Business Traveller (Middle East)
LARNACA FAST FACTS
How to get to Larnaca
Emirates operates a fivetimes-weekly service from Dubai, which is linked to its Malta service. The major carriers of Israel, Turkey, Lebanon and Egypt also operate flights from their major cities (Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Beirut and Cairo respectively). Flight times from the region to Cyprus are within three-anda-half hours.
When to go
Larnaca offers year-round sunshine and a temperate climate. Summer can be hot, in the high 30s during the day, and the winters are mild, with a daytime average of around 14 degrees during December and January, although there can be snow in the mountains.
Where to sleep
Hotel Indigo, which opened in Larnaca’s historical area in July, is a modern yet authentic 40-room hotel with a great location – just 15 minutes’ drive from the airport and a short walk away from the best of the city’s amenities and the beach (see p63 for a full review).
How to get around
The city is easy to walk but if you venture further afield, car rental is advisable. Taxi prices are on a par with those in other European destinations ($18-20 from the airport) and the major roads are of a good standard so self-driving is a good option.
Visas
European passport holders do not need a visa. If you don’t hold an EU passport, it’s best to check your country’s advice on travel to Cyprus before booking.
COVID-19
Visitors must apply for the Cyprus Flight Pass before visiting – a free and easy form to upload your vaccination/ PCR information. All visitors must show this to enter public places. PCR tests are quite pricey and start from AED200 with results back within 10-20 hours and go up to AED480 for results within two to three hours. More information can be found on locations and pricing at hermesairports.com/ covid-19/covid-19-test-labs.
Outside of Larnaca
Paphos, a 90-minute drive from Larnaca, is a leisure destination favourite promising stunning natural landscapes, outdoor adventure, including hiking in the Avakas Gorge, waterfalls, historical sites and wine tours.
The newly opened Antasia beach club is a sophisticated spot with a bar to enjoy the spectacular sunset views and a gourmet Asian fusion restaurant. Part of the Thanos group, it’s attached to Almyra hotel, which was beautifully renovated last year, and Annabelle hotel. Both offer superb dining destinations, from Japanese at Notios to the charming Cypriot taverna by the sea, Ouzeri.
Ayia Napa’s underwater sculpture museum opened this summer, putting the notorious party town on the map for something other than its bars and nightclubs. An underwater forest, sculpted by Jason deCaires Taylor, features 93 works ranging from figurative sculptures to statues and trees.