Larnaca, Cyprus » Entertainment » Attractions

Alpha Divers is a scuba diving institute that specialises in scuba diving, snorkelling and water sports. For those that are not enthusiasiastic divers the centre also offers water sport activities like parasailing, waverunners, kayaking, paddleboats and aqua cycles, which can be enjoyed by the whole family. The centre is located near the famous 'Zenobia Ferry Wreck'.

Address: Dhekelia Road, P.O. Box 42591 Larnaca, Cyprus

Tel: +357-24-647519

Fax: +357-24-647519

Website: http://www.alpha-divers.com/

The Ancient Kition is located in the north west of Larnaca and features some temples that date back to 13th century B.C. The ones that are worth visiting are the Phoenician Temple of Astarte and the city walls. The ruins of the temple were built on an earlier Bronze Age temple and are dedicated to goddess Astarte. One can also find some remains of tombs made from gold, ivory and bronze.

Address: Ancient Kition, Larnaka - Cyprus

Opening times: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 2.30pm; Thursdays 3pm to 6pm (except July and August)

One can enjoy a camel ride in the countryside of Mazotos village. Situated just 15 minutes away from Larnaca, the Camel Park also includes a play area for children, restaurant to enjoy Cyprus delicacies and swimming pool.

Address: Dhekelia Road, P.O. Box 42591 Larnaca, Cyprus

Tel: +357 24 991 243

Website: http://www.camel-park.com/

This famous site of Larnaca highlights one of the most famous Neolithic settlements dating from 7000 B.C. Located on the main Larnaka-Lemesos road; UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1998. This site is known to be one of the best-preserved pre-historic sites of the eastern Mediterranean. Farmers here grew barley and wheat. One can view these farmer's houses, tombs and defence walls. The artifacts and remains found here are displayed at the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia.

Address: Choirokoitia, Larnaka

Tel: +357 24 322 710

Opening times: Daily: 08:00 - 17:00 (November - March), 8:00 - 18:00 (April - May, September - October), 08:00 - 19:30 (June - August)

Entrance Fee:1.71 Euro

The Grand Mosque or as it is called Djámi Kebír is situated next to the Larnaca Fort. Built in the 16th century, it is still visited by the local Muslim community. A good view of the mosque can be gained through the Larnaca Fort.

Address: 1 Pavlou Vslsmaki, Larnaka - Cyprus

The Hala Sultan Tekke is the grave of Umm Haram who was the wife of Ouvadas Ibn who led the invasion on the island of Larnaca in 649 B.C. Overlooking the Salt Lake, the Hala Sultan Tekke is built on the place where she died. The simple grave has now transformed in to a beautiful mosque. An extremely sacred shrine, it is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.

Address: Dromolaxia, Larnaka

Opening times: Daily: 08:00 - 19:30 (June - August), 08:00 - 18:00 (April - May, September - October), 08:00 - 17:00 (November - March)

One of the main attractions of Larnaca, is the Salt Lake and it is home to nearly 80 species of migratory birds like flamingos. About 10,000 flamingos visit the lake every year around Jan-Feb. In July-Aug, the lake dries up leaving a thick crust of salt measuring up to 10cm deep. In the Middle Ages the lake was used to mine salt for commercial purposes, but now it is just a tourist attraction. Situated nearby the Salt Lake is the holy site of tomb of Umm Haram (Hala Sultan Tekke).

This important religious institution of Larnaca was built in 9th century A.D. Devoted to St. Lazarus, he is said to have lived in Kition for about 30 years after his resurrection by Christ. It is believed that the church is erected upon the empty grave of the saint, who is actually buried in France. Eight days before Easter, the icon of Saint Lazarus is carried in a procession through the streets of Larnaca.

Address: Plateia Agiou Lazarou, Larnaca

Telephone: +357 24 652 498

Website: http://www.ayioslazaros.org/

This private museum contains findings and work of art from all over Cyprus. Collections ranging from prehistoric times, Roman Era, Byzantine empires and Middle Ages can be found here. Run by the Pierides family, it is the oldest private museum in Cyprus.

Address: Zinonos Kitieos 4, Larnaka

Tel: +357 24814555

Opening times: Monday - Thursday: 09:00 - 16:00, Friday - Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00

Entrance Fee: 1.71 Euro

The Church of Ayía Phaneroméni was built around 80 B.C. on the Phaneromeni Avenue. Devoted to Virgin Mary, it was rebuilt on the same location in the 20th century. It is said that the Church has mystical powers and cures illness if a person walks around it three times leaving behind a piece of cloth.

Address: Main highway that connects Larnaca International Airport with the city of Larnaca

One of the most famous hot spots of Larnaca, the name 'Phinikoudes' means small palm trees, and these were planted in 1922. The area in and around the beach is popular for its cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels and mini markets. During the tourist season many facilities have been provided for visitors, such as lifeguards, sun beds, umbrellas and water sports.

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. A statue of "Kimon the Athenian" stands proudly on the sea front promenade of modern Larnaca.

Larnaca’s 200 berth yachting marina is one of its main attractions. The harbour is lined with lovely palm trees and from here you can view all the yachts and boats that are sailing in the sea. There are lots of taverna’s and cafes at the harbour for a glass of wine or a sip of your favourite coffee.

Address: Marina Harbour, 6023, Larnaca

Tel: +357 24 653 110, +357 24 653 113

Fax: +357 24 624 110

Stavrovouni is a hill in Cyprus, on top of which stands a Greek Orthodox Monastery. The monastery Stavrovouni was constructed on the peak of the mountain of the same name in the District of Larnaca. Stavrovouni , as the name already says , is dedicated to the Holy Cross ; it can be derived from two words 'stavros '(cross) and 'vouno' (mountain). According to tradition it was founded in the 4th century by Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, who left a fragment of the Holy Cross to the monastery.

Address: 9 km off the Nicosia - Limassol road, 40 km from Larnaca

Opening Times: Daily sunrise to sunset except from 12:00-13:00 (15:00 in summer).