Larnaca was originally known as Kition, or Khittim, and legend has it that the first settlement at the spot was founded by Noah's grandson Khittim. But the name Larnaca probably comes from the Greek word "Larnax", which means sarcophagus many of which have been unearthed in this area.

An industrious resort town, Larnaca has Cyprus’ main international airport on its doorstep, a harbor with deep-water berths and a marina. The seafront promenade is fringed with palm trees and cafes and tavernas. Places of interest include the Agios Lazaros Church and its associated Byzantine Museum, Larnaca Fort, the District Archaeological Museum, the Pierides Museum (a private archaeological museum), the Natural History Museum, the Tornaritis-Pierides Palaeontology Museum and the scant ruins of ancient Kition. During the feast of Kataklysmos (the Greek Orthodox Whitsun), celebrated throughout Cyprus but with especial enthusiasm in Larnaca, crowds throng the shore for watersports, singing, dancing, eating and drinking.

Near the airport is the Hala Sultan Tekkesi, a historic mosque standing in beautiful gardens on the edge of Larnaca Salt Lake (dry in summer), a winter home of migratory flamingoes. Nearby, in Kiti, Panagia Angeloktisti Church contains a superb sixth-century Byzantine mosaic of the Virgin and Child.

In the hills to the west is the village of Lefkara, famous for its handmade lace, and the Convent of Agios Minas. Off the Limassol–Nicosia road are the hilltop Stavrovouni Monastery, and the Crusader-era Chapelle Royal near Pyrga. Further west, on a hillside at Choirokoitia, are the remains of a neolithic village from 5800 BC, one of the earliest settlements in Cyprus.

East of Larnaca, Larnaca Bay has a sand beach lined with hotels. Beyond the bay, and the Dhekelia British Sovereign Base Area, much of Famagusta (Ammochostos) District, including the town of the same name, lies across the Cypriot divide in the Turkish-occupied zone (the Turks call Famagusta ‘Gazimagusa’). The part still under Government control includes the fertile Kokkinochoria (Red Villages) belt, where potatoes and other vegetables are grown for export. On the coast south of Famagusta lie busy resorts, speckled with golden sand beaches, that are ideal for children, like those at Fig Tree Bay and Flamingo Bay. Agia Napa has a 16th-century monastery – and an increasingly boisterous reputation as a major clubbing resort. It also attracts families to its beaches, Waterworld leisure center and Go-Karts track. Boat tours leave from the harbor. Family-oriented Protaras and Pernera resorts have good beaches, with cafes and beach bars. Other attractions in the area include watersports and rock climbing. Around Cape Greko, the coastline becomes indented with rocky coves and small sandy beaches, ideal for snorkeling and scuba-diving (both for experienced practitioners), explorations by boat and picnics. The Potamos Creek fishing harbor presents a scene of colorful fishing boats. Inland, the small town of Paralimni provides entertainment in its restaurants, dance clubs and cafes.

Long Beach Property Developers
3 Gr. Afxentiou Ave., Avensia Court 3, Shop 1
P.O. Box 40626, Larnaca 6306, Cyprus

Telephone: +357 24 82 40 24
Mobile: +357 99 47 78 79 or +357 99 44 55 30
Facsimile: +357 24 82 40 25
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