Attractions Nearby Larnaca, Day Trips and Excursions

(Larnaca, Cyprus)

With surrounding beaches, coastal attractions and neighbouring resorts, there are many good reasons why tourists in Larnaca enjoy taking day trips and exploring this part of Cyprus. Within easy driving distance of Larnaca are the attractions of Ayia Napa, Famagusta, Lefkara and Mazotos.

On the outskirts of Larnaca, the stunning Roman-style 'Kamares' aqueduct is worth a look and was built in the mid-18th century to transport water here from more than 10 km / 6 miles away. Continuing on the historical theme, other neighbouring attractions include the Neolithic site of Choirokoitia, the Hala Sultan Tekkesi (Mosque of Umm Haram), the Larnaka Salt Lake and the Stavrovouni Monastery.

Ayia Napa (Agia Napa / Aya Napa)

The sandy beaches and lively nightclubs of Ayia Napa are almost legendary and this resort considers itself to be the party capital of Cyprus. Ayia Napa lies to the north-east of Larnaca and is exceedingly popular with package tourists and sun-seeking holiday makers. Although Ayia Napa is undeniably touristy, with pleasure boat cruises, Bungee jumping and a nearby water park (Water World), there is still plenty of culture and historical attractions to go around. In particular, look out for the Monastery of Ayia Napa, the Marine Life Museum and the Thalassa Municipal Museum of the Sea.

Chapelle Royale (Royal Chapel)

A small and perfectly formed church, the Chapelle Royale stands nearby the village of Pyrga and off the Nicosia to Limassol highway. This Lusignan shrine dates from the early 15th century and contains some historical wall frescoes, which are typically French in style. Day trippers often choose to combine a visit to the Chapelle Royale with the neighbouring Stavrovouni Monastery, or to the picture-postcard village of Agia Anna.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: charge

Choirokoitia

Choirokoitia is certainly one for the history buffs and is to be found just over 30 km / 19 miles to the south-west of Larnaca. When visited as part of a day trip, tourists often combine a visit to Choirokoitia with an excursion to either Limassol or Lefkara. Choirokoitia dates from 6800 BC and now ranks as a World Heritage Site, with well-preserved ruins, reconstructed houses and similar attractions. A series of walkways and steps take visitors to the main places of interest within this ancient settlement.
Open hours: May to September, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 19:30, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00; October to April, daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Famagusta

An unusual beach resort that changed its face dramatically following the Turkish invasion of 1974, Famagusta is situated to the north-east of Larnaca and directly north of Ayia Napa. Famagusta is a relatively quiet beach resort and border city, which really is very worthy of a day trip. Its crumbling beauty and somber views of its barricaded Varosia (Maras) district are both unusual and memorable, with some attractions of great note. Look out for the Venetian Walls, the Citadel (Othello's Tower), the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the popular sandy beach lying in front of the Palm Beach Hotel.

Hala Sultan Tekkesi

As you leave Larnaca Airport, the Hala Sultan Tekkesi (Mosque of Umm Haram) is one of the first attractions that you are likely to notice. The mosque is one of the most important of all of the Islamic pilgrimage sites on Cyprus and has the appearance of an oasis, since it fronts the Larnaka Salt Lake and is surrounded by olive trees and date palms. Guided tours are available, with visitors being taken to see the sarcophagus of Hala Sultan, the aunt of Prophet Mohammed. The Hala Sultan Tekkesi is now listed as an Ancient Monument.
Open hours: daily, May to September - 09:00 to 19:30; October to April - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free, donations suggested and welcomed

Kiti

Located roughly 7 km / 4 miles to the south-west of Larnaca is the village of Kiti. There is one main attraction in Kiti that is something of a tourist magnet - the Panagia Angeloktisti Church, which literally translates as 'built by angels'. The church dates as far back as the 5th century, although has been rebuilt since. However, its striking 6th-century mosaic of the Virgin Mary has survived from the original apse. Regular services still take place here each Sunday, with visitors always being welcomed.

Larnaka Salt Lake

The Larnaka Salt Lake is an usual attraction and in the height of the summer, looks more like a shimmering ice-skating rink that a dried-up lake.

As the summer season ends and autumn arrives, a host of colourful migrating birds soon begin to make an appearance here, such as flamingos. During the Middle Ages, salt mining took place here and was a lucrative industry. Visitors are always advised to keep off, since the lake can be quite sticky and a little dangerous.

Lefkara

Cyprus is famous for a number of its exports, and Lefkara lace is certainly up there with the best of them. The region comprises the mountain villages of both Kato Lefkara and Pano Lefkara, where the majority of this beautiful lace is created. There are a selection of interesting attractions in Lefkara, such as the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silver-Smithing, and the Fatsa Wax Museum.

Mazotos

Mazotos village is around 22 km / 14 miles to the south-west of Larnaca and close to Pervolia, and is conveniently close to the Mediterranean seafront. Although this village has very little in the way of tourist attractions, some fans of the separated celebrity couple Peter Andre and Katie Price (Jordan) do like to come here to see his grand £1 million Cyprus villa, which is known locally as the 'Pink Palace'. However, little can be seen from the roadside, since it is rather tucked away. For families, a day out at the Camel Park Mazotos is recommended, with its camel rides, large outdoor swimming pool, bouncy play areas and Noah's Ark zoo all being popular.

Stavrovouni Monastery

As you approach the Stavrovouni Monastery, you will be greeted by quite a sight, since this is an attractive hilltop Cypriot attraction, appearing more like a fairytale castle. The Stavrovouni Monastery is the most historic of its kind on the whole of Cyprus, being founded in the early part of the 4th century AD, when St. Helena (the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great) came here with a small piece of the Holy Cross. There are some awesome views across the Troodos Massif mountain range and the Mesaoria plain, although do note that if you are female, you will not be allowed to enter the monastery, since this is strictly men only.
Open hours: daily, April to August - 08:00 to 12:00, 15:00 to 18:00; September to March - 08:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: free