Larnaca – The City on the Ruins

July 22, 2010 - PRLog -- The capital city of Cyprus Larnaca, located on the south coast of the country, Lanaca is the islands second largest commercial port and is a ideal tourist destination.  It is well known for its striking seafront with postcard-picturesque palm trees.  It is one of the four official entry points by sea into Cyprus.

The city was founded by Phoenicians and was known as Kition.  The Phoenicians were an old maritime trading culture that spread all over the Mediterranean during the period 1150 BC to 300 BC.  Kition was actually a city during the medieval ages but multiple earthquakes caused the destruction of many ancient ruins.  The ruins of Larnaca are the Ancient ruins of Kitium, they are some of the most important sites in the city.  Dating back to the 13th century B.C the area was rebuilt by the Greeks which also include the remains of the Cyclopean walls which are made of giant blocks and the Complex of the Five temples

The Lanaca Salt Lake is a recommended spot for tourists.  It lies to the west of the town and is a place where you will be able to see Flamingos and various other forms of wildlife.  So it is definitely a spot for those who want to see a bit of nature.  On the western banks of the lake Hala Sultran Tekke, there is an ancient museum monastery which is home to the tomb of Umm Haram, who was the foster mother of the prophet Mohammed.  At the end of summer season going into Autumn (July to August) the lake dries up leaving a thick crust of salt measuring up to 10cm deep.

Larnaca is a city that personifies Mediterranean climate.  There is never ending sunshine, which means dry summers and mild winters that are separated by short spring and autumn seasons.  During summer the temperature is high, with not a cloud in the sky, but in coastal areas thanks to the sea breeze there is a pleasant atmosphere.  While in winters near the mountains (particularly the Troodos Mountains) there is rain and snow.

Being that Larnaca is possibly one of the busiest cities in Cyprus maybe you will want to stay somewhere else rather than a hotel, Larnaca has some of most fantastic villas in Cyprus.  The city usually celebrates festivals, many of them are centred on the city promenade.  The most important one is the Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood, this is usually celebrated 50 days after Easter (early summer) with a series of cultural events.  In the past the festival use to last for a week, but recently that has changed due to commercialism opportunities such as stalls, rides and temporary restaurants it has been extended to about three weeks.

There are few other things to do on whilst visiting Larnaca  such as going to the Camel Park E.P Mazotos which is a park where you can ride camels.  Seeing that Larnaca is located directly on a beach front, it will be no surprise to find it has many stunning beaches.  There are also day trips in which you can visit nearby towns and villages such as Lefkara, which is a short drive outside Larnaca and is famed for its elaborate handmade lace and other crafting goods.

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