Larnaca Destination Guide

Home , Larnaca, Larnaca Castle, Stavrovouni Monastery

Overview of Larnaca Larnaca is the international gateway to Cyprus; it has a busy international airport and is also an important port of call for cruises in the East Mediterranean. The town is one of the most popular holiday spots in Cyprus, with stunning beaches and a lovely palm tree-lined promenade, which is lined with bars, shops, and restaurants. Larnaca was known as Kition in the days of the Old Testament and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. The ruins of the ancient city can still be seen and much of its rich archaeological heritage has been preserved and is showcased in the local museums. The lively package holiday resorts of Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Paralimni sit on a peninsula to the east of Larnaca, and are heaving with holidaymakers over the summer months. With a reputation as the party capital of Cyprus, the beach resort of Ayia Napa is popular with the young looking to make the most of their holiday in the sun. Away from the action along the coast, the Larnaca region offers miles of unspoiled wilderness to explore. The Cape Greco peninsula is a government-protected conservation area with dramatic cliffs and abundant indigenous flora and fauna, proving popular with walkers and cyclists.

Key Facts

Language: The majority of Cypriots speak Greek, and a small percentage speaks Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect differs from mainland Greece. English, German and French are spoken in tourist areas. Passport/Visa: Travellers, except EEA nationals, should hold an onward or return ticket and documentation necessary for that journey, as well as sufficient funds for the period of intended stay in Cyprus. It is also advisable to have a hotel reservation. Extensions are available to visa-exempt nationals. Travellers should note that foreigners entering Cyprus north of the UN-patrolled 'green line' are deemed by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered illegally, and can be fined when crossing to the south (EU). Policies and procedures are subject to sudden changes, and visitors should check on the current situation before departing for Cyprus. It is highly recommended that visitors' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Major credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Money can be exchanged at banks, open from Monday to Friday. There are ATMs spread throughout the island, operating 24 hours a day. Electricity: Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three square-pin plugs are used.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Larnaca Climate for Larnaca The Mediterranean climate in Larnaca is characterised by hot, relatively dry summers and winters with moderate rainfall and thunderstorms. The hottest part of the year lasts from the middle of June until the beginning of October, with average high temperatures between 84°F (29°C) and 91°F (33°C). Minimum temperatures rarely fall below 66°F (19°C), while humidity levels during this period can be as high as 90 percent. The summer heat is, however, offset by fresh sea breezes. The coolest part of the year starts in the beginning of December and lasts until the end of March, with temperatures that generally range between 44°F (7°C) and 66°F (19°C). Light to moderate rains and thunderstorms can occur throughout most of the year; rain is most common from December to March and least likely between the middle of July and the end of August. Health Notes when travelling to Cyprus No vaccinations are required for travel to Cyprus but hepatitis A and B vaccinations are always recommended for travellers by health authorities. Health services on Cyprus are of a good standard. UK citizens should bring with them a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which enables them to receive free emergency medical treatment. Medical fees are reasonable in Cyprus, but supplies are expensive and it is probably a good idea for visitors to bring any important prescription medications they may require (with the appropriate notes from their doctor to get them through customs). Travel insurance is advised. Safety Notes when travelling to Cyprus Crime against tourists is rare and the area is generally safe. Customs in Cyprus Visitors should avoid taking photographs near military establishments. Religious customs such as Ramadan should be respected, particularly in the north where most of the Turkish Cypriots are Muslim; travellers should avoid eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public during the holy month. Women should dress modestly. Duty Free in Cyprus Travellers to Cyprus over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre spirits with higher than 22 percent alcohol volume or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs with less than 22 percent alcohol volume, or 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine, 4 litres of still wine, or 16 litres of beer. Doing Business in Cyprus Business in Cyprus is best conducted face-to-face, as developing a working relationship based on trust is important. Business is conducted formally, and dress should be smart and conservative (a suit and tie are the norm). Greetings are usually made with a handshake, and business cards are exchanged. It is common for women to hold high positions and they are generally well respected in the business world. Punctuality is important, but meetings may not begin on time. Business hours can vary according to the season, but are usually 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday in summer, closing at 5pm in winter. Communication in Cyprus The international access code for Cyprus is +357. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Visitors can purchase local SIM cards for their phones and wifi is increasingly available in many cafes, restaurants and airports, and at most hotels, especially in the south (the Republic). Tipping in Cyprus A 10 percent service charge is levied in hotels and restaurants so a tip is not obligatory, but small change is always welcome. Taxi drivers and porters appreciate a small tip. Passport/Visa Note Travellers, except EEA nationals, should hold an onward or return ticket and documentation necessary for that journey, as well as sufficient funds for the period of intended stay in Cyprus. It is also advisable to have a hotel reservation. Extensions are available to visa-exempt nationals. Travellers should note that foreigners entering Cyprus north of the UN-patrolled 'green line' are deemed by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered illegally, and can be fined when crossing to the south (EU). Policies and procedures are subject to sudden changes, and visitors should check on the current situation before departing for Cyprus. It is highly recommended that visitors' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

