LARNACA CYPRUS

LARNACA (LARNAKA)

Larnaca is home to the island’s main international airport and it’s often the first glimpse visitors get of Cyprus. Situated in the south east of the island, Larnaca is one of the oldest cities in the world and today, in the 21st century, it’s a major tourist resort with its beautiful Blue Flag beaches and an attractive palm tree-lined seaside promenade, which is home to cafes and tavernas and the focal point of the town during major festivals. One of Larnaca’s most famous festivals is its annual celebration of the Feast of Kataklysmos, which takes place during Greek Orthodox Whitsun and isn’t to be missed by those who love a party. Celebrations take the form of eating, drinking, singing and dancing and water sports.

Major infrastructure changes are currently afoot in Larnaca and a new project is underway to upgrade the town and make it the main passenger sea port in the country, with berthing facilities for around 1,000 vessels. In addition, Larnaca International Airport is undergoing major refurbishment, with a new terminal which will be completed in 2009. All of this makes Larnaca the perfect base from which to explore the island. Property in Larnaca and its environs is generally cheaper than many other popular areas on the island, partly because the area has only recently begun to focus on infrastructure and tourism. Holiday makers used to drive through Larnaca to reach their holiday destination; these days Larnaca is their holiday destination.

About Larnaca

As you arrive in Larnaca, one of the first things you’ll see is the stunning salt lake, close to the airport perimeter and home to more than 100,000 flamingos and around 85 species of migratory birds from November to February, a perfect spot for bird-lovers. The region around Larnaca has plenty of traditional villages and one of the most picturesque is Lefkara, a mountain village and home to some of Cyprus’ most famous handicrafts, such as delicate silverware and a special type of lace known as lefkaritika. Some of the most popular of the surrounding villages for home buyers are Oroklini, Zygi and Tersefanou, where Larnaca’s brand new golf course is being built. More news on that as it nears completion!

The town of Larnaca is built on the site of the ancient city of Kition and Larnaca has remained on the same site from its beginnings, more than 6,000 years ago. Lazarus, the man raised from the dead by Jesus, chose to come to Larnaca, bringing Christianity with him and becoming the town’s first bishop. When he died, a church was built in his name which still stands today, a much-revered and much-visited Christian pilgrimage site. Islam also has a famous pilgrimage site here, close to the salt lake and known as the mosque of Hala Sultan. Just like the rest of Cyprus, Larnaca has its fair share of famous archeological sites and one of the best preserved is a prehistoric settlement called Choirokoitia, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. So there’s no shortage of things to do in and around Larnaca and transport connections are good from Larnaca Airport (details below). Why not come and see Larnaca for yourself.

Getting to Larnaca

Getting to Larnaca couldn’t be easier as it’s home to the island’s main international airport and there’s a vast array of airlines operating flights to and from there, including the national airline, Cyprus Airways, British Airways and low-cost airline, Monarch, which now flies to Larnaca from London-Luton. Larnaca airport is also currently having a major upgrade and a new terminal, which is due to be completed in 2009.

From the airport, road access is easy with the A2 Motorway taking you to the capital, Nicosia, the A3 Motorway which goes east to Ayia Napa and the A5 Motorway which takes you west along the coast to Limassol.

Airlines Flying to Larnaca

Scheduled Airlines:
British Airways (Flights from London-Heathrow)
Cyprus Airways (Flights from Birmingham, London-Heathrow, London-Stansted and Manchester)
Eurocypria Airlines (Flights from Belfast International, Birmingham, Dublin, London-Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle and Norwich)
Monarch Airlines (London-Luton and Manchester (from May 2008).

Charter Airlines:
BMI (Seasonal charters from Leeds-Bradford).
Thomas Cook Airlines (Flights from London-Luton, London-Gatwick and London-Stansted and a wide range of UK regional airports).
Thomsonfly (Flights from London-Luton, London-Gatwick and London-Stansted and a range of UK regional airports).
XL Airways (Flights from Birmingham, Bristol, Eat Midlands, London-Gatwick, London-Luton and Newcastle).

Keep checking our pages for regular updates about events and attractions in the Larnaca area and if there’s anything you’d like to see included, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on .