Larnaca

Welcome to Larnaca

Larnaca (also called Larnaka) is one of the premier seaside resorts in Cyprus. The beach is backed by a seafront promenade lined with swaying palm trees and overlooked by a squat fort. Just a few steps inland, the compact old town is home to the beautiful Agios Lazaros (Church of St. Lazarus) and an atmospheric and crumbling Turkish quarter where Larnaca’s famous ceramic artisans have set up shop. Larnaca is an easygoing place with a distinctive laid-back vibe that sets it apart from the more bustling centers of Paphos and Limassol. Better yet, it’s also in a prime position for forays south down the coast to some of the island’s best beaches and inland to the quaint villages and attractions of the Maheras forest region.

Top Larnaca Attractions

Visit Agios Lazaros, When Lazaros rose from the dead he lived here in Larnaca (then known as Kition) for another 30 years and was ordained as Bishop of Kition. When he finally died – this time for good – he was buried here, where the stately Agios Lazaros (Church of St. Lazarus) now stands. The church was built in the 9th century by Emperor Leo VI and was faithfully restored in the 17th century. Check out the incredibly ornate iconostasis for an excellent example of Baroque woodcarving.

The Pierides Archaeological foundation Museum This fantastic museum, set in a restored 18th-century mansion, houses a remarkable private exhibition of Cypriot antiquities, In the first room, Neolithic pottery and various representations of goddesses, along with bowls used in rituals can be seen. Room Two contains more pottery with pictures of birds and fish, as well as figurines used in religious rites. Room Three includes jugs from the site at Marion, alabaster vases, and a mask on the wall, and Room Four has pottery from the medieval period and a collection of glass, as well as some jewelry.

Larnaca’s most interesting district to explore, the old Turkish Quarter (also called Skala) begins at Larnaca Fort and rambles south in a jumble of narrow lanes. As the district has been ignored by modern developers, it retains much of its traditional character with whitewashed cottages, nattily decorated with colorful window frames. Come here to see a quaint old fashioned architecture style that is fast disappearing in Cyprus’ seaside resorts and to browse the pottery shops that are popping up within the back lanes.

 

Visit Lefkara Famous for its lace production, the village of Lefkara, west of Larnaca, is a delightful place to explore, full of wonderfully preserved mansion architecture, quaint cafés, and a bundle of lace shops. Lefkara lace gets its fame from the local story that Leonardo da Vinci bought a piece of lace here in 1481 to be used as an altar cloth in Milan’s cathedral. When you’ve finished shopping, the winding alleys lead you to Lefkara Local Museum, which contains dioramas of traditional local life and is brimming with information on the village’s history. Afterwards, stroll on to the Church of Archangelos Michael, which holds some important 12th-century icon paintings. The village is difficult to access by public transport, so it’s best to hire a car, or take a taxi, here.

Book a private jet through Jets4you at the most reasonable price. For more information our concierge team will also be available to assist you. contact us

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