Larnaca

Larnaca is the international gateway to Cyprus; it has a busy international airport and is also an important port of call for cruises in the East Mediterranean. The town is one of the most popular holiday spots in Cyprus, with stunning beaches and a lovely palm tree-lined promenade, which is lined with bars, shops, and restaurants.

Larnaca was known as Kition in the days of the Old Testament and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. The ruins of the ancient city can still be seen and much of its rich archaeological heritage has been preserved and is showcased in the local museums.

The lively package holiday resorts of Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Paralimni sit on a peninsular to the east of Larnaca, and are heaving with holidaymakers over the summer months. With a reputation as the party capital of Cyprus, the beach resort of Ayia Napa is popular with the young looking to make the most of their holiday in the sun.

Away from the action along the coast, the Larnaca region offers miles of unspoiled wilderness to explore. The Cape Greco peninsula is a government-protected conservation area with dramatic cliffs and abundant indigenous flora and fauna, proving popular with walkers and cyclists.