Larnaca holidays

Holidays to Larnaca base you in Cyprus’ oldest city, where ancient sites meet idyllic beaches and buzzy nightlife.

Old meets new

Larnaca might be around 6,000 years old, but there’s more to this place than its history – although that is one of its biggest draws. Neon-lit cocktail bars, a yacht-packed marina and a restaurant-lined seafront bring it right into the 21st century. Base yourself here, and you’ll be all set for exploring the rest of the island’s east coast, too – party hub Ayia Napa, laidback Protaras and cosmopolitan Limassol are all within easy reach.

Time-stamped sights

History buffs will have a field day here. Some of the city’s must-sees include the Church of Saint Lazarus – a 17th-century landmark set in its own square – and Larnaca Fort – a seafront Medieval castle now home to a museum. Then, there’s Choirokoitia Archaeological Site. This well-preserved Neolithic settlement has earned UNESCO World Heritage status, and gives you a peek into what life was like around here in prehistoric times.

A standout seafront

Larnaca’s main beach – Finikoudes – is edged by a palm-dotted promenade where you’ll find enough bars, shops and restaurants to keep you busy all day. The sand itself is topped with a blanket of sunloungers, so it’s a good place to work on your tan. And if you fancy a trip out on the water, you can hop on a boat from nearby Larnaca Marina – trips go to secluded beaches and bays, dive sites like the world-renowned Zenobia shipwreck, and sunset-watching hotspots. If watersports are more your thing, add nearby Pervolia Beach to your list – it’s really popular with kitesurfers.

Larnaca’s Lake District

If you’re a nature lover, you won’t want to miss Larnaca Salt Lake. It’s actually one of four lakes collectively dubbed Larnaca Lake District by visitors. Between November and March, the area’s flooded with thousands of migrating flamingos and wild ducks who stop to feast on brine shrimp on their way to Africa. You can see them up close at the designated observatory. Or, check out the rest of the area’s flora and fauna on a walk along the four-kilometre-long nature trail, which leads to Kamares – an ancient aqueduct.