 Larnaca was originally known as Kition, or Khittim, legend has it that it was established by one of Noah's grandsons Khittim.
The name Larnaca though is believed that it comes from the Greek word (Larnax) which means sarcophagus many of which have been unearthed in this area.
Birthplace of the stoic philosopher Zeno, Larnaca was also the second home of St. Lazarus, who arrived there after his resurrection and later became its first Bishop.
|
|
 Larnaca has always been an attraction for
foreigners and visitors.
Many came as colonialists, like the
Mycenaeans, others, like the Phoenicians from the nearby Lebanon as
traders and furthermore the Persians, Romans, Arabs, Lusignans,
Venetians and Turks as aggressors and in the end conquerors. |
|
 Church of St. Lazaros - The Church of St Lazarus standing in the centre of the town is well worth a visit. The tomb of St Lazarus, who is still the patron saint of Larnaka, is under the sanctuary.
After the construction of the International Airport and the
Yacht-Harbour, Larnaca developed itself more and more into a lively
town.
The small streets in the picturesque old city are filled with
shops and many tavernas can be found along the seafront with its
Palm-Tree-Promenade.
The long sandy beach, with its modern hotels, the
restaurants, bars and watersport facilities remind a little bit of the
Côte-d’Azur and offer tourists a relaxing and
variable holiday.
As home of the island’s main International
Airport, Larnaca offers many visitors their first taste of Cyprus.
One
of the first sights is the beautiful salt lake, home in the cooler
months to colonies of graceful flamingos and other migratory birds.
Beside the lake, in a tranquil setting crowned by lush palms, is the
Hala Sultan Teke, built to the memory of Prophet Mohammed’s
aunt. |
|
 Stavrovouni Monastery Larnaca’s
District Archaeological Museum and the Pierides Foundation Museum
exhibit particularly interesting antiquities.
Also of interest is the
Church of Ayia Faneromeni, built over a rock cave dating from the 8th
century BC and the 18th century aquaduct on the outskirts of the town. |
|
|
 The delightful Palm Trees Promenade, its fort, and its old quarters give Larnaca its unique character.
The nearby salt lake is a favourite stop-over spot for thousands of migrant birds in winter, whilst on its edge in a tranquil settings stands a popular Muslim pilgrimage place.
Much smaller than Nicosia or Limassol, Larnaca has a population of 62.000 and has managed to retain a relaxed, leisurely atmosphere.
Its main shopping area is Zenon Kitieos Street, a typically busy road of small shops, with a wonderfully colourful fruit and vegetable market at the far end. |
|
 |
10%
OFF all online car bookings |
|
LARNACA