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This is another very important religious festival for the Greek Orthodox people of Larnaca. It is celebrated eight days before Easter, and it is a celebration of their patron saint St Lazarus. The feast is celebrated with family and close friend, and starts with a solemn ceremony at the Church of St Lazarus, and followed with a lively procession with a statue of the saint taken around to households and streets all around the city.
This is another very important religious festival for the Greek Orthodox people of Larnaca. It is celebrated eight days before Easter, and it is a celebration of their patron saint St Lazarus. The feast is celebrated with family and close friend, and starts with a solemn ceremony at the Church of St Lazarus, and followed with a lively procession with a statue of the saint taken around to households and streets all around the city.
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larnacaThis is the most important festival for the Greek Orthodox community of Cyprus. Known as ‘Kalanda’, or The Feast of Light, the celebration of the Epiphany commemorates the revelation of God in Human form, like the incarnation of Jesus Christ through his baptism in the river Jordan. Water sources all over the city are blessed to mark the occasion, and devotees gather in large numbers with their families to take part in the ceremony at the Cathedral and also in the religious procession towards the sea. The highlight of the ceremony is when the Bishop throws the Holy Cross into the ocean and young men dive after it to retrieve it. Even though the Epiphany is largely celebrated among the Greek Orthodox all over the Mediterranean, Larnaca is the best place to visit during this time of the year due to its extensive and dramatic celebrations.
larnacaThe carnival celebrations in Larnaca start about 50 days before Easter, and go on for two weeks. The carnival takes place in cities all over the island, especially in Limassol, but Larnaca and Paphos have quite an extravagant line up of parades and balls as well. The two weeks are divided into Meat week (Kreatini) and Cheese week (Tyrini), to signify the fasting and abstaining that takes place during the period of Lent. People can take part in all sorts of activities for all ages like fancy dress parties and many different themed parades and floats.
larnacaThe festival Green Monday marks the start of the Lenten season. Since the island is still in the carnival spirit, a lot of the festivities are similar and just carried on from there. There are plenty of fancy dress parties, balls and parades, and lots of vegetarian food festivals. Picnics are held all over the city and vegetarian food is celebrated to mark the beginning of the season, with plenty of bread, fruits, vegetables, olives and cheese.
larnacaMusical Sundays take place in Larnaca on selected Sundays during the months of March and April. The days are spent with lots of live musicians and groups performing different kinds of music like, folks songs, jazz, classical and contemporary numbers. There are also special dance troupes who perform in some areas.
larnacaThe Anthestiria Festival is a celebration of the beginning of spring and flowers, and the connection of nature with Ancient Greece. The festivities start of with a parade of floats with fresh flowers and fruits that are carried towards the ocean. People dress up in their most colourful attire and make merry with plenty of drinks and food. The whole city is decorated in fresh flowers and plants.
larnacaAlso known as The Flood Festival or ‘Kataklysmos’, the feast of the Pentecost is celebrated all over the island, most significantly in Larnaca. There is a great procession towards the sea, where people then sprinkle each other with water to symbolize purification. The seafront is the main venue for the week long celebrations of Kataklysmos. There are plenty of fairs, boat races, swimming, water sports, dances, plays and music shows at all times of the day and evening. The themes of the festival incorporated both biblical as well as ancient Greek references.
larnacaThis is one of the biggest festivals in Larnaca, when the whole city comes alive in song and dance and colour. Throughout the festival there are a number of outdoor cultural events and shows put on, in the many courtyards, forts and amphitheatre of the city. There are activities for people of all ages, and children can take part in many educational workshops and concerts. Some of the shows include film screenings, live concerts by local and international artists, world renowned theatre plays and dance shows.
larnacaIn the month of August, most of the southern villages of Cyprus like the ones in Larnaca participate in the annual village festival. It is the most popular month to visit the region as it is vibrant with tradition and colour. The Village Festival is a celebration of everything that is customary Cypriot. There is plenty of live folklore music, traditional dances, ethnic food and drink and many carnivals to take part in. Many villages also showcase the variety of agricultural farming and dairy crops and products, and traditional handicrafts.
