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Larnaca (Larnaka) Cyprus has a population of 46,700 and is built on the ancient city of Kition, birthplace of the stoic philosopher Zeno who lived in the 4th century. He was so inspired by the works of Socrates that he founded the Stoic School of philosophy in Athens.
Larnaca has a lovely shopping center and there are many restaurants and cafes along the famous Finikoudes promenade and in the town. The center of town is just a ten minute drive from the main airport of the island. Due to the invasion of Cyprus in 1974, the airport in the capital of Nicosia closed and Larnaca International Airport became the main airport of Cyprus.
The city is ideally located, being only 20 minutes from Nicosia, 30 minutes from Limassol and 15 minutes from the popular tourist resort of Ayia Napa.
There are two large salt lakes in Cyprus and one of them is located just a few minutes from the airport. The famous pink flamingos are permanent guests and close to the salt lake and standing in beautiful gardens is the mosque of Hala Sultan Tekesi.
You'll find a more relaxed and traditional way of life here than in many of the other cities on the island. It's the perfect place to enjoy good food, swim and immerse yourself in the history of the island. The five miles of sandy beaches which stretch to Dhekelia have been awarded the highly respected blue flag of quality.
The lovely seafront is lined with palm trees (hence the name Finikoudes which means palm trees), trendy bars and restaurants.
At one end is the busy marina and at the other is an impressive 17th century Fort which was used as a prison during the British colonial years.
Close by are the Grand Mosque and the church of Ayios (Saint) Lazarus, Patron Saint of Larnaka who was resurrected from the dead by Christ. (This area is locally known as Scala).
Lazarus brought Christianity to Larnaka and was later ordained Bishop of Kition, first Christian Archbishop. Every year the resurrection of Lazarus is re-enacted by children in St Lazarus's Church in Plateia Ayiou Lazarou.
The local daily market is just off the square on Leontos Sofou Street. It opens early in the morning and closes at 1.00pm and sells an assortment of fruits, salad and vegetables and a variety of clothes, bric a brac and shoes.
The nearby Sunday Market is very popular and well worth a visit. It's held in a parking area and has an excellent variety of fruit and veg and is open from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
This lovely city is also famous for the Feast of Kataklysmos (Flood) which coincides with the Greek Orthodox Whitsun. The festival is celebrated with diving, water sports and much singing, dancing and delicious Cypriot food and drinks.
Dramatic changes to this lovely city are in the pipeline and include a proposed new championship golf course and country club at Tersefanou village. The local airport is being expanded and also the popular Marina which will double in size and hold 1,000 boats.
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