What to know about Larnaca
If you want sun all year round, golden beaches and plenty of things to do both above and below the shoreline, look no further than Larnaca! The third-largest city in Cyprus has long been a popular tourist destination, boasting a 14th-century fort and old town as well as modern resorts, dotted among the pristine beaches.
Keen on a change of scenery? Worry not: from cheap flights and hotels for all budgets to the top things to do in Larnaca, we’ve got the lowdown on everything you need to know before booking. So, if you're currently eyeing up a holiday to the 'Island of Love', let’s check out what Larnaca has to offer!
Here is a tip for you: booking your flight and hotel at the same time and not separately can make you save up to 40%. Take advantage of a
flight + hotel package in Larnaca to your destination and save time searching for hotels separately. If you have already purchased your flight and you’re only looking for a hotel, you can find it
here.
What to do in Larnaca
You've likely heard of Paphos and Ayia Napa because they're commercial hotspots where people are known to go wild. In contrast, Larnaca is one of the more understated Cypriot jewels. There’s no question about it, though: there are plenty of fun things to do in Larnaca. The only conundrum you might face is finding a way to squeeze all your adventures in!
Renowned for being a windsurfer's paradise (especially in autumn) and also for offering scrumptiously authentic cuisine, this southeastern city is a must-see if you're wanting to mix a little relaxation with adventuring.
We’ve compiled the ultimate hitlist to help you make the most of your time in Larnaca, including stops at landmarks like Larnaca Salt Lake and the very best beaches you simply can’t afford to miss.
Day 1: Sample some Cypriot culture
Larnaca is well-known for its palm-tree-lined seafront (known locally as Finikoudes), but it’s much, much more than just a beach resort. The City of Zeno boasts cultural roots all the way back to the 13th century, which means that there are myths galore, as well as loads of historical landmarks to set your eyes on. Out of all the options Larnaca has to brag about, we'd say the most marvellous monuments and picturesque locations to visit on your first day are:
- Agios Lazaros
- Larnaca Fort
- Ceramics Markets in Skala
- The Lanes of Lefkara
Of course, you’ll need to refuel after a day exploring the cultural side of Larnaca. It'd be rude not to sample the local goods, so we'd recommend picking up some street food in the form of souvlaki, fried halloumi wraps and finger foods like olives, artichokes, fresh pita bread, and barbequed meat.
Most of these foods are widely available in the UK but we can assure you that the flavours and freshness of the ingredients in Larnaca are god-tier. Definitely take the opportunity to try some nosh whether you're opting for snacking on the go or making a full meal of it during a pitstop in between your sightseeing.
Day 2: Dive into Larnaca’s best attractions
For the adventurers among you, we’d recommend a dip in the ocean. Not the ‘lazing around in the sun’ type, but more a deep-sea exploration of acclaimed spots like the Zenobia Wreck with a local tour guide while donning some diving gear.
For a different type of aquatic adventure, we strongly suggest taking a trip to Ayia Napa. Listed as one of the newest tourist attractions in Cyprus, the Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa (MUSAN) is an underwater forest filled with 93 sculptures collated by eco-artist Jason deCaires Taylor.
If you’d rather skip the activities and dive straight into the ‘chill’ part, take a trip to Larnaca Salt Lake. Locals say the best time to visit is between November and March because the lake is a haven for migrating birds, including flamingos. However, it’s absolutely stunning in the summer, whether you choose to soak up the rays lakeside or enjoy the 2-mile nature trail that circles the lake.
Day 3: Soak up the sun on Finikoudes Beach
Larnaca's beaches provide the perfect place to recharge after two days of exploring the city. Finikoudes Beach and Mackenzie Beach are the main hotspots for sunseekers wanting to kick back on the golden sands. These commercial beaches are lined with places to eat, drink and shop, so you’ve got everything you need within a short walking distance.
If you’re pining for a quiet spot and want to avoid the hustle and bustle of fighting for a free deckchair, we recommend taking a trip to Kastella Beach.
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always
rent a car in Larnaca and travel the open road.
Larnaca trips: frequently asked questions
What’s the name of the main airport in Larnaca?
There’s one main airport in this dreamy Cyprus City: Larnaca International Airport Glafcos Clerides (LCA).
Which airlines offer direct flights to Larnaca?
You can fly directly to Larnaca with airlines like British Airways, Wizz Air UK, easyJet and Jet2. Our search engine sorts through the best flights to Larnaca using real-time data so you can find routes that suit you.
How can I request assistance for children travelling alone?
