Larnaca
The classic Cyprus all-rounder
In many ways Larnaca is like a smaller version of Limassol – a bustling port town with great shopping and an historic old quarter, and a thriving resort area to the west of the harbour, where you’ll find a great selection of holiday accommodation.
A line of mature palm trees runs along the harbour-front promenade from the yachting marina to the 17th century fort, home of the town’s Medieval Museum. There’s a small town beach here with sun-beds and umbrellas, beachside tavernas, and a colourful market.
Larnaca’s main beach resort area is a ten-minute drive away along the coastal Dhekalia Road. There are several stretches of sandy beach here, with water-sports and a wide range of tavernas, restaurants, bars and supermarkets all linked by a good bus and taxi services at reasonable prices. Theres a buzzing nightlife too for those who want to party, and a host of excursions if you want to do more than just chill out on the beach every day. Just south of town, in a tranquil garden on the edge of a shimmering slat lake, stands the important Moslem shrine to Hala Sultan ‘Tekke’ tomb of the Prophet Mohammed’s aunt, who died here in 650AD. Other unmissable sights near Larnaca include the graceful 18th century aqueduct at Kamares, on the road towards Limassol, which remained in everyday use until 1930, and the remarkable Stone Age excavations at Kalavasos and Choirokoitia, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
For a fascinating day out, take a scenic trip up to the craft village of Lefkara, home of the islands famous silversmiths and lace-makers whose ‘Lefkaritika’ embroidery was said to have captivated Leonardo da Vinci. Another relaxing day trip takes you to Nicosia, the divided island capital, where you can wander around the craft shops of the restored Folk Neighbourhood beneath the walls of the old citadel, before stopping for a traditional lunch in one of its traditional tavernas.
