Larnaka Tourism Board is delighted to have been recognised for the first time with a 2017 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor for its free ‘Larnaka Free Winter Experiences’ programme, based on excellent reviews. The region has organised complimentary activities for the past five years for tourists staying in licenced hotel accommodation within the Larnaka region from November until April.
The aim is to enrich Larnaka’s tourism winter product and enhance the visitors’ experience through their acquaintance with the local culture and tradition. Activities available include guided tours, excursions in picturesque villages, wine tasting, halloumi-cheese production demonstrations, basket-weaving sessions, birdwatching and traditional cooking sessions.
Summer ‘Must-dos’ at Sea
Larnaka offers a fantastic array of water sports and sea-based activities, so water babies will be spoilt for choice. How about sea yoga? Take yoga to the next level with a session on the calm morning sea on stand-up and paddle boards. Windsurfcity Cyprus at Mckenzie Beach holds 1-hour morning yoga sessions for €16 per person. Or one of the most thrilling water sports wake boarding? Stand on a wake board and enjoy the thrill of being towed across the sea by motorboat. It costs €30 per tow.
For something gentler discover the underwater kingdom snorkelling. There are plenty of great spots for snorkelling with the richest areas being the waters of Xylofagou village coastline and the seas of Pervolia-Kiti (Cape Kiti). Or hop on board a mini cruise from Larnaka Marina, which run three times a week throughout the summer with two cruise options – a Fishing Trip from 9am–2pm or Larnaka to Ayia Napa- Protaras from 9am-3pm.
Big kids and small kids alike will love the latest in water adventures, inflatables, with the newest inflatable on offer – the Crazy Sofa (€15 per person). The towable inflatable is shaped like a couch that you sit on, and attempt to stay sat on, as it is pulled through the water! Also available is a ‘flying’ version that takes riders out of the water and into the air.
Festival fun during August & September
Visitors can learn about local customs and pastimes with several free festivals taking place in the small villages dotted around the region. On 8th August the Kiti Cultural Summer is held in Kiti Village and from 9pm visitors will be entertained with a programme of traditional dance, music and song performances, theatre, children’s entertainment and even complimentary watermelon.
The Lefkara Summer Festival takes place on 11th-17th August which is the village’s biggest celebration showcasing its famous handicrafts of lace and silver. History lovers won’t want to miss the Choirokoitia Neolithic Festival on 28th August, which includes a guided tour of the Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, complimentary Cypriot drinks and delicacies. Various stalls also sell traditional delicacies and crafts, and there is a programme of Cypriot poetry and traditional dances.
And on 1st September the Pervolia Cultural Festival takes place with traditional exhibits and a rich programme featuring local song, dance and theatre. This village is famous for its lighthouse and Venetian tower, which visitors can also take in during their trip to the festival.
Sand, Sea…. Sport
Two major sporting events take place in Larnaka every year, which offer visitors a great day out. One of the most exciting to watch is the King of Kite 2017 – a kitesurfing championship taking place on 16th and 17th July at Kahuna Surfhouse at Softades Kitesurfing Beach, reputed to be the best ‘spot’ on the island to enjoy this thrilling, dare-devil sport.
This year’s special guest judge – ready to wow the crowds – is Aaron Hadlow; a 5x World Champion from Britain who has also won the Red Bull Big Air competition three times in a row. The event features a Slalom Race and Freestyle Competition, along with fun kitesurfing race games, beach party, live DJ set, beach-themed merchandise stalls, food, drink and more.
And if the London 2012 Olympics got you into beach volleyball, how about seeing some live action with the CEV Beach Volleyball Satellite Larnaka – Women’s Tournament, and the CEV Youth Beach Volleyball Continental Cup on 3rd to 6th August, with free admission for spectators.
For more information on all these activities and events visit www.larnakaregion.com
