
Palm Tree Promenade, Larnaca © Cyprus Tourism Organisation
Larnaca is the international gateway to Cyprus, being its second
port and having an international airport. It is one of the oldest
continuously inhabited cities in the world, and has plenty of
historical sightseeing on offer to complement its deep-blue sea,
bright sandy beaches and reliably sunny skies. With its 400-berth
marina, Larnaca is also a favoured destination for visitors with
yachts. Land-based tourists enjoy the palm-lined harbour promenade
and the city's international calibre shops, inviting cafes and
panoramic ocean views. The city was called Kition in the days of
the Old Testament and the ruins of the ancient city can still be
seen. Much of its rich archaeological heritage has been preserved
and is showcased in two of its main museums. The surrounding area
beyond the city is also a treasure-trove of historic ruins from the
Neolithic period onwards.
Resorts
See our separate guides to the following Larnaca holiday resorts: Ayia Napa and Protaras
Attractions

Aqueduct
Ancient Kition
In the northwest of Larnaca are some of the ruins of
ancient Kition, featuring the remains of five temples dating back
to the 13th century BC. Of particular interest is the Phoenician
Temple of Astarte, which was built on the ruins of an earlier
Bronze...
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Ayios Lazaros church, Larnaca © Cyprus Tourism Organisation
Church of Ayios Lazaros
The 9th-century church devoted to St Lazarus that
stands in Larnaca is an important religious institution on Cyprus.
Lazarus is believed to have lived at ancient Kition for 30 years
after his resurrection by Jesus Christ, and was ordained Bishop of
Kition by Saints Barnabas and...
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Alabaster vases © Victoriapeckham
District Museum
Within walking distance of the town centre is the modern
District Museum, which contains an interesting collection of
antiquities found in the Larnaca area, dating from the Neolithic to
the Roman periods. Well-lit displays feature archaeological finds
from Kition, including a ceramic collection with...
see full detailsLarnaca Medieval Museum
This fascinating and well-stocked museum is housed in the
Larnaca fort on the city’s seafront. The fort was built in
1625 and was used as a prison during the early years of British
rule. The fort also operates as the Larnaca Municipal Cultural
Centre...
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Choirokoitia
About 20 miles (32km) from Larnaca on the
Lefkosia-Lemesos road archaeological excavations have revealed one
of the oldest Neolithic sites on Cyprus, dating to 7,000 BC.
Choirokoitia (also known as Khirokitia) was home to primitive
farmers who cultivated wheat and barley. Visitors can explore the
settlement’s defensive...
see full detailsLefkara
This beautiful village in the Troodos hills in the west of
Larnaca District is famous for its handmade lace, known as
lefkaritika. The village, which actually consists of an upper and
lower town section, is off the main Nicosia/Limassol highway and
features cobbled streets...
see full detailsStavrovouni Monastery
Perched on top of a solitary mountain, 25 miles (40km) from
Larnaca and six miles (10km) off the Lefkosia-Lemesos Road, is
the oldest monastery in Cyprus, founded in the 4th century by Saint
Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. The monastery contains an
important relic,...
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