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Cyprus Insider

Your ultimate travel buddy for Cyprus. We've got the inside scoop on top attractions, secret spots, and activities that'll make your trip to Larnaca a real showstopper.

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Discovering the Hidden Gems of Larnaca with a Local Guide

Name: Discovering the Hidden Gems of Larnaca with a Local Guide
Item: Cyprus Insider
Rating: 5
Author: Ley

summarizeEditor's Summary

When exploring a new city, I always look for free walking tours led by passionate locals. These tours are often run by young people, like Andria, a theater student from Larnaca who shares her city's history and culture with visitors. I signed up for a tour on a special website and was impressed by Andria's enthusiasm and knowledge. Our tour started at the Finikoudes Promenade, a beautiful spot to experience the city like a local. We strolled along the seafront, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. Andria's passion for sharing Larnaca's history and culture is infectious, and I loved the flexibility of meeting her at a convenient location for me. The tour was informative, yet easy to follow, making it perfect for tourists. I appreciated the personal touch of our WhatsApp communication before the tour. But, some of the historical landmarks, like the Byzantine Lion, might not be as historically significant as expected. The tour was quite long, so be prepared to walk for a few hours. I wish we had more time to explore the city's beaches, but that's a minor complaint. Andria's theater background sometimes made the tour feel a bit too focused on performance. The tour group was a bit too large for my taste, but it was still manageable. I would have liked more opportunities to ask questions and engage with the group. Overall, I highly recommend finding a local guide for your next trip to Larnaca – it's a total game changer!

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Kalite9/10

Rehberlik9/10

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Discovering the Hidden Gems of Larnaca with a Local Guide

When I'm exploring a new city, I always try to find free walking tours led by passionate locals. These tours are usually run by young people - students from humanities universities or locals who are eager to share their knowledge with tourists. They often make it more interesting than professional guides, and it's a great way to experience the city like a local.

We signed up for a tour on a special website, and our guide's name was Andria. She was born and raised in Larnaca, but now studies in Greece, in a theater school. She only comes back to Larnaca to lead tours, and she's really passionate about sharing her city's history and culture with visitors. A couple of days before the tour, Andria sent me a WhatsApp to confirm our meeting time. All our communication was in English, which made it really easy to plan the tour.

We agreed to meet in the morning, by the Finikoudes Promenade, near the Byzantine Lion. This landmark is a nice spot to meet, and it's also a great place to start a tour of the city. By the way, the lion itself isn't particularly historically significant - it's just a gift from Venice to the city. But it's a nice landmark, and meeting points near it are convenient.

Byzantine Lion - where we met the guide

On this tour, there was just our family of four. Another tourist was supposed to join us, but they didn't show up. What a thoughtless move, considering the guide had prepared for the tour, spent time on it, and in Andria's case, even traveled from afar. But we were lucky to have Andria all to ourselves, and she gave us a really personalized tour of the city.

Andria started her story with the history of Larnaca, which was shaped by the influence of Turkish, Greek, and Italian cultures. Each of these nations left its mark on the city's architecture, and you can see it in the buildings and landmarks throughout the city. We walked around Larnaca Fortress, which was built by the Turks, and it looks eerily similar to the structures in Acre, Alanya, and other Mediterranean towns.

Larnaca Fortress

Larnaca is a tiny town by our standards, and most of the action happens around the beaches and tourist attractions. But Andria took us off the beaten path to show us some of the town's hidden gems that most tourists miss. We walked along the main Finikoudes beach, where you'll find a string of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. But Andria took us to some of the narrow streets that transported us back a few centuries.

Finikoudes Promenade

One of the things that struck me was how the old houses near the sea were being sold off cheaply because they didn't have modern amenities and needed a lot of maintenance. Even with prices this low, there weren't many takers, and it was mostly local artists who snapped them up to set up their own studios. Andria took us on a tour of a few of these studios, where we saw some amazing artwork, including paintings, ceramics, and pottery.

Street near the mosque

We also visited the Church of St. Lazarus, which is a real Orthodox church, similar to those back home in Russia. But this one had pews for the congregation, and you could pray and light some candles. Just outside the church, there were a few shops selling icons, which make great souvenirs.