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Getting around in Larnaca The most popular way to get around in Larnaca is by bus. The local public bus service is run by Zinonas Larnaca Buses, which has routes that run throughout the city and surrounding areas. Buses are blue in colour and usually have their destination displayed on the front window. Roadside bus stations generally don't display departure information, although buses should arrive approximately every 30 minutes. The city's largest bus terminal is the Dimitras Bus Station to the east of the city, which can provide travellers with route information. Buses are also a popular option for intercity travel and are run by a variety of private operators, with some extending routes to resorts such as Ayia Napa and Protaras. Taxis are another option for getting around Larnaca as well as for intercity travel but they are more expensive than buses. For longer distances, shared taxis are a popular, more cost-effective option than taking a regular taxi cab.

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Attractions in Larnaca There's plenty to see and do in Larnaca, with visitors able to relax in a gorgeous Mediterranean setting before exploring the impressive archaeological sites. The most famous of these are the ruins of the ancient city of Kition, and the remains of Choirokoitia, a Neolithic settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to around 7000 BC. Numerous museums preserve the country's historical artefacts, while there are many sites of religious significance such as the remote yet beautiful Stavrovouni Monastery, the striking Hala Sultan Tekke and the Church of Avios Lazaros. For those more interested in sand and sea, the main town beach of Finikoudes is highly popular. Larnaca is a dream destination for divers, with numerous technical and recreational dives. One of the most worthwhile dives is the viewing of the Wreck of the Zenobia.

Ancient Kition Kition was an ancient city-state on the southern coast of Cyprus in today's Larnaca. Some of the ruins can still be seen, 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 are also still visible, built of huge stones resembling Mycenaean cyclops. Residents in Larnaca are still finding artefacts all over the city, and a number of building projects have been abandoned due to fresh discoveries.

Church of Ayios Lazaros The 9th-century Church of Saint Lazarus stands in Larnaca as 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 the 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 Saint Lazarus. Subsequently, there are those who believe his final resting place to be in Marseilles, France. Eight days before the annual Greek Orthodox Easter, the Baroque wood-carved icon of the saint is carried in a procession through the streets of the town. Website: larnakaregion.com/directory/product/agios-lazaros-saint-lazarus

Larnaca Medieval Museum This fascinating and well-stocked museum is housed in the upper level of the Larnaca Castle on the city's seafront. The castle itself is the main attraction, built in 1625 by the Turks to defend the city from invasion. There is still a Turkish inscription above the doorway. Later it was used as a prison during the early years of British rule. One of the most popular attractions in Larnaca, the castle also operates as the Larnaca Municipal Cultural Centre during the summer and hosts local cultural events. The museum contains displays from the early Christian, Byzantine, Lusignan, and Ottoman periods. Website: http://www.visitcyprus.com/index.php/en/discovercyprus/culture-religion/museums-galleries/item/107-larnaka-larnaca-medieval-museum

