The Heart of Larnaca’s Beach Life
Phinikoudes is a Greek word that means “little palms”, referring to the trees that were planted along the beachfront in 1922. The beach stretches for 500 metres and has fine grey sand that varies in width from 30 to 100 metres. It is surrounded by a lively promenade that offers a variety of cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels. You can also find many mini markets near the beach, where you can buy snacks, drinks and souvenirs. The shopping and business district of the city is just a short walk away from the promenade. The main street, Athenon Avenue, is lined with palm trees, green spaces and colourful flowers that create a beautiful contrast with the blue sea.
"Decades of experience in the Cyprus property market have helped us choose our projects carefully"
A Beach with Everything You Need
Phinikoudes beach provides you with various services and facilities to make your visit comfortable and enjoyable. You can use the toilets, showers, changing rooms and access for the disabled. You can also rent sun beds and umbrellas and try different water sports. Lifeguards are present with lifesaving equipment during the swimming season.
You can easily and safely reach the beach by bus, car or on foot. There are plenty of car parks near the beach. The sea is clean and meets the standards of the European Union’s Bathing Water Directive. The sea is usually calm and the waves are gentle. The area hosts the Larnaka Kataklysmos Fair, a two-week festival that takes place in June.
A Byzantine Treasure in Larnaca
Agios Lazaros Church is a stunning stone church that dates back to the early 10th century and is one of the most important Byzantine monuments of Cyprus. It was built by Byzantine Emperor Leo VI as a gift for the relocation of the Saint’s relic to Constantinople.
The church stands over the tomb of Agios Lazaros, the friend of Jesus Christ who was resurrected and came to ancient Kition in 33 AD. He became the first Bishop and Patron Saint of the city. You can see his tomb and other ancient tombs inside the church crypt. The church has three impressive domes and a bell tower that were destroyed when the Ottomans converted it into a mosque. The church has preserved its byzantine icons and its baroque woodcarving of the gold-covered iconostasis that were completed in 1782.
A World-Class Wreck Diving Site
Zenobia was a Swedish ferry that was launched in 1979 and sank near Larnaca, Cyprus, in June 1980 on her first voyage. She lies on her port side at about 42 metres (138 ft) of water and is one of the best wreck diving sites in the world. The Times ranked her as one of the top ten in 2003.
A Family-Friendly Destination
Larnaca Bay has two beautiful beaches that are ideal for a fun and relaxing day out with your family. Pyla Beach and Yanathes Beach are both located along Dhekelia Road, in the Pyla and Voroklini areas of Larnaca.
Pyla Beach is a sandy beach with green surroundings, calm and shallow waters, and eco-friendly features. Yanathes Beach is a 300-metre long beach with fine sands of different colours, clear and shallow waters, and local plants and greenery.
Both beaches have facilities such as toilets, showers, changing rooms, sun beds, umbrellas, a children’s playground, beach volleyball and beach tennis courts, beach bars and water sports.
You can also enjoy the events that take place on the beaches, such as beach tennis tournaments, or join in the fun. Along Dhekelia Road, you can find a range of restaurants, bars, cafes, kiosks, convenience stores and accommodation options.
The New Larnaca Marina
Larnaca Marina’s Reconstruction Plan The Larnaca Port & Marina Master Plan will transform the area into a vibrant destination for Cyprus and its visitors. It will offer many advantages, such as tax revenues, job opportunities, public spaces and facilities, tourism growth, new infrastructure and urban upgrades.
The Consortium that will redevelop the land consists of two experienced companies. One is a Cypriot company founded in the UK in 2006, specializing in investments and developments. The other is part of a US-based conglomerate owned by an Israeli American Family with a long track record of large scale mixed use real estate investments and developments worldwide, including hotels, commercial and industrial buildings, fashion brands, Media Channels, Aviation companies and more.
The Vision
- To reconnect the city with the Sea and revitalize the waterfront
- To foster a vibrant community where work, life and play are balanced
- To promote green practices and reduce environmental impact
- To design a stunning Landmark that will put Larnaca on the map
Phase 1
Covers all the essential works to prepare the project site. The creation of a new road that links Athenon Street with Ammohostou Road, the enlargement of the existing Marina to host 650 yachts from 5 to 150 meters long, and the groundwork for the port extension and the new 500 sqm passenger terminal for large cruise ships. Moreover, this phase will include the building of the Marina Yacht Club, a 5000 sqm facility that will house the Marina offices, restaurants, event space, sailing schools, diving schools and Marina shops.
