The city of Larnaca is located on the southern coast of Cyprus. The country`s main international airport is located here. Thus, almost all tourists visit Larnaca at least passing through, before going to the country`s beach resorts, located in the area of Ayia Napa or Paphos.
The city of Larnaca itself is called a resort by some, but most often people come here only on excursions to see historical sights. As for beach holidays, the places in Larnaca are inferior to the beaches of the resort of Ayia Napa and Protaras. There are several beaches in the Central part of Larnaca. The most well-known Beach Finikoudes (Date’s) extends from the Castle of Larnaca to the Sea Port at 700 meters.
However, you should be ready that due to the volcanic sand, the water does not always look clear, although in reality the sea in Larnaca is absolutely clear. Also, to the depth to be able to swim, you need to go from the shore at least 50-70 meters. In addition to Finikoudes beach, there are Castello and Mackenzie beaches in the old town of Larnaca. In the new districts in the North of Larnaca is a large beach Dikelia.
The main historical attraction of Larnaca, which must be visited, is the Church of St. Lazarus. It was built by the Byzantines on the site of his grave in 890. The gospel describes Lazarus as a friend of Jesus Christ. After Lazarus ` death, Jesus Christ raised him up on the 4th day. This is how Jesus wanted to show the resurrection of the dead before the Last Judgment. Christians around the world celebrate Lazarus Saturday before Easter.
Church of Saint Lazarus is located near the Embankment Finikoudes, which is the center of tourist life of the city. Here is also the castle of Larnaca, built in 1625, during the Turkish rule of Cyprus. There is a small Museum in the castle. Concerts and performances are held in the courtyard of the castle.
Salt Lake is located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. In the summer, it dries up and a salt crust appears on the shore, as on the Dead sea, but in late autumn it fills with water and flocks of pink flamingos fly here. You can only see them here in winter.
On the Eastern shore of the Salt lake is located the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, revered throughout the Muslim world. It was built over the grave of a pious Umm Haram woman. It is believed that she was a close relative of the Prophet Muhammad, who founded Islam. The mausoleum over her grave and the mosque were built in the 18th century, when Cyprus became part of the Ottoman Empire.
The Kamares Aqueduct is located on the Northern shore of Salt lake. It looks like an ancient Roman aqueduct, but was built by the Turks much later, in 1746. The Kamares aqueduct solved the problem of delivering water to Larnaca from the Tremitos river, located 15 kilometers away. It was used for its intended purpose until 1938.
If you are not going to Cyprus for a beach holiday, but your goal is to go on excursions and trips around the island, then Larnaca can be a convenient place to go to the Troodos mountains National Park, Ayia Napa area, Northern Cyprus. On the highway through Limassol, you can quickly reach Paphos.
