With its infamous palm tree promenade luring thousands of visitors year in and year out, there’s something special about the sleepy charm that Larnaca exudes. But there’s far more to do than spending your time sipping on a coffee down the busy Finikoudes strip like so many have become accustomed to. We give you just a few reasons why the town makes for a great day out!
1. It’s the perfect place for a seaside stroll
With the seaside town having witnessed a recent revamp, there’s now a path that stretches from the bustling Finikoudes Promenade all the way down to the Mackenzie beach strip which provides for a great walk (or even a cycle) when the weather is good. Known as the ‘Piale Pasha’, there’s much to enjoy along the way, including the old architecture of the area and lovely artists’ workshops in the Old Turkish Quarter. What with the waves lapping against the shore on the one side, and traditional architecture dazzling the senses on the other, you really can’t go far wrong!
2. Hala Sultan Tekke
Number one on the things-to-do list for those seeking some nature just outside Larnaca city is the serenely beautiful Hala Sultan Tekke. This mosque and shrine sit on the western side of Larnaca’s Salt Lake, three kilometres west of central Larnaca.
An important place of pilgrimage for Muslims, this mosque honours the prophet Muhammad’s wet-nurse, Umm Haram, who is said to have died at this site after falling from her donkey, and a shrine was dedicated over her tomb in AD 645. The present mosque building was built by the Ottomans and dates to 1816.
Larnaca’s Salt Lake is a nature reserve and in spring, large flocks of flamingos and ducks can be easily seen. Dung summer, the waters evaporate completely, leaving a crusty white layer of shimmering salt in their place. The area is ringed by a walking trail, which also leads to the Hala Sultan Tekke and makes a lovely afternoon stroll.
3. The town is saturated in history
All things modern in the town aren’t without their ancient tales. Built upon the ancient city of Kition that was originally erected in the 13th century BC, take a stroll through the winding backstreets in the old Turkish quarter and you’ll discover craft shops and workshops galore, as artisans busy themselves with a whole range of designs. Quiet streets and historic buildings make their way down to the grand St Lazarus church, standing as one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture on the island.
4. You’ll enjoy a great culture fix
You’d be surprised by just how many museums this little town is home to. If you like to think of yourself as a bit of a history buff, then make a beeline for the District Archaeological Museum, with artefacts on display that give you the chance to get to grips with the development of the town across the centuries. Then there’s the Pierides Foundation Museum also taking you back in time in a fantastic building that dates back to 1825.
Looking for something a little more quirky? Head to the Larnaca Natural History Museum, a small and charming little place with all kinds of local insects, reptiles, birds, fossils, animals and rock formations on display. That’s not to forget the Kyriazis Medical Museum, a private initiative dedicated to showcasing the history of health care in Cyprus. From traditional therapies, to medicine, healing and pharmaceutical matters, it’s rather interesting to see the island’s history unfold through weird and wonderful old equipment, medical books and a whole load of other interesting exhibits. More details on the aforementioned Larnaca Museums are available here: http://bit.ly/1N7VIzd
5. Beaches
Larnaca’s beaches are packed from about May to September when locals and tourists alike flock to the water to cool off.
Finikoudes Beach is strung out along the main promenade and although conveniently located, is rather uninspiring and is a bit of a sardine-squeeze in the peak holiday season.
Mackenzie Beach (two kilometres south of the centre) is much nicer and generally has more room to throw down your towel.
If you’ve got your own transport though, it’s much better to head slightly south to Cape Kiti Beach (15 kilometres south of Larnaca) or Pervolia Beach (one kilometre south of Cape Kiti Beach), which rarely attract more than a handful of sunbathers and are gorgeously situated in secluded coves.
6. MacKenzie Beach
The ideal destination to laze under the sun with a Caribbean-style umbrella shielding you from the harsh rays, while the attentive staff serves you a chilled beer or even a tangy mojito. MacKenzie Beach is one of Larnaca’s most popular and scenic attractions, and it attracts tourists with its tremendous beauty and modern amenities.
The MacKenzie beach is laden with a wide array of amenities and facilities that make the experience leisurely and lavish. This is definitely not your average beach, but in fact, it is a more diverse experience that has something to offer for every beach bummer. It is an absolute joy to enjoy sunbathing on a comfortable sunbed and watch planes fly over your head.
Tucked away at a 15-minute distance from Pervolia, MacKenzie Beach is an ideal destination for families with children. It is immensely popular amongst a wide array of tourists and locals, including children and water sports enthusiasts. This beach offers an endless array of opportunities to indulge in exciting water sports, including speed boats, water skiing, kite surfing, jet skis and more. Most excitingly, it is home to the Zenobia shipwreck, one of the most incredible scuba diving sites in Larnaca.
Also known as the Makenzy beach, it is a famous hangout spot for the local families of Larnaca, who come here throughout the week to relax, unwind and bask under the glowing Cypriot sun. The beach has been named after a famous Scotsman, who opened up a bar and restaurant near the beach shortly after World War II came to an end.
Over the years, the restaurant and bar grew so popular that the beach was named after the legendary Scotsman, MacKenzie. The clear waters and grey sands of MacKenzie beach bestow the surrounding landscape with breathtaking beauty. The sheltered position of the beach allows the sea to remain calm and tranquil. It is by far one of the safest beaches for children in Southern Cyprus. You can walk in the sea for around 50 meters and the water will not be deeper than your waist.
It enjoys a Blue Flag status, and the Larnaca authorities take a wide range of measures to keep the beach clean, alongside regularly monitoring the water quality. The sand is excellent for drawings, sand sculpturing and of course, sand-castles, which makes the beach immensely popular with children. The beach is adjacent to a colourful and vibrant strip laden with restaurants, bars, cafes and local taverns.
7. Shopping in Metropolis Mall Larnaca
Visit The New Mall, a fully enclosed, single-level, climate-controlled Shopping and Lifestyle Centre. Focused on offering customers the convenience of having all their needs met in one location. With a full retail offering, including a supermarket, major fashion retailers, branded and independent shops, services, cinemas, entertainment, food court with modern restaurants and cafes, kids play areas and free WiFi, it is Larnaca’s ultimate lifestyle and shopping metropolis! The Metropolis Mall, with an area of 39 thousand m2, has 135 stores. Among the most famous brands that are represented in the mall are Marks & Spencer, Stradivarius, Mango, Intimissimi, Calzedonia, Tezenis, Beauty Line, Holland & Barrett, Mac, Inglot, Costa Coffee, Starbucks and Coffee Berry and McDonalds.
In addition to hundreds of boutiques of famous brands, it houses a supermarket, a cinema, restaurants and cafes, entertainment venues and children’s playgrounds.
For the convenience of visitors, a spacious parking lot for 1,450 cars, a public garden with an 18.000 m2 area with green spaces, fountains and play areas for children is equipped around the building of the shopping centre.
Source: mycyprusinsider.com
