The Cypriot town of Larnaca has history dating back nearly 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest settlements in Greece. Its long beaches and fun atmosphere also make it perfect for simply relaxing or having a party-filled holiday. Getting cheap flights to Larnaca means beautiful beaches and boardwalks, with palm trees everywhere, especially along the aptly-named Palm Tree Promenade. There are many outdoor restaurants and cafes here for enjoying the treat of eating near the sea; make sure you try some of the locals’ favourite dishes like fasoulaki, which is lamb and French beans cooked in red wine.
The marina is full of sailboats and yachts, and windsurfing, kite surfing and jet skiing are very popular here. But if you get flights to Larnaca, make it priority to book a scuba diving trip and see fish swimming among the remains of the shipwrecked MS Zenobia in Laranaca Bay, one of the most celebrated diving sites in the world. On land, the nearby hills are very popular with mountain bikers and off-road races are often held there.
Although there are stylish and modern hotels for those wanting all mod cons, the old town area is full of charming stone buildings with colourful shutters. Zeno, the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy, was born here around 2,300 years ago when Larnaca was called Citium, and you’ll see statues of him around town. In Pierides Museum, you can see remarkable antiquities from the region’s history. On the surrounding hills, you’ll see old churches and monasteries built on the peaks overlooking the beautiful countryside.
