Zenobia ship wreck near Paphos, Cyprus ; Shutterstock ID 471124055; purchase_order: 65050; job: ; client: ; other:
471124055

Shutterstock / Rostislav Ageev

Zenobia

Top choice in Larnaka


For divers, the one reason to come to Larnaka is to explore the Zenobia, a Swedish-built cargo ship that sank just off the coast of Larnaka in 1980. Classed as one of the top five wreck dives in the world, the Zenobia and its cargo of trucks lie scattered across the sea floor like a bizarre underwater scrapyard. Various routes through the ship's decks and halls can be explored, according to your level of dive experience.

One of the joys of a dive here is the immense variety of fishes that can be seen. The Mediterranean isn't particularly noted among divers for its rich aquatic life, but the Zenobia acts like an artificial reef, attracting fish and other sea creatures to shelter here, and teems with life. The ship can be explored by divers of all levels but is particularly rewarding for more experienced and technical divers, who can explore deeper into the ship's innards.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Larnaka attractions

1. Makenzy Beach

0.9 MILES

Larnaka's most popular beach has all the facilities needed for a day in the sun, including plenty of cafes and restaurants rimming the promenade. It’s…

2. Turkish Quarter

0.94 MILES

Strolling the streets of the old Turkish neighbourhood of Skala is a glimpse into the Cyprus of old. This quaint district is a watercolour-worthy scene of…

3. Larnaka Fort

0.96 MILES

Built in the Lusignan era, the fort stands at the water’s edge and separates the Finikoudes promenade from the old Turkish quarter. Its present form is a…

4. Grand Mosque

0.97 MILES

Located at the beginning of Larnaka’s Turkish quarter, with its maze of sleepy whitewashed streets, the Grand Mosque is the spiritual home of Larnaka’s…

5. Finikoudes Beach

1.1 MILES

This clean, shallow beach is highly popular despite not being particularly pretty. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired for between €2 and €3, and there are…

6. Agios Lazaros

1.12 MILES

This 9th-century church is dedicated to Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus is said to have resurrected four days after his death. The church itself is an…

7. Byzantine Museum

1.14 MILES

Located in the courtyard of the Agios Lazaros complex, this museum originally contained many priceless relics and artefacts. Unfortunately, much of the…

8. Kyriazis Medical Museum

1.21 MILES

If you happen to be in Larnaka on a Wednesday or Saturday, and have a passion for medical history – or just like quirky museums – hop along here. This…