Larnaca                 for map                                           

Larnaca ( Larnaka), most distinctive features is the town's newly constructed seaside front lined with tall palm trees, a large precinct bordered by taverns and a sandy beaches has recently been completed. Larnaca's marina, one of the few shelters for yachts on the island, though some new ones have been completed in other towns, with its small promo-nard provides visits a chance to book sailing trips around the island.  Palm trees and minarets which dot the horizon also give Larnaca a Middle Eastern ambience, particularly in the old, inner city. The advantages of Larnaca as a tourist resort are numerous. The town is large enough to give everything one may need but still is not overcrowded especially at its beautiful beaches which extend for 25kms. The archaeological sites and its six museums are in the centre of the city within walking distance. Summer sports, sea activities and cruises are readily available. The variety of restaurants, taverns, cafeterias and bars is very extensive. The Cyprus "meze" is the food specialty of the town. Night life is interesting and security in the streets unsurpassed. Cultural life is rich and many events are organized by the town's Municipality almost daily.

The Salt Lake: The first site of immense interest encountered upon arrival at the Larnaca international airport is the Larnaca salt lake. Its past as a natural habitat of sea life is traced 3 million years BC and fossil life of that age can be found in the surrounding hills. The central salt lake in prehistoric times was a gulf. From 1700 BC was a secure natural port in the service of the large prehistoric town next to Hala Sultan Tekke, which was abandoned by its population at about 1050 BC, at about the time the gulf was closed, the natural port was destroyed and the central salt lake was formed. The most interesting thing about the salt lake today is the migration of birds in winter. These migrations include flamingos, ducks, swans and tens of other flying species. Hunting is no more allowed, but watching the birds, walking the interesting surroundings and enjoying the famous red sunsets of the spot are strongly recommended. In the wider salt lake area covering about 5 square kilometers there are actually 4 lakes of exceptional natural habitat looked after by the Committee for the Protection of the Larnaca Salt Lakes, which is authorized under a relative Cyprus Law.

Larnaca - Past and Present:  This free of charge guided tour of Larnaca starts every Wednesday at 10.00 hours from the building of the Cyprus Tourist Organization (CTO) at Plateia Vasileos Pavlou, telephone 24654322. This walk covers the history of Larnaca and its development by focusing on the role that the sea had through the centuries. Visiting workshops and stores and seeing craftsmen at work reflect the activities of the people of Larnaca. The sweet town atmosphere is felt on the street that everything is happening. The walk is highlighted at first with visits at some protected buildings of the colonial period and then follows the Palms Tree Promenade. At Nicolaou Lanitis street the walk turns for the Valsamakis house, which is associated with the Cypriot attempt for joining the Greek revolution in 1821 and continues through Cleanthi Kalogera street where is the old market, workshops etc. From Pavlou Valsamaki Street the guided walk visits the most important Byzantine monument surviving in Cyprus, the Saint Lazarus Church. After a little refreshment or coffee the tour continues through Bekir Pasha Street, Ermou, Armenian Church, Lord Byron and Zenonos Kitieos Streets. Passing in front of the Pierides Museum, several other historical buildings and the shopping area the walk ends where it started, the CTO offices. Museum, several other historical buildings and the shopping area the walk ends where it started at the CTO offices.

Not overwhelmed with tourists Larnaca in our option has so much to offer with fine food outstanding hospitality and is centrally located for day visits to the rest of the island.

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