A beautiful seaside city just a short flight away from the UK has temperatures of up to 18C in December. Located on the southeast coast of Cyprus, Larnaca is one of the best places to visit on the Mediterranean. Larnaca is the third-largest city in Cyprus, with a population of about 155,000 in 2021. It is built on the ruins of Citium, the Ancient Greek city-state best known as the birthplace of the Stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium.

Larnaca attracts many visitors to its beaches, as well as to Finikoudes (Greek for “palm trees”), the city’s signature seafront promenade lined with palm trees. The pretty city also has a seaport and a marina.

Millions of Brits descend on Cyprus each year due to its warm temperatures, culture and cheap prices. However, what draws tourists to Larnaca especially is its mix of UNESCO-rated sights, traditional food and abundance of beaches.

The secluded Konnos Bay has been receiving lots of attention recently as it is a bit of a hidden gem. The stretch of sand is the perfect place to relax if you’re looking for maximum chill-out time. It is also very well-sheltered, so the water is pretty much wave-free, due to its backdrop of steep hills. You may spot a starfish or two around this point; they are known to be local to the area.

The 9th-century Church of Saint Lazarus is the most well-known historical site in the city, as it is one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Cyprus, built to house the tomb of Agios Lazaros. It is considered the most photographed attraction on the island, due to its stunning, honey-coloured stonework. 

Seafood is a huge part of the cuisine in Larnaca, also due to being located on the Mediterranean, but local Cyprian dishes are also available in many of the city’s restaurants. 

Cyprus is one of the hottest places to visit in Europe during the month of December, and a flight out there would currently set you back only £57, so if you are looking for a winter getaway, this could be your sign.