A massive project is underway to make Larnaca one of the leading cruise destinations in the Med.

The new dock is very close to the center of town.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video.

Larnaca (officially Larnaka since 1996) boasts an uninterrupted history as a settlement dating back over 4,000 years. Famous for its beautiful sea front, Larnaka sports clean sandy beaches with clear blue waters. The 'Phinikoudes,' a strip of cafés, bars, clubs and restaurants on the beach front, is a prime tourist destination.

The most important site of Larnaca are the ruins of Ancient Kitium. The earliest architectural remains date back to the 13th century BC. The area was rebuilt by Achaean Greeks. The remains of the Cyclopean Walls, made of giant blocks and the complex of the five temples, are particularly interesting.

Another place of interest is the Marble Bust of Zeno, which stands at the crossroads near the American Academy. Zeno was born in Kition (ancient Larnaka) in 334 BC. After studying philosophy in Athens he founded the famous Stoic school of philosophy.

Taxis are cheap and a good way to travel around the island. A loop of the villages of Lefkara, Kato Drys, Ora and Odou, with a stop at the monastery at Agios Minas, is a suggestion..

Near Larnaca International Airport there is the Larnaca Salt Lake. It fills with water during the winter and is visited by flocks of flamingoes who stay here from November till the end of March. It dries up in the summer.

The Old Aqueduct known as "The Kamares", stands outside the town on the way to Limassol. It was built by the Ottoman Governor Koca Bekir Pasha in Roman style in 1745 to carry water from a source about 6 miles south of Larnaka into the town. The aqueduct is illuminated at night.

In nearby Lefkara lace is a good buy and is famous throughout the world as one of the products most closely associated with Cypriot workmanship; the name originates from the village Lefkara, situated on a hill on the Nicosia-Larnaca road.

The gastronomic pleasures of Cyprus should be savoured at an unhurried pace, to discover new flavours and sample the many traditional dishes. And what better way to learn than to follow local custom with a typical meze - meaning mixture which is usually a little of everything that is available that day in that taverna or restaurant.

As many as thirty dishes may form the meze starting with dips, salads and vegetables, advancing to hot dishes - including such favorites as Moussaka and kebabs as well as tasty local casseroles, fresh fish and chicken - and finishing with sweets like Baklava and loucoumades. Cyprus wines, inexpensive and plentiful, make a good accompaniment to this exotic and lingering repast, and a Cyprus coffee in a tiny cup, ordered according to sweetness desired is a fitting finale with a local brandy.

The typical take away is "souvlaki stin pitta"-kebab in a special envelope - type.

Hallourmi: Is the local cheese. It can be served plain or grilled.

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Language: Greek

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