Larnaca is a port city in the south of Cyprus and the country’s third largest city.

It’s the oldest continuous inhabited settlement dating back to 1400 BC. Larnaca is widely considered the 17th oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.

It’s a place known for good diving sites including the Zenobia Wreck and Alexandria Wreck. The Zenobia Wreck is ranked in the top 10 best wreck dives in the world.

The Alexandria Wreck is located 32m depth with 25m visibility and 200m away from Zenobia.

Leonardo Da Vinci once visited Lefkara, a village near Larnaca in 1481.

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is a resort town on the south eastern coast of Cyprus. it’s a 40 minute drive from Larnaca.

it’s a vibrant place known for its nightlife and beaches.

Konnos Beach was my favourite of the ones I visited here and Larnaca. It’s a 10 minute drive from the main area of Ayia Napa.

It’s a secluded beach and parking can be a challenge but it’s a close walk down, the temperature of the sea is ideal and it’s away from the hustle and bustle of Ayia Napa.

The main landmark of Ayia Napa is the Monastery which sits in the heart of the Plateia Seferi central square.

If you book any tours, the pick up point is likely going to be in Ayia Napa so if you’re staying in Larnaca, make sure you leave enough time to make the journey to your meeting point.

Nicosia

Nicosia is the capital and the largest city in Cyprus.

It’s famously known for being the world’s last divided capital. Nicosia is split by the Green Line into the south side which is Greek Cypriot and the north side which is Turkish Cypriot.

I would suggest exploring the Turkish side first as it’s smaller. The highlights include the Büyük Han which is a 16th century Ottoman caravanserei. Its been converted into a cultural hub featuring galleries, cafes and artisan shops within a courtyard.

Another highlight is the Selimiye Mosque. It was originally built as a Gothic Cathedral of Saint Sofia and was converted into a Mosque in the 16th century. Historically its been the main Mosque in Cyprus.

The highlights of the Greek side include Laiki Geitonia, a traditional neighbourhood inside the city walls. It was created with the aim of maintaining the character of the old Nicosia from the early 1900s. It’s in the centre and easy to get around from one of the shops to buy local products, or sitting outside one of the cafes in a narrow alley.

Another highlight is the Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory. It’s visible from many points in the city. You get panoramic views of Nicosia including a view of the Turkish side. As you go around you see photos of the old city. There’s a little exhibition including a 10 minute video of Nicosia’s history.

Nicosia is a small. You can explore the Turkish side and the Greek side in a day. It’s a 45 minute drive from Larnaca plus the extra minutes you spend trying to find parking and navigating the narrow side streets.

Don’t forget your passport if you want to explore both sides.

Famagusta

Famagusta is a historic port city on the eastern coast of Cyprus which is currently controlled by the Turkish side in Northern Cyprus.

We stopped off first at the cultural centre where we went inside and watched a video on the history of Famagusta while we had our passports checked.

Then we went to Varosha Ghost Town which was once a playground for celebrities in the 1960s.

It’s been empty since Turkey invaded in 1974. When we say ghost town, it really is empty, apart from guards and the odd shop being opened (assumed it was for visitors). It was sad to see. A place once thriving, seeing it for what its become today with buildings crumbling and cordoned off. Locals who fled still own businesses and properties but can’t enjoy them or make use of them.

We stopped off at a one of the nicest beach I’d seen since I’ve been here. It was here we were told that Turkey’s invasion of Famagusta is the reason Ayia Napa was built up which made sense. I couldn’t imagine Ayia Napa being more popular or better than Famagusta was in its heyday.

We finished off touring Varosha outside this random house, except it wasn’t random. It belonged to the Uncle of our tour guide. His Uncle emigrated to Sydney and built a successful life there. He even got a house built to look like the one here. Sadly he passed away during covid and never got a chance to return and visit Famagusta.

Listening to our tour guide’s story was sad. His job allows him to come back to the place of his childhood and relive his memories of life with his family. He’s done private tours for his Cousins which is an intimate experience for them. You can feel the pride in the tour guide’s voice as he took us through the history of Varosha.

Our last stop was the walled city. It was kind of our free time to have a look around and grab lunch before we head back. You have the 15th century Venetian fortification, Othello Castle, Othello’s Tower and Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque which was formerly St. Nicholas Cathedral, and later known as Saint Sophia Mosque. It’s the largest medieval building in Famagusta.

The best way to travel here is booking a tour. It’s a lot easier. If you have a car, you can’t park over the border unless you have it included in your rental agreement and even then it’ll cost a lot. Public transport isn’t the best. At least with the tour you have a tour guide who takes you through everything hassle free.

Don’t forget your passport.

Larnaca Itself

I don’t know why I put the title “Larnaca Itself”. Maybe it’s because I’ve mainly spoken about places I visited outside of Larnaca which I used it as a base.

But it’s worth exploring and you can cover the main highlights in a day before deciding on day trips and excursions.

Larnaca is home to Cyprus’s second largest salt lake which is 2.2km square. There was no water as it’s dry season in June so it was nice to walk in it during the sunset and not be surrounded by masses of people.

The Finikoudes Beach area is in the city centre. You’ve got the market right at the heart of it and the marina. In the area you have Larnaca’s Medieval Castle and Europe Square with the municipal district building and the cultural centre

The Mackenzie Beach area is good for the bars and nightlife. It’s around a 25 minute walk from the marina. I stayed at the La Veranda Hotel which was walking distance. If you’re driving, parking around here is easier compared to the centre.

It’s a good area if you’re into plane spotting. The beach is next to the runway allowing you to watch planes land and take off just a few feet above the water.

Larnaca is a good place to be based. You’ve got a blend of ancient history with a modern beachfront. It’s close to the airport which is the busiest airport in Cyprus.

It’s inexpensive to stay here compared to Ayia Napa and less lively if you’re not into the party scene.

As much as I liked Paphos, I preferred Larnaca. It didn’t have the humidity of Paphos. Next time I come back I’ll do the wreckage diving.

Most day trips and excursions aren’t likely to be far to drive such is the ideal location of staying here.