Limassol Summer Escape

About the destination: Larnaca, one of Cyprus’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, blends laid-back seaside charm with a deep sense of history. The city’s heart is its palm-fringed Finikoudes Promenade, lined with cafés, tavernas and bars that overlook a long sandy beach and calm, shallow waters. Strolling here at sunset offers a relaxed introduction to local life, as families, couples and fishermen all share the same coastal walkway. Just a few streets inland, you’ll find the atmospheric Church of Saint Lazarus, a 9th‑century Byzantine gem that houses the reputed tomb of Lazarus. Its stone façade and ornate iconostasis make it one of the island’s most important religious sites. From here, narrow lanes lead into the old Turkish quarter of Skala, where whitewashed houses, artisan workshops and small galleries reveal a quieter, traditional side of Larnaca. Nature lovers should head to the nearby Larnaca Salt Lake, a vast shimmering expanse that turns pink in winter when flocks of flamingos and other migratory birds arrive. A walking path circles part of the lake, offering peaceful views and a direct route to the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, an important Muslim shrine set among palm trees and cypress groves. In summer, although the lake dries up, its cracked, white surface creates an otherworldly landscape worth seeing. Beyond the city, Larnaca makes an excellent base for exploring Cyprus’s eastern coast. Golden beaches at Mackenzie, Oroklini or nearby Ayia Napa and Protaras are within easy reach, offering crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Divers are drawn to the famous Zenobia wreck, one of the Mediterranean’s top dive sites, lying just off the Larnaca coast. With its combination of heritage, coastal relaxation and easy day trips, Larnaca is a rewarding destination for both short city breaks and longer island stays.

About the destination: Limassol is the second largest city of Cyprus. After the Turkish invasion in 1974, it became the principal sea port and has also developed into a significant tourist destination. Limassol Castle occupies a dominant position in the landmark and tourist attractions in the city. In Limassol, shore excursions offer a unique experience of exploring the city's various monuments and landmarks amidst the elaborate luxury of a cruise. Shore excursions take tourists to places and attractions in and nearby Limassol, including Kolossi Castle, Troodos Mountains, Omodos Village, Larnaka and Lefkara, Paphos and Nicosia.

About the destination: Larnaca, one of Cyprus’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, blends laid-back seaside charm with a deep sense of history. The city’s heart is its palm-fringed Finikoudes Promenade, lined with cafés, tavernas and bars that overlook a long sandy beach and calm, shallow waters. Strolling here at sunset offers a relaxed introduction to local life, as families, couples and fishermen all share the same coastal walkway. Just a few streets inland, you’ll find the atmospheric Church of Saint Lazarus, a 9th‑century Byzantine gem that houses the reputed tomb of Lazarus. Its stone façade and ornate iconostasis make it one of the island’s most important religious sites. From here, narrow lanes lead into the old Turkish quarter of Skala, where whitewashed houses, artisan workshops and small galleries reveal a quieter, traditional side of Larnaca. Nature lovers should head to the nearby Larnaca Salt Lake, a vast shimmering expanse that turns pink in winter when flocks of flamingos and other migratory birds arrive. A walking path circles part of the lake, offering peaceful views and a direct route to the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, an important Muslim shrine set among palm trees and cypress groves. In summer, although the lake dries up, its cracked, white surface creates an otherworldly landscape worth seeing. Beyond the city, Larnaca makes an excellent base for exploring Cyprus’s eastern coast. Golden beaches at Mackenzie, Oroklini or nearby Ayia Napa and Protaras are within easy reach, offering crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Divers are drawn to the famous Zenobia wreck, one of the Mediterranean’s top dive sites, lying just off the Larnaca coast. With its combination of heritage, coastal relaxation and easy day trips, Larnaca is a rewarding destination for both short city breaks and longer island stays.