Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Cyprus / Larnaca, south
 |  | Travel Reviews : Larnaca, south |
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| | | | Review by Sonia Cuthbert from UK
The holiday we had was lovely. the place and people in tersefanou are lovely and this made for a great holiday.
Review by Mary Kenny from Staines
The Greek Cypriots are extreemly friendly people who want you to enjoy your holiday in their country.
I'd love to live here
I was in Larnaca in Cyprus for three weeks but found travelling from Heathrow exhausting.
I would have preferred to travel from Bristol International Airport in April to May or October.
I loved it there so much I would like to live there.
Travel Guide: Cyprus
Clubs, culture and mountains
Had a great time there three years ago. The people are friendly, the beaches great, and even though everyone thinks of Ayia Napa as the clubbing capital (which it is) you can also find some nice local attractions.
There's Cape Greco, which is nice to watch the sun rise over. The Famagusta viewing point. You can get boat trips here from Ayia and you have a beautiful monastery in the middle of the town.
Try the local food, absolutely beautiful stews and lamb dishes and really cheap.
The clubs are great there's something for everyone. Black and White offers a good selection of rare-groove and the more up to date garage stuff. But my favourite was CARWASH, they play everything!
No one can not have a good time in Ayia. If you're not into clubs then go for the pub and restaurant scene. You don't have to want to get absolutely out of your skull to have a good time, although many do!
If you fancy travelling go off to Larnaca. Don't be put off by the beach area which is not that attractive, the town is a real look at Cypriot life.
If you are into history make a bee line for Kourion. This is an ancient roman city, with stadium (which we managed to miss) and various other places along the way. The view of the Mediterranean from the theatre is wonderful.
If you want to travel a bit further then make your way to Nicosia. The old town is absolutely wonderful, lovely shops and little tavernas.
The Troodos mountains are a nice natural feature and can still be reached in a few hours from Ayia Napa, but you need a few days to see all their natural beauty.
Paphos is the more up-market resort, this is also near the Tomb of the Kings, the burial place of the ancient kings of Cyprus.
No matter what, you'll have a great time!
Travel Guide: Cyprus
So nice I went back to get married
I have been to Cyprus twice. The first time was for a week in Larnaca. My fiance and I liked the island so much we decided to get married there.
So the second time was for two weeks in Paphos where we got hitched and honeymooned all in one.
We stayed in the fantastic Roman Hotel. The first thing I remember was being on the coach from the airport and the silence from our late night flight, and then arriving outside our hotel to cries of "Wow", "Aaaarrrrgh" and "coooooooooohhhhh"!
It was just as impressive on the inside and the family owners went out of their way to make sure that our stay with them would be remembered - and it was, every last bit of it.
I can't wait to go back there myself but my wife wants to do Turkey this year.
Travel Guide: Cyprus
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| | Destination Guide : Larnaca, south |
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| | | Popular with the British |  | Why go on holiday to Larnaca?
The eastern Cypriot resort of Larnaca is an attractive city dominated by a palm tree-lined seafront promenade and luxury marina. It's a key package holiday destination for the British but far more sedate than its noisy neighbour Ayia Napa. Head here for relaxed dining, an easy ambience, warm climate and a smattering of culture. Despite two artificial beaches, the coastline is pleasant enough for swimming and there are several day trips around the city.
How much does it cost?
Prices for a one-week package in a self catering apartment start from around £200 in low season.
When should I go?
July and August are very hot, with temperatures nudging above 35C/90F. April and May are dry, sunny and more comfortable, while September and October are also popular. Easter is an important occasion on the Christian-dominated island and everything closes down.
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| | | History and hills | | Where do I start?
If you want a break from the beach, learn a little about the history of the city, which was the original site of ancient Kition. Today you can wander around excavations in Area II, an unimaginatively-named site near the city centre which is open on weekdays. Better still is the Archaeological Museum, housing Mycenaean pottery, Roman glassware and folk art. The Church of Agios Lazaros is hard to miss and contains the tomb of Lazarus, who is believed to have introduced Christianity to Larnaca after being raised from the dead by Jesus. It's also the site of the Byzantine Museum.
Anything else to see?
