Eat See Do: Larnaca

If you want to explore Larnaca’s culinary scene, you absolutely must try traditional Cypriot cuisine. A great place to start is Militzis, a restaurant known for its classic island dishes that has been a staple of the city for decades. Here, the focus is on specialties like slow-braised lamb, grilled halloumi, and oven-baked dishes – recipes that take time and are deeply rooted in Cyprus’ rural cuisine.

More Culinary Delights:

• Meze: Meze is one of the best-known traditions of Cypriot cuisine. Instead of a single dish, numerous small plates are served: from dips like tzatziki or tahini to grilled halloumi, fish, or meat. Everyone at the table shares the food, making meze a particularly convivial experience.
• Halloumi: Few other products represent Cyprus in the same way as halloumi. This semi-hard cheese made from sheep’s and goat’s milk – sometimes mixed with cow’s milk – is traditionally grilled or pan-fried because it keeps its shape when heated. In Larnaca, you’ll find it on salads, in sandwiches, or as a standalone appetizer – golden brown on the outside, soft and slightly salty on the inside.
• Loukoumades: Loukoumades bring a touch of sweetness. These small, golden-brown fried dough balls are somewhat reminiscent of cream puffs and are served with honey, syrup, or cinnamon. This sweet treat has a long tradition in the Eastern Mediterranean and is particularly popular as a dessert or as a small snack with coffee.

The Agios Lazaros Church is one of Larnaca’s most important landmarks. Built in the 9th century, it is dedicated to the biblical Lazarus who, legend has it, came to Cyprus after he was resurrected by Jesus and served as a bishop here. This impressive stone church, with its Byzantine architecture and intricately carved, gold-covered iconostasis, is one of the main Orthodox churches on the island.

Also Worth Seeing:

• Larnaca Salt Lake: Covering 2.2 square kilometers (0.85 square miles), the Larnaca Salt Lake is the second-largest salt lake in Cyprus. It lies south of the city and is one of the most important habitats for waterfowl. In winter, the lake becomes a resting place for migratory birds; particularly well-known are the pink flamingos, which overwinter here in their thousands every year. In summer, however, the water recedes a long way, leaving behind a pale salt crust that gives the landscape an almost otherworldly feel.
• Hala Sultan Tekke: On the western shore of the salt lake lies Hala Sultan Tekke, one of the region’s most important Islamic pilgrimage sites. The mosque was built over the tomb of Umm Haram, who is regarded in Muslim tradition as a relative or close companion of the Prophet Muhammad. Through several phases of construction between the 18th and early 19th centuries, the mosque developed into the complex visible today. Visiting the tomb of Umm Haram is said to bring blessings and good fortune.
• Larnaca Castle: At the southern end of the Finikoudes Promenade stands Larnaca Castle, which was likely built in the Middle Ages and took on its current form during Ottoman rule. Over the centuries, the fortress not only defended the harbor but was later also used as a prison before being converted into a small medieval museum. Its location at the junction of the Old Town, the beach promenade, and the sea makes the site particularly charming. Here, Larnaca’s military past blends seamlessly with the relaxed coastal life of the present.

The Finikoudes Promenade is the heart of modern Larnaca. Cafés, restaurants, and small shops feature on the palm tree-lined avenue, offering unobstructed views of the city beach and the Mediterranean Sea. In the evening, when locals and visitors come here for a stroll, the city’s laid-back side is especially evident.

Further Experiences:

• Excursion to the Zenobia wreck: Off the coast of Larnaca lies one of Europe's most famous shipwrecks, the Zenobia. The 172-meter-long (564 feet) car ferry sank in 1980 just a few miles from the harbor and now rests on the seabed at a depth of 18 to 43 meters (59 to 141 feet). More than 100 trucks are still on board and, together with the decks and propellers, form an impressive underwater panorama. Its exceptionally good condition makes the Zenobia one of the most renowned wreck diving sites in the world. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members were able to leave the ship in time.
• Stroll through the old Turkish quarter: South of the Church of Lazarus lies Skala, one of Larnaca’s most historically interesting neighborhoods. It developed during the Ottoman period around the small harbor and is still characterized today by low-rise buildings, narrow alleys, and Oriental influences. At the entrance to the quarter stands the Djami Kebir Mosque, built on the foundations of a medieval church. Small workshops, cafés, bars, and street food stalls all contribute to the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood.
• A day on Mackenzie Beach: Just a few minutes south of the city center lies Mackenzie Beach, one of Larnaca’s most popular city beaches. It is known for its dark, fine sand, shallow waters, and long promenade. Its location right next to the airport is particularly striking: lie on your beach towel for a perfect view of planes flying low over the coast as they come in to land.