Few places blend beach days, ancient history, and warm Mediterranean evenings like Larnaka (Larnaca). Founded on the ruins of ancient Kition, the city has been a crossroads for Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians—its lanes and seafront still whispering those stories. Today, it’s a breezy base for relaxed seaside living and easy day trips to Cyprus’s eastern coast.

For couples, Larnaka is tailor-made: sunrise walks along Finikoudes, slow lunches by the fishing harbor, and golden-hour swims at Mackenzie Beach as planes float silently overhead on final approach. Don’t miss St. Lazarus Church, the Medieval Castle, Hala Sultan Tekke by the Salt Lake, and the graceful arches of the Kamares Aqueduct—each a gentle step back in time.

Practicalities are simple. Larnaka International Airport (LCA) is 10–15 minutes from town, buses are frequent, and day trips to Ayia Napa, Cape Greco, and Protaras are straightforward. Expect generous meze meals, local halloumi, seaside fish tavernas, and excellent Cypriot wines. This 6-day itinerary balances sightseeing, spas, and beach time with your romantic minimoon vibe.

Larnaka

Larnaka’s heart beats along Finikoudes promenade—palms, cafés, and a crescent of soft sand. Just south, Mackenzie Beach adds hip cocktail bars, chilled music, and calm water perfect for afternoon dips. In the old town, St. Lazarus Church glows with candlelight and gold-leaf icons, while the Medieval Castle anchors the waterfront’s southern end.

• Top sights: St. Lazarus Church, Larnaka Medieval Castle, Pierides Museum, Kamares Aqueduct, Hala Sultan Tekke & Salt Lake (flamingos in winter), Psarolimano fishing harbor.
• Beach time: Finikoudes, Mackenzie, Kastella, Faros Beach (Pervolia), and easy day trips to Nissi Beach and Konnos Bay.
• Food & drink: Classic meze at Militzis, seafood at Zephyros, Levantine feasts at Maqam Al Sultan, creative brunch at Edem’s Yard, espresso at Paul’s Coffee Roasters, and wines by the glass at Vinaria.
• Fun fact: Larnaka’s ancient name, Kition, was a major Phoenician trading hub; today’s promenade sits where ships once unloaded cargo and stories from every corner of the Mediterranean.

Where to stay (romance-friendly, budget-conscious):

• The Ciao Stelio Deluxe Hotel (Mackenzie Beach; chic, adults-oriented vibe, many rooms with sea views; ~$130–$180): Check availability
• Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows (lush gardens, quiet stretch north of town; ~$120–$180; upgrade to a bungalow for privacy): Check availability
• Onisillos Hotel (simple and central near the castle; ~$40–$60): Check availability
• More options: Browse apartments and villas on VRBO Larnaca or hotels on Hotels.com Larnaca.

Getting in and around:

• Flights to Larnaka (LCA): From Europe, compare routes via Omio (flights). Typical flight times: Athens ~1h30, London ~4h40, Vienna ~3h. Prices often range $80–$250 one-way depending on season.
• Flying from outside Europe: See Trip.com or Kiwi.com for global options with connections via Athens or the Gulf.
• Airport to town: Taxi 10–15 minutes (€15–€20). Public bus (e.g., 425) to Finikoudes ~20–25 minutes (~€2).
• Day trips: Intercity buses to Ayia Napa/Protaras ~50–75 minutes (€4–€7 one-way). A small car rental is ~€30–€45/day plus fuel—handy for Cape Greco coves.

Day 1: Arrival, Seafront Stroll, and Candlelit Meze

Afternoon: Arrive at LCA and check in. Shake off travel with a slow walk along Finikoudes; dip your toes in the water and people‑watch from the promenade benches. Step into St. Lazarus Church to admire its honey‑stone arches and iconostasis—quiet, moving, and deeply Cypriot.

Evening: Welcome dinner at Militzis near the castle—order kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb), baked village potatoes, and a village salad with local olives. If you prefer seafood, try Zephyros at the Psarolimano harbor for fresh red mullet, grilled octopus, and taramasalata. End with a stroll to the Larnaka Medieval Castle ramparts for a moonlit view of the bay.

Day 2: Old Town, Beach Time, and a Couples’ Spa

Morning: Breakfast at Edem’s Yard (shakshuka, eggs Benedict with halloumi, fluffy pancakes) or espresso from Paul’s Coffee Roasters (single‑origin pour‑over, excellent croissants). Wander the Pierides Museum (ancient Cypriot artifacts) and the old alleys behind St. Lazarus, browsing for handmade lace and silver.

Afternoon: Beach hours at Mackenzie Beach. Rent loungers, swim in calm water, and watch aircraft on final approach—surprisingly serene. For lunch, Ammos Beach Bar plates Mediterranean bowls and sushi; Lush Beach Bar Resto serves salads, burgers, and icy Aperol spritzes.

