Larnaca Cyprus

...3rd largest city in Cyprus

Larnaca Cyprus has a population of 46,700 this lovely city is the third largest on the island.

Ayios Lazarus Larnaca Finikoudes Zeno Larnaca Finikoudes

Built on the ancient city of Kition (birthplace of the stoic philosopher Zeno) pictured above, who lived in the 4th century.

Zeno was so inspired by the works of Socrates that he founded the Stoic School of philosophy in Athens.

This is the ideal place to spend a holiday because as well as the lovely beach, there is a shopping center and many restaurants and cafes along the famous Finikoudes promenade in the center of town.

Another benefit of staying or living here is that it is just a ten minute drive from Larnaca Airport which is now the main airport on the island. Due to the invasion of Cyprus in 1974, the airport in Nicosia which is the capital of Cyprus, had to close.

Location of the City

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 - check out more attractions.

Relaxed Seaside Resort

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.

Finikoudes Promenade, Seafront and Marina

The lovely seafront of Finikoudes i lined with palm trees (hence the name Finikoudes which means palm trees), trendy bars and restaurants.

There's a terrific amount of choice and if you go inside the town of Larnaca which is just behind the beach, there are lots of bars and restaurants which are more traditional and often much cheaper.

Also many shops and internet cafes so always somewhere to keep in touch if you don't have wifi in your hotel or apartment.

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.

St Lazarus - Patron Saint

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 ancient Kition 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.

Larnaca Market

Local Market

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.

Kataklysmos

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 enjoyment for all the family.

Singing, dancing and delicious Cypriot food and drinks.

Find out more about ... Cyprus Festivals.

Tersefanou Village & Marina

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.

Traditional Houses in Nearby Kalavasos Village

If you really want to experience the real Cyprus why not rent a village townhouse in the lovely village of Kalavasos.

It's about 30 km southwest of Larnaca and a wonderful place to chill out and unwind. Orchards are full of oranges and olives and if you come during the winter you can see the olives being picked.