Larnaca, located on the southern coast of Cyprus, is a major city and one of the six districts in the Republic of Cyprus. Larnaca is a major tourist resort and summer holidays destination on the island of Cyprus and is home to the island’s second most important commercial port.
Larnaca International Airport is situated to the south of the city.
The ‘Phinikoudes’ is Larnaca’s main tourist attraction. This is a strip of cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants on Larnaca’s beautiful sea front.
CLIMATE
The climate of Larnaca is the same as the climate all over Cyprus. The climate is typically Mediterranean that has significant differences in the seasons. Summers are warm and dry, and the winters are rainy and mild. Tourists can enjoy long hot summers from mid–May to mid–October and short dry winters from December to February, separated by short autumn and spring seasons. The beaches of Cyprus are among the cleanest and safest in the Mediterranean Sea with an average annual temperature of 20°C for the whole island.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE
Phinikoudes beach
Phinikoudes beach
One of the most famous hot spots of Larnaca, the name ‘Phinikoudes’ means small palm trees, and these were planted in 1922. The area in and around the beach is popular for its cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels and mini markets.
Marina
Larnaca’s 200 berth yachting marina is one of its main attractions. The harbour is lined with lovely palm trees and from here you can view all the yachts and boats that are sailing in the sea. There are lots of taverna’s and cafes at the harbour.
Alpha Divers Dive Centre
Alpha Divers is a scuba diving institute that specialises in scuba diving, snorkelling and water sports. The centre also offers water sport activities like parasailing, waverunners, kayaking, paddleboats and aqua cycles, which can be enjoyed by the whole family. The centre is located near the famous ‘Zenobia Ferry Wreck’.
Ancient Kition
Ancient Kition
The Ancient Kition is located in the north west of Larnaca and features some temples that date back to 13th century B.C. Worth visiting are the Phoenician Temple of Astarte and the city walls. The ruins of the temple were built on an earlier Bronze Age temple and are dedicated to goddess Astarte. There are also remains of tombs here made from gold, ivory and bronze.
Camel Park E.P Mazotos
Situated just 15 minutes from Larnaca, the Camel Park offers camel rides in the countryside of Mazotos village. The Camel Park also has a play area for children, restaurant and swimming pool.
Choirokoitia
Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement
This is one of the most famous Neolithic settlements dating from 7000 B.C. Located on the main Larnaka-Lemesos road, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1998. Farmers here grew barley and wheat. On view here are these farmer’s houses, tombs and defence walls. The artifacts and remains found here are displayed at the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia.
Grand Mosque – Djámi Kebír
The Grand Mosque (Djámi Kebír) is situated next to the Larnaca Fort. Built in the 16th century, it is still visited by the local Muslim community. A good view of the mosque can be gained through the Larnaca Fort.
Hala Sultan Tekke
The Hala Sultan Tekke is the grave of Umm Haram who was the wife of Ouvadas Ibn who led the invasion on the island of Larnaca in 649 B.C. Overlooking the Salt Lake, the Hala Sultan Tekke is built on the place where she died. The simple grave has been transformed into a beautiful mosque. This is a sacred shrine, visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
Larnaca salt lake
Salt Lake
One of the main attractions of Larnaca is the Salt Lake. It is home to nearly 80 species of migratory birds, with around 10,000 flamingos visiting the lake every year around Jan-Feb. In July-Aug, the lake dries up leaving a thick crust of salt measuring up to 10cm deep. In the Middle Ages the lake was used to mine salt for commercial purposes, but now it is just a tourist attraction. Situated nearby the Salt Lake is the holy site of tomb of Umm Haram (Hala Sultan Tekke).
St Lazarus Church – Áyios Lázaros
Built in 9th century A.D. and devoted to St. Lazarus, it is believed that the church is erected on the empty grave of the saint, who is actually buried in France. Eight days before Easter, the icon of Saint Lazarus is carried in a procession through the streets of Larnaca.
Pierides Foundation Archaeological Museum
This private museum contains findings and works of art from all over Cyprus. Collections ranging from prehistoric times, Roman Era, Byzantine empires and Middle Ages can be found here. Run by the Pierides family, it is the oldest private museum in Cyprus.
St Phaneromeni Church – Ayía Phaneroméni
The Church of Ayía Phaneroméni was built around 80 B.C. on the Phaneromeni Avenue. Devoted to Virgin Mary, it was rebuilt on the same location in the 20th century. It is said that the Church has mystical powers and cures illness if a person walks around it three times leaving behind a piece of cloth.
Statue of Zeno
The famous stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium hailed from the city. It is said he began his stoic teaching after losing everything he had in a shipwreck. A famous Athenian general, Kimon, died at sea defending the city of Citium in a major battle with the Persians of Xerxes. A statue of “Kimon the Athenian” stands proudly on the sea front promenade of modern Larnaca.
Stavrovouni Monastery
Stavrovouni is a hill in Cyprus, on top of which stands a Greek Orthodox Monastery. The monastery Stavrovouni was constructed on the peak of the mountain of the same name in the District of Larnaca. Stavrovouni (‘stavros’ meaning cross and ‘vouno’ meaning mountain), is dedicated to the Holy Cross. According to tradition it was founded in the 4th century by Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, who left a fragment of the Holy Cross to the monastery.
