Cyprus

Cyprus may be a small country, but it is certainly a big island - the third largest in the Mediterranean. It is also an island with a big heart who know how to give visitors a very friendly welcome.Cyprus is an island of beauty and a country full of contrasts. You can move easily from sun-soaked golden beaches to fresh mountain air and pine forests. The timeless, tranquil villages form a contrast to the modern cosmopolitan cities.

Larnaca

Larnacas seafront with its tall palm trees and charming atmosphere is one of the most beautiful esplanades in Cyprus. The cafes and taverns dotted along the seafront are a centre of attraction for locals and visitors alike during the eternal Cypriot summer. The marina which lies right next door, is frequented by travellers from all over the world. To the west of the city, there is a fort dating back to the 17th century, which now houses the Mediaeval Museum. For many visitors, Larnaca is their first point of contact with Cyprus since the main international airport is located here: the first thing you see is the superb salt lake where colonies of pink flamingos and other migratory birds migrate in the winter.Then next to the lake, in a calm place surrounded by superb palm trees, lies the Tekke of Sultan Hala, which was erected in memory of the Aunt of the Prophet Mohammed: a monument that clearly contributes to the multicultural and contrasting image of the island of Cyprus. The links between Larnaca and Christianity date back to the origins of the latter. The first bishop of the city was none other than Angios Lazaros, Saint Lazarus , who chose to live here in his second life, after Jesus  had raised him from the dead. The Archaeological Museum of Larnaca and the Pierides Foundation contain particularly interesting collections of antiquities. The marble bust of Zenon, the founding philosopher of the famous school of Stoicism, pays homage to this famous citizen of Larnaca.NormalIn the region around Larnaca, you can discover Stavrovouni, one of the oldest monasteries on Cyprus, which was founded by Saint Helen.  This was built on a mountain top and provides vistors with an extraordinary view. The church of Panagia Angeloktisti, near Larnaca, houses the Byzantine mosaic of the Virgin Mary, which dates from the 6th century - one of the most beautiful mosaics in the world, from this particular period. A visit to the village of Lefkara is also very enjoyable: it is said that Leonardo da Vinci was full of admiration for its famous embroidery (Lefkaritika). Further South, you can visit the outstanding site of Choirokoitia, where archaeological digs have uncovered a whole series of neolithic dwellings - one of the most important collections of its kind in the world.

For more information : www.cyprustourism.org