Climb the minaret of Cami Kebir or the Grand Mosque for impressive views. Check out Larnaca Fort on the waterfront and the Pierides Foundation Museum chronicling Cypriot history. For culture buffs, there are several options for day trips. Hirokitia contains the remains of a 9,000-year-old settlement and is now a World Heritage Site. Up in the hills is Stavrovouni Monastery which is home to several monks and only open to male visitors. But wandering around the grounds makes this excursion worthwhile for women too. Close to the airport is Larnaca Salt Lake where flamingos and other migratory birds can be found in the winter.
Are there activities and sports?
You can learn to dive, swim, bike, or enjoy one of the free, guided walking tours of the city offered by the local tourist office.
What's there to do at night?
The nightlife is varied, with a good choice of bars, tavernas and restaurants, which are split between Larnaca town and the tourist strip on the outskirts of the city. The Laiki Yitonia area is a popular disco area. Alternatively, at the Finikoundes Promenade, there are superb seafront options.
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| | | Drink and eats | | Will children like it?
Kids are well catered for in the resort hotels, which offer children's facilities, pools, games rooms and water sports.
What's the food like?
Food reflects the island's mixed Greek and Turkish heritage. Try a meat or fish meze which can consist of up to 20 different appetiser-sized dishes. Halloumi, the local cheese, is typically served grilled. Cypriot wine is excellent and Turkish coffee is ultra strong.
What should I buy?
Bottles of ouzo, the local spirit, and regional wines are a good option. You can pick up crafts such as pottery, silverware, and baskets made by local villagers. Larnaca's exquisite, high-quality lace, made by women in the pretty village of Lefkara, is great for souvenirs too but bargain hard if you want to avoid paying sky-high prices.
More information
Cyprus Tourism Organisation, 17 Hanover Street, London, W1R OAA. Tel: 020 7569 8800.
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| | Fact File : Larnaca, south |
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| | | Larnaca | | Did you know?
Larnaca means "funerary chest" in Greek, a name believed to be derived from the ancient tombs discovered in the early days of its development in the 16th century.
Language
Greek, but English is widely spoken.
Visas
None required for stays of up to three months.
Getting there
Scheduled and charter flights are available direct to Larnaca from the UK.
Flying time from London
Around 4½-5 hours.
Getting around
You can hire a car or motorbike. It's fairly cheap and easy, with driving on the left and many road signs in English. Buses are efficient but the best way to explore locally at your own pace is on the saddle of a bike.
Currency
The Cypriot Pound.
Costs
Meal for two with wine costs around £10. A bottle of wine is £2.50, a bottle of beer £1, local buses 50p within resort, and a local taxi ride is 80p per kilometre.
Weather
Cyprus claims to be the sunniest island in the Mediterranean, with an average 300 days of sunshine each year. July and August temperatures often hit 35C/90F. April and May are dry and sunny, with temperatures comfortably warm. September and October are also pleasant.
Time difference
Two hours ahead of GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00 357.
Voltage
240V. Plugs are square, three-pin, like the UK.
Opening hours
Most shops are open between 8am to 7.30pm, with lunch between 1pm and 4pm. They tend to close at 2pm on Wednesdays. Banks are open between 8.15am and1pm on weekdays but there are 24 hour exchange bureaux services in Larnaca.
Health – before you go
No jabs are required, but adequate insurance should be taken to cover unexpected health costs.
Health – when you are there
Tap water is safe to drink. Beware of overexposure to the sun: the intense heat can cause sunstroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunburn. Use plenty of sun block, drink water regularly and cover up.
Warnings
Hire cars cannot be taken across the border to Northern Cyprus. It's also advisable to get immigration officials to stamp a separate piece of paper rather than your passport when entering North Cyprus, for later ease of passage if you're heading to Greece.
Emergency
199.
Customs
Family life and religion are central to Cypriot life. Don't bare all except on a designated nudist beach.
Pets
Cyprus is included in the Pets Travel Scheme but organising vaccinations and documentation can be time-consuming. See your vet for details.
Tipping
A 10% service charge is sometimes added to restaurant bills. Taxi drivers and porters appreciate a small tip.
Tourist Office
Cyprus Tourism Organisation, 17 Hanover Street, London, W1R OAA. Tel: 020 7569 8800.
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| | Available rental properties in Larnaca, south |
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