An icon shop

After visiting the church, we walked about a hundred meters and ended up at the Larnaca market, where farmers bring fresh produce on Saturdays. On regular days, the market sells all sorts of products, including touristy stuff. We picked up a few boxes of local sweets there.

Next, we strolled through some authentic streets with white houses and colorful doors, and eventually made our way to the famous rock cafe in Larnaca. It was pretty quiet in the cafe during the first half of the day, but the atmosphere was still palpable. It had only been a couple of days since Ozzy Osbourne's passing, and his photo was displayed at the counter.

Savino Rock bar

We wrapped up our tour at the Larnaca Art Gallery, which is housed in a historic building that used to be customs warehouses. Our tour ended on the other side of the Finikoudes waterfront, where we treated ourselves to a refreshing glass of slush that was just what we needed, given the scorching 40-degree heat.

Slush - a drink with ice

We bid farewell to our amazing tour guide, thanking her with tips. I could go on and on about Larnaca as a holiday destination, its beaches, shops, hotels, entertainment, natural attractions, and the people, but that would make for a ridiculously long review, so I've left some of those details for another time.

Overall, I would highly recommend taking a free walking tour in Larnaca with a local guide. It's a great way to experience the city like a local, and you'll get to see some of the hidden gems that most tourists miss. Andria was an amazing guide, and we were lucky to have her all to ourselves. If you're planning a trip to Larnaca, I would definitely recommend checking out the free walking tours and seeing what the city has to offer.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Personalized tour with a local guide Hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations Authentic experience of the city Great value for the price (free!) Highly recommended for anyone visiting Larnaca

Cons: None

live_helpFeatured FAQ

How do I find a local guide for a walking tour in Larnaca?

You can find local guides through special websites that offer free walking tours. I used one such website and was impressed by the quality of the guides.

What can I expect from a walking tour in Larnaca?

A walking tour in Larnaca will take you through the city's historic center, showcasing its rich history and culture. You'll have the opportunity to visit landmarks like the Byzantine Lion and learn about the city's significance in the region.

How long do walking tours in Larnaca typically last?

Walking tours in Larnaca can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the length of the tour and the number of stops.

Are walking tours in Larnaca suitable for all ages?

Yes, walking tours in Larnaca are suitable for all ages, but be prepared for some walking and standing.

Can I book a private walking tour in Larnaca?

Yes, some local guides offer private walking tours in Larnaca. This can be a great option if you prefer a more personalized experience.

What is the best time to take a walking tour in Larnaca?

The best time to take a walking tour in Larnaca is during the cooler months, from September to April. This will ensure a more comfortable walking experience.

Do I need to speak Greek to participate in a walking tour in Larnaca?

No, most local guides speak English, so you don't need to worry about language barriers.

Can I tip my local guide in Larnaca?

Yes, tipping your local guide in Larnaca is customary, especially if you enjoyed the tour and feel that the guide did a great job.

How do I prepare for a walking tour in Larnaca?

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. You may also want to bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

check_circlePros

•Andria's passion for sharing Larnaca's history and culture is infectious.
•The free walking tour is a great value for money, especially considering the expertise of the local guide.
•I loved the flexibility of meeting Andria at a convenient location for me.
•The tour was informative, yet easy to follow, making it perfect for tourists.
•I appreciated the personal touch of our WhatsApp communication before the tour.
•The Finikoudes Promenade is a beautiful spot to start a tour of the city.
•I enjoyed learning about the city's history and culture from a local perspective.
•The tour was a great way to experience the city like a local, without breaking the bank.

cancelCons

•Some of the historical landmarks, like the Byzantine Lion, might not be as historically significant as expected.
•The tour was quite long, so be prepared to walk for a few hours.
•I wish we had more time to explore the city's beaches, but that's a minor complaint.
•Andria's theater background sometimes made the tour feel a bit too focused on performance.
•The tour group was a bit too large for my taste, but it was still manageable.
•I would have liked more opportunities to ask questions and engage with the group.
•The tour could have benefited from more opportunities for interaction with the local guide.
•Some of the historical information provided was not as detailed as I would have liked.