Rediscovering Larnaca
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Often overlooked as a holiday destination in favour of its
livelier Mediterranean cousins, the Cypriot city of Larnaca is finally coming
into its own.
"Whatever will she do with little Cyprus?", asked a musical hall song in the 1870s when Queen Victoria added the Mediterranean island to her colony portfolio, to the bemusement of many.
A Crown colony until 1960, these days Cyprus is popular with
the British as a holiday destination thanks to a great climate, good beaches and
affordable package prices. Yet the
southern port town of Larnaca has never attracted the mass tourism enjoyed by
the picturesque resorts of Pathos and Limassol or lively Ayia Napa.
But now sleepy Larnaca is coming into its own with stylish boutique
hotels, restaurants and interesting agritourist experiences. With historic
squares, a lovely continental style promenade and salt lakes, Larnaca is set to
take its place on the Mediterranean holiday map. And with a fraction of the
visitors who flock to other resorts in the region, there is plenty of space for
everyone.
Dive in
Larnaca has always had its following with the scuba diving
fraternity thanks to the famous shipwreck MS Zenobia. The Swedish roll on roll
off ferry sank here in 1980 on her maiden voyage and now rests on her port side
with her cargo of trucks, trailers and cars. I came as a dive widow as my
husband and his dive buddies go deep to swim around the wreck spotting
barracuda, turtles and trumpet fish.
There is plenty to see above the water and the city is
compact enough to explore in a day, leaving plenty of time for coffee and
cocktail stops.
Churches and forts
My favourite spot is outside the 9th century church
of St Lazarus, built on the tomb of the man Jesus is said to have raised from
the dead. Inside there are beautiful carved seats and sparkling bejewelled icons
with a small Byzantine museum behind the church. After admiring the artefacts,
it is time for a coffee and sticky Cypriot cake in a shady cafe in the square
before exploring the old fort built in the Middle Ages which overlooks the sea.
Shopping
Narrow streets shoot off Lazarus square into a maze of alleyways
full of shops selling jewellery, basketwork and mouth-watering local honeys and
pastries. The main shopping street has
some tatty High Street stores but swing away from there and you are rewarded
with pretty cool squares with small galleries and museums. The marina is currently part of a 2 billion
Euro development. This will regenerate the city but it is unlikely that Larnaca
will lose its low-key charm.
Accommodation
Larnaca has some affordable beach hotels and apartments, but
one finds small, charming hotels cropping up all over. I popped into the new
Hotel Indigo behind the church of St Lazarus in the old quarter. Once occupied
by a pair of 18th century townhouses, the property is rich in
locally influenced design and a vibrant colour palette, in keeping with the
Indigo brand (part of the IHG group). The
icing on the cake is pure white roof terrace with pool, sunbeds and parasols
and a pool bar. The views from here over Larnaca are stunning.
Beaches
Foinikoudes Beach has a long Continental style palm-lined
promenade great for sunbathing and swimming. This is my favourite place for an early morning stroll or early evening
cocktail at the Beach Bar on the sand. McKenzie
Beach is smaller but the sand is golden and clean. Sunbeds and parasols can be hired. Safe and
well supervised, the beaches are perfect for families but never seem to get too
busy or noisy.
Dine out
Larnaca has the ubiquitous Pizza Hut and McDonald's on the
main strip, but you don’t have to look far to find some authentic restaurants.
Many serve meze, a steady stream of up to 20 different dishes. But you can also
enjoy octopus and other fresh fish simply grilled. My favourite places to eat overlook
the sea on the terraces on the new Piale Pasha walkway just near the old fort.
Out of town
Larnaca’s salt lake is the second largest in Cyprus, found a
short drive southeast of the town. During the winter the lake fills with water
and is home to thousands of flamingos from November to March. There is a 4km
nature trail which leads to the old aqueduct of Kamares. Villages such as
Lefkara which can be visited from Larnaca have a tradition of making delicate
filigree silverware and lace. Accommodation is available in some of the old
stone houses.
More information
British Airways, easyJet and Jet2 fly to Larnaca from London Heathrow and regional UK airports.
April, May and November are the best months to visit with
temperatures between 20-25 Celsius.
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