Yes — it's about a 4-minute walk from Finikoudes Beach, right in Larnaca's old town.
Discover Authentic Larnaca: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Larnaca, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as the Church of St Lazarus, the Hala Sultan Tekke and Larnaca Salt Lake, alongside our Mercure hotels.
Top 5 Things to Do in Larnaca
Finikoudes Promenade
A palm-lined seafront walkway right along the beach, with small kiosks and boutiques selling locally made goods between the palm trunks.
Larnaca Municipal Market
A proper food market — olives, cheeses and spices sold by people who've been doing it for decades. Go for the produce, not the souvenirs.
Zenonos Kitieos street
The old town's main shopping street, running back from Finikoudes Boulevard, lined with small independent shops rather than chains.
Old Market St.
One of the narrow streets threading off the promenade into the old town — a good place to get slightly lost before dinner.
Loukoumades stalls
Honey-soaked Cypriot doughnuts, sold hot from small stalls near the promenade. Best eaten standing up, ideally still steaming.
Explore Larnaca's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Larnaca
We've mapped local spots around Larnaca, from ancient Kition to golden beaches.
History & heritage
Larnaca historic centre
The heart of town in one walk: Larnaca Castle, the Church of St Lazarus, the Pierides and archaeological museums, and the old city walls.
City centre · Historic centre · Perfect for culture
Archaeological site of Kition
Founded around 1300 BC, ancient Kition reveals temple remains, including sanctuaries linked to Aphrodite – right in the middle of modern Larnaca.
Larnaca · Archaeological site · Ideal for history
Hala Sultan Tekke
On the shore of the salt lake, the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque is an architectural gem and a deeply spiritual place in Cypriot tradition. Come early, when the lake is still.
Larnaca Salt Lake · Mosque · Great for heritage
Kamares Aqueduct
The arches of the Kamares Aqueduct, a landmark of historic engineering, stride across Larnaca's western edge.
West Larnaca · Monument · Perfect for photos
Lefkara
A historic village of cobbled streets, famous for its lace masters. Watch them work.
Lefkara · Village · Made for crafts
Emira Pottery
A pottery studio with workshops and handmade ceramics to take home. Fancy trying the wheel?
Pottery studio · Great for souvenirs
Larnaca Castle
A small seafront fortress at the end of the Finikoudes promenade. Old stone walls, and the Mediterranean stretching out beyond.
Seafront · Fortress · Perfect for history and views
Church of St Lazarus
Larnaca's best-known church, built over the tomb of Saint Lazarus. Step inside for the richly carved wooden iconostasis and a moment of calm.
Old town · Orthodox church · Ideal for architecture
Larnaca District Archaeological Museum
Thousands of years of Cypriot history, from prehistoric objects to finds from the ancient city of Kition.
Kalogreon Square · Museum · Made for archaeology
Pierides Museum
A private collection in a historic family house, with archaeological artefacts telling the story of ancient civilisations and Cypriot culture.
Zinonos Kitieos Street · Museum · Perfect for culture lovers
Nature & beaches
Larnaca Salt Lake
A unique natural site where you can watch remarkable wildlife up close – in winter, look out for flamingos.
Near the airport · Salt lake · Ideal for birdwatching
Finikoudes, Mackenzie and Kastella beaches
From palm-lined Finikoudes to Mackenzie and Kastella: clear water and golden sand. Pick your spot.
Larnaca · Beaches · Perfect for relaxing
Food & drink
Zephyros
Simple, excellent seafood, with Greek and European dishes.
Restaurant · Great for seafood
To Arxontikon
Traditional Cypriot cooking, especially meat dishes, in a house dating from 1850.
Restaurant · Perfect for Cypriot food
Kira Giorgena
A cosy spot for traditional dishes and a full meze. Clear the table – it keeps coming.
Restaurant · Made for meze
Secret Garden Wine & Coffee Bar
A charming bar near St Lazarus Church with local wines, cocktails and live music.
St Lazarus · Bar · Ideal for a quiet evening
FAQ
Larnaca International Airport is just a few kilometres from the city centre, making it one of the more convenient arrival points in Cyprus.
Look for local olives, cheeses and spices — it's a food market first, aimed at locals doing their weekly shop.
The Church of St Lazarus and Larnaca Castle in the centre, the ancient site of Kition and the Hala Sultan Tekke by the salt lake.
Finikoudes, Mackenzie and Kastella, with clear water and golden sand.
A mosque on the shore of Larnaca Salt Lake and one of the island's most important spiritual sites.
Where to Sleep in Larnaca
These Mercure hotels appear on our map:
- Mercure Larnaca City
- Mercure Larnaca Beach Resort