Larnaca Key Attractions

The incredibly long history of Larnaca has given it many impressive historical sites, which bring to life its rich and varied cultural legacy. The city also has a number of museums where you can learn more about the people who have lived here over the centuries. The city and its port are also a living attraction, where you can wander through narrow streets, past centuries-old buildings and soak up the atmosphere of this ancient place.

Acropolis of ancient Kition

This little section of Larnaca was once the capital of the entire island. The old city, which was rich in palaces and temples, is all but gone; however, several gold, bronze and ivory tombs from the 13th century remain as well as the remnants of Aphrodite’s and Heracles’ temples.

Choirokoitia

This fascinating archeological site, 32kms from Larnaca, reveals one of the oldest Neolithic sites, dating from 7,000 BC. This settlement was home to primitive farmers who cultivated barley and wheat. Visitors to the site can wander among the settlement’s defensive walls, circular houses and tombs. Unfortunately, most of the artefacts found here are now displayed in the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia, but it helps to put the objects in perspective by seeing the original environment they came from.

District Museum

This modern museum is within walking distance of the town centre and contains a wide-ranging, eclectic collection of antiquities which have been found in Larnaca over the years. The well-organised displays feature artefacts from the Neolithic to the Roman periods. Items such as tools, coins, lamps and ceramics are exhibited as well as many other diverse artistic pieces (tel: +357 24 630 169).

Hala Sultan Tekke

Demonstrating the rich cultural heritage of the city is this important Muslim shrine, located on the outskirts of Larnaca. Among an oasis of palm trees at the edge of a lake is a mosque where the prophet Muhammad’s aunt Umm Haram is buried.

Kition Archeological Site

Archeological digs have proven that Kition was founded by Mycenaean traders in the 13th century. To the northwest of Larnaca lie the ruins of ancient Kition, featuring the remains of five temples, along with a number of other structures. One of the highlights is the Phoenician Temple of Ashtarte, which was constructed over the ruins of an earlier Bronze Age temple. Some of the original Kition city walls, built of massive stones which resemble Mycenaean cyclopean walls, are still visible. This site is definitely worth a visit and a trip here will help you understand the antiquity of this town.

Larnaca Archeological Museum

If you are interested in delving deeper into the ancient past of this area, you should pay a visit to this museum. This is the only place where you can see truly old artefacts dating from the Neolithic and Bronze ages (tel: +357 04 630 169).

Larnaca Castle

Built in 1625, this castle served as a prison during the early years of British rule before being converted into a museum. From its promenade walls along the beach, you can enjoy the view of the Scala Quarter, with its impressive Buyuk Kebir Cami mosque. The castle is now home to an excellent archeological museum which is built like a labyrinth and focuses on the life of ancient Kition. During the summer, the castle doubles as the Larnaca Municipal Cultural Centre.

Lefkara

If you make a daytrip from Larnaca, visit this lovely little village in the Troodos hills, which is famous for its handmade lace. The village features narrow cobbled streets and picturesque buildings, where women sit working on their exquisite embroidery, as they have done for centuries. The village is also home to some of the most skilled silversmiths on the island who specialise in fine filigree work. A folklore museum shows visitors a realistic view of life on Cyprus a century ago.

Stavrouvouni Monastery

One of the most impressive attractions on the island is just 40kms from Larnaca. Perched on top of a mountain is the oldest monastery in Cyprus, which was founded by Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, in the 4th century. The highlight of the monastery is an important relic, a small piece of the Holy Cross. Unfortunately, only men are allowed to enter the monastery (tel: +357 24 533 630).   

St Lazarus Church
One of the most important landmarks of this town was built by Emperor Leo VI in the 9th century on the site of the tomb of Lazarus. According to legend, Lazarus journeyed to Larnaca following his resurrection by Jesus and became the city’s first bishop. The church houses a small museum which contains some wonderful examples of Byzantine religious art. Each year, before the Greek Orthodox Easter, the Baroque wooden icon of Saint Lazarus is carried through town in a procession.