Choirokoitia About 20 miles (32km) from Larnaca on the Lefkosia-Lemesos Road, archaeological excavations at Choirokoitia have revealed one of the oldest Neolithic sites on Cyprus, dating back to around 7000 BC. Also known as Khirokitia, it was home to primitive farmers who cultivated wheat and barley. Visitors can explore the settlement's defensive wall, circular houses, and tombs. The site was first excavated in 1934 and work continues to this day. Four of the beehive-shaped houses made of mud and stone have been reconstructed to show how these early farmers lived. Most of the finds from Choirokoitia are displayed in the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia. Website: http://www.larnakaregion.com/directory/product/choirokoitia-neolithic-settlement

Stavrovouni Monastery Perched atop a solitary mountain is the oldest monastery in Cyprus, Stavrovouni Monastery was founded in the 4th century by Saint Helena. Its most treasured relic is a supposed fragment of the holy cross, encased in a silver cross

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which is not visible to the public. Another artefact left by Helena at the monastery is the Cross of the Good Thief, which includes the nail and part of the rope said to have tied Jesus to the cross. The monastery is perched upon the eponymous mountain that used to be called Olympus. Reached by a winding steep road, the monastery is considered the spiritual centre of Cyprus and now houses an order of monks. Website: larnakaregion.com/directory/product/stavrovouni-monastery-

Troodos Mountains Within the interior of Cyprus and north of Limassol, the Troodos Mountains offer beautiful scenery, ski trails, and walks for nature lovers. The Troodos Mountains are the largest mountain range in Cyprus, so it is no wonder that they are also a popular winter destination. They are one of only a handful of places in the world where visitors can ski in the morning, and swim and sun tan in the afternoon. The main ski slopes are on the 6,401 foot (1,951m) Mount Olympus, roughly an hour's drive from Nicosia or Limassol, and the ski season extends from the beginning of January to the end of March. Website: http://www.mytroodos.com/en/

Rock of Aphrodite Perhaps one of the most famous attractions on the island of Cyprus, the Rock of Aphrodite is an ocean outcrop surrounded by myth and legend. Said to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love, it was also supposedly put there by the Byzantine hero Basil to keep out invading Saracens. Seeming to bubble with divine energy, the waves are quite forceful and so tourists are encouraged to neither swim nor climb the rock formations. The area is also known as Petra tou Romiou, meaning 'Rock of the Roman'.

Cape Greco The natural beauty of Cape Greco makes it one of the first locations in tourists' itineraries. The unique headland stretches out into the gorgeous blue ocean, with fascinating shapes peeling off from the cliffs into the shore waters. There are also trails which will appeal to hikers, exploring the surrounding national park filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna. For those more inclined to adventure, there are also opportunities for cliff jumping, diving, and swimming in sea caves.

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Airports in Larnaca Larnaca International Airport (LCA) Larnaca International Airport www.cyprusairports.com.cy Location: Larnaca The airport is three miles (5km) outside of Larnaca. Time: GMT +2 (GMT+3 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +357 24 816400 Getting to the city: Buses and a few express shuttles provide regular service from the airport to Faros, Tekkes, Limassol, Nicosia and Larnaca. Various shuttle companies offer service from the airport by advance arrangement, and some local hotels offer transfer services for guests. Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Europcar, Budget and Sixt. Airport Taxis: Taxi services are available 24 hours a day. Meters are government-regulated. Facilities: Airport facilities include banks, currency exchange, a café, smoking lounge, charging ports, a business lounge, post office, duty-free shopping, and a gift shop. Snacks and light refreshments are available 24 hours. There are disabled facilities available, including wheelchairs. Tour operators are located in Arrivals. Parking: There is a drop-off and pick-up zone and short and long-term parking at Larnaca International Airport. One hour's parking in the short-term lot costs €6, with a daily maximum of €10.

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Currency The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Major credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Money can be exchanged at banks, open from Monday to Friday. There are ATMs spread throughout the island, operating 24 hours a day.

