While Larnaca may not be the shopping mecca of Europe like Milan or known for its budget-friendly markets like Prague, reviews of shopping in Larnaca suggest that with the right approach, you can find quality items at relatively reasonable prices for European standards.
The city offers a variety of traditional souvenirs, with olive oil being a standout. You can purchase high-quality, natural olive oil from local factories, with one located in Alefriko, near Larnaca. Expect to pay around 5 EUR for a liter of unrefined, cold-pressed virgin oil.
For traditional Cypriot souvenirs, explore the small streets leading from Finikoudes Boulevard to the Old Town, where you'll discover a range of items, including pottery (from colorful bells to Byzantine-style dishes), magnets, seashells, lace, and silverware. However, for lace and silver jewelry, it's recommended to shop in Lefkara due to a larger selection and potentially lower prices.
Don't forget about the delicious souvenirs: Larnaca is an excellent place to buy halloumi cheese, dried fruits, nuts, herbal tea, coffee, and Cypriot sweets like sujukos, loukoum, pastelaki, and carob pastilles. Of course, alcoholic souvenirs are also worth considering, including Zivania (Cypriot whisky), Metaxa (Greek brandy), rum, and local wines such as Kommandaria.
If you're looking for fashionable stores with famous brands in Larnaca, head to Zenonos Kitieos Street and nearby Ermou Street. You'll find stores carrying well-known brands like Armani Jeans, Hugo Boss, Burberry, D&G, Polo Jeans, Kenzo, and Valentino. The great news is that you can purchase branded items here at prices that are 30-50% cheaper than in major cities. During the discount seasons in August and February, you can even find discounts of 50-70%.
Ermou Street hosts a market on Sundays where you can discover various useful items and charming trinkets at affordable prices, but don't hesitate to haggle.
Your shopping experience can be enhanced by visiting the shopping centers in Larnaca. They are away from the tourist crowds and cater to the local average shopper. While Larnaca might not have large shopping centers with numerous stores and restaurants, some local supermarkets offer not only food but also cosmetics, household appliances, clothing, shoes, toys, and more. Examples of such outlets include Debenhams, Carrefour, METRO, and Lidl.
It's important to note that Larnaca doesn't have any outlet shops, and you won't find any near Larnaca or in neighboring towns, as Cyprus doesn't have outlets.
When shopping in Larnaca, be aware of the specific opening hours. Most stores are closed on Sundays and have a break after lunch on Wednesdays and Saturdays. During the summer, the lunch break usually starts around 1 pm and lasts until 4 pm, with stores closing by 6 or 7 pm. However, it's worth noting that some outlets are moving away from this schedule, and gift shops often stay open through lunchtime and into the late evening.
