Larnaca is located on the southeastern coast of the Republic of Cyprus. It is home to the island's largest international airport. This makes it a natural tourist destination, as well as a starting point for visitors who want to explore other parts of the island.
Larnaca, in addition to its international airport status, is also Cyprus' second largest port. It is well known for its pristine and captivating seafront. It's home to the Larnaca Marina, one of the island's four official seaports. If Larnaca is the "gateway to Cyprus," then the Larnaca Marina is the "window" on Larnaca. The busy port boasts a quaint village bustling with constant activity.
The city is actually one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. It was first settled by the Phoenicians. It is referred to in the Hebrew Old Testament, dating it back to somewhere in the first few centuries B.C. Originally known as "Kittim," the city's name was also interchangeable at the time with the whole island of Cyprus. It was also interchangeable in early Hebrew literature with non-Jewish cultures like the Romans, Macedonians and Assyrians.
Not only is it one of the oldest inhabited cities; it is also one of the oldest ports. The Hebrew Old Testament also makes reference to the "ships of Kittim" in the book of Daniel. Even in Biblical times the city was an important port and meeting place worthy of mention in history.
Larnaca is a veritable cornucopia of history, and evidence of its past civilizations still lies buried all over the city. Visitors to the region can view many of its unearthed artifacts housed at the six museums in Larnaca. The artifacts are a testament to the many cultures that have shaped the city and contributed to its current flavor.
The city is famous for its many cultural events. Festivals take place frequently and regularly. One its most well-known is Kataklysmos (Cataclysm) or Festival of the Flood, a three week festival that takes place on the seashore. Kataklysmos and other local festivals usually encompass music and dancing and, of course, food.
Speaking of food, traditional cuisine is a big part of the local culture. Visitors to the city will find a dazzling array of both traditional and modern cuisine and restaurants in the region. Many dishes combine old world Mediterranean spices, meats and seafood with modern ingredients and technology for dishes that are uniquely "Cyprus."
Ancient ruins are as plentiful as modern structures and even non-history buffs find these fascinating to visit. The ruins of ancient Kition are home to what remain of five temples from the 13th century. The area is also home to a number of stately and magnificent centuries-old churches, like the Church of Ayios Lazaros.
Larnaca is located centrally in proximity to a number of day trip and excursion areas. Ecologists and novice archaeologists can stay in the city and travel to more remote locations during the day to take in some of Cyprus' other sites. Its proximity to so much of nature and history is one of the many things that make Larnaca Cyprus' "gateway."
More details about the island of Cyprus are at http://www.yourcyprus.info
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