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larnacaIt is not really possible to see the whole city within a day, but you can still catch some of the main attractions if you start early and plan accordingly. The Choirokoitia settlement is one of the main places to visit in Larnaca and you can do so if you start very early in the day. The settlement will keep you occupied until lunch time when you can head back to the main city and grab some traditional Cypriot meals on the way. After lunch you can make a trip to the St Lazarus Church and the District Museum, since both are in the same area. It won’t take more than an hour or two to visit each and you can then spend the rest of your day either at the Camel Park or at one of the many beaches in Larnaca, where you can take part in many activities like water sports and sand games.
larnacaThis is the most frequently visited monument and shrine in Larnaca, popular among locals as well as tourists. The St Lazarus Church, also known as the Church of Áyios Lázaros, was built in the 9th century. The church belongs to the Greek Orthodox community, and is believed to contain the tomb of Lazarus, who is also the patron saint if Larnaca. It is said that Saint Lazarus lived in the area after being baptized by Christ, and was then ordained Bishop. Visitors are welcome during most times of the day, and can also take a look at the museum located behind the church.
larnacaA must visit especially for families with children and young ones, a whole day can be spent at the Camel Park. Kids will be thrilled to see baby camels trying to walk, and take a ride on the large beasts. There is an adventure trek through the park, and visitors can get a desert or tropical adventure within the premises. You can also pick up many souvenirs from the Bedouin tents, and children can explore the Noah’s ark and feed the animals.
larnacaThis is the best place for those looking for a bit of adventure and extreme water sports. The dive center specializes in scuba diving, snorkeling and other water sports. They have many training courses and short courses, and also rent equipment. With professionally trained staff and highly specialized medical teams and divers, you can be assured that you are in good hands. For those who are not interested in diving under water, there are plenty of other sports to choose from and they cater to all age groups and crowds, like parasailing, kayaking, paddle boats and cruises.
larnacaKnown to be the source of the city of Larnaca, the site of the Ancient Kition is considered sacred and full of ancient history. The ruins of the city date back almost 3000 years, and is considered by locals to be the birthplace of Zeno the philosopher and also the bishop Lazarus, Larnaca’s patron saint. Visitors can see the ruins and sites of many shrines and ancient temples, the remains of what is left after the modern town was built over it. One of the largest shrines on site are is that of the goddess of fertility, Astarte. The ancient city is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2.30 pm.
larnacaThe Ancient Neolithic settlement in Choirokoitia was made an official UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1998. it is known to be one of the best preserved historic sites in the region, and draws a large number of tourists, archeologists, students and scientists every year. Originally discovered in the 1930’s, some of the artifacts and ruins are known to date back to 7000 BC. Visitors can learn and discover how the ancient settlements lived, and explore the tombs and ruins of the city. It is usually open from 8am until 7 in the evening, but timings vary in different seasons so it is advised to call in advance and schedule a tour.
larnacaOne of the most prominent natural wonders in the region, the Salt Lake district of Larnaca is made up of a network four salt lakes or different sizes, Aliki, Orphani, Soros and Spiro. The Larnaca Salt Lake forms the second largest salt lake in Cyprus, after the Limassol Salt Lake and covers an area of about 2.2 kilometer square. It is a popular tourist spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers, who can delight in the almost 100 different species of water-birds. The highlight of the site is the beautiful array of exotic pink flamingos that live and breed on location.
larnacaSituates in a village 7 kilometers south of the city center of Larnaca, is the Angeloktisti Church, meaning ‘Built by Angels’. This Byzantine church was built in the 11th century on top of the ruins of an early Christian basilica. The church holds some of the rarest and finest surviving pieces of Byzantine art, like the priceless mosaic of the Virgin Mary and child in between two archangels, made sometime during the 6th century. The church itself is an architectural wonder.
larnacaStravrovouni, which means Mountain of the Cross, is a rocky perch on which the famous monastery stands. It is believed that the monastery was founded by Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, in the 4th century. The mountain is very significant not only for Christians, but for also the Greek pilgrims who used to visit the temple for Aphrodite. Entrance to the monastery is pretty strict, even today, with restricted timings for women. The Exaltation of the Cross takes places every year on the 14th of September, and there is a lot of celebration and festivities in the area for the event.
