The ideal destination for a blessed beach break, the island of Cyprus is frequented by hundreds of happy travellers year round, all ready for a couple of weeks of sun worshipping.
You can’t blame them; 11 out 12 months afford blistering sunshine with temperatures reaching 30°C + in the summer months. Rainy days are definitely a rarity, but what do you do if your beach ritual is ruined for the day? Here are a few suggestions to keep the smile on your face if the weather outside turns less than balmy.
Museums
Museums are always a good place when to head when the weather turns sour. Larnaca has a nice selection that will keep you aptly entertained. Within Larnaca Fort you will find an interesting museum with several rooms exhibiting various items relating to the buildings extensive history. If Larnaca Fort isn’t quite your cup of tea, why not stop by at the Pierides Museum instead. Regarded as one of the most important museums in Larnaca, you will find around 2,500 exhibits of antiques and other historical artefacts including historic maps of the island and the Eastern Mediterranean. Both of these museums will provide an intriguing afternoon of culture and of course, shelter from the rain!
Spa Treatment
If you can’t hit the beach, why not spend the afternoon at one of the Turkish baths on the island. Granted there aren’t many in close proximity to Larnaca but a spa day is perfect excuse for a relaxing excursion away from the city and the surrounding resorts. The Omeriye Hamam can be found in Nicosia which is less than an hour’s drive inland, but it means you will get to see a bit more of the island on your way! Housed within a restored 14th century building, you can expect an afternoon of indulgent bliss. Enjoy one of the treatments such a hot stone massage or Dead Sea mud therapy amongst many other as well as full use of the hammam. You will still get wet but it will be a lot more enjoyable than being outside!
Larnaca Winery Tour and Paphos
Pick up a hire car and head off to Paphos at the other end of the island for a few days. A visit to Cyprus wouldn’t be complete without visiting the staple cities and besides, you might be lucky enough to dodge the rain if you escape Larnaca. When you get there, explore the city with the aid of an umbrella and be sure to take a winery tour. It’s the perfect remedy for a rainy day! Sterna Winery is in a village outside the city but comes highly recommended for such tours and allows you to sample a selection of wines, as well as some schnapps. There’s also a wine museum on site.
Ten Pin Bowling
Bowling might sound like a bit of an amateur suggestion perhaps, but you forget how fun it is until you give it a go again. The satisfaction of getting a strike is hard to disguise! Head off to Oroklini on the outskirts of Larnaca and you will find a great little ten pin bowling alley. It will keep you occupied for a good few hours if there’s a few of you and when you’re bored of the pins, you can visit one of the restaurants nearby for a delicious Cypriot meal and a few drinks. Fun and food in one hit; you can’t go wrong!
Luckily, the sun will shine 90% of the time in Cyprus but if you get caught out, rest assured that there’s plenty to keep you occupied if the beach is out of the question for a day.
Have you got any other suggestions to keep you happy during a rare rainy day in Larnaca?
