Larnaca, a Taste of Cypriot Culture

Cyprus is a small and beautiful island. 

In spite of its size, I have been coming back many times because I love this country and have good memories. My latest and 8th visit is very recent. 

On my 7th, my visit before last, the immigration officer asked, "I have noticed you'd been coming here quite often, what is the purpose of your frequent visits?"  

I learned to love your country, and the people, and am wanting to experience more of your hospitality.  

"Enjoy your stay!", he replied.

Larnaca Beach

I checked in with my family in a hotel called Lysithea as it was a very convenient place to stay being close to the Larnaca International Airport.

Larnaca is the international gateway to the island. It is one of the oldest cities in the world rich with historical sites complementing its deep-blue sea, bright sandy beaches, and reliably sunny skies.

For you to move around easily and comfortably, intercity minibus/taxi  is available, which is very convenient and more economical compared to a private hire taxicab. I used this means of transportation for almost the whole stay in Larnaca. 

You may check the schedule and more detailed information on their website I provided below. I am giving you the address and working hours in Larnaca as follows:

Larnaca Offices:
iTaxi Cyprus Taxi & Mini Bus Service
24 Hour Service
3 Aradippou, Laerti, Larnaca 7101, Cyprus
Telephone #: +357 99 811437

Website: www.itaxicyprus.com

Saint Lazarus Church

A must-see place is the beautiful Byzantine architecture of Saint Lazarus church in Larnaca which houses the reputed tomb of Lazarus. 

Saint Lazarus is the patron saint of Larnaca. He was believed to have lived at the ancient Kition for 30 years after his resurrection by Jesus Christ. 

It is nice to pay a visit this Catholic/Orthodox church and have a glimpse of its open porch, the bell tower, and its interior.

Address: Plateia Aguio Lazarou, Larnaca 

Phone: 0357 24652498

  

Sunset taken from my Larnaca Hotel window

Larnaca´s beach extends directly along Phoinikoudes, starting from the harbour and the Armenian Monument down to the old Fort of Larnaca. The promenade, which is famous for its palm trees is a bit crowded in summer, but you are here for the beautiful sandy beach during the day or enjoy a night out sitting in a pub sipping cocktails at Larnaca's buzzing harbour.

There are many beaches here. All you have to do is choose the one that you like most and have fun. The Cyprus Tourism Organization Public Beaches, with cafeterias, bars, and restaurants, offer full facilities to swimmers, including changing rooms, beach furniture for hire (e.g. parasols, chairs, and reclining chairs).

Dasoudi Public Beach 

Here you can endeavor in windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, or simply lying in the sun. This Cyprus beach offers all the facilities and services to the bathers including a beachside café and sun loungers.

Promenade Phoinikoudes

Geroskipou Public Beach

An excellent Cyprus beach with great conditions for swimming and water sports.

Dhekelia Beach 

Offers water sports and a variety of other activities. There are Cyprus beach restaurants and sun loungers. A perfect spot in Cyprus for sun worshipers.

McKenzie Beach 

Mckenzie Beach in Cyprus is well known for its beautiful white sandy beach and refreshing waters. Here you can enjoy the water sports facilities, which include scuba diving. Less than a five-minute drive from Larnaca airport, Mackenzie Beach offers a great choice of Cyprus restaurants famous for their Cyprus cuisine and fresh fish. 

Larnaca is not only for the beautiful beaches, but you can also join the Cyprus Taste Tours which I consider an excellent experience.  

Enjoy the food and drink that will give you an insight into a typical Cyprus gourmet. The people who will be taking you around town for your Cypriot flavour adventure are experienced food fanatics. 

"Eating out is so much more than what's served on your plate ~ it's about the experience as a whole. In an era of globalization, it becomes even harder to taste the island's true character.  I want to help visitors avoid the commercial, tourist traps and soak up raw, pure, Cypriot culture," says Yiota Mallas, co-owner of Cyprus Taste Tours.

Cyprus Taste Tours have the latest announcement regarding the Covid19 outbreak that affects tours. If you have made reservations for April 2020 tours, please go to their website and see this notice....

COVID-19 MEASURES IN CYPRUS

Due to the strict containment measures announced by the Republic Of Cyprus government on 15.03.2020 – tours have been suspended until the end of April 2020 and dates will be unavailable on our booking calendars. All existing March & April bookings will be fully refunded and we are truly sorry for any inconvenience!

Due to the strict containment measures announced by the Republic Of Cyprus government on 15.03.2020 – tours have been suspended until the end of April 2020 and dates will be unavailable on our booking calendars. All existing March & April bookings will be fully refunded and we are truly sorry for any inconvenience!

Cyprus Taste Tours 

Then there is Hala Sultan Tekke, a mosque on the west side of the Salt Lake, built to house the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed's foster-mother. Visiting great piece of history is worth an experience. Have a walk around the salt lake and enjoy the wildlife in the woodland.

There are other interesting places to visit here in Larnaca. I will leave some of them for you to discover.  Have a safe trip to Larnaca and enjoy your holiday.

From the desk of: 

Freddie Miranda

A blogger and a Canada-based freelance writer. He shares the value of his travel experiences and discoveries with his friends and fellow travellers. Share your passion, join and visit him. Send a message @ fromatravellersdesk(at)gmail(dot)com.