If you’re searching for a last-minute, laid-back winter getaway, look no further than Larnaca, a sun-soaked city on the south coast of Cyprus.
This Mediterranean gem has all the ingredients for a great holiday: sandy beaches, palm-lined promenades, and highs of 22°C in November.
Despite being a 40-minute drive from the party city of Ayia Napa, Larnaca has been nicknamed the ‘city of peace’, meaning it’s the perfect place for travellers seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
Getting there won’t break the bank, either. On Saturday, November 22, Metro found an easyJet flight from London Luton for £26.
Tempted? Here’s everything you should get up to while visiting this ancient city.
Beaches for days
Good news for beach lovers: Larnaca has at least 18 stunning spots to explore.
Finikoudes Beach is the city’s main beach, complete with a 600-metre stretch of sand, palm trees, and sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.
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Kastela Beach, meanwhile, is popular with families thanks to its clear, shallow water.
Yiannades Beach is a peaceful spot tucked inside Larnaca Bay, where you’ll find some of the warmest waters on the island, as well as the best sunrises and sunsets.
On Mackenzie Beach, you can try your hand at jet skiing, parasailing, and water skiing. These can all be booked with Mackenzie Beach Watersports — hire a SUP board for €15 (£13.21) per day or try private windsurfing lessons for €100 (£88) per day.
There’s a wealth for diving enthusiasts, too, as Larnaca is home to the Zenobia Wreck, a famous dive site from the 1980s.
With great visibility and a weak current, it’s suitable for both experienced and novice divers.
Steeped in history
There’s another reason Larnaca is known as the ‘city of peace.’ It’s the birthplace of ancient Greek philosopher Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism.
He established the Stoic School of thinking around 300 BCE, which focuses on achieving a life of tranquillity and moral purpose.
Other historic landmarks include the 9th-century Church of Saint Lazarus. Its namesake refers to the biblical figure, who is supposedly buried in a tomb beneath the church.
The inscription reads, ‘Lazarus, the friend of Christ.’
Next is Larnaca Castle, a medieval fortress-turned-museum. The fort took its present form during the Ottoman Empire, but was converted into a prison during British rule, where the western chamber was used to execute prisoners.
Today, explore the castle’s remains for €2.50 (£2.20).
For those into history and architecture, the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque is a must-see. Built in 648 AD, it’s a distinct example of Ottoman architectural style.
It’s also located at the Larnaca Salt Lake, which, during winter, is filled with migrating birds, including thousands of flamingos.
Finally, a 30-minute drive from the city centre is the Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
According to UNESCO, it’s one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean, and was occupied from the 7th to the 4th millennium BC.
The site has an entry fee of €2.50 per person, and features both reconstructed huts and original ruins.
There’s also a nature trail that starts in the village of Choirokoitia. There are different options, ranging from an easy 1.27km loop to a more challenging 12.2km trail.
Whichever you choose, the cooler temperatures in November make it the ideal time to take in the scenery.
A diverse food scene
The Finikoudes area is Larnaca’s most popular area for dining.
Here, travellers can find traditional Cypriot tavernas serving souvlaki, moussaka, and halloumi, and international restaurants ranging from sushi bars to Italian.
Edesma Cyprus Taverna is rated four-and-a-half stars on TripAdvisor and is noted to be very popular with locals.
There’s 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 hot appetisers like falafel, kibbeh, and stuffed grape leaves.
Maqam Al-Sultan Restaurant was voted number three on Wanderlog, a free travel planner’s list of the 50 best places to eat in Larnaca.
A Finnish couple declared the Middle Eastern eatery the ‘best restaurant’ they visited on their one-week-long Cyprus tour.
How to get to Larnaca and where to stay
easyJet isn’t the only airline with routes 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 can be pretty affordable. The three-star La Veranda Hotel, which is 350 yards from the beach, has a double room and a balcony for £64 per night.
The four-star Leonardo Boutique Hotel Larnaca is £100 per night, while the authentic Le Voyageur By the Sea has rooms available from £71 per night.
The latter has a prime location, too. Finikoudes Beach is just a 3-minute walk, and Saint Lazarus Church is 400 metres away.