Larnaka has something for everybody. It has culture and history which appeals to me. It has beautiful beaches and a happening vibe. I loved its European feeling. On this occasion it was just a respite of relaxation and doing nothing for 5 days and it was great. I didn't take the opportunity to hire a car or do any tourist trips. That will come at another time. This trip was all about sitting around the beaches, the cafés and lazy walks along the stunning promenade and catching up on some reading. The shops are great with everything from classy boutique fashion shops to name brands like Zara etc. For me it had a little bit of everything. The Restaurants and Cafes cater for everybody from traditional inexpensive Cyprus dishes, Steak Houses, Waffle & Gelatine Cafes and Coffee Shops to Fast Food family places like McDonalds, KFC & Pizza Hut etc all within 100 meters of my apartment.

Larnaca is ideal at the time of year we visited. It has plenty of restaurants open and a wide choice for all budgets. It is an easy drive to Limissol and the Troodos mountains as well as Nicosia. The people are friendly and helpful and most of your needs can be met at the supermarkets if you are self catering. Take extra care driving in Larnaca and Cyprus generally. Speed limits are ignored by almost everyone and tailgating is common. Traffic lights are regarded as optional by many as are many aspects of general good driving practise. We saw an horrific crash as a result of those bad standards. So be very careful. Still, Cyprus is a picturesque place with much to see and do and with warm, friendly people.

Salt Lake is amazingly beautiful especially during the sunset and with all those flamingos around. Hobos Steak House is one of the best steak houses in the country located at the Finikoudes street If you like to try Cyprus meze there are many beautiful traditional taverns all over the city or in 10 to 15 minutes distance for example Vlachos or Voreas

Well it is a rather small city so I did all the sightseeing on foot when I was not sunbathing. I liked the beach and it was a nice quiet get away from the ordinary Xmas order of things. I went for a good value for money Hotel close to the center but outside the noisy boardwalk and was very happy with my choice. I liked the restaurants, my personal choice would be Alexander's You can get the shuttle in the early morning to visit the other cities, I did Nicosia, which was a big disappointment but I will return to do Paphos and Limassol with the base center in Larnaca.

Very commercial. I was merely stopping here for 3 days before my flight. I'd just spent 4 months cycling from London. Pleasant but whole place revolves around tourism, mainly the "blow your brains out with boos type". There are some beautiful buildings and attractions like the castle, mosques and salt lake with Flamingoes but there are far better places to holiday in Cyprus with more of a varied environment beyond restaurants, bars and identically stocked souvenir shops.

Larnaca is easy to get around and everything is within a walking distance. Airport is also very close by. Excellent public transportation to and from the airport and good Intercity bus links to other towns. All major food/coffee chains are right on the waterfront, one next to the other. Weather is rather good even in December. Loved the Salt Lake by the airport and flocks of flamingos ☺