Larnaca, Cyprus

Larnaca is the international gateway to Cyprus, thanks to its busy international airport and seaport. It is only Cyprus's third largest coastal city but it is possibly the most popular tourist hub. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and has plenty of historical sightseeing on offer to complement its deep-blue sea, bright sandy beaches and reliably sunny skies. The city was called Kition in the days of the Old Testament and the ruins of the ancient city can still be seen. Much of its rich archaeological heritage has been preserved and is showcased in two of its main museums. The surrounding area beyond the city is also a treasure-trove of historic ruins from the Neolithic period onwards. Larnaca is therefore a paradise for those interested in ancient history and archaeology, as well as for those who specialise in sun tanning and swimming.

With its 400-berth marina, Larnaca is also a favoured destination for visitors with yachts. Land-based tourists enjoy the palm-lined harbour promenade and the city's international calibre shops, inviting cafes and panoramic ocean views. Larnaca is renowned for its high-quality silverwork and lace, and 'Larnaca Lace' is among the most popular souvenirs from Cyprus.

Larnaca Attractions There is plenty to see and do in Larnaca, which offers visitors the chance to relax in a gorgeous Mediterranean setting, and the opportunity to explore a number of impressive archaeological sites. The main attraction in Larnaca is the remains of the ancient city of Kition; visitors can see parts of the excavations and explore the ancient ruins on the lovely coastline. A number of exciting atrefacts from Kition are preserved in Larnaca's museums, the best of which are the Larnaca District Museum and the Larnaca Medieval Museum (located in the thrilling Larnaca fort). The city is truly rich in ancient history and a paradise for lovers of archaeology: just a little way outside of Larnaca visitors can explore the ruins and excavations of Choirokoitia, a Neolithic settlement dating back to 7000 BC and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Larnaca is also blessed with a number of significant religious institutions. The Church of Ayios Lazaros is a really special place to visit, with a richly decorated interior and a proud history. Another religious attraction in Larnaca is the Hala Sultan Tekke, a striking Muslim monument and mosque set in the beautiful Salt Lake landscape very close to the airport. The famous Stavrovouni Monastery makes for a great excursion from the city; it is the oldest monastery in Cyprus and is said to contain an important relic, a fragment of the Holy Cross. Regrettably, however, women are not permitted inside this Greek Orthodox monastery. For those more interested in sand and sea the beaches of Larnaca are worthy of any amount of basking and swimming and the main town beach, Finikoudes, is very popular. Larnaca is also a dream destination for divers and boasts numerous worthwhile dives, both technical and recreational, including viewings of the Wreck of the Zenobia. Larnaca District Museum Within walking distance of the town centre is the modern Larnaca District Museum, which contains an interesting collection of antiquities found in the Larnaca area, dating from the Neolithic to the Roman periods. Well-lit displays feature archaeological finds from Kition, including a ceramic collection...  see full details Ancient Kition Kition was an ancient city state on the southern coast of Cyprus, in today's Larnaca. The state was originally established by the Greeks as Kittim in the 13th century BC. In the northwest of Larnaca some of the ruins of ancient Kition can...  see full details Church of Ayios Lazaros The 9th-century church devoted to St Lazarus that stands in Larnaca is an important religious institution on Cyprus. Lazarus is believed to have lived at ancient Kition for 30 years after his resurrection by Jesus Christ, and was ordained Bishop of Kition by Saints...  see full details Larnaca Medieval Museum This fascinating and well-stocked museum is housed in the upper level of the Larnaca fort on the city's seafront. The fort itself is the main attraction of the museum it houses; it was built in 1625 by the Turks to defend the city...  see full details Larnaca Day Trips Choirokoitia About 20 miles (32km) from Larnaca, on the Lefkosia-Lemesos road, archaeological excavations have revealed one of the oldest Neolithic sites on Cyprus, dating to 7000 BC. Choirokoitia (also known as Khirokitia) was home to primitive farmers who cultivated wheat and barley. Visitors can explore the settlement's defensive wall, circular houses and tombs. The site is close to the dry Maroni riverbed atop a hill that was once covered in dense vegetation. It was first excavated in 1934, but excavations by French archaeologists are continuing. Four of the beehive-shaped houses made of mud and stone have been reconstructed to show how these early farmers lived. Most of the archaeological finds from Choirokoitia are displayed in the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and really worth a visit for anybody interested in ancient history or archeology. You will have to do a little climbing up the hillside to see the excavations and it is probably best to wear decent walking shoes and bring a water bottle; it should, however, be manageable even for the unfit. Stavrovouni Monastery Perched on top of a solitary mountain, 25 miles (40km) from Larnaca and six miles (10km) off the Lefkosia-Lemesos Road, is the oldest monastery in Cyprus, founded in the 4th century by Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. This Greek Orthodox monastery contains an important relic, a fragment of the Holy Cross. Other relics left at the monastery by Helena include the Cross of the Good Thief, a nail and, according to some sayings, a part of the rope that Jesus was tied to on the Cross. The primary relic, the fragment of the Holy Cross is now encased in a silver cross and cannot be viewed directly. The mountain on which the monastery is dramatically perched, with a winding, steep road, used to be called Olympus but is now known as Stavrovouni. The monastery is considered the spiritual centre of Cyprus and now houses quite a number of monks. Recently, the monastery underwent a complete renovation; its small church was fully restored with new frescoes and icons painted by the famous artist, Fr. Kallinikos, a monk from Stavrovouni. The pictures record the legend of the foundation: St. Helena, in a brilliant red garment, finds the True Cross in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, the monastery is only accessible to men; women are not allowed to enter. Lefkara This beautiful village in the Troodos hills in the west of Larnaca District is famous for its handmade lace, known as lefkaritika. The village of Lefkara, which actually consists of an upper and lower town section, is off the main Nicosia/Limassol highway and features cobbled streets and picturesque architecture. Groups of women sit in the narrow village streets working on their fine embroidery, as they have for centuries. The village is also known for its skilled silver smiths who produce fine filigree work, and there is a small Turkish Delight factory. A folklore museum in the town shows visitors what life was like on Cyprus a hundred years ago (in fact, the whole village feels like a folk museum). The museum is situated in a restored house and exhibits the furniture and effects of a wealthy family of the time, local costumes and examples of the Lefkara lacework. Lefkara is a lovely little town which delights visitors and allows them to explore what seems like an authentic Cypriot village. The people are very friendly and welcoming and it is a good place to meet some locals. Lefkara is also a good base from which to explore a number of other little villages.