22:00.
Additionally, 8 villages in Cyprus are selected yearly to host Christmas celebrations with even more decorations and festive activities. The villages this year are:
- Agros
- Deryneia
- Fikardou
- Kalopanayiotis
- Kiti (20 minutes drive from Larnaca)
- Kyperounta
- Laiki Geitonia (Lefkosia)
- Lefkara
The Christmas villages will operate from November 23, 2024, until January 6, 2025, during the following times:
- Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
- Daily from December 23, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
Full post about Christmas in Cyprus
Larnaca Salt Lake
Larnaca’s Salt Lake is one of Cyprus’s most well-known natural sites. Located west of the city and close to the airport, it’s wonderful at sunset. The lake serves as a temporary home for migratory water birds, and during autumn and winter, you’ll see tens of thousands of pink flamingos stopping here to feed. Directions.
Hala Sultan Tekke
This Muslim mosque, located on the western shore of the Salt Lake, is also known as “The Holy Mother” because it’s believed to house the remains of the prophet Muhammad’s stepmother. One of the unique experiences here is the many cats that gather around visitors looking for attention. If you’re a cat lover, this is the perfect spot to visit! If cats aren’t your thing – consider this a warning. Directions.
Opening Hours: 08:30–17:00
Address: Tekke Road, Dromolaxia, Cyprus
Kamares Aqueduct
This charming site features a trail leading directly to the Salt Lake. We took a 30-minute walk there, but the trail is about 4 km long, so you can walk its full length or just part of it. Directions.
Church of Saint Lazarus
This historic Greek Orthodox church sits in the heart of Larnaca. Built in the 9th century, it is considered one of the island’s most important and impressive churches. The church is named after Lazarus, who, according to Christian tradition, was resurrected by Jesus and later became the bishop of Cyprus.
It’s located in Saint Lazarus Square, in the city’s historical centre, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and small shops. Its central location makes it a notable landmark easy to reach on foot from the main promenade. Directions.
Larnaca Old Town
The entire Old Town area is full of life, with cozy cafes, bars, and restaurants. You’ll find charming, colorful architecture and plenty of spots to explore. I recommend starting at Saint Lazarus Square and wandering through the nearby alleys. Since it’s just a short walk from the sea, you can continue to the beach, promenade, and Larnaca Castle.
Metropolis Mall
Larnaca’s modern Metropolis Mall, opened in 2021, offers a wide variety of international and local fashion brands, sports stores like Decathlon, restaurants, and even a children’s play area. The full list of stores in the mall.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00–22:00. Directions.
If you’re hungry, I highly recommend the Aldente restaurant located inside the mall – it’s excellent!
Larnaca Promenade
The seaside promenade features the museum, Larnaca Castle, and numerous restaurants. It’s a lovely place for a stroll. If you visit with children, you’ll find playgrounds and a trampoline park that opens at 14:00.
Larnaca Castle
Located at the southern end of the Finikoudes Promenade, this historic castle has served as a fortress, prison, and military base over the centuries. It was built in the 13th century and later renovated in the 17th century under Ottoman rule. Today, it is a museum showcasing artefacts from various periods of Cypriot history. From the top of the castle, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Larnaca, the promenade, and the Mediterranean Sea. Directions.
Indoor Playground for Kids
If you’re with kids and looking for an indoor activity, you can visit the Fun Factory play area. We’ve been to this play area a few times, and it has always been nice. There is a gymboree and play zones for the little ones as well. The play area also has a restaurant with great food. We spent a few enjoyable hours there. In my opinion, the play area is best suited for ages 2-5.
The play area is open every day from 10:00 to 21:00.
SALTO Trampoline Park
Right on the promenade, near the Sunhall Hotel, is a trampoline park mainly suitable for children aged 5 and up.
The park features a variety of trampolines, both in covered areas and outdoors. The outdoor area also has a grassy section, several picnic tables, and food stands, making the visit pleasant and convenient for families. Directions.
Recommended Beach
Finikoudes Beach, A lovely beach near the castle with sunbeds and umbrellas. The rental cost is €2.5 per item. Finikoudes Beach is one of the most popular and well-known beaches in Larnaca, Cyprus. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a perfect combination of relaxation, entertainment, and convenience.
