Larnaca, Cyprus

Larnaca, the oldest city in Cyprus and birthplace to ancient Stoic philosopher Zeno, is now leading the island into the future. Home to the main international airport, the city is the entry point for most visitors to Cyprus.

Larnaca, Cyprus, is known for its seafront. It’s got the requisite sand, sea, and palm trees… but when Cyprus was divided, the city lobbied to become the island’s oil and gas supply base—and therefore never became a tourist hub. The industrialized harbor that resulted is today a rusting eyesore.

The enormous makeover now underway along Larnaca’s coast will transform it within the decade, though, and the city is primed to become the island’s next tourist hub.

Expats and retires are drawn to Larnaca for several reasons among them being the Mediterranean weather, the lower cost of living, quality health care, safety and security, laidback lifestyle, English widely spoken, and the proximity and connectivity to many other European countries.

Expat Community In Larnaca, Cyprus

Larnaca has a thriving expat community. Both retirees and younger folk flock to this side of the island looking for an alternative lifestyle than what they have back home.

Here you’ll find people from the U.K., Russia, Germany, Scandinavia, among other countries.

The Expat Community in Larnaca, Cyprus, tends to establish social networks and support systems among themselves.

This allows newcomers, and anyone who’s already there, to have contacts in different areas and support when needed. Plus, it’s fun to have things to do from time to time.

Expats here enjoy organizing social events, gatherings, charity initiatives, sports events, and more.

Cost Of Living In Larnaca, Cyprus

Among the attractions to relocating to Larnaca is the lower cost of living than most of Europe.

A couple could live here quite comfortably on a monthly budget of about US$1,600. This number will go up or down depending on your lifestyle choices, of course.

Choose to buy more imported goods and eat at more expensive restaurants and you’ll see your monthly budget go up.

But, if you choose to buy local foods and eat at local restaurants, you’ll bring down your cost of living considerably.

Here’s a more detailed look at what you and your spouse’s monthly budget could look like if you choose to relocate to Larnaca…

Click here for currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.

Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple)

Things To Do In Larnaca, Cyprus

Larnaca has an array of activities for guests and residents to enjoy.

Depending on the season in which you choose to visit (if you are in fact just visiting), there will be activities you’ll enjoy more than others.

Let’s have a look at some of the things to do in Larnaca…

• Finikoudes Beach

Finikoudes Beach is Larnaca’s main beach. During the summer, this is a great place to spend a day sunbathing and enjoying water sports such as jet skiing and paddleboarding. You can also enjoy a refreshing swim.

This beach is located in the heart of the city making it super accessible to anyone visiting. If you get a bit hungry during your day at the beach, you don’t need to go far to find a place to eat. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and many other amenities are within walking distance.

• Mackenzie Beach

Mackenzie Beach is another popular spot in Larnaca. Its crystal-clear water and vibrant nightlife attract many people here.

Besides spending your day lounging on the sand here and enjoying a delightful swim in its clear water, this beach is lined with bars and clubs where you find enjoyment when evening comes.

• Larnaca Salt Lake

The Larnaca Salt Lake is located near the city and is a natural habitat for flamingos during the winter. If you’re in Larnaca during this season, and enjoy birdwatching and spending time in nature, you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity.

• Cultural Events

Larnaca hosts several cultural events throughout the year. The Kataklysmos Festival (Festival of the Flood) and the Larnaca Summer Festival showcase traditional music, dances, and cuisine.

There are other events you can attend such as the Larnaca Flower Festival, Carnival, food festivals, music and art festivals, and religious celebrations such as Christmas, Epiphany, and Saint Lazarus’ Feast Day.

• Saint Lazarus Church

Saint Lazarus Church is one of the most significant religious sites in Larnaca.

It’s known for housing the tomb of Saint Lazarus, a biblical figure whom Jesus raised from the dead. If you enjoy history, religious history, and architecture, make sure to stop by and take in the splendor of this church.

This is an active place of worship and visitors and expected to dress modestly and behave accordingly. If you’re looking to have a spiritual and cultural experience, consider attending a service.

• Pierides Foundation Museum

The Pierides Museum is a private institution that houses collection of antiquities, artifacts, and artworks from different historical periods.

