Larnaca is the most inexpensive resort in Cyprus, which is suitable for tourists with a small income. It can also be recommended for families with kids, as the sandy beaches of Larnaca are the best place for children.
A bit of history ...
The city has a long history. According to legend, it was founded by a descendant of Noah. Later, Saint Lazarus settled on these lands. He lived here for many years, and was later buried. An inscription was carved on his tombstone: “Lazarus is a friend of Christ. The city was probably named after this attraction, as Larnaca translates as “tomb”. Currently, a temple has been built on the site of the grave of the saint, in which his relics are stored.
For many decades, the city was the largest port of the island, from which the Phoenicians were very active in trade, including copper. But now, as the port of Larnaca has lost its significance, turning into a resort. The city can claim the title of the oldest settlement in Cyprus. Archaeologists have found evidence confirming that people inhabited this place as early as 6000 years ago. Modern Larnaca is like a twin similar to other resorts of the island.
Coastline
Larnaca is a budget resort in which there are always many tourists. Especially a lot of couples have a rest here. The popularity of the city is explained by the fact that the beaches of Larnaca are very suitable for families with children: the sea is shallow here, and the bottom is shallow and sandy. Most of the hotel complexes are located in the resort area, built to the east of the city along the coast. The beaches of Larnaca, photos of which are given in the article, are also suitable for recreation of older people.
But with all this in fairness it should be noted that the coast in the city is not the best place in Cyprus. Of course, the beaches of Protaras and Ayia Napa are much better. The first is generally considered the best on the island. These two resorts initially had more favorable natural data. They were created as resort villages, and therefore have a small population. Indigenous people prefer to live in the nearest villages, and travel to the city to work.
Larnaca beaches
Things are completely different in Larnaca. This is an ordinary city located by the sea. There is not much noise and fuss in it, life here flows more calmly and measuredly, but everyone can always find entertainment to their liking: restaurants, cafes, bars, historical sights, sea trips. And for thrill-seekers in the city, there are several kite centers that are by far the cheapest in Cyprus.
Sophisticated connoisseurs believe that the beaches of Larnaca can not be called the leading on the island, but still with a sea holiday everything is fine here. The main beaches of the resort are awarded the Blue Flags, which indicates compliance with all sanitary standards and cleanliness. Many Larnaca beaches, photos of which you can see in this review, are free, moreover, you can even come to them with your own beach accessories (towels and umbrellas). Even the most remote of them are well equipped, but the central ones are generally interesting to relax, something unusual always happens here.
Everything you need for a good holiday in the resort is available. The entire coast during the high season is under the close supervision of lifeguards. The beaches are equipped for people with disabilities. The cost of an umbrella-chaise lounge kit usually does not exceed 5 EUR. In total, the beaches of Larnaca, the description of which we give below, stretch for 25 kilometers along the coastline.
Mackenzie Beach
Mackenzie is a large beach adjacent to the old airport. It is a more suitable place for young people, because in the evenings there are numerous clubs that entertain visitors until the morning. This stretch of coast is marked with the Blue Flag. Such a prestigious award is given only to safe and clean places. The coastline in this area is a fairly wide sandy strip with sun loungers and umbrellas in three rows. A pedestrian path stretched across the coast, along which numerous restaurants, taverns and cafes, and even several nightclubs, which began to work from 22.00, were built. Ammous is said to be on the island’s most fashionable restaurant list.
Mackenzie Features and Travel Reviews
All Larnaca beaches, photos and reviews of which are presented to your attention, are good in their own way, and at the same time, each of them has its own characteristics. Mackenzie beach is clean. It can be seen that he is carefully looked after. There are souls on the coast. But, according to tourists, they are all concentrated in about one place, which is not very convenient. The fact is that the beach has an impressive length, and walking in the heat to cool off in fresh water is not very pleasant.
In this area, the seabed is shallow and sandy, there is no great depth. There are always lifeguards on the coast. On the beach you can rent a deck chair for 2.50 euros and an umbrella for the same price. In total, beach accessories cost 5 euros per day. On the coast, everyone can enjoy water sports. Directly over the coast in this area, planes land at the airport. At the same time, there is no noise and hum. But then look at such a spectacle is quite interesting, and if you have time, then you can still make amazing shots.
Beach disadvantages
In general, Mackenzie beach makes a very good impression, but there are small nuances or shortcomings that tourists should know. You can get to this section of the coast only by car or taxi. Almost all parking spaces near the beach are paid, there are very few free spaces, so if you come by car, you will also have to fork out for parking. Sand on this stretch of coast, although clean, has a grayish tint. This is his natural feature.
Finikoudes Beach
If we talk about which Larnaca beaches are the most convenient for families with children, then it is worth recalling Finikoudes - this is the Finikova Embankment. It is located in the very center of the city. Finikoudes Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness and safety. It is convenient, first of all, because it is located in the city. It is separated from the promenade by the famous palm alley, which is the pride and symbol of Larnaca. Numerous taverns, hotels, restaurants and bars were built along it.
The beach is very wide, it can be reached by bus. The sand here, as well as along the entire coast, is gray, if it is important for someone. The beach is clean and comfortable. In season, active life boils and boils here. According to tourists, the beach is very conveniently located, for this reason there are always a lot of vacationers. Everyone seeks not only to plunge into the sea, but also to walk along the famous alley.
Beach on Dhekelia
Dhekelia is a coastal road leading from Larnaca to a British (military) base. The resort hotels are concentrated in this area. It should be noted that the coastline here is very heterogeneous: the width of the coastal strip is constantly changing, and in places instead of sand, pebbles appear.
In general, talking about Dekelia as a single beach, perhaps, is not worth it, since the areas around different hotels are equipped differently. Like all Larnaca beaches (reviews confirm this), the local coast is quite suitable for relaxation, although it has a heterogeneous coating.
Beach at a military base
You can get to this stretch of the coast exclusively by car, the buses just don’t go here, and you can get far on foot. It is worth noting that the beach is located in the base. Part of the coast is closed; ordinary mortals cannot get there. But if you drive by car through the base, you can get to the beach, which is open to outsiders. This stretch of coast is unremarkable and is a narrow strip of sand with one row of umbrellas. Renting beach accessories here costs only a euro. Rescue workers are always on duty on the shore. On the right there is also a wild stretch of coast. It is wider than a civilized beach. The sea in this area is shallow, and the bottom is flat and sandy. On the wild coast, if you are lucky, you can see real turtles.
Cat Saw
When discussing the beaches of Larnaca, the reviews of which are very positive, you can recall the Cat Pila, which is located along the Dhekelia highway. This beach area is well equipped and offers a variety of activities for the whole family. The beach is covered with gray sand, the sea is quite shallow and clean. This place is popular among tourists with young children. On the shore there are toilets, showers, umbrellas and sun loungers. Guests can entertain themselves with a game of volleyball and tennis; cafes and bars are built along the shore. During the high season, various events are held on the beach, including beach tennis and volleyball tournaments.
Lifeguards are always on duty on the coast. The beach can be reached by car, bus and bicycle. The beach is equipped for people with disabilities.
Instead of an afterword
All the beaches of Larnaca (Cyprus), whose photos are colorful and vibrant, are good for relaxation. Perhaps the coast in the vicinity of the city is not as beautiful as in other resorts of Cyprus, but in general it is very convenient for recreation, especially for families with children, since the sea in this area is not deep. In addition, Larnaca attracts many tourists with its affordable prices. Holidays here will be much cheaper than in the same Paphos.