Last September, I had the chance to spend a couple of days in Larnaka, Cyprus, right before heading to Nicosia for work. It was the perfect way to ease into a work trip — two full days near the sea, soaking in the sun and salty air. Coming from Lithuania, I’m still not used to these Mediterranean temperatures. It was at least +34°C during the day, and honestly, walking outside for too long felt like a slow roast!

One of the highlights of my short stay was visiting the Larnaka Salt Lake. I had read that it’s a seasonal salt lake and sometimes in winter, when the water returns, it becomes home to flocks of flamingos. Sadly, when I went, it was all dry — cracked and white, stretching under the sun. I didn’t dare try walking too far across it, though. With no shade and blistering heat, I felt like I’d turn into salt myself. Still, it was a surreal and beautiful sight — almost lunar.

One of the sweetest surprises in Larnaka was the number of cats everywhere. They lounged in the shade of palm trees, strolled casually through the streets, and a few even made themselves at home on my terrace. Every morning and evening, a couple of friendly cats would show up to relax or play in the warm air. For someone who adores cats, it felt like a little paradise. There’s something very peaceful about a place where animals feel at ease — it added even more warmth and charm to my short stay.

The town of Larnaka itself is charming and relaxed. I wandered through the streets in the early morning and late afternoon, when the sun calmed down a little. I loved the mix of old and new, little cafes, and local architecture. The real star, though, was the sea. I’ve never swum in water so perfect — +27°C, clear, calm, and refreshing at the same time. It was like stepping into a dream. I must’ve spent hours just floating and watching the sky.

There’s something very healing about that part of Cyprus. Even though my trip was short and simple, the beauty of the sea, the strange dried-out salt lake, and the slow rhythm of Larnaka really stayed with me.

Here are some of the moments I captured during those two sun-drenched days. 📷🌊

The Salt Lake