Larnaca, although modern, is strongly connected to its history. After Saint Lazarus's resurrection he became the first bishop of Larnaca. Agios Lazarus was built where the saint's remains were found, to honour him. The church of Saint Lazarus, which is situated close to the Phinikoudes beach, is open at all times but also has weekly tours where visitors discover its vast history.
The Neolithic settlement of choirokitia was founded by a community of primary farmers, who made a livelihood tending livestock, hunting and trading with neighbouring communities. It's believed to date back to 5800 B.C. Also to be found are the ruins of ancient city Kition, birthplace of infamous philosopher Zenon, founder of the Stoic School (Greek school of philosophy) in 308 B.C., which beliefs were that God determined everything for the best and that virtue is sufficient to happiness.
The church of Panagia Angelloktisti, which means built by angels, is situated in the village of Kiti. Built in the 11th century, it is said that when the church was being built, it was not intended for the location where it stands today, but somewhere else. As they were building the church they discovered miraculously that the foundations had been transferred to the area where it stands today. And as they continued building they observed that the construction advanced by itself, that is why it is said that it was built by angels.
The Phinikoudes promenade, famed for its palm trees, suitably named due to the fact that Phinikia, translated into English, means palm tree. The beach is suitable for all ages and a favourite with the tourists. In the evening the Phinikoudes seafront offers the best night out in Larnaca, with countless choices of pubs, bars, restaurants and clubs, which have events mostly during the Summer and bring world famous DJs to ensure a great night out.
The main international airport is in Larnaca, which means if your holidays are in Larnaca, travelling is quick and easy. Close by is Larnaca's salt lake where you can see many migrant birds, mainly flamingos. In the same area is Hala Sultan Tekke, a complex made up of a mosque, a mausoleum and a minaret. It's believed to be one of the holiest sites in Islam and the most important location for Muslims in Cyprus.
Larnaca Beaches
Phinikoudes Beach
Located on the palm-lined seafront of Larnaca, you have access to shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment within walking distance. Also on the Phinikoudes sea front is the Larnaca marina, which offers daily boat trips to different locations.
Makenzie Beach
Makenzie Beach is well known for its beautiful white sandy beach and refreshing waters. Here you can enjoy the water sports facilities, which include scuba diving. Less than a five minute drive from Larnaca airport, Mackenzie Beach offers a great choice of restaurants famed for their Cyprus cuisine and fresh fish.
Faros Beach
Faros Beach is located in the village of Pervolia, which is about a 10 minute drive from Larnaca International Airport. This beach is becoming more popular with tourists due to its picturesque surroundings and is most suitable for people who enjoy peace and quiet whilst sunbathing.
CTO Beach
Many sporting events and tournaments are held on the CTO beach, such as handball and volley, which anyone is free to view. For a change from tanning and swimming there are a wide variety of water sports, different beach bars and also a children’s playground.
Kataklysmos
Forty days after Greek Orthodox Easter, Larnaca bursts into activity celebrating the Kataklysmos, where many people get into the sea and splash each other with water. It is debated whether this event is in memory of Noah’s survival of the flood, or the coming ashore of resurrected St. Lazarus or a celebration of the birth of Aphrodite.
In any which way, the annual fair takes place at the time of the Kataklysmos on the Larnaca Promenade, which kids and adults alike will find very fun.
Larnaca Walks
Every Wednesday starting point is the CTO Information Office, Vasileos Pavlou Square. It begins at 10:00 a.m. free guiding and participation, Tel: +357 24654322.
This walk covers the history of Larnaca and its development by focusing on the role that the sea had throughout the centuries.
Scuba diving
The waters around Larnaca are clear enough for excellent diving conditions. There are several sites to choose from, but most divers come to see the wreck of the Zenobia. This ferry sank in 1980 on her maiden voyage due to a ballast error. Fully laden with a number of trucks loaded and their cargo, the ship now lies 42 metres deep, on the bottom of the sea. The top of the wreck is just 18 metres below the surface, making it easily accessible to divers of most levels. Dive-In Cyprus handles most of the diving in Larnaca (tel: +357 24 627 469).
Summer Festival
Larnaca hosts a festival of music and performing arts. Outdoor concerts take place in the courtyard of the medieval fort and also at the Pattichion Amphitheatre. Performances include national and international talent from the world of dance, theatre and music.
International Children’s Day - June
Festivities at the Larnaca Seafront Stage organised by the Larnaca Municipality, Tel: +357 24657745 or +357 24629333
Ayios Leondios Day - June 17-18
Traditional fair at Pervolia village, Larnaca district, Tel: +357 24423330
Pierides Museum
The Pierides Foundation Museum was essential for the preservation of Cypriot artifacts. In the nineteenth century archaeological artifacts were being sold to museums abroad by dealers, for which they received large sums of money. In 1839 Demetrios Pierides opened the Pierides Foundation Museum and begun purchasing artifacts to keep them in Cyprus.
The museum was also further enriched by members of his family.
Larnaca Archaeological Museum
The Larnaca Archaeological museum boasts a wide variety of finds in the Larnaca area from the Neolithic Age through to the Roman Period.
In the museum there are exhibits from the finds at Kition and you can discover how people lived in the Neolithic ages. There are also some additional exhibits in the garden.