Exchange rate for 1 EUR - Euro 1.12 BMD 1.12 USD 0.77 GBP 121.65 JPY 1.46 CAD 1.10 CHF Bermudan Dollar U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc 1.54 AUD 28.05 UAH 377.26 KZT 1,682.21 LBP 0.80 LYD 7.66 BOB Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar Bolivian Boliviano 120.52 NPR 0.43 OMR 4.07 QAR 1.54 SGD 9.26 SEK 7.41 TTD Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona Trinidad Tobago Dollar 11.15 VEF 51.20 DOP 7.51 HRK 20.82 MXN 654.97 XOF 3.54 PGK Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc Papua New Guinean kina 1.12 BSD 2.36 FJD 25.29 HNL 123.47 DZD 1,330.84 MMK 12.50 BWP Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat Botswana Pula 3.76 PEN 774.75 CLP 534.10 AMD 27.00 CZK 22.32 MDL 138.84 ISK Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei Icelandic Krona 3,282.94 UZS 4.31 ILS 0.79 JOD 0.34 KWD 35.02 UYU 39.68 MUR Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso Mauritian Rupee 31.85 NIO 9.32 NOK 4.38 PLN 4.19 SAR 163.12 LKR 39.79 THB Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee Thai Baht 4.10 AED 4.02 BRL 4.52 RON 8.68 HKD 656.46 XAF 25,106.99 VND U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc Vietnamese Dong 15.58 ARS 3.01 XCD 8.75 GTQ 10.92 MAD 0.42 BHD 1.12 PAB Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 1.67 AZN 3,482.98 COP 76.30 KGS 312.53 HUF 8.79 TJS 15,285.70 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 9.92 EGP 1,330.60 KRW 6,333.44 PYG 4.65 MYR 601.85 CRC 1.64 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 117.01 PKR 74.62 RUB 17.43 ZAR 2.37 TND 2.23 BBD 1.96 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 3.30 TRY 52.08 PHP 36.44 TWD 219.51 NGN 119.70 XPF 4.37 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 139.55 JMD 2.01 ANG 1.54 BND 123.51 RSD 7.35 CNY 22,229.06 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 7.43 DKK 3.84 TMT 75.14 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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Ayia Napa Overview

Once a small fishing village in the southeastern corner of Cyprus, Ayia Napa is now a hotspot for holidaymakers looking for a lively vacation. Over 250,000 clubbers swarm into this party capital each summer and the atmosphere, with its scores of bars and nightclubs, is nothing short of amazing. Located in the centre of the market garden area of the island, Ayia Napa also boasts a string of superb golden sandy beaches and vestiges of its cultural heritage. There's a Venetian-decorated monastery fronted by a 600-year-old sycamore tree, and a quaint harbour filled with colourful fishing vessels. Just a few miles from Ayia Napa, the resort of Protaras is more restrained and suited to family holidays. Both resorts have excellent beaches, the most famous being Fig Tree Bay. Other popular beaches include Nissi Beach and Nissi Bay, two miles (3km) west of Ayia Napa; Cape Greco to the east, where the challenge is to leap from the rocks into the sea; and Konnos Bay, just past Cape Greco, where there is a beach café and speedboats for hire.

Shopping in Ayia Napa

Shopping in Ayia Napa is pure pleasure for locals and holidaymakers alike, with real bargains to be had, particularly on designer goods. Top name watches, sunglasses, clothing, cameras, and jewellery are available at cheaper prices than in the United Kingdom. Shops and boutiques are generally small and friendly, opening until 11pm every night except Sundays. The local handcrafts make for good souvenir shopping, including beautiful embroidered Lefkara lace, original ceramic pottery, artistic silver jewellery, baskets, woven and silk goods, and high quality leatherwear. Major credit cards are accepted everywhere.

Dining in Ayia Napa

Variety is the spice of life when dining out in Ayia Napa, where countless restaurants specialise in a host of cuisines from around the world: everything from the romantic and traditional, to fast food and pub-grub is on offer. Whether it's a Big Mac or fish 'n chips, Chinese or classic French, you won't have to go far to find it. Visitors are well advised to try the Cypriot fare, particularly in the delightful traditional tavernas clustered around the harbour. Highly recommended is the typical Cypriot meze platter, made up of between 15 and 30 island dishes. Other local specialities include taramosalata, tzatziki, moussaka, stifado (beef or veal stew), afelia (pork and red wine), and loukoumades (doughnuts dipped in syrup).

