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Larnaca
Found on the southeast coast of the country, Larnaca in Cyprus is a wonderful seaside town with a unique charm that dates back to centuries past.
The city of Larnaka is well-known for its picturesque sea-front which includes rows of palm trees (oi finikoudes, in the Cypriot dialect). A known tourist resort where visitors come to enjoy the sand, surf and laid-back atmosphere, the area is also the island’s second most important port area.
Known since the ancient times as Kition, or (in Latin) Citium, the city was in fact in reference to the whole country of Cypress by the Hebrews, Greeks and Romans in the past. It is no surprise that the city can aptly lay claim to be the oldest city in Cyprus, with evidence of human habitation in the region going back to 6000 years.
Modern Larnaca is akin to other Cypriot coastal cities has a famed city center that seems to have been trapped in time, that spiral out into the hotels and restaurants along the palm-lined beachfront. Much of the activity is centred around the city promenade during the major festivals. The most important of these for the city of Larnaka is Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood, celebrated in early summer with a series of cultural events.
The famous Church of St. Lazarus (Ayios Lazaros Sq) is a must-see for tourists, aside from the Christian pilgrims who flock to the site. The Orthodox church dates back to the 9th century is said to have been built around the tomb of the biblical Lazarus, brother of Mary, who was said to have been raised by Jesus Christ from the dead through a miracle.
Those wanting a natural experience of the bounty of Larnaca are inivted to visit the Larnaca Salt Lake to the west of the city. In winter the lake is covered with flocks of vibrant pink flamingoes.
Located by the side of the Larnaca Salt Lake is the famed Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, where the tomb of the foster mother of the prophet Mohammed is said to be housed.
For adventure seekers looking for a deeper dive, there is the wreck of Zenobia, a ferry that sunk in the 1980’s on her maiden voyage.
Those wanting to sample the traditional crafts of Larnaca artisans can visit the village of Lefkara for its hand-made lace and silverware.
