Our trip to Cyprus would not have been complete without a day trip to Larnaca. Beforehand, we selected the city’s most famous attractions and planned to visit them one by one.
In this article, we will tell you which places in Larnaca are especially worth seeing and what surprise awaited us there. We were particularly excited about the Larnaca Salt Lake because it is known for its flamingos, which we absolutely wanted to see.
Altogether, we had five destinations on our list. Our journey began in Ayia Napa. After about 30 minutes, we reached Larnaca and parked directly at the Finikoudes promenade along Athenon Avenue.
Contents Larnaca Cyprus
Attractions in Larnaca Cyprus
The Finikoudes Promenade in Larnaca
The promenade in Larnaca is lined with palm trees and invites visitors to relax and enjoy their time. Along the promenade, you’ll find numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants, as well as a well-maintained beach. We sat down at a café, enjoyed a coffee, and soaked up the relaxed atmosphere.
After this short break, we continued our walk to the next attraction. At the end of the promenade, we came across the medieval fort of Larnaca.
The Medieval Fort of Larnaca
The medieval fort of Larnaca is an impressive attraction and an important part of the city’s history. The entrance fee was not only affordable but also worth every euro.
Inside the fort, there was much to explore. We discovered old cannons and a small museum showcasing historical artifacts that vividly illustrated the region’s history. However, the most striking feature was the upper level, which offered stunning views of the vast sea and the picturesque coastline.
The Lazarus Church: A Spiritual and Historical Landmark in Larnaca
Just 350 meters from the fort lies the Lazarus Church, one of the most significant attractions in Larnaca. A visit to its interior is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the city.
The church was built in the 9th century and is considered one of the most important Byzantine structures in Cyprus. Saint Lazarus, known from the Bible, is believed to be buried here. His sarcophagus is located in the crypt beneath the church and can be visited, making this place especially fascinating.
Inside the church, there are many impressive works of art to discover. These include magnificent icons from the 17th century, intricately crafted wooden carvings, and an impressive stone altar. Next to the church, there is also a small icon museum that displays additional religious artifacts and valuable treasures.
Thanks to its rich history, stunning architecture, and spiritual significance, the Lazarus Church is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Larnaca.
Our Personal Highlight: The Salt Lake and the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque
Our personal highlight was supposed to be the visit to the Salt Lake with its flamingos and the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. Both places are beautifully situated right next to each other on the shore of the Salt Lake. However, we experienced a surprising twist that we did not expect.
We started our journey by car toward the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. The drive was pleasantly short, taking only about ten minutes. But as we drove along the lakeside road, we could hardly believe our eyes: instead of a lake filled with flamingos, we saw a vast, pink shimmering surface. The Salt Lake was completely dried up! Although we were initially disappointed, we decided to visit the mosque first.
Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque
First, we visited the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque.
We were able to explore the mosque from the inside but had to remove our shoes before entering, which we found to be a respectful ritual.
Inside the mosque, there is a designated area for visitors, while worshippers pray in an adjacent room. To avoid disturbing anyone, we kept our visit brief and stepped outside shortly after. Afterward, we explored the mosque’s grounds and took some photos.
The Salt Lake: An Impressive Surprise
After visiting the mosque, we were eager to find out what had happened to the Salt Lake. Behind the mosque, a path led directly to the lake—or rather, to the pink shimmering surface that was left of it.
Instead of water, we found a vast area covered by a thick crust of salt several centimeters deep. This crust was not stable enough to support our weight. When we stepped onto it, the surface cracked beneath our feet, and we sank slightly into the muddy ground below. Our shoes were soon coated with a stubborn, salty layer that was difficult to remove.
Tip: If you plan to explore the dried-up Salt Lake, make sure to wear sturdy and waterproof shoes.
Despite the absence of flamingos, we found the dried-up Salt Lake fascinating. We ventured far out onto the pink shimmering surface. The ground was marked by intriguing structures, deep cracks, and a crust that resembled a desert landscape in some places.
On the horizon, the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque stood tall, providing a stunning backdrop for photos. Although we were initially disappointed not to see flamingos, the dried-up Salt Lake became the unexpected highlight of our trip.
Why We Just Missed the Flamingos
Naturally, after our visit, we wanted to learn more about the dried-up Salt Lake and the missing flamingos. During our research, we discovered that the Larnaca Salt Lake undergoes seasonal changes.
During the rainy season, roughly from November to March, the lake fills with water. At this time, thousands of flamingos flock to the area to feed. However, in the summer, the lake completely dries up, leaving behind a thick salt crust that creates the characteristic pink shimmer. Since we visited Larnaca at the end of October, we narrowly missed both the spectacle and the flamingos.
Conclusion Larnaca Cyprus: A Diverse Day Trip
Our trip to Larnaca delighted us with its historical sites, relaxed atmosphere, and unique natural wonders. The city has something for everyone and will remain memorable to us, especially because of the Salt Lake, which turned out to be an unexpected highlight.
Frequently asked questions about Larnaca Cyprus
For a day trip, the Finikoudes Promenade, the Medieval Fort, and the Lazarus Church are well worth visiting. For nature lovers, the Salt Lake and the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque are absolute highlights, as they beautifully combine history and nature.
Along Athenon Avenue, there are many paid parking spots. From here, you can easily explore the city on foot, as many attractions are within walking distance.
The best time to visit the Salt Lake is between November and March. During this period, the lake fills with water, and thousands of flamingos stop there to rest. In the summer and early autumn, the lake completely dries up and is covered by an impressive salt crust. While this also makes for a fascinating visit, it offers a very different atmosphere.
