Beautifully compact, easily accessible and truly authentic, Larnaka is Cyprus’ oldest soul with a history that dates back 10,000 years, making it the longest continually inhabited region of the island. And with its status as the most centrally positioned city, Larnaka also offers easy access to the island’s other regions, making it the ideal destination for a Cyprus holiday or a business visit.
Whilst the region is rich in the ancient culture of hundreds of years of contrasting civilisations and architecture, Larnaka is also a thriving and modern European city that offers the best of all worlds. A characteristic feature is that tourists will find that there is no distinction between resort and town; locals and visitors alike can enjoy the same daily experience of a charming and diverse Mediterranean city. From stretches of varied coastline, a mix of traditional and cosmopolitan establishments and fascinating monuments, Larnaka seamlessly blends its two ‘faces’.
The coastal city of Larnaka
The distinctive feature of Larnaka city is its bustling Foinikoudes promenade, which is lined with mature palm trees and flanked by beach, eateries and entertainment. The parallel shopping centre with its traditional architecture puts everything at your fingertips – including cultural treasures and interesting museums that are nestled among the commercial shopping streets.
The promenade seamlessly joins the popular Piale Pasha sea walkway as it passes by quaint old neighbourhoods where traditional artists work, taking in a small fishing harbour and its fresh fish taverns as it stretches towards the hip Mckenzie area. In the same area, the famous Salt Lake fills with flocks of vibrant pink flamingos in the winter months and attracts visitors for its natural beauty and ecological value, offering a nature trail in the heart of the city.
Larnaka town is also significant for both Christians and Moslems. The most revered monuments of the two are included in the main attractions of the city: the Church of Agios Lazaros (Saint Lazarus), the patron saint of the town who Jesus resurrected and held dear as a friend; and the mosque of Hala Sultan – an important place of pilgrimage for Moslems that is embraced by the Salt Lake.
Thriving rural villages
Larnaka city stretches out to thriving rural villages and communities of varying sizes. Each has its own unique character, charm and scenery. The communities are active in the cultural fabric of the region with annual festivals, museums, monuments and tourist attractions, as well as defining gastronomy and handicrafts that are cherished and maintained.
Mountainous Larnaka (Orini)
Further still, the mountainous areas of Larnaka (Orini) trail up the Troodos range, which is dotted with quaint and picturesque villages with narrow lanes and rustic architecture. Each village is known for its traditional handicrafts or pastimes with generations of the skilled artisans proudly continuing the local customs. The area is stunning in its natural beauty and is perfect for walking the designated nature trails, cycling, or for tranquil Agrotourism breaks in traditional houses.
Once you fall in love with Larnaka, you will discover for yourself why both flamingos and visitors always return to their favourite Mediterranean region!