Recommended Restaurants and Cafés
Wok and Oven
We loved the Thai restaurant Wok and Oven, a small and very authentic place. Reservations are a must since there aren’t many seats. All the dishes we ordered were excellent, with true Thai flavours. Directions.
Aldente Restaurant
Aldente restaurant in Larnaca Mall offers a cozy dining experience that blends Italian flavors with a modern and stylish ambience. Known for its delicious Italian cuisine, it’s a great spot for visitors looking for quality food in a relaxed setting while shopping or exploring the mall.
Red Pepper Restaurant
An Italian and steakhouse restaurant. There’s a different menu every day. You can opt for a three-course meal for €48 per person or choose individual dishes from the menu. The atmosphere is great, and the service is wonderful. We visited with Maya when she was little and enjoyed it. Directions.
Chef Grill Restaurant
A meat restaurant in the old town that offers great skewers and meats, with an excellent location. Directions.
Mingle Café
An excellent café located in the Qbic hotel (a new boutique hotel in the center of the old city), just a 5-minute walk from St. Lazarus Church. It has a diverse menu with brunch and lunch options, and plenty of choices for vegans. The coffee is excellent, and so is the food. I ordered a sweet potato dish with chickpeas, spinach, mushrooms, and yogurt, and it was simply delicious! Directions.
Edem’s Yard Café
A fantastic café for breakfast, with a varied menu offering all kinds of dishes at great prices.
The only downside is that it’s very popular, both among locals and tourists, so on weekend mornings, it can get quite crowded. My recommendation: arrive as soon as it opens to avoid the rush.
Maya especially loved the ricotta pancake dish. For Sophie, we ordered scrambled eggs with tomatoes and cream cheese, while Roman and I thoroughly enjoyed the pear Benedict with salmon. Directions.
Smoothie Factory Café
Honestly, we came to this café after seeing photos of their brunch dishes, which looked really good. However, we arrived at 9:00 only to discover that brunch starts at 10:00.
Nevertheless, we really liked the place, mainly because of its variety of healthy breakfast options that aren’t brunch-related. The menu features dishes like muesli, chia with peanut butter, fruit salad, and more. There are seating options both indoors and outdoors. Directions.
A few years ago, we were in Larnaca (when we were a couple without kids), and we visited a few other restaurants and bars. (It’s recommended to check if these places are still open as they may have closed since.) Link to an article about recommended restaurants and bars in Larnaca.
Day Trips Outside Larnaca
Cape Greco Reserve
A stunning nature reserve that I highly recommend dedicating at least 3 hours to, or even more. There are very easy and pleasant hiking trails, a beautiful natural bridge, a picnic area, and simply amazing sea views. I recommend bringing food for a picnic, as it’s really nice to sit there, whether at the picnic tables or in nature itself. It’s a 45-minute drive from Larnaca, located in Ayia Napa. Directions.
On the way back from the reserve, we stopped to eat in Ayia Napa at Liquid, a western-style restaurant. It’s not a local place and is quite touristy, but the pasta dishes there were excellent and very well-prepared. If you’re hungry after visiting the reserve, this is a good option for a satisfying meal.
Pano Lefkara Village
A picturesque village with local restaurants, charming cafés, and plenty of lace shops. You’ll also find a local wine shop with a variety of wines and liqueurs. Detailed post about Pano Lefkara.
Additional things to do in Larnaca and the area
Special Offer for Blog Followers
If you’re planning a trip to Cyprus and are looking for someone to plan independent car-based trips (minimum 3 days) or a private guided tour with a driver (also suitable for large groups), I highly recommend contacting Roni Schwartz. WhatsApp link to contact Roni
If you book one of Roni’s services and mention you came through me, you’ll receive a special offer.
I hope my post was helpful. If it was, I’d love for you to comment below, and if you have more questions, feel free to ask them in the comments or reach out to me on the blog’s social media: Facebook and Instagram.
Looking for more information about Cyprus? I have more posts about Cyprus on my blog.
More posts I wrote on that
Great day trips in Cyprus
In which hotels we stayed at while in Cyprus
Cyprus: Itinerary in Cyprus – Recommendations for accommodation, restaurants and attractions
Village of Pano Lefkara in Cyprus: a magical family vacation
A picturesque village in Cyprus: Kalavasos
What to do in Cyprus in winter
Relocation to Cyprus – why did we choose to move to Cyprus?
Cyprus with kids