It was established in the 1830s by the Pierides family who initially used it to hold a small private collection of antiquities and artworks. In time, it expanded and became the museum it is today. It houses pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and more.

The museum also has a library. Here you’ll find books on archaeology, art history, and Cypriot culture and history.

This Pierides Foundation Museum is located in the heart of the city and close to the Saint Lazarus Church. It’s accessible to both residents and tourists. If you like history, archaeology, and art, make sure to take some time out of your day to stop by.

• Hala Sultan Tekke

The Hala Sultan Tekke is also known as the Mosque of Umm Haram and is one of the most visited places in Larnaca. This is a significant Muslim religious site and pilgrimage destination.

This mosque is associated with miracles and healing powers. This is a place of prayer and significant spiritual significance. Nevertheless, the Hala Sultan Tekke is open to all visitors regardless of religious background.

When you visit, make sure to dress modestly and behave accordingly to customs.

Safety In Larnaca, Cyprus

Cyprus in general is considered safe for both locals and tourists. Larnaca enjoys the same reputation of being a safe city.

With a stable political situation, serious crime in Cyprus is quite rare.

Locals and visitors can walk and live stress-free in Larnaca. However, we always recommend you practice basic precautions no matter where you are.

Pick pockets and petty theft might occur anywhere in the world no matter how safe the country or city which you visit may be.

General safety tips for living in or visiting Larnaca include:

• Lock your home doors and windows when heading out or going to sleep.
• Don’t wear flashy jewelry.
• Don’t carry around or flash large amounts of cash.
• Keep your belongings in sight at all times.
• When in crowded areas, wear your bag or fanny pack on your front.
• Don’t keep your phone and wallet in your back pockets.
• Avoid walking alone and in poorly lit areas at night.

Health Care In Larnaca, Cyprus

Health care in Cyprus is generally considered of high quality. Larnaca is no different. In fact, Larnaca has become a popular destination for medical tourism.

Larnaca has both public and private health care sectors.

The public health care sector offers medical coverage to locals and legal residents. This form of health care is more affordable and accessible to the population, but you should expect to see long waiting lines in the hospitals and clinics.

Nevertheless, public hospitals and clinics are well-equipped and are staffed by qualified professionals.

Larnaca’s private health care facilities are much better equipped than public facilities with advanced medical technology, a broader range of medical specialties, and shorter waiting lines.

This is where most expats will likely prefer to go and where visitors need to go should they require medical assistance.

Visa And Residency Information

United States passport holders do not need a visa to enter Cyprus and can remain there for 90 days.

In the south of Cyprus (Larnaca), the easiest residency route is the Category F Permit, which is renewable annually, but it’s slow—it can take up to two years to be approved (during this time you can leave the country without penalty).

This is what we commonly refer to as the “self-sufficiency option.” As long as you can prove an income that will support you in the country, you’ll be given residency.

You don’t need to apply for this visa in advance of arriving in Cyprus, you can simply land in country on your tourist visa and extend it for up to a year while you apply.

This is an immediate permanent residency. But you may be asked to reprove your qualifications after a few years. So, it is essentially without expiration.

Stay up to date on any recent changes or for any additional information on visa and residency permits by visiting the Cypruss Embassy in the United States website or by contacting them directly.

Weather In Larnaca, Cyprus

Larnaca enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters are the norm here.

The summer in Larnaca runs from June to August. Daytime temperatures during this season range from 86°F to 95°F.

It’s important to keep in mind that heatwaves may occur during this season and temperatures can reach up to 104°F. This is a great season to enjoy water sports and spending time at sea.

The fall runs from September to November. Temperatures start cooling down during this time. September averages temperatures of 86°F, very similar to summer, but November may see temperatures drop to 68°F. You may see a bit of rain during this season, but not a whole lot.

December to February is winter in Larnaca. This season is relatively mild in comparison to the rest of Europe.

Daytime temperatures range from 59°F to 68°F. Temperatures tend to drop during the evenings and nights. These might reach about 50°F. This is when you’ll see more rainfall.

Spring runs from March to May with temperatures of 68°F to 77°F. This season has a very pleasant climate.

For example, if you’re wanting to travel to Larnaca, Cyprus, when it’s not too warm as it tends to get during the summer, spring might be the best time for you.