Phase 2
Covers the building of several Residential units in the Marina area, as well as a Traditional Agora where local products will be offered in a cozy setting.
Furthermore, this phase will include the educational component of this project, which will consist of about 10.000 sqm of University Lecture and Research Theatres where a Medical School will co-exist with a Medical Centre, a Hotel and Hospitality College and a Blue Marine, Environmental and Energy University.
In the Port area, the storage facilities will be upgraded and expanded, and a secure area for yacht repairs will be established.
Phase 3
In the final phase, which is expected to happen before year 10 of this project, new 45 Luxury Villas will be built on the new breakwater, each with their own private berth.
On the same breakwater, a state of the art luxury residential lighthouse will be erected, which will offer 360 degrees view from all of the apartments.
To the north of the Marina, the last U shape residential building will be completed, along with a new 5 star business hotel, a commercial centre and two more luxury residential buildings that will be serviced and maintained by the hotel. Such a project cannot be finished without a cherry on top, which in this case will be the only Private Island in Cyprus.
Phase 4
In the last 4th phase of the project, the western part of the Project will be developed, which will include several office buildings, parking spaces, studios and small size apartments suitable for students and people who visit or work in Larnaca regularly.
Business Model and Benefits
This project is a huge and profitable investment for the city of Larnaca and the whole of Cyprus. Here are some of the planned numbers:
- Estimated benefits for the Republic of Cyprus
- The estimated Revenue from this project for Cyprus is expected to reach € 19.6 Billion
- In the region, 4000 jobs plus other temporary jobs are expected to be created
- It has been budgeted to spend on infrastructure alone € 604m and close to € 1.2B to fully complete this amazing project.
- And finally, additional 7000 sqm of social infrastructure will be created plus in excess of 10.000 sqm of Academic Institutions within the city of Larnaca and all within the next decade.
- Safety measures
- Lifeguards with lifesaving equipment and first aid services are stationed at the beach from June – October, 10:30 – 18:00.
Piale Pashia Promenade
Renovated, aligned with fragrant plants and adequate lighting. Making this promenade a perfect place for romantic evening strolls between Makenzy and Finikoudes beach.
Kamares Aqueduck
Built in 1747 and now partly illuminated at night, offering a tranquil scenic walkway parallel to the Salt Lake towards Larnaca airport. Look out for 2000-12000 seasonal flamingos!
Lefkara Village
Lefkara Village situated nearly 40 km from Larnaca. It is a charming village with narrow cobbled streets and picturesque architecture. Well known for the local handmade “Lefkaritika Lace” and filigree silver handicrafts.
Stavrovouni Monastery
located about 34 km from Larnaca. Founded by St. Elena (mother of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine, the Great) who was believed to have left a piece of the Holy Cross during her journey to Constantinopole.
Castle Medieval Museum
Now used as a museum, exhibition items related to its extensive history. The castles courtyard is used for cultural events during the long summer months. Linking both Finikoudes and Piale Pashia promenades.
Larnaca Salt Lake
Larnaca Salt Lake is a protected area and a network of four salt lakes southwest of Larnaca town. It is the second-largest salt-lake in Cyprus and was formed around 2000 years ago when the sea receded from the area. It is home to many birds, including flamingos, and has a rich history of salt production and trade.
Angeloktisti Church
This Byzantine church from the 11th century contains a rare 6th century mosaic of the Virgin Mary. Explore this beautiful church garden and relax at its traditional coffee/souvenir shop.
Pierides Museum
Discover 9000 years of Cypriot culture in a colonial style family mansion, built in 1815 and now showcasing about 2500 Cypriot antiquities.
Larnaca Museum
Larnaca Museum, also known as Larnaca District Archaeological Museum, is a museum in Larnaca, Cyprus that showcases the historical development of the city of Kition and the district of Larnaca from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. It was inaugurated in 1969 and displays artefacts and remains from various archaeological sites, such as Choirokitia,
Tenta, Kition, and Hala Sultan Tekke. The museum exhibits include sculptures, pottery, vases, glass and clay ornaments, coins, jewellery, and weapons. The museum is located near the Larnaca Castle, which houses the Larnaca Medieval Museum.
Local Saturday Street Market
Visit a traditional Cypriot fresh fruit and vegetable street market held every Saturday from 6am to 1.30pm in the municipal parking area in the town’s centre. You can find a variety of local produce, such as olives, cheese, honey, herbs, nuts, and sweets, as well as handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the bargains at this authentic Cypriot market.