Evening: Book a couples’ massage at the Radisson Blu Larnaca Spa (60–90 minutes; ~€120–€180 per couple) or the Serenity Spa at Golden Bay Beach Hotel. Dine at Maqam Al Sultan on Finikoudes—mezze spreads, grilled kebabs, and fragrant Arabic coffee. Nightcap at Vinaria, a cozy wine bar with a smart list of Cypriot and Greek wines by the glass.

Day 3: Cape Greco Cliffs, Sea Caves, and Ayia Napa Harbor

Morning: Head east for dramatic scenery. Join this highly rated small-group outing from Larnaka: Cape Greco Blue Lagoon and Ayia Napa Tour (~6–7 hours; often €60–€85). Highlights include the Sea Caves, Love Bridge, cliff viewpoints, and swimming stops in glassy water.

Afternoon: After your tour, linger at Ayia Napa harbor for a late seafood lunch—grilled sea bream, calamari, a squeeze of lemon, and a cold beer. If you’re self‑driving, swing by Nissi Beach for a quick sandy stroll and that postcard‑blue water.

Evening: Return to Larnaka. Dinner at Art Cafe 1900, a century-old townhouse with Cypriot plates, local wines, and vintage décor—a romantic, unhurried setting for your minimoon.

Day 4: Aqueduct Arches, Salt Lake Serenity, and Pervolia Sunset

Morning: Coffee and bougatsa from a local bakery, then visit the Kamares Aqueduct—graceful 18th‑century arches ideal for photos. Continue to Hala Sultan Tekke by the Larnaka Salt Lake; in cooler months, flamingos paint the shallows pink. The site is peaceful year‑round.

Afternoon: Drive or taxi to Faros Beach (Pervolia) for a quieter swim and a picnic. Alternatively, return to town for a light lunch at To Sieradiko (meze, charcoal‑grilled meats) or Stou Roushia (hearty Cypriot home cooking).

Evening: Sunset back on Finikoudes with gelato in hand. Book a table at Hobo Cafe & Restaurant for casual Mediterranean plates or Viale for handmade pasta and Sicilian specials. Wrap the night with a stroll along the water listening to the soft lap of waves.

Day 5: Mediterranean Cruise with Swimming Stops (Ayia Napa)

Morning: Make your way to Ayia Napa (Intercity bus ~55 minutes; €4–€7; or drive ~45 minutes). Board this relaxed boat day with lunch included: Cruise with lunch & Swimming Stops on Ayia Napa's biggest boat (~4–5 hours; typically €45–€65). Expect turquoise water, swim breaks, and coastal views.

Afternoon: Dry off and grab a fresh juice or frappe at the harbor. If time allows, detour to Konnos Bay between Ayia Napa and Protaras—sheltered, romantic, and impossibly blue.

Evening: Back in Larnaka, celebrate with a seafood feast at Psarolimano Fish Tavern by the fishing boats—order a mixed seafood platter to share and a bottle of crisp Xynisteri. Nightcap at the Radisson Blu’s rooftop for city lights.

Day 6: Easy Morning, Optional WaterWorld, and Departure

Morning: If you’re early risers, take a sunrise swim at Mackenzie—soft light, gentle water. Brunch at Edem’s Yard or grab coffees to go and browse old‑town boutiques for lace, olive‑wood utensils, and handcrafted jewelry.

Optional (if you have a late flight): A playful finale at Ayia Napa’s splashiest attraction: WaterWorld Themed WaterPark Admission Ticket in Ayia Napa (half‑day; ~€38–€42). Couples who love slides will adore the lazy river interludes between thrill rides.

Afternoon (departure day): Check out, enjoy a last gelato on Finikoudes, and transfer to LCA. Taxis run ~€15–€20; buses are frequent and inexpensive.

Budget tips for a 50/100 spend level: Mix meze tavernas with one or two special dinners; use Intercity buses for day trips; choose a mid‑range hotel (Palm Beach or Ciao Stelio) and splurge on one couples’ spa and one boat day. Expect daily costs (for two) of ~€140–€220 excluding flights, depending on activity choices.

Good to know: Summer is dry and hot; shoulder seasons (May–June, Sep–Oct) bring warm seas and softer light—perfect for a minimoon. Pack reef‑safe sunscreen and water shoes for rocky coves, carry cash for small tavernas, and bring photo ID for occasional security checks near the buffer zone.

With beaches at your doorstep, centuries of history in the old town, and crystalline coves a short ride away, Larnaka delivers a romantic Cyprus escape that feels both relaxed and rich in experiences. May your minimoon be filled with swims, sunsets, and long, delicious meals for two.