You can contact the airline you’re travelling with if you need assistance for children travelling alone. It’s possible to book tickets on behalf of minors, but you should check each airline’s policies and, when possible, speak to customer service agents before completing a booking.
How can I travel with an assistance dog?
Contact the airlines before booking to confirm and make sure to inform them you’re travelling with an assistance dog at least 48 hours before departure.
How do I find cheap flights to Larnaca that have flexible change policies at Opodo?
Our AI-powered software uses real-time price data to find the cheapest flights to Larnaca. It does this for various departure airports, airlines and routes so you can find the best option. You can also adjust certain variables so you can pick out the deals with flexible booking policies.
How can I book cheap hotels on Opodo in Larnaca?
Tap the “flight + hotel” option on our website and you can search for flights and hotels in Larnaca using a single set of search criteria. Once you’ve found your ideal flights, you can look through a list of recommended hotels and book both in a single transaction.
What baggage do I need to check on my flight?
You can take hand luggage (i.e. a small bag) for no extra cost on most airlines. For example, Jet2.com allows passengers to take a small personal item, plus hand luggage measuring 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, for no extra cost. However, you should be aware that some airlines may charge for hand luggage.
How can I check in with Opodo?
As long as you've got a computer or mobile device, you can use an airline's online check-in portal to confirm your spot on the plane 48 hours before you fly. All you need is your name and booking confirmation number to start the check-in process.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight from London to Larnaca?
Yes, there will almost certainly be fees to pay if you cancel a flight, but the charges will vary depending on the airline you're flying with. There is a £25 administration fee for cancelling bookings made via Opodo, but we suggest checking your ticket's terms for details of any additional charges. One final point to note is that you're only eligible for a refund if you purchase tickets with a Cancel for Any Reason Guarantee (minus an excess fee of up to 20% of the ticket's value).
How do I know if my flight is eligible for compensation?
You will be eligible for compensation if the airline is responsible for the reason your flight is delayed or cancelled. For example, this applies if you are unable to travel because the flight is overbooked or if you land in Larnaca over three hours late.
Larnaca Airport facts and figures
On average, the Larnaca flight time from the UK is around 4.5 hours on a direct journey. If you’re based around the capital, you’re in luck! You’ve got the option of 4 airports to choose from when booking your direct flight from London to Larnaca, as well as a range of airlines:
- Gatwick (LGW): TUI, easyJet and Wizz Air
- Luton International Airport (LTN:) easyJet and Wizz Air
- Heathrow (LHR): British Airways
- Stansted (STN): Jet2
Upon arrival, you’ll be touching down at Larnaca International Airport Glafcos Clerides (LCA), which is roughly around 2.5 miles from Larnaca city centre. There are several facilities here including:
- Duty-free shops
- An Xpress Spa
- Restaurants
- Bureau de change
- Prayer rooms
- Lounges
There are two main ways to get from Larnaca International Airport Glafcos Clerides (LCA) to the city centre. Generally speaking, taxis are faster, but you can save a penny or two by taking the bus:
- Bus: You can get from the airport to downtown Larnaca, stopping at various locations along the way by taking any of these bus lines: 407, 417, 418, 419, 425 and 429. The main bus stop is located outside the departure hall. Tickets can be purchased on buses and singles cost €1.50.
- Taxi: The quickest way from Larnaca Airport (LCA) to the city centre is by taxi. The average transfer time is 10 minutes, depending on the traffic. Taxis are located outside the arrivals hall and the average fare is €9.65 during the day and €11.60 at night (from 20:30 to 06:00).
The best time to get cheap flights to Larnaca
Annual average temperatures can reach highs of 17°C in January. Naturally, the best months for sunshine are May, June, July, August and September. The average temperature during those months is over 25°C, with summer highs of 33°C.
The cost of flights during those months is, as you’d expect, higher than at other times of the year but there are still plenty of deals galore. What's more, you'll have plenty of fun things to do in Larnaca during the summer. You could lap up the communal frenzy at cultural events like the Larnaca Summer Festival in July or go exploring and visit the grandiose Kamares Aqueduct. We'd also highly recommend taking a look at one of the finest spectacles Larnaca has to offer: Hala Sultan Tekkesi. This picturesque site really is something else when the sun hits!
Of course, there are also sunset cruises leaving the port every evening or, if you prefer to do your drinking during the day, you could take the Troodos Mountain Wine Tour. It's a 1.5-hour drive from Larnaca to the Troodos Mountains, but don't let that put you off because this is a day trip worth taking. As well as learning about the history of wine in the region and sampling 15 different varieties, you'll be able to soak up the stunning beauty of Cyprus in the summer.
