Although today's tourism is something quite different from tourist practices of old the concept itself is not a new one for Larnaca. From the beginning of its history. When it was known as the ancient city of Kitium, Larnaca has attracted a lot of visitors to it.
Larnaca, in its historical context as the kingdom of Kitium, was a commercial city attracting both merchants and travellers from across the known ancient world. Of. particular interest is Kitium's port, which dates far back in time, while after the 15th Century was considered to be the leading point of entry for visitors to the island at this time.

In fact, the port enjoyed this central commercial role right up to the turn of the 20th Century. In 1905, however, the functions of the Larnaca port were, in a sense, decentralised when the British Authorities decided to upgrade the Famagusta port. Nevertheless, the fact remains that the port has continued to develop, in line with current market trends, and remains, to this day, the second most important commercial port on the island of Cyprus.

From its earliest history Larnaca enjoyed a special status as the first commercial centre of Cyprus. Moreover, in 1878, when Cyprus became a British sovereign state, the position did not change. Larnaca, home to the aristocratic families of Cyprus and playing host to a variety of foreign consulates, diplomats, and the aforementioned merchants and travellers, continued to develop its cosmopolitan character.

Perhaps though, when we look at Larnaca over the last thirty years, we witness the most significant and dramatic changes in its commercial development, especially in the context of tourism. Following the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974, and the occupation of Famagusta, the construction of a new international Airport became a necessity, not just for Larnaca, but for the island as a whole.

Today, Larnaca offers a fully developed tourist infrastructure with approximately 78 Hotel and Hotel Apartment unit, numerous restaurants, cafe-bars, pubs and nightclubs to satisfy the varying tastes of its visitor's both young and old. The success of the infrastructure is further evident in the thousands of tourist visitors that Larnaca now attracts year upon year.

One of Larnaca's great strengths lies in its geographical proximity to all other amenities on the island. Without doubt the short drive to and from Larnaca town to the International Airport, makes any visit here an easily accomplished one irrespective of where in the world you depart from. Furthermore, as Larnaca is situated almost exactly in the centre of the unoccupied territory of the island, visitors can access all other parts of the island with ease. For example, the capital of the island, Nicosia, is only 30 minutes by car as is the resort of Ayia Napa, Limassol is some 45 minutes and Pafos around 90 minutes away. Of course, if you would like to see the splendid mountain range of Troodos this can also be accessed in under one hour.

Even closer to Larnaca are a selection of beautiful villages which have remained both unspoilt in their nature and rich in their culture. The most famous of these is, perhaps, the village of Lefkara. Lefkara is renowned worldwide for the intricate and delicate pieces of lace and embroidery that are produced there, by the hands of local craftspeople, and referred to as "Lefkaritiko" lace. In addition to the lace making industry, fine silverware is also handcrafted in this region. A short journey from Larnaca, by car. Lefkara is certainly worth visiting if nothing else, the uniquely traditional architecture that has been carefully preserved is a must for any visitor to the island.

The villages of Oroklini, Pervolia and Pyla can now be considered as suburbs of Larnaca. Each in its own way, offers the visitor a different perspective of life in Cyprus. Moreover, easy access to both the town and these nearby villages affords the visitor the rare chance to combine both the cosmopolitan life of the buzzing Larnaca town with the relaxing traditional village style way of life that still exists around Larnaca today.

If you prefer to become "one with nature" and experience by first hand the real Cyprus country life, then perhaps agrotourism is the right choice for you. Cyprus has addressed the need for such development in line with current market trends, and caters fully for visitors preferring this type of "no frills" holiday. In the Larnaca region, particularly, some of the finest examples of "agrotourism" developments on the isiand are found. We recommend the villages of Tochni and Kalavassos where we know you will not be disappointed.

Larnaca itself enjoys a beautiful, virtually uninterrupted sandy coastline. Approximately 14 kilometres in length, it stretches from Pervolia village, situated to the west of Larnaca, all the way to Dhekelia, situated on the eastern side of the town. Along this stretch, the two most popular areas for our tourists are the "Phinikoudes beach" and the "Mackenzie beach", respectively. Both beaches are truly superb, a fact reflected in achieveing the "blue flag" European standard for available facilities and cleanliness.

Larnaca is the oldest inhabited town on the island of Cyprus and was, for many years, one of the most important places of the island. Because it has an uninterrupted existence, however, dating back to the ancient city of Kitium, its history and culture can be seen as continuous. For example, the ruins of the ancient city are still evident in numerous places around Larnaca town today. In particular, within the premises of the District Museum, which is situated in the centre of modern Larnaca town, one can still witness the ruins of the Phoenician naval harbour and the Cyclopean walls of Kitium.
Other places of historical interest, in and around Larnaca, include the Basilica of St. Lazaros. This is a magnificent church, preserved in its original form, dating back to the 9th Century. The bones of St. Lazaros lie in a crypt below the main body of the Church. The Medieval Castle, situated on the Larnaca coastline, is also superbly preserved and is open to the public for viewing all year round.

The Aqueduct which is still almost fully intact in various places around Larnaca, provides and interesting insight into the architecture of its era. Finally, the marble busts of Kimon the Athenian and the founder of Stoic Philosophy Zeno the kitium pay tribute to men of the ancient era and their contribution to the society that today we know as Larnaca.

The Hala Sultan Tekke, the fourth most sacred place of pilgrimage for the Muslim community worldwide, is also completely preserved in its original form. It serves as a reminder to us that Cyprus was once an undivided community and that part of her history included both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. It is open to the general public and is still widely used for the purpose of worship, by Turkish Cypriots who are free to visit form the occupied territories on the island.

Larnaca also offers its visitors a good selection of galleries and Museums. The most renowned of these include the District Archaeological Museum, the Pierides Museum, the Paleontology Museum and the Municipal Cultural Centre, which displays the work of local Larnaca artists. A wander around the narrow streets of Larnaca however, also reveals a wealth of workshops and handicraft centres which, although perhaps not so famous as the places aforementioned, offer the interested visitor a further perspective of the variety of activities ongoing in Larnaca.

We have seen that Larnaca, and its surrounding areas, provide a wealth of opportunities for new and returning visitors to the island. This combined with an almost perfect, all year round, climate and low even for Cyprus standards crime rate, makes it the perfect choice for anyone considering Larnaca as their next holiday destination!