Cyprus
Larnaka ’26
A March return to a city I only knew in summer heat — storms, a flooded salt lake, and flamingos.
Second visit to Larnaka, eight months after a dry, scorching August. This time: rain on arrival, a live salt lake full of flamingos, and a much quieter pace.
What changed since last time
In August 2025 the salt lake was a dry white plain, almost lunar. In March it was a real lake — water, birds, flamingos. Same spot, two completely different worlds.
Summer Larnaka was heat and a busy promenade; March gave me a storm on arrival, cold swimming, and quiet mornings with coffee.
Food
Grill Chef
Pavlou Valsamaki. Grill mix after a long walk.
Alexander Restaurant
Fish platter, early dinner after a day at the beach.
St Lazarus Square / Stoa Café Restaurant
Excellent moussaka, last lunch before the airport.
Places
Zodiac Hotel Apartments
Athenon 102. Sea-view room, storm cleared by morning.
Larnaka Salt Lake
Dry white plain in August 2025; a full lake with flamingos in March 2026.
Mackenzie Beach
Continued here on foot from the salt lake.
Joel Drinkery
Ermou 106. One drink turned into a conversation with locals.
Duende Cocktail and More
Quiet Sunday-night drink.
Larnaka Medieval Fort
Coffee and fresh orange juice nearby on the last morning.
Djami Kebir Mosque
Same spot as the fort, last morning.
St Lazarus Square / Stoa Café Restaurant
Excellent moussaka, last lunch before the airport.
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Journeys
Larnaka 2026
Four days back in a city I thought I knew — a storm on arrival, a flooded salt lake instead of a dry one, and flamingos where I least expected them.