Activities in Ayia Napa

Holidaymakers in the resort soon learn that it's essential to plan an afternoon siesta if they are to make the most of the sensational nightlife for which Ayia Napa is world-renowned. The Cypriots' appreciation for the good life and good times comes to the fore after sunset, with bars, discos, nightclubs, and bouzouki clubs open well into the early hours of the morning. Most hotels have their own nightly entertainment, with a resident band and Greek nights when folk dancing is offered. The resort's clubbing scene is legendary, with big name deejays appearing frequently at some of the popular clubs.

Things to be aware of in Ayia Napa

Generally Ayia Napa is clean, well ordered, and favoured by all types of holidaymakers. Those who do not enjoy noise and bright lights, however, are advised to stay clear of the central monastery square area, which is where most of the popular nightclubs are situated. The main clubbing season is between June and September, and during this period the resort is packed with young people from all over Europe. Older holiday makers may prefer to enjoy the resort during the shoulder months (April, May, October and

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November), when the weather is still good, the sea relatively warm, but the tempo slower. The island can be windy, but the geographic locations of the surrounding beaches means that it is possible to find a sheltered beach even on windy days. Nissi Beach tends to be overcrowded, but there are other beaches within easy reach where it's possible to enjoy peace and quiet.

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Protaras Overview

The holiday resort of Protaras on the southeast coast of Cyprus has all the trappings of the larger and more frenetic Ayia Napa, itself a few minutes' drive away. But it's far more family friendly and boasts the best beach on the island: Fig Tree Bay. Protaras is actually a town built on a piece of flat, scrubby land expressly for the purpose of catering for British holidaymakers. Just adjacent to the village of Paralimni, Protaras consists mainly of a grid of restaurants, nightclubs, and shops surrounded by numerous hotels and holiday apartment blocks. The hodgepodge of architecture and concrete can get blistering hot in the summer sun. While Protaras lacks a genuine Cypriot atmosphere, it has the magnificent golden Blue Flag beach, which stretches for 10 miles (16km) or so, shelving gently into the crystal clear Mediterranean. And further up and down the coast, there is a choice of secluded coves and inlets for those wanting more privacy.

Shopping in Protaras

The shops in Protaras may look a little tacky, but they provide everything required by holidaymakers, from beach paraphernalia to souvenirs. There are several hundred retail establishments in the resort, including supermarkets, clothing stores, and jewellers. Serious bargain hunters are advised to take a bus or taxi to nearby Agia Napa, where there is an abundance of stores selling tax-free designer goods. Local jewellery and leather goods are also good souvenirs from Protaras.

Dining in Protaras

Protaras has dozens of restaurants and fast food outlets, mainly catering for the usual tourist fare of pizza, curry, burgers, and the like. Many local establishments are run by British expats, while the many open-air seafood restaurants are ideal for local fare. For Cypriot specialities, visitors should try Bambos, which serves a mix of local and international dishes, or the Nicolas Taverna, renowned for delectable kleftiko.

Activities in Protaras

The main street of Protaras awakens at night as the many discos, bars, pubs, and clubs turn up the volume, drawing in the crowds and holidaymakers up for a party. Many establishments offer live entertainment or karaoke, and the clubs feature English deejays and laser lights. There are only a few nightclubs, and serious all-night clubbers prefer to travel to Ayia Napa for the evening. Recommended for an entertaining evening of dancing is Sfinx, the bar at the end of the main road.

Things to be aware of in Protaras

Protaras resort is not aesthetically pleasing or scenic, and the nearby village of Paralimni is also far from a quaint, authentic Greek Cypriot town. Young clubbers may be disappointed in the nightlife, which is more family-oriented, but there is the option of travelling to nearby Ayia Napa.

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