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larnacaCuisine- Indian Known to be the best Indian restaurant in Cyprus, Ganga is always packed with loyal customers and tourists, and it is usually necessary to make a reservation, especially during the weekends. With warm and exotic themed décor, the style is chic yet traditional, and diners are made to feel like royalty. The restaurant has an impressive collection on Cypriot wines, and the menu is extensive of not only Indian, but international cuisine as well. The most recommended dish at the restaurant is the Indian Rice Pudding desert with Kulfi ice cream.
larnacaCuisine - Continental This is a very modern styled café and restaurant, which has become increasingly popular with the young crowd of Larnaca in the past few years. With its smart-casual atmosphere, and outdoor garden sit-out, it is the perfect location to have a relaxed meal and good conversation. Although the service is known to be slow compared to other bigger restaurants, the quality and portions of the food more than make up for it, along with the exquisite tastes and prices.
larnacaCuisine - Indian/International This is one of the classiest and renowned restaurants in Larnaca. The highlights at this restaurant are the male and female belly dancers who perform on most nights providing guests with the ultimate in dining entertainment. The cuisine is typically Eastern and Indian, with strong flavours and exotic style. Diners can also relax at the lounge and bar, and hookahs are available on request. It is advised to keep in mind that alcohol is relatively expensive at Moti Mahal.
larnacaCuisine - Cypriot/Continental This family run business was first opened in 2002, and has grown largely in popularity and fame all over the island. The exquisite décor is done in true Cypriot style, giving diners a unique Mediterranean eating experience. The restaurant is known for its extensive collection of Cyprus and French wines. The service is extremely personalised, and diners can just relax with the sound of a live piano being played. The highlight of the menu is the Argentinean Steak specials like the Desire Steak, Madagascar Steak and Sea Steak Diavola.
larnacaCuisine - Chinese This is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Taipei is a favourite among locals, especially since it is known for its great service and hospitality and home delivery as well. The ambience and décor is pleasant and homely, with a far eastern feel to it. The menu is full of exotic dishes, all prepared fresh, and the highlight at the restaurant is the sizzler; usually the sizzling beef.
larnacaCuisine - Seafood/Cypriot This is a cosy little tavern which is very popular among all the people of the city. It is situated right at the bay of a harbour, which adds to the ambience of the dining experience. Most of the fish are caught locally, but some are even freshly imported from over-seas. All ingredients are fresh and completely traditional, bringing out exquisite flavours of Cypriot cuisine. Diners can enjoy a scrumptious meal of exotic seafood while taking in the scintillating view of the Mediterranean island. The restaurant is fully air conditioned for utmost comfort.
larnacaCuisine- Cypriot/Continental This friendly and casual tavern is a good choice for those looking for a quick and pleasant meal, with great value for money. The interiors and architecture is typically Cypriot, with cottage style furniture and décor. The place is known for serving large helpings, so be careful when placing your order. The restaurant is known mainly because all of its food is cooked on charcoal, giving it the exquisite flavour and aroma. Menu recommendations include chicken souvlaki, pagidaki, skewer choirio, and the souvlakia-seftalia mix.
larnacaCuisine - Cypriot This is a very popular choice among youngsters, tourists and couples in Larnaca, with its popularity increasing with each passing day. Since its inception in 1993, the Art Café gives diners a homely and pleasant eating experience, with exquisite service and exceptional ambience. The music is modern and hip, playing tunes from various jazz to rock and blues. The restaurant extends into two balconies for a more private and romantic dining area. The menu is attractive in its selection and all the dishes boast true Cypriot flavours. Recommended from the menu is the Lamb with oregano and Tzatziki.
larnacaOne of the best steak houses in Larnaca, Hobo’s Steak house is a non-vegetarians paradise. The restaurant is divided into two floors, with the ground floor and outside area for drinks and beverages, and the dining area upstairs. Many customers just come to Hobo’s to grab a few drinks in the bar-styled floor during the weekends. The steaks and meat dishes are known to be exceptional, with lots of choices available in cooking style, flavours and condiments. The highlight of he menu is the Wagyu Kobe style beef.
larnacaCuisine - International Located in the Aldriana Hotel itself, the restaurant is a pleasant dining experience for all. The great service and atmosphere makes it a nice place to take family and friends, especially if there are children involved. You can enjoy the great view by the sandy beach, along with the two outdoor swimming pools right next to it.