In days of old, Larnaca was the main trade town for all of Cyprus. In the last century, however, Larnaca passed that title to Limassol. Truth be told, this works out quite nicely for the many yachts that cruise the undisturbed waters off Larnaca’s coast. To run away from the monotony of everyday life, buy homes in Cyprus, particularly Cyprus luxury villas in Larnaca.

If you are lucky enough to be in Larnaca in the summertime, you are sure to find yourself in the city promenade. In the middle of town, the promenade hosts the delightful, and delectable, Kataklysmo, or Festival of Food. Many holidaymakers rent Cyprus luxury villas in Larnaca specifically for Kataklysmo, as well as some other popular summer festivals, making it wise to buy or sell Cyprus property in central Larnaca. In fact, the majority of Larnaca’s most famous attractions are located near the center of town. Most important of which is probably the Kitium ruins. The modern city of Larnaca is built upon the ancient ruins of Kitium. And, near the Larnaca airport is an amazing natural wonder. Every November through March, Larnaca Salt Lake is visited by hundreds of flamingoes providing a breathtaking sight. These are just a few of the many very good reasons to consider centrally located land when you buy or sell Cyprus property in Larnaca.

Cyprus boasts incredible beaches, and this is certainly true in Larnaca. A beautiful 25 kilometer stretch of sand lines Larnaca’s coast. McKenzie and Phinikoudes, Larnaca’s most popular beaches, are both blue flag recipients. Beachfront Cyprus luxury villas in Larnaca make are smart property investment. Definitely consider beach property if you are going to buy homes in Cyprus, especially if you plan to buy or sell Cyprus property in Larnaca.

If historical charm, and sunny days, are not enough to coax you to Larnaca, rest assured that there is still more to see and do. Sports fans will be interested in Larnaca’s two football teams. Larnaca’s Zenon stadium is home to the ALKI Larnaca FC, and the AEK Larnaca FC. Not planning to sit still? There are plenty of water and sand sports available to you in Larnaca, and Larnaca’s community calendar is filled with activies for tourists and locals alike.

Jump on a plane and let an estate agent show you some of the Cyprus luxury villas in Larnaca, and then visit some of these exciting sites for yourself. And, not that you needed one more reason to buy homes in Cyprus, but property prices are actually lower in Larnaca than in much of the island!

Things to see in Cyprus

Some of things to see when holidaying in Cyprus are:

Hala sultan tekksi – this historic and ancient mosque adds to the beauty of near by Larnac’s airport as well as the Larnance salt lake, at whose edge the mosque stands.

Limmassol castle – situated near old harbor and the medieval museum of Cyprus, this castle is also accompanied with a zoo, municipal gardens and an archeological museum of Limassol district.

Cyprus museums and archeological monuments’ the island is surrounded with remarkable historic collection in its various museum houses, such as Byzantine museum, district archeological museum, Tornaritis-Pierides Paleontology Museum and natural history museum. The ruins of kition are also quite a remarkable thing to experience when holidaying in Cyprus.

Famgusta – history of this city goes back to 285 B.C-

The city of Famagusta can be found in the northeastern region of Cyprus. The city is believed to have been founded by the Egyptians aroud 285 B.C. In ancient times it was an extremely popular and wealthy destination for merchants.

Today,the tourist site of Famagusta is surrounded by the Venetian wall while the new city is situated just outside its border. Othello’s Tower and Citadel is one of the top travel destinations in Famagusta. The Tower and Citadel was constructed by the Lusignans in the 14th century and was allegedly used as the backdrop for Shakespeare’s masterpiece “Othello”.

Things to do in Cyprus

Some of the things to do when holidaying in Cyprus are:

- At Larnaca, Agia Napa and Kataklysmos, go partying and clubbing – Enjoy water sports like snorkeling and diving Geroskipou, Larnaca, Dassoudi Beach in Cyprus – Walk through the mountain and resort trails in the forests of Limassol and Machairas – Go skiing at Platres and Kakopetria – Shop through Cyprus markets – Enrich yourself with amazing Cyprus carnivals and festivals

Best time to visit or holiday in Cyprus

This island in the Mediterranean coastline is known for its hot and sunny whether, so if you are someone who wish to holiday in hot region, holiday in Cyprus. While many also prefer their Cyprus holiday in spring time, when the whether is much pleasant. A Cyprus holiday is always ideal for summer vacation lovers.

Cyprus has been voted the best place to retire by the Homebuyer and Property Investor show based on eight key financial categories – income tax, inheritance tax, property tax, property costs, ease of gaining residency, healthcare, climate and culture and all of these categories are relevant to the non-pensioner as well!! Crime levels on the island are the lowest in Europe and with English taught in schools as the second language and driving on the left with the same road signs makes holidaying or living permanently in Cyprus an easy transition.

Whilst in Cyprus, don’t limit yourself to the main cities and coastal resorts. Spread your wings by venturing into the countryside. You will discover fragrant citrus orchards and olive groves, rolling vineyards, wide open plains carpeted with colourful wild flowers, to cool pine forests and pristine beaches where turtles nest, Cyprus’s nature will delight you at any time of the year.

Why not take day trips from your Cyprus beach villa and try a wine or culinary tour discovering age-old villages cascading down hillsides with shady squares where you can sit at the coffee shop and integrate with the locals. Spend a relaxing day at one of the salt lakes where you can observe nature and wildlife to your heart’s content; or why not visit some of Europe’s most amazing ancient sites, Neolithic settlements and quaint medieval churches.

