Larnaca is the most inexpensive resort in Cyprus, which suits 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. Probably, the city got its name thanks to this attraction, since Larnaca is translated only as “tomb”. Currently, a temple has been built on the site of the saint's grave, in which his relics are kept.
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 a port, Larnaca has lost its significance, turning into a resort. The city can claim to be the oldest settlement in Cyprus. Archaeologists have found evidence confirming that people inhabited this place 6000 years ago. Modern Larnaca is like a twin similar to other resorts on the island.
Coastline
Larnaca is a budget resort that is always crowded with tourists. Especially a lot of couples 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 here is shallow, and the bottom is flat 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 the elderly.
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 nearby villages and travel to the city to work.
Larnaca beaches
Things are quite different in Larnaca. This is an ordinary city located by the sea. There is not much hustle and bustle in it, life here flows more calmly and measuredly, but everyone can always find entertainment to their liking: restaurants, cafes, bars, historical sights, sea voyages. And for thrill-seekers, there are several kite centers in the city, which are definitely the cheapest in Cyprus.
Sophisticated connoisseurs believe that the beaches of Larnaca cannot be called the leading ones on the island, but everything is fine here with sea holidays. The main beaches of the resortawarded 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, and the central ones are generally interesting to relax, something unusual always happens here.
Everything you need for a good holiday at 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 set usually does not exceed 5 EUR. In total, the beaches of Larnaca, which we will describe 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, since numerous clubs start working here in the evenings, entertaining visitors until the morning. This section of the coast is marked with the Blue Flag. This 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 footpath stretches across the entire coast, along which numerous restaurants, taverns and cafes and even several nightclubs are built, which start working from 22.00. The Ammous Bar & Restaurant is said to be on the list of the trendiest places on the island.
Mackenzie features and tourist reviews
All the beaches of Larnaca, 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 is clear that he is well taken care of. 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 a rather impressive length, and walking in the heat to refresh yourself in fresh water is not very pleasant.
In this area, the seabed is flat and sandy, there is no great depth. Lifeguards are always present on the coast. On the beach you can rent a sun lounger 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 above the shore in this area, planes come in to land at the airport. At the same time, there is no noise and hum. But on the other hand, it is quite interesting to look at such a spectacle, and if you have time, you can still make amazing shots.
Disadvantages of the beach
In general, Mackenzie Beach makes a very good impression, but there are small nuances or shortcomings that tourists should be aware of. You can get to this stretch of coast only by car or taxi. Almost all parking spaces near the beach are paid, there are very few free places, so if you come by car, you will also have to fork out for parking. The sand on this stretch of coast, although clean, has a grayish tint. ithis natural feature.
Phinikoudes Beach
If we talk about which beaches of Larnaca are the most convenient for families with children, then it is worth remembering Finikoudes - this is the Date 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 embankment by the famous palm alley, which is the pride and symbol of Larnaca. Numerous taverns, hotels, restaurants and bars have been built along it.
The beach is very wide and can be reached by bus. The sand here, as well as on the entire coast, is gray, if this is important for someone. The beach is clean and well organized. During the season, active life boils and rages here. According to tourists, the beach is very conveniently located, for this reason there are always a lot of tourists here. Everyone strives not only to plunge into the sea, but also to walk along the famous alley.
Dhekelia beach
Dhekelia is the road along the coast leading from Larnaca to the British base (military). 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 some places pebbles appear instead of sand.
In general, it's probably not worth talking about Dhekelia as a single beach, since the areas near different hotels are equipped differently. Like all the beaches of Larnaca (reviews confirm this), the local coast is quite acceptable forrecreation, although it has a patchy coverage.
Beach at military base
You can get to this stretch of coast only by car, buses just don't go here, and it's far to get there on foot. It is worth noting that the beach is located on the territory of the base. Part of the coast is closed, mere mortals cannot get there. But if you drive a car through the base, you can get to the beach, which is open to outside visitors. 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 few euros. Lifeguards are always on duty on the beach. On the right there is also a wild section of the 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
Discussing the beaches of Larnaca, the reviews of which are very positive, we can also recall Kot Pyla, which is located along the Dhekelia highway. This beach area is well equipped and offers a variety of entertainment 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 small 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 coast. During the high season, all kinds of events are held on the beach, including beach tennis and volleyball tournaments.
Lifeguards are always on duty on the coast. To the beachcan be reached by car, bus and bicycle. The beach is equipped for people with disabilities.
Instead of afterword
All the beaches of Larnaca (Cyprus), photos of which are colorful and bright, are good for relaxing. 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. A vacation here will cost much less than in the same Paphos.
