Larnaca: The Peaceful City with £26 Flights
If you're looking for a relaxed and last-minute winter escape, Larnaca on the south coast of Cyprus could be the perfect destination. This sunny city offers a mix of beautiful beaches, peaceful promenades, and warm temperatures that can reach up to 22°C in November.
Despite being just a 40-minute drive from the lively Ayia Napa, Larnaca is known as the "city of peace," making it ideal for those who prefer a more tranquil holiday. Getting there is also budget-friendly, with easyJet offering flights from London Luton for as low as £26 on Saturday, November 22.
Here are some must-do activities when visiting this ancient city:
Beaches for Days
Larnaca boasts at least 18 stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm. Finikoudes Beach is the city's main attraction, featuring a 600-meter stretch of sand, palm trees, and sunbeds and umbrellas available for hire.
Kastela Beach is a family favorite due to its clear, shallow waters. Yiannades Beach offers a peaceful setting with some of the warmest waters on the island, along with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
Mackenzie Beach is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, where you can try jet skiing, parasailing, and water skiing. The local watersports company offers SUP board rentals for €15 per day and private windsurfing lessons for €100 per day.
For diving lovers, the Zenobia Wreck is a famous site from the 1980s. With great visibility and a weak current, it's suitable for both experienced divers and beginners.
Steeped in History
Larnaca has a rich historical background, including its connection to Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism. He established the Stoic School of thinking around 300 BCE, focusing on achieving a life of tranquillity and moral purpose.
Other notable landmarks include the 9th-century Church of Saint Lazarus, which is believed to be the burial site of the biblical figure Lazarus. The inscription reads, “Lazarus, the friend of Christ.”
Larnaca Castle, a medieval fortress-turned-museum, was once used as a prison during British rule. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s remains for €2.50.
The Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, built in 648 AD, is an example of Ottoman architecture. It is located near the Larnaca Salt Lake, which attracts thousands of flamingos during winter.
A 30-minute drive from the city center lies the Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates back to the 7th to 4th millennium BC and features reconstructed huts and original ruins. A nature trail starts in the village of Choirokoitia, with options ranging from a 1.27km loop to a 12.2km trail.
A Diverse Food Scene
Finikoudes is the most popular area for dining in Larnaca. Here, you can find traditional Cypriot tavernas serving souvlaki, moussaka, and halloumi, as well as international restaurants offering sushi, Italian cuisine, and more.
Edesma Cyprus Taverna is highly rated on TripAdvisor and is a favorite among locals. Due to historical ties between Cyprus and Lebanon, there is a significant Lebanese influence in the city. Expect dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, kibbeh, and stuffed grape leaves.
Maqam Al-Sultan Restaurant, voted number three on Wanderlog, is a top choice for Middle Eastern cuisine. A Finnish couple even called it the “best restaurant” they visited during their one-week trip to Cyprus.
How to Get to Larnaca and Where to Stay
easyJet isn't the only airline offering flights to Larnaca. On Wednesday, November 19, Wizz Air had flights from London Gatwick for £40.99, taking four hours and 35 minutes.
Accommodation in Larnaca is affordable, with options ranging from budget to luxury. The three-star La Veranda Hotel is just 350 yards from the beach and offers a double room with a balcony for £64 per night. The four-star Leonardo Boutique Hotel Larnaca costs £100 per night, while Le Voyageur By the Sea offers rooms starting at £71 per night.
Le Voyageur By the Sea is ideally located, with Finikoudes Beach just a 3-minute walk away and Saint Lazarus Church within 400 meters.
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