Larnaca street art: City's Creative Side at Paparazzi ART Studio

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Larnaca is one of the larger cities among Ayia Napa, Limassol, and Paphos, situated on the south coast of Cyprus, offering a seaside location. While some visitors might not find it particularly interesting and opt to stay in a nearby, larger city, it has its own charm and an active street art scene. Larnaca’s street art scene is relatively small but worth seeing. I will cover some spots where I have discovered it.

Larnaca Street Art Walk: Murals and Local Artists Around Larnaca

So far, I am aware of two areas in Larnaca where street art is concentrated. Both are located in the same neighborhood of Skala and Phinikoudes. The neighbourhood includes the seaside promenade and the popular Finikoudes beach.

When looking closer, you will find Larnaca street art here:

a municipal parking lot with street art walls between the Larnaca Marina and Larnaca Port
streets (Karaoli&Dimitriou, Constantinou Kalogera) near the Holy Church of Saint Lazarus and Finikoudes

According to some sources, the local street art scene began to gain momentum in the 2010s. There were also some official initiatives, such as the Larnaka Street Art Festival, that transformed the city into a vibrant and colorful place, articulating messages in its own unique nature.

The artists behind the artworks are Paparazzi and Pez. But the city does not lack some foreign imprint from international artists like WD (Wild Drawing) and WDOT.

Paparazzi ART Studio – The Heart of Larnaca's Street Art Scene

The studio is located at Karaoli & Dimitriou 52, Larnaca 6021, Cyprus, and is described as a studio and gallery space that focuses on street art, murals, and urban art. The artist behind it is Achilleas Michaelides, also known as “Paparazzi,” who was born in 1982 in Tbilisi, Georgia. He started to delve deeper into street art and graffiti while living in Thessaloniki, Greece, in the late 1990s. In 2002, he moved to Cyprus.

To this day, people know him as the pioneer of street art in Cyprus, who bridges street art with fine art approaches. The Paparazzi ART Studio serves as both his workspace and an exhibition hub. There might be other artists working inside as well.

Besides living in Larnaca, where he leaves his own mark on the streets, he has also collaborated internationally and exhibited in multiple countries. Besides murals, he has also created installations, and he has been present at several major festivals.

His studio is even listed on the Larnaca city guide. However, there are no opening hours, and to view the contents, you must contact the artist prior to arrival.

The same street is also home to a couple of other galleries – Famagusta Gallery, Kyriazis Medical Museum, and PSYCHO STUDIO.

A nearby street, Constantinou Kalogera, is also adorned with numerous street art pieces.

How to Visit / Tips for Art Lovers

Both places are not very far away from each other. Depending on the weather, your time frame, and availability, you can start your walk on the beach of Finikoudes. For many people who only visit the town for one day, this place will be the starting point if you are using public transport. Or even if not, the parking lot at the seaside might become handy.

From there, you might go on a short walk and get a little bit lost in the small streets heading towards the Holy Church of Saint Lazarus.

If you would like to meet with the artist, please contact him in advance. Achilleas “Paparazzi” Michaelides is often present, and visitors say he’s open to chatting about his projects and creative process.

After exploring the studio, relax in one of the nearby cafés or head toward Finikoudes Beach, where you can spot some sculptures like the Venetian Winged Lion, Fish Plastics Bin, or even the Municipal Amphitheater.

Those who have about one more hour left and fancy seeing and absorbing more of the local history, canons, prison room, artefacts, and ceramics can visit the Larnaka Medieval Fort, built in the 12th century. It also offers an excellent view of the nearby area from the top.

Before You Go

Whether you visit Larnaca to meet the artist behind Cyprus’s pioneering street art movement or to wander through colorful murals scattered across the city, Larnaca rewards those who look closer. Paparazzi ART Studio stands as a creative heartbeat of the city, connecting local and international artists while shaping Larnaca’s modern urban identity.