Mackenzie, Larnaca's trendiest beach

Mackenzie is Larnaca’s beach with the most buzz. By day, families and young people on the sand; by night, bars with music and restaurants by the water. And it has a curious extra, the planes coming into the airport next door.

Where it is

The beach lies south of central Larnaca, about 2 km in a straight line from the church of St Lazarus and about 3.6 km from the airport. You can walk from the centre along the Piale Pasha seafront, past the fishing harbour and Kastella beach, or cycle along the path that links the area.

The beach

For the Larnaca Tourism Board it’s a safe 1 km strip with a Blue Flag, no year given, of fine pale sand and still, shallow water, with marine life visible further out. A lifeguard is on duty in season and at peak hours, sunbeds and parasols cost extra, and there are toilets with showers and changing rooms and a free floating wheelchair. For fun there are water sports, outdoor gym equipment, a calisthenics park and playgrounds. The main photo shows the rows of sunbeds and parasols.

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Mackenzie after dark

The board calls it the centre of the city’s liveliest nightlife. In the evening the strip fills with live music and DJs at the cafés and restaurants facing the beach, from casual cafés to smart restaurants, decorated in whitewashed tones, with private cabanas at the more exclusive places. Almost all have outdoor seating all year round.

Planes in view

One of its quirkier draws, according to the board, is plane-spotting. The airport is so close that flights can be watched from the sand. I think it’s a fun plan for sunset, especially with children.

If you would rather have a local show you round, book a guided tour in Mackenzie beach and choose by the reviews.

Kastella and the fishing harbour

Between the centre and Mackenzie, the Piale Pasha seafront passes the fishing harbour, Psarolimano, with about 140 boats and fish tavernas, and Kastella beach, another 600 m with a row of ice-cream parlours. The board says the walkway was completely remodelled in 2014 on two levels, one at street height with glass panels and a lower one that feels like walking on the water. Dives to the Zenobia wreck also leave from the harbour.

Combining it

West of the beach lies the Larnaca Salt Lake, about 1.5 km away, with flamingos in winter and a trail that runs to the Kamares aqueduct. If you’d rather have a quieter family beach, Yiannades and Pyla lie to the east along the Dhekelia road. To the north, the seafront leads to the fort and Finikoudes. I compare the area’s other beaches in Larnaca beaches.

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Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Larnaca before prices climb.