Things to do in Softades

Lofty palm trees and pleasant promenades greet you at the entrance of Finikoudes Beach, the main strip of sand on the eastern coast of Larnaca. Its central position and clear water ensure that the beach remains very popular among local residents and travelers. Find many restaurants and cafés surrounding the beach.

Beyond the rows of palm trees and charming cafés that decorate the Finikoudes area lie the impressive yachts of Larnaca Marina. At full capacity, the marina is home to 450 boats of varying styles and sizes. Visit this harbor as a gateway to Zenobia’s Wreck, an unusual scuba diving site centered on a sunken ship that capsized in 1979.

Larnaca Salt Lake is a scenic area of shallow water where pink flamingoes gather. In summer, walk across the dry, moon-like terrain. The water has a mean depth of about 3.2 feet (1 meter) in winter.

The Church of Saint Lazarus is a famous spiritual home said to be built upon the remains of the Biblical figure of Lazarus of Bethany. The tale suggests Jesus resurrected him before he fled to Cyprus to live out the rest of his life there. See the church built from stone as it stands proudly in St. Lazarus Square as a reminder of the city’s lively past.

Visit Larnaca Fort, an impressive landmark with a museum consisting of several rooms and intriguing relics from the past. The Byzantine structure’s exact history remains a mystery, but it was built during the Middle Ages to protect the town’s main harbor. It is likely the castle was constructed under the rule of James I in the 14th century, although Ottoman rulers added several segments later.

Europe Square is an open space with some of Larnaca’s earliest British colonial buildings from the 19th century. The plaza, which is next to Larnaca’s coast, is full of charming mini-trees, benches and an impressive water feature. It is one of the main squares in the city and is an ideal meeting point for locals and travelers. Use it as a designated base as your touring companions explore the city and want to reconnect.