LARNACA – A PLACE TO BE
In ancient times, the town of Larnaca in Cyprus was known as Kition, and today is the island’s second commercial port and an important tourist resort. To the north of the town lies the island’s oil refinery and Larnaca International Airport is situated to the south. The city of Larnaka is well-known for its picturesque Finikoudes sea-front with its spectacular rows of palm trees and restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This is the centre of activity 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.
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.In modern times, another famous person born in Larnaca is Anna Vissi, a Greek-Cypriot singer often referred to as “The Greek Madonna”. Larnaca has many attractions as a tourist resort. The town is big enough to offer all you may need but is not overcrowded or impersonal. Its beautiful beaches extend for 25 kilometers. A magnet for local people, especially at weekends, is Mackenzy Beach. This clean and superb stretch of soft sand extends from the southern coastal edge of Larnaca to ( quite literally ) the perimeter fencing of Larnaca Airport. You can sunbathe at leisure – or dine in one of the many restaurants offering a choice of international cuisine – including freshly caught fish or the local speciality of the town, ‘ Cyprus meze ‘. A Cyprus meze is like a romp through the entire gastronomic repertoire of the island, all in bite-size portions. It is a parade of flavour and delicacy – the original tasting menu including fish, meat, snails, salads, haloumi, stuffed vine leaves and jet-black Greek coffee !
Relax in style and watch the specks of incoming aircraft grow in the sky as they circle for the runway approach – bringing with them the passengers of Cyprus Airways, British Airways, Emirates, Olympic Airways, Monarch, Aeroflot and other international airlines.
By the time you’ve finished feasting you’re ready to explore the archaeological sites and museums within walking distance in the nearby city centre.
Summer sports, sea activities and cruises are also readily available along the beach and marina. Shopping is a true adventure as you explore the local market and host of fascinating craft shops, boutiques and fashion outlets which line the intricate network of streets in Larnaca town centre. There is a superb choice of footwear and leather goods. You will also find familiar UK High Street names such as Marks & Spencer, NEXT, The Body Shop, Debenhams and Dorothy Perkins in the Larnaca town area.
Cultural life is rich and many events are organized by the town’s Municipality, many of them in the relaxing ambience of warm, open air summer evenings where local residents and visitors alike join to unwind and enjoy musical and theatrical performances. Cinemas screen the latest blockbuster Hollywood movies simultaneously with cinemas in the rest of Europe and the USA. Films are generally screened in English with Greek subtitles.
The centre of town offers a variety of restaurants, tavernas, cafeterias and bars providing an excellent choice of cuisine for the widest range of tastes – from familiar fast food outlets such as McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut through to intimate beach-side bistros where you can savour the finest food and wines and let your senses linger in awe at the majestic beauty of sunset over the Mediterranean.
The joy of being in Larnaca is knowing that one day leads to the next – and there are new discoveries to be made, new friends to meet and fresh experiences to enjoy.