The Cyprus weather forecast can be found on any search engine, so just put in “Cyprus weather forecast” and you will see what the Cyprus weather forecast is today. The Island has around 320 days of blissful sunshine every year and can sometimes reach the high 30 degrees mark in the summer months. The climate makes Cyprus property for sale and especially a Cyprus beach villa particularly desirable as you make use of the outside space as an extension of your home, plan barbies and pool parties weeks in advance as you know the Cyprus weather forecast will be perfect. Many Cypriots move into the garden for the season, have a summer kitchen out there and put the television on the verandah to catch the cooler evening breezes. It is a great way of life.

The Cyprus weather forecast gets better and better, so if you want to catch some rays and also catch a bargain of your own Cyprus beach villa you had better hurry. Check out our Cyprus weather forecast for yourself, just look on the internet for “Cyprus weather forecast” and be amazed at just how hot the sun is and also the property prices.

Larnaca is the oldest living city of Cyprus. Legend has it that the first settlement at the spot was founded by Noah’s great-grandson Kittim. Unlike other ancient cities of Cyprus, which were abandoned by their inhabitants, Larnaca from the time of its founding 6,000 years ago, has existed and still exists on the same site.

The city of Larnaka is well-known for its picturesque sea-front which includes rows of palm trees. Much of the activity is centred around the city promenade during the major festivals. The most important of these for the city of Larnaka is Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood, celebrated in early summer with a series of cultural events.

It has a population of 72,000 and is the island’s second commercial port and an important tourist resort. To the north of the town lies the island’s oil refinery. The famous stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium hailed from the city. It is said he began his stoic teaching after losing everything he had in a shipwreck.

A famous Athenian general, Kimon, died at sea defending the city of Citium in a major battle with the Persians of Xerxes. On his deathbed, he urged his officers to conceal his death from both allied and Persians. The quote “Και Νεκρος Ενικα” “Even in death he was victorious” refers to Kimon. A statue of “Kimon the Athenian” stands proudly on the sea front promenade of modern Larnaca.

In 1974 Turkey invaded the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Army displaced by force about 200,000 Greek-Cypriots, the inhabitants of its Northern part. Larnaca received and welcomed over 40.000 refugees, thus tripling its population overnight, now at 65,000.

Larnaca – Tourist Resort

Larnaca is one of the major seaside resorts in Cyprus. There are numerous beaches in and around Larnaca which which extend for approx 25 km (16 mi). The main Phinikoudes and McKenzie beaches both have been awarded Blue Flags for environmental cleanliness. With Cyprus Car Hire you can easily explore all the beaches and find your perfect spot you like.

The archaeological sites and its six museums are in the centre of the town. Summer sports and sea activities are readily available. The shops are well stocked and medical care is good. There is one main six-screen cinema called ‘K-Cineplex’ which opened in 2001 and is on the edge of the town. Most English language films are shown in English with Greek subtitles.

Within the wider Larnaca district there are 9,500 hotel beds, about 10% of the total all island tourist capacity. Along the Larnaca Bay there are luxurious beach hotels and also hotel apartments or holiday apartments within all price ranges. Prices are generally lower than the rest of the island.

Places of interest

The most important site of Larnaca are the ruins of Ancient Kitium. The earliest architectural remains date back to the 13th century B.C. The area was rebuilt by Achaean Greeks. The remains of the Cyclopean Walls, made of giant blocks and the complex of the five temples, are particularly interesting.

Larnaca Salt Lake fills with water during the winter and is visited by flocks of flamingoes who stay here from November till the end of March. It dries up in the summer. It used to yield a good quality of salt which was scraped from its dried up surface. The salt from this lake is now considered unfit for human consumption.

Ayia Phaneromeni is a rock cavern with two chambers. The structure suggests that it once was a pagan tomb, possibly dating back to Phoenician times. The place is credited with various magical properties: thus those who suffer from headaches or other diseases walk three times round it and leave a piece of clothing or a tuft of their hair on the grill in front of the south window. It is also much frequented by girls, whose lovers are overseas, who come here to pray for their safety.

The Church of Lazarus is another magnificent Orthodox Church in Larnaca which was built in the town over the tomb of St. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. He died here and was buried in the church named after him. In 890 A.D. his tomb was found bearing the inscription “Lazarus the friend of Christ”. The marble sarcophagus can be seen inside the church under the Holy of Holies.

The Hala Sultan Tekke is about 5 km (3 mi) west of Larnaka, on the banks of the Salt Lake. It is equivalent to the Christian “monastery”. Within the precincts of this Tekke is the tomb of Umm Haram, said to be the foster mother of Mohammed. According to Moslem tradition Umm Haram died on this spot in 647 A.D. while accompanying the Arab invaders. She was buried here and later the Ottomans built the present mosque in her honour.
The Old Aqueduct known as “The Kamares”, stands outside the town on the way to Limassol. It was built in Roman style in 1745 to carry water from a source about 6 miles south of Larnaka into the town. The aqueduct is illuminated at night.

Another site of interest is the Fort of Larnaca which was erected by the Turks in 1625. This fort is now a museum and its inner courtyard is used as an open air garden – theatre during the summer months, by kind permission of the director of antiquities.

There you have it, there is certainly plenty to see and do in Larnaca.