Living in Larnaca is an attractive lifestyle choice for many people. In fact, more than 50,000 residents call the third-largest city in Cyprus their home, making it a popular destination for locals, business professionals, expats and retirees.
In this week’s blog article by Property Experts Cyprus find out everything about living in Larnaca. From things to do, the business environment, the medical infrastructure, and quality of life – read it here first!
Cyprus Facts
Life in Cyprus is amazing! From the great location in the Mediterranean sea, its thriving history, pleasant weather, and impressive nature – you will not get enough! Not to mention, that the Cyprus beaches are among the best in the world. Locals and expats value the easygoing lifestyle, delicious foods, and the affordable cost of living. Enjoying your life is strongly advised!
Business owners in particular value the favorable tax and financial regulations in Cyprus. A Cyprus company set up is quick and easy. The excellent healthcare in Cyprus and the high safety on the island complete the reasons why living in Cyprus will make your life better.
Larnaca Facts
Larnaca (Greek: Λάρνακα) is located on the southern coast of Cyprus. With a metro population of more than 140,000 inhabitants, it is the third-largest city in the country after Nicosia (capital city) and Limassol.
Depending on traffic, Larnaca is about a 30 minutes drive away from Nicosia, and 50 minutes from Limassol. Many locals live in Larnaca and study or work in Nicosia.
Public transport in the city and nearby areas is focused on busses and generally available. At the same time, there is room for improvement related to quality and reliability. Uber and other shared-ride services are not available in Larnaca. Even though taxis are cheaper compared to Europe, commuting daily sums up. That’s why most Cypriots have a car to get around.
Larnaca is also home to the busiest airport out of the two international airports on the island, making it the gateway to Cyprus. Many so-called low-cost carriers offer affordable flights from and to Larnaca into many European countries and the whole world.
Living in Larnaca
Larnaca is known for its lovely seafront promenades Mackenzie and Finikoudes, as well as the Church of Saint Lazarus and the Larnaca Castle. Does working directly by the beach in a relaxed atmosphere sound good to you? In Mackenzie, you will find many bars and cafés, where locals and foreign freelancers, and business owners come together to co-work.
The city was built on the ruins of ancient Kition, which was the birthplace of the Stoic philosopher Zenon, widely known as Zeno of Citium (Kition). He lived around 334 – 262 BC and his most famous quote is “Man conquers the world by conquering himself”.
Many expats living in Cyprus choose Larnaca as their home base, including Greek and British nationals, Russians, and many Germans.
Spare Time Activities
If you love shopping, Larnaca offers exciting boutiques and local shops. Typical Cypriot products include handmade lace, silverwork, pottery, and jewelry. Lefkara village, which is located just 40km from Larnaca, is one of the most famous origins for these local handicrafts.
If you are into sports and outdoor activities, Larnaca offers an abundance of options. Try yachting and water sports like diving or kite-surfing. Did you know that the Zenobia shipwreck is among the top 10 dive sites in the world and a real treat for experienced divers?
The beaches in Larnaca are extremely child-friendly as the waters are always calm. The nearby Larnaca Salt Lakes are also worth a visit and you can even see flamingos there in winter and spring. Also make sure to visit the impressive Hala Sultan Tekke, also known as the Mosque of Umm Haram, if you are in the area. It is the third most revered site of pilgrimage for Muslims around the world!
Culture and entertainment lovers enjoy activities like wine tasting, museums, and galleries, as well as festivals in and around the city, like the summer or flower festival. All in all, compared to other cities in the Republic of Cyprus, the cost of living in Larnaca is even more affordable.
Business Opportunities
Cyprus’ economy is growing with the services sector, including tourism, contributing almost 80% to the GDP. The European Union sees Cyprus as a future energy hub that will provide Europe with solar energy and offshore gas.
Many international companies are located in Larnaca resulting in a large variety of job opportunities in many sectors. There are businesses for sale for those who don’t want to start from zero. Besides, the real estate sector is booming as well.
Entrepreneurs seeking to establish an international business choose Cyprus as an ideal country for this. Working in Cyprus offers superb tax benefits alongside a strategic location, full EU membership, a developed legal system, and a competitive corporate tax rate of 12.5%. Additionally, dividends for residents with a non-dom status are tax-free. Besides, company registration in Cyprus (Cyprus Ltd) is quick and easy.
In terms of new investment and added value for residents, there are two project worth mentioning. The Larnaca Metropolis Mall and the Larnaca Marina are both high-volume investment projects by foreign investors, aimed at boosting the economy through jobs, shops and services as well as improving the quality of life of residents.
Where to Stay
Whether you want to be close to the city center or the beautiful Mackenzie area – Larnaca is versatile and offers the right neighborhood for every preference.
Depending on your preferences and budget, the Cyprus real estate market offers many options for affordable homes and luxury residences. Take a look at our apartments and houses for sale in Larnaca here. Here is also a step-by-step guide on how to get started with buying real estate in Cyprus.
If you are interested in the Cyprus residency by investment, also known as the Cyprus golden visa, new construction projects in Cyprus might interest you as an investment.
Healthcare System in Larnaca
With its excellent hospitals and medical infrastructure, Larnaca is the destination of choice for medical tourists and retirees. For example, there are the Larnaca General Hospital, the Phaneromeni Private Hospital, the St. Raphael Private Hospital, and the Saveco Health Centre Larnaca.
When Cyprus introduced the retirement visa in 2007, many non-EU retirees choose this beautiful island as a destination for their golden days. If you plan to retire in Cyprus, you will particularly benefit from state-of-the-art healthcare and the low income tax.
People who want to combine health and holiday rate Cyprus as one of the best countries worldwide for medical tourism. Its quality and service are equal or better compared to most other EU countries. Did you know that the specialized hospitals in Cyprus also offer niche treatments like limb lengthening surgery?
Education in Larnaca
Cyprus offers great value for money education. The education sector is expanding, offering diverse, EU-standard education that appeals globally. Did you know that 30% of the island’s students are foreigners?
There are several institutions for higher learning in Larnaca. The University of Central Lancashire in Cyprus is the only university in Cyprus offering British and Cyprus degrees in all the major branches. Their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are recognized in the UK and in Cyprus.
The Alexander College, P.A. College, and Larnaca College also offer a variety of degrees and are highly reputable.
Moreover, for children and youth, there is a large variety of local and international kindergartens, pre-schools, and schools in Larnaca – both public and private.
The Takeaway
You have now read everything about living in Larnaca – from the vibrant expat community to the healthcare system and business opportunities. All there is left to say is: Move to Cyprus! Life in Cyprus has many advantages, including the mild climate, gorgeous nature, and diverse history with various international influences.
Property Experts Cyprus is your valued platform for everything around living in Cyprus, including many practical services like Cyprus company set up, how to buy real estate in Cyprus, medical tourism, and health insurance. Please contact us for more information.
