Larnaca, Cyprus

Larnaca is a resort town that geographically can be found perched on the southern coast of Cyprus. In the city of Larnaca, two parts are distinguished - an older city center and a modern part, which includes a chain of restaurants and hotels along the coast. The city turns out to be quite suitable for a pleasant holiday, with accommodation in excellent hotels located in close proximity to the beautiful beaches.

Larnaca is definitely an ancient city. The city was originally founded by the Mycenaeans in the XIII century BC. under the name Kition. Later, today's Larnaca became the first Phoenician colony of Cyprus. In the past, Larnaca experienced serious destruction due to strong earthquakes that occurred in 76, 322 and 342 years.

It is important to note that Larnaca has an international airport and a commercial port. Larnaca International Airport is located 4 km south-west of Larnaca and is the busiest in the country, considering the number of passenger traffic and passenger services at one main terminal. Larnaca Airport also has a VIP terminal that serves private civil aviation, important state visits and cargo flights. In addition, Larnaca International Airport is used by many Europeans and is also a gateway to the Middle East.

The climate in Larnaca is the same as in all of Cyprus - Mediterranean, summers are dry and warm, rainy and mild winters. Summer in Larnaca is long and hot, starting from mid-May and winding down by mid-October. Winter in Larnaca is short and dry - from December to February. Tourists in Larnaca are blessed to enjoy some of the safest and cleanest beaches in the Mediterranean.

Larnaca is a city that has a great heritage of historical and architectural landmarks. Apart from the city itself, there are quite a few interesting tourist attractions to visit around it – Nicosia, Ayia Napa, Limassol, Stavrovouni Monastery, Choirokoitia, Protaras and others.

Sources of pleasant culinary tours are cozy taverns, cafes and restaurants. Larnaca is full of taverns that offer typical Cypriot specialties. The infamous Cypriot appetizer has been elevated to a work of culinary art. Some of the coastal restaurants in Larnaca have an interesting location - they quite picturesquely look directly over the waves, which makes the combination of delicious food and a unique view of Larnaca Bay an unforgettable experience.

As we have already said, Larnaca is saturated with historical sights and it is time to tell about them.

The Church of Saint Lazarus, dedicated to the patron saint of Larnaca - Lazarus, was built in the 9th century. It is believed that the grave of Lazarus is located right in this church.

The Hala Sultan Teke Mosque is a historical landmark of exceptional importance. It is recorded in the annals that it was built on a meteorite and according to some it is the third most important such after Medina and Mecca. The mosque is located on the shores of the Larnaca Salt Lake, which is geographically about 15-20 minutes from the center of Larnaca and the promenade. Around the lake itself there are built and designated paths for walks, gazebos and benches.

Larnaca Castle is another architectural jewel of Larnaca. It was built in the 14th century to defend Larnaca from the sea. A small museum is located in the fortress, which houses an exhibition of objects from the past.

The bust of Cimon is a valuable landmark for Larnaca. It belonged to the Athenian statesman Cimon, who fought to win the freedom of Cyprus from the Persians.

The Archaeological Museum of the province is also interesting, in which the exhibition is dedicated to an interesting collection of finds from the Neolithic to the Roman era.

The oldest private museum in Cyprus, the Pieridis Museum, is located in Larnaca and was founded by Dimitrios Pieridis. The museum is dedicated to Byzantine, ancient, medieval, as well as modern culture objects that belong to the Pieridis family.

The Larnaca Municipal Cultural Center is an architectural landmark that used to be five old warehouses built in colonial style, part of Larnaca Customs. Nowadays, these warehouses have been renovated and function as the Municipal Cultural Center of Larnaca. This center houses the only Paleontological Museum in all of Cyprus and the Municipal Art Gallery. The museum has a unique collection, including fossils of hippos and pygmy elephants that once inhabited the territory of the island.

This is far from the end of the list of attractions in Larnaca, but we still have to leave something unsaid to pique your curiosity and draw your attention to this interesting city.