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

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 Age temple. The lower part of the northern city walls, built of huge stones resembling Mycenaean cyclopean walls, are also still visible.

Opening time: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 2.30pm; Thursdays 3pm to 6pm (except July and August); Admission: £0.50

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 Mark. The Church was built by the Byzantine Emperor Leo VI above what was believed to be the empty grave of Lazarus, whose final resting place is in Marseilles, France. Eight days before the Greek Orthodox Easter each year the Baroque wood-carved icon of Saint Lazarus normally stored in the church is carried in a procession through the streets of the town.

Address: Plateia Agiou Lazarou; Telephone: 2465 2498; Website: www.ayioslazaros.org; Opening time: Open daily; Admission: Free

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 alabaster vases, tools, coins and lamps. Wall cases hold diverse pieces like faience scarabs, limestone seals, bone implements and engraved stone blocks. The museum is open daily.

Address: Kalogreon Square; Telephone: 24 630 169; Opening time: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 2.30pm; Thursdays 3pm to 6pm (except July and August); Admission: £0.50

Larnaca 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 during the summer.

Address: Larnaca Fort; Opening time: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5pm, until 6pm on Thursdays; Admission: £0.50

Excursions

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