Let friendly people, ancient history, peaceful beaches and family-friendly tavernas woo
you to lively Larnaca. Enjoy the thrill of a banana boat ride, learn to sail or simply
relax on a beach sunbed. Fancy a change from sea and sand? Head into town and enjoy an
iced coffee at a cafe on the modern seafront promenade, or a refreshing brandy sour with
lemon at a swish piano bar. Join a free tourist-office walking tour to see the sights
and don't forget to visit 18th-century Hala Sultan Tekke mosque and the
ninth-century Agios Lazaros Church.
Background
The third biggest town in Cyprus, Larnaca is both a commercial centre and a holiday
resort. The beach and tourist area lies outside the town to the south along
Larnaca Bay. Here, dotted along the coastline, you'll find a range of
Cypriot and international restaurants, trendy bars and clubs as well as tourist
hotels. In the town centre, the cafe- and bar-lined promenade is where the
locals gather. Close by, you'll find most of the historic sights including
17th-century Larnaca Fort and the Agios Lazaros Church with its mix of styles from
the ninth to 19th centuries.
First-time visit
After a day on the beach, head to bustling Phinikoudes promenade and
people-watch over an iced coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice as the locals do.
Browse leather bags, hand-sewn lacework and ceramics at nearby shops. Admire cannons
and sea views at Larnaca Fort, built in 1625, before wandering around the
traditional Turkish quarter. Watch local artisans craft candles and colourful
ceramics in their studios there. A short drive away is Hala Sultan Tekke
mosque, with the tomb of Hala Sultan, a relative of the Prophet Mohammed.
Return visit
The ninth-century Agios Lazaros Church houses a beautiful gilded
iconostatsis altar screen and the sepulchre of St Lazarus, who Jesus
raised from the dead. Glimpse into the past at the privately owned Pierides
Museum, housed in a 19th-century mansion, where archaeological artefacts
from the Stone Age to Roman Empire are on display. Take your kids to the nearby
water park and beach, as well as exploring the world of pygmy elephants and
hippopotami at Larnaca's Municipal Museum of Palaeontology.
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