Description:

Larnaca or Larnaka (known as Kition/Citium in ancient times) is a major city situated on the Southeast coast of Cyprus. The nearest airport, Larnaca International, is located just a few kilometres from the city centre making transfers by bus or taxi reasonably cheap and accessible.
 

Tourism is one of the major sources of income for Larnaca together with its commercial port, which has led to a rapid growth in services and infrastructure. 'Phinikoudes' is Larnaca's main tourist area with a strip of bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants on the seafront.
 

More recently, particularly since EU ascension, Larnaca has seen an increase in foreign investment for the purchase of property.
 

Larnaca combines both historical and religious sites with picturesque sandy beaches making it an attractive tourist destination. It also boasts luxurious hotel resorts, an extensive selection of gourmet restaurants, bars and night clubs which have been developed to accommodate and entertain the increasing number of tourists who visit this beautiful region every year.
 
Historically, Larnaca (Citium) is believed to take its name from Noah's grandson, Khittum, who established the first settlement about 6000 years ago. The name Larnaca comes from the Greek 'larnax' meaning coffins due to the many burial sites found there. 
 
Beaches:
Some famous beaches of Larnaca are Phinikoudes, Alaminos, McKenzie and Castella - watersports, scuba diving and other activities can be found at many of the beaches.
 
Climate:
Typically hot summers from mid-May to mid-October with temperatures averaging late twenty's.
Short, dry winters with moderate rainfall from December to February.

  
To Visit:
Hala Sultan Tekke - muslim shrine located on the outskirts of the city, 5 kilometres west of larnaca. Prophet Mohammad's aunt (possible foster mother), Umm Haram is buried there.
 

Marble Bust of Zeno can be found at the crossroads in central Larnaca near to the American Academy. Zeno (born 326 B.C) studied philosophy in Athens and founded famous stoic school or philosophy.
 

Larnaca Salt Lake - when the lake dried up in the summer, the salt used to be scraped up and used but is not now considered fit for human consumption. It is visited by flocks of flamingos in the winter when the lake fills again with water.
 

Fort of Larnaca was built in 1625. Converted to an archeological museum and the inner courtyard is used for open air theatre performances during the summer. 

Events:
January 6th - Epiphany 'the feast of light' is celebrated at the seafront where a ceremonial baptism of the Holy Cross takes place.
 
Feb/March - Green Monday marks the beginning of Lent and is celebrated with music, dancing and picnics. Many kites are flownon this day as part of the celebration.
 

April - The Procession of Saint Lazarus is deemed to be one of the most important Greek Orthodox celebrations of the year in Larnaca. Eight days before Easter, the feast day of patron Saint Lazarus is celebrated with a lively procession.
 
May - Anthestiria Festival is a celebration for the coming of spring and the rebirth of nature in connection with Ancient Greece. The festival starts with a parade of floats along the promenade displaying beautiful, fresh flowers.
 

June - The Christian feast of Pentecost is known as Kataklysmos, or the Festival of the Flood. This ancient event is celebrated with fairs and boat races, and people splashing water on each other along the seaside promenade.
 

July - The Annual Summer Festival - theatre, dance, cinema, poetry, with performances by local and international artists.

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