Larnaca
Larnaca town was built over the ancient city kingdom of Kition. Larnaca has a beautiful sea port and historically was a major centre of copper trade and later a Phoenician stronghold. Remains of it can still be seen today in its cyclopean walls constructed with giant blocks of stone and a compound of Greek Mycenaean temples dating back to 12th Century B.C.
Take a stroll along ‘Phinikoudes’ the sea front promenade lined with palm trees and take a seat in one of the many cafes lined along the promenade. The marina here is a gathering ground for a community of friendly yachtsmen from all around the world.
Charming villages are spread throughout the mountainous area of Larnaca and many traditional houses there are available for rent. Perhaps the most well known is the village of Lefkara. This is because it is perhaps the most scenic, having narrow streets, red-tiled roofs, courtyards, chapels, and a general feeling of being back in time whilst you’re there. The village of Lefkara has a rich history in producing exquisite handicrafts such as the world renowned ‘Lefkaritika’ which are items created by a traditional lace, and filigree silverware. It is said that the famous Leonardo da Vinci came here and purchased an altar cloth, which he subsequently donated to the cathedral in Milan.The village of Kiti contains the Angeloktisti Church; one of the best examples of Byzantine art. There you can see a mosaic dating back to the 6th century of the Virgin Mary and Child between two archangels.
The Holy Stavropaegic Monastery of Stavrovouni, one of the oldest in Cyprus, stands alone on top of a mountain with a panoramic 360 degree view of the surrounding hills and plains. Tradition has it that the piece of Holy Cross which is kept at the Monastery and is encased in a silver Cross, was brought over by Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, and is available to the public to venerate.
The village of Choirokoitia is a UNESCO World Heritage site, being one of the best preserved sites of a prehistoric settlement in the Eastern Mediterranean.
