Larnaca beaches are coming into their own as the region’s vision of one seamless coastline continues. With ongoing enhancements and maintenance, it is not hard to see why the region is enjoying a record-breaking tourist season.
Larnaca’s beautiful coastline boasts 75 kilometres of sandy beaches from one end of the region to the other. The clean, calm, shallow waters, coupled with soft, brown-grey sands, make the beaches attractive, safe, convenient and suitable for all.
There are a total of 25 organised beaches – which mean that a range of amenities can be found. Typically, an organised beach means that sunbeds, umbrellas, lifeguard towers and public conveniences (toilets, changing rooms, showers and the like) are available on the beach. Some organised beaches also offer extra services and facilities, such as water sports, bars and restaurants, disabled beach and sea access, children’s playgrounds and sand sport courts (tennis and volleyball).
The region’s shoreline starts at Zygi village and passes through Ayios Theodoros, Alaminos, Mazotos, Pervolia and Meneou villages – where a less crowded seaside experience can be enjoyed (outside of the weekend, which always draws visitors from other parts of the island).
After Meneou, the more popular beaches start to unfold: Mackenzie, Tasos Mitsopoulos and Piale Pasha avenues, which then link to the town’s main beach and promenade – Phinikoudes.
The port currently separates Phinikoudes from the next long stretch, which is commonly referred to as Dhekelia Road, but which is actually split into sections of coast that belong to Livadia, Oroklini and Pyla villages.
The region’s coastline finally culminates at Ormidia and Xylofagou villages, whose beaches fall under the British Sovereign Base Area territory, but are openly accessible to the public.
Within this vast network of beaches, there are also many gorgeous hidden gems in addition to the officially-designated organised beaches, but as lifeguards do not man them, using them is therefore at your own risk.
Top three family and inclusive beaches:
Larnaca town
Larnaca town has three excellent family/inclusive beaches that stand out from the crowd: Phinikoudes, Kastela and Mckenzie.
Whilst all three offer a different vibe and experience, in addition to being organised, they do have some commonalities that make them exceptional.
All three are:
- Blue Flag holders – testament to their cleanliness and quality.
- Recipients of special marine wheelchairs, which were gifted to the beaches this summer, making them disabled accessible.
- Maintained and cleaned well, partly through a new ‘clean sands’ initiative launched this year, which provides smokers with free use of eco-ashtrays on the beach.
Phinikoudes
This is the absolute consummate beach of Larnaca. The town’s central promenade is perfect for a complete day out by the sea, which can be complemented by an afternoon of shopping in its parallel town centre, or an evening of dining, drinking and dancing at the establishments that line the boardwalk.
Special features of Phinikoudes include: its central location; convenience of a multitude of food and drink options – including a bar on the sands; water sport options; the quaint marina and its boat trips at the start of the promenade; a sand sports arena and courts; outdoor gym equipment; cultural attractions; disabled access; and convenience facilities all the way along the strip.
Kastela
Dubbed Larnaca’s ‘tropical beach’, Kastela has carved a name for itself for creating a unique beach atmosphere. Both the trendy jet set and families adore this beach, which is located next door to the small fishing harbour ‘Psarolimano’ and offers something different to beachgoers.
Special features of Kastela include: Leaf umbrellas and deluxe loungers – including double gazebo loungers; a bar on the sand serving a range of options – including healthy lifestyle choices – and with waiter service; disabled access; and all convenience facilities and amenities.
Mackenzie
The reigning hot spot of the region, Mackenzie is super hip and channels a Miami vibe, but is equally fun for families. Like Phinikoudes, it is easy to spend a day sunbathing, followed by a night partying, once the venues that serve lunch and drinks during the daylight hours transform to the hippest party bars and clubs when the sun goes down.
Special features of Mackenzie include: plane spotters paradise, as flights landing at Larnaca airport fly past the beach; outdoor gym equipment; children’s playgrounds; multiple food and drink options; music both day and night; choice of regular sunbeds, luxury loungers or double gazebos; water sports facilities; disabled access; and convenience facilities at various points.
By Paula Manoli-Gray
