If you’re looking for a last-minute relaxing winter getaway, you could head to Larnaca, a sun-drenched town on Cyprus’ southern coast.
This Mediterranean gem has everything for a great holiday: sandy beaches, palm-lined promenades and November highs of 22°C.
Despite being a 40-minute drive from the party city of Ayia Napa, Larnaca is nicknamed ‘the city of peace’, meaning it’s the perfect place for tourists looking for a relaxed atmosphere.
Getting there won’t empty your pockets either. On Saturday, November 22, Metro found easyJet flights from London Luton for £26.
Tempted? Here’s everything you should do when visiting this ancient city.
Beach for days
Good news for beach lovers: Larnaca has at least 18 amazing spots to explore.
Finikoudes Beach is the town’s main beach, complete with a 600-meter stretch of sand, palm trees, and sun loungers and umbrellas for rent.
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Kastela Beach, meanwhile, is popular with families for its clear, shallow waters.
Yiannades Beach is a peaceful spot nestled within Larnaca Bay, where you’ll find the warmest waters on the island, as well as the best sunrises and sunsets.
At Mackenzie Beach, you can try jet skiing, parasailing and water skiing. These can all be booked with Mackenzie Beach Watersports — rent a SUP board for €15 (£13.21) per day or try private windsurfing lessons for €100 (£88) per day.
Diving enthusiasts also have plenty in store, as Larnaca is home to the Zenobia Wreck, a famous dive site from the 1980s.
With good visibility and weak currents, it is suitable for both experienced and beginner divers.
Immersed in history
There is another reason why Larnaca is known as the ‘city of peace’. It is the birthplace of the ancient Greek philosopher Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism.
He founded the Stoic school of thought around 300 BC, which focused on achieving a peaceful life and moral goals.
Other historic buildings include the 9th-century Church of Saint Lazarus. The name refers to the biblical figure, who is said to be buried in a tomb beneath the church.
The inscription reads, ‘Lazarus, friend of Christ.’
Next is Larnaca Castle, a medieval fortress turned museum. The fortress took its present form during the Ottoman Empire, but was converted into a prison during British rule, where the western room was used to execute prisoners.
Today, explore the remains of the castle for €2.50 (£2.20).
For those who are into history And architecture, the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque is a must-visit. Built in 648 AD, it is a true example of the Ottoman architectural style.
It is also located on the Larnaca Salt Lake, which during winter is filled with migratory birds, including thousands of flamingos.
Finally, a 30-minute drive from the city center is the Neolithic Settlement of Choirokoitia, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
According to UNESCO, it is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean, and was inhabited from the 7th to 4th millennia BC.
The site has an entry fee of €2.50 per person, and features reconstructed huts and original ruins.
There is also a nature trail that starts in the village of Choirokoitia. There are different options, from an easy 1.27km loop to a more challenging 12.2km loop.
Whatever your choice, November’s cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to enjoy the views.
Diverse culinary scene
The Finikoudes area is the most popular dining area in Larnaca.
Here, tourists can find traditional Cypriot taverns serving souvlaki, moussaka and halloumi, as well as international restaurants ranging from sushi bars to Italian.
Edesma Cyprus Taverna has a four and a half star rating on TripAdvisor and is known to be very popular with locals.
There is also a significant Lebanese influence in Larnaca due to the historical and modern ties between the two regions.
Expect mezzes like hummus and baba ganoush, and spicy appetizers like falafel, kibbeh, and stuffed grape leaves.
Maqam Al-Sultan restaurant was voted number three on Wanderlog, a list of the 50 best places to eat in Larnaca according to the free travel planner.
A Finnish couple declared the Middle Eastern restaurant the ‘best restaurant’ they visited on their week-long tour of Cyprus.
How to get to Larnaca and where to stay
easyJet is not the only airline with a route to Larnaca.
On Wednesday, November 19, Metro found a Wizz Air flight from London Gatwick for £40.99. The journey takes four hours and 35 minutes.
In terms of accommodation, Larnaca is quite affordable. The three-star La Veranda Hotel, which is 300 meters from the beach, has double rooms and balconies and costs £64 per night.
The four-star Leonardo Boutique Hotel Larnaca costs £100 per night, while the authentic Le Voyageur By the Sea has rooms available from £71 per night.
The latter also has a prime location. Finikoudes Beach is only a 3-minute walk away, and Saint Lazarus Church is 400 meters away.
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