The Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon is twinned with the Rhodes Marathon, which caught my attention because I ran the Rhodes 10k in 2017. The AIMS website, where I learned about the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon, lists international running events around the world. 10,000 runners participated from 40 countries.
Distances include a Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10km, 5km, Corporate 5km, McDonald’s Kids Race 1km, and the RMHC Fun Race 1km for adults.
I ran the 5km and finished 1/1 in the women’s 60-64 age group.
Cyprus Bus
Cyprus bus 425 from the airport drops you off at the Piyiale roundabout. It is within walking distance of hotels on Mackenzie Beach. The Central bus station is closer to hotels in Central Larnaca and Finikoudes Beach. The fare is 1.5 euros. There is an information desk at the airport.
“Scala – Its Craftsmen” Walk
The guided “Scala – Its Craftsmen” Walk begins at the Medieval Larnaka Castle every Friday at 10:00 AM. It explores the Scala area, including stops at artisan workshops and ceramic artists.
The docent on the walking tour gave a brief overview of the conflict between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots. Cyprus is divided into two regions: the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey, and the Republic of Cyprus. Our guide believed that Cyprus would become an independent country at some point, not controlled by either Turkey or Greece. One of the artisans described Cyprus as a country “under occupation.” There is no active armed conflict, and you can take a tour of the Turkish Cypriot side of the “green line,” a United Nations-controlled buffer zone.
Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque & Feral Cat Colony
There are currently about sixty feral cats at the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, down from about 300. Friends of Larnaca Cats feed the cats and pay the vet bills. Hala Sultan Tekke is walkable from the town of Larnaca. Follow the Artemidos Highway towards the Larnaca Airport on the pathway along the Larnaca Salt Lake to the Tekke Road turn-off. It’s about 5km or 3.3 miles from the Medieval Fort.
The cats are friendly, and when I sat down to scroll through my images, two of them jumped into my lap.
Places to Eat
Militzis Traditional Tavern
Piale pasha 42, Larnaca 6029 Cyprus
+357 24 655867
Greek Kleftika is beef and potatoes cooked in a well-sealed traditional clay oven. Delicious. I ate there two nights in a row.
Lazaris BakeryBar
Coffee and cinnamon raisin buns