At HeadingThere we love to bring you the inside scoop on the best holiday destinations in the world. No-one knows their home town like a local, and that’s why when we wanted to know more about Larnaca we decided to talk to Cyprus wedding photographer Christina Savvouri.
Christina grew up in Larnaca and believes that this often overlooked town is one of the best places to get a feel for the ‘real’ Cyprus. If you are going to be flying into Larnaca Airport, perhaps Christina can persuade you to stick around and see the town rather than shooting straight up the coast to one of the popular resorts...
What do you think makes Larnaca stand out from the more popular resorts?
Food! As Larnaca is not traditionally one of the most 'touristy' of places I would say that some of the best food on the island is to be had there. Make sure you have a traditional Fish Meze at Charmers Restaurant, a wonderful family run restaurant overlooking the sea. For dessert go for a delicious ice cream further down the road at one of the local ice cream parlours which serve a variety of ice creams, waffles and pancakes. During the day treat yourself to one of the delicious local sweets such as Baklava, Galatopoureko or Kataifi that you can buy from local bakeries such as Zorbas. Enjoy with a sweet Cyprus coffee!!
What about someone who is looking for a bit of nightlife? Will they find that in Larnaca?
Definitely! For a 'Miami Beach' type of evening head of to the trendy Ammos Kitchen Bar or Fat Tuesday's Bar for the perfect Mohito!
What do you think the main highlights of a visit to Larnaca are?
The Zinovia wreck is considered one of the best wreck dives in the world and is located just off the shores of Larnaca. There are a number of diving schools in Larnaca for both newbies and pro Padi qualified divers who are interested.
You can also take a mini cruise along the shore at sun set for as little as 30 Euros, there are a number of options available at the marina.
What about cultural and historical sites? Will you find many in Larnaca?
There are two beautiful churches that merit a visit; Saint Lazarus Church in the centre of town and the Angeloktisti Church in Kiti. Absolutely beautiful. When there makes sure you light a candle and make a wish for your loved ones.
Is there a particularly good time to plan a visit to Larnaca?
Easter is one of my favourite times of year in Cyprus and especially in Larnaca where many of the traditional ceremonies and rituals are still held for a week in the run up to Easter Sunday. Visit any church in the evening during the whole of Easter week and make sure to take a camera! It's a perfect opportunity to see the locals in all their finery celebrating Greek Orthodox Easter. Make sure you try a 'Flaouna' or 'Tsoureki' one of the traditional and delicious Easter sweets!
Also, try to visit during one of Larnaca's many festivals when all the locals are out and about !! The biggest is the Kataklysmos Festival each June on the Finikoudes promenade and celebrates the time Noah was saved from the floods.
It's a celebration of the sea and is also a great excuse for water fights so watch out!!There are nightly bazaars and a variety of traditional and modern Cypriot and Greek performances are held. A similar celebration is held on the 15th of August particularly in Kiti to celebrate the Virgin Mary.
Being a Cyprus wedding photographer you must be a bit of an expert on Cyprus weddings. Do you have any tips for anyone who is thinking about getting married in Larnaca?
For information check out the Aradipou municipality website
For a perfect Mamma Mia type wedding venue check out Alonia Tavern in Livadia.
Christina was far too modest to say so, but if you are getting married in Cyprus you should certainly get in touch with her for the wedding photography. Check out some of her work here:
http://savvouri.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/Wedding-Photography-Cyprus/P00007IrL4ayJBmg
With thanks to Christina Savvouri
Contact@christinasavvouri.com
