Larnaca Tourist Attractions

Larnaca stands as the third largest and a very beautiful city on southern cost of the Cyprus after Limassol and Nicosia. The population of this city is around 72,000 according to GeoNames geographical database 2010 and it is the second largest island’s commercial port and a very important tourist resort. Thousands of tourists fly to Larnaca for having a good time every year. The largest airport of the island is the Larnaca International Airport which is located on outskirts of this city. Tourists from around the world enter this beautiful city through the Larnaca Airport and start their vacations in this beautiful city. Larnaca is filled with history and fun filled attractions which further interests the tourists to pay a visit to the city whenever they visit Cyprus.

As the main home of island’s international airport, Larnaca truly offers the visitors their first charming taste of Cyprus. Among the first nearby attractions/places to see of Larnaca is a beautiful salt lake, which is like a home to colonies of the graceful flamingos in cooler months and various migratory birds. Apart from the lake, there is Hala Sultan Tekesi in a rather tranquil setting fully crowned by the lush palms. Hala Sultan Tekesi was built in the memory of the aunt of Prophet Mohammad. They heyday of this city was the ancient city kingdom which was established by Mycenaean Greeks in 13th century BC. It was then that the city enjoyed dual position of the rich seaport and a major center of copper trade. The remains of this period which were excavated in the recent years can now be seen in the Cyclopean walls and the complex of the Mycenaean temples at ancient Kition site. The city is filled with interesting historic places and the links of Larnaca city with Christianity actually go back to very beginning of the first bishop of the town who was Ayios Lazaros. A church has been built for him exactly where his remains were found. Eight days before Greek Orthodox Easter, the Baroque icon of the Saint Lazarus is carried in procession on the streets of this town.

For those who love visiting the museums, Larnaca has Pierides Foundation Museum, Larnaca Medieval Museum and the District Archaeological Museum which are particularly the interesting antiquities. The well-lit displays of the Larnaca District Museum feature the archaeological finds from the Kition including the ceramic collection with tools, alabaster vases, lamps and coins. The wall cases hold the diverse pieces like limestone seals, faience scarabs, engraved stone blocks and bone implements. This museum is open to visit every day. Marble bust of the Zeno in town bears the testimony to yet another son, after a philosopher who actually founded the popular Stoic School. Church of the Ayia Faneromeni is also an interesting place to visit for the tourists which has been built over rock cave dating on outskirts of the Stavrovouni which is amongst the most dramatically sited and oldest monasteries in Cyprus. It was founded by the Saint Helena and is within the reach of Larnaca. According to the strict traditions observed by the monastic, women are not usually allowed inside the Stavrovouni Monastery.

The seafront of Larnaca is a reminiscent of Continental promenade with line of the mature palms along with its relaxed air with a sleepy charm. The taverns and cafes line the surrounding of sea which makes it more of a popular spot for the visitors and Cypriots during long summers. Nearby is Marina which is frequented by the yachtsmen from around the world. Further south, tourists can enjoy the McKenzie Beach. There are various options for the tourists to pick a beach of their own choice. All the beaches including Dasoudi Public Beach, Larnaca Public Beach, Dhekelia Beach and the McKenzie Beach offer sun loungers and beach restaurants. For diving, there are great spots in waters surrounding Larnaca. The most famous area is at the wreck of Zenobia.

Although much smaller than Limassol or Nicosia, but Larnaca has managed to have a leisurely and relaxed atmosphere. The main area for shopping is the Zenon Kitieos Street. It is a busy road of typically small shops and has a very colorful vegetable and fruit market at far end. Larnaca is famous for its yearly celebration of Feast of the Kataklysmos Greek Orthodox Whit sun. This occasion is basically marked by the enthusiastic water sports, singing, dancing and feasting.