Making the most of Larnaca
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
A major project is under way to establish Larnaca as one of the Mediterranean's leading cruise destinations.
The new dock stands very close to the town centre.
Take the printable map ashore.
Larnaca, officially Larnaka since 1996, has been continuously settled for more than 4,000 years. The destination is known for its attractive seafront, clean sandy beaches and clear blue water. On the beachfront, the 'Phinikoudes' strip brings together cafés, bars, clubs and restaurants and is a prime visitor destination.
The beach sits in the middle of the town centre, about a 20-minute walk from the cruise port.
Ancient Kitium's ruins form Larnaca's most important site, with the earliest architectural remains dating to the 13th century BC. Achaean Greeks rebuilt the area. Highlights include the Cyclopean Walls, constructed from giant blocks, and the complex of five temples.
The Marble Bust of Zeno is another notable sight, standing at the crossroads near the American Academy. Zeno was born in Kition, ancient Larnaka, in 334 BC. He studied philosophy in Athens before founding the celebrated Stoic school of philosophy.
Getting around
Taxis are neither cheap nor reliable and have a poor local reputation for overcharging unsuspecting visitors. Hiring a car or arranging a guide for the day is the better option.
One suggested circuit takes in the villages of Lefkara, Kato Drys, Ora and Odou, stopping at the monastery at Agios Minas.
Nearby places
Larnaca Salt Lake lies near Larnaca International Airport. Water fills it during winter, attracting flocks of flamingoes from November until the end of March, before the lake dries out in summer.
Outside town on the road towards Limassol stands the Old Aqueduct, known as "The Kamares". Ottoman Governor Koca Bekir Pasha built it in Roman style in 1745 to bring water into town from a source about 6 miles south of Larnaka. Lighting illuminates the aqueduct after dark.
Travel to Famagusta to see its eerie old quarter. The district was abandoned when the Turks invaded in the Seventies and has remained untouched since.
Visit Nicosia, the world's last divided capital city. When the Turks invaded in 1974, one half came under Turkish rule while the other half remained Greek.
Food and shopping
Walk along Phinikoudes promenade, whose cafés, restaurants and bars make it an excellent spot for people-watching over an iced coffee.
Nearby Lefkara is an excellent place to buy lace, a world-famous product closely linked with Cypriot workmanship. Its name comes from the village of Lefkara, set on a hill beside the Nicosia-Larnaca road.
Money
The local currency is the Euro.
Staying connected
Greek is the local language.
Opening Hours and
See the Public Holidays in Cyprus.