Things to do in Larnaka
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Pierides Archaeological Foundation Museum
Dimitrios Pierides started his conservation efforts in 1839, as an attempt to salvage artefacts from notorious tomb raiders. Most famous among them was Luigi Palma di Cesnola, Larnaka's first US consul, who spirited away a large number of artefacts, which are now in New York's Metropolitan Museum. The collection was then expanded by Pierides' descendants, resulting in the well-coordinated Pierides Archaeological Foundation Museum, which is housed in Pierides' old residence, an elegant mansion.
The Pierides Archaeological Foundation Museum competes vigorously with the state-operated Archaeological Museum and features artefacts and finds from all over Cyprus, which have det…
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Church of Agios Lazaros
The wonderful Church of Agios Lazaros owes its existence to a rather interesting story.
Tradition has it that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Immediately after this, Lazarus was expelled from Jerusalem by the Jews and came to Larnaka, where he was ordained as a bishop by St Barnabas. He reportedly remained a bishop for 30 years. After he died (for the second time) he was buried where the current church stands. His relics did not stay entombed for very long after their discovery in 890, as they were transported to Constantinople and subsequently removed to Marseille in 1204.
The church structure itself is a mix of Latinate and Orthodox influences, the most obvious examp…
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Ancient Kition
Much of present-day Larnaka is built over the original site of Ancient Kition, so no further digging can be done without damaging the city (some work was done by Swedish excavators in the 1920s when the new city didn't extend as far as it does now). It is reported that the British carted off the 'rubble' from the site to fill malarial marshes, and thus regressed this already rather sparse site.
What is left of the ancient city is a small site known as Area II, a rather nondescript and essentially uninteresting place about 1km northwest of the city centre. A raised walkway takes you over what is left of the remains of Ancient Kition, where excavations sporadically continue…
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Byzantine Museum
In the courtyard of the Church of Agios Lazaros is the Byzantine Museum. From 1964 to 74, the museum's original ecclesiastical collection, containing priceless relics and artefacts, was moved and stored in Larnaka Fort, which had come under Turkish administration following the insurgences of the early '60s. In 1974 the administration of the fort reverted once more to the Greeks, but the priceless treasures had apparently disappeared.
All that is left of the original collection is the catalogue, and the missing items are still being sought. The present collection was assembled in their place, and it's still a fairly extensive and impressive display of Byzantine ecclesiasti…
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Larnaka Fort & Medieval Museum
The prominent Larnaka Fort & Medieval Museum stands at the water's edge separating Finikoudes, Larnaka's promenade, and the old Turkish quarter. Originally a Lusignan-era castle, the present structure is a result of remodelling by the Ottomans from around 1605. It has nice views of the coastal part of town. There is little to see in the castle itself, but the upper floor contains a small Medieval Museum with various displays from Hala Sultan Tekkesi and Ancient Kition.
The open area inside the fort is occasionally used for concerts and other cultural events.
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Grand Mosque
Standing alone on the periphery of both the former Greek and Turkish quarters of Larnaka is the Grand Mosque. Somewhat underused since 1974, the mosque is nonetheless the spiritual home to Larnaka's Muslim community. Built in the 16th century and once called the Latin Holy Cross Church, the current building is the result of 19th-century restoration.
The mosque reluctantly accepts visitors, though not during prayer times, and you may also be able to climb the minaret for a small fee. The views are quite impressive.
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Natural History Museum
The small but interesting Natural History Museum is dedicated primarily to the fauna, flora, geology, insect and marine life of Cyprus. Displayed in a series of eight rooms, the museum is very popular with school groups and is an excellent introduction to the natural history of the island.This is a wonderful place for children, as there is a little playground, and caged pelicans, flamingos, peacocks and macaws outside the museum, surrounded by a lush garden (part of the Municipal Gardens).
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1900 Art Cafe
A Montmartre restaurant-café in the middle of Larnaka: strange but true. A wonderfully atmospheric place on two floors, with art-exhibition posters and paintings covering the walls. If you like reading on the toilet, this place is definitely for you, as there are books on all sorts of subjects. The Art Café opens for breakfast, morning coffee and early lunch, and the doors of the old house are opened again for dinner, when vegetarian and meat dishes are served.
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Kamares Restaurant
Few tourists come this far out of town but it's worth the effort, as the quality of the food is excellent. It faces the impressive Kamares aqueduct, which is romantically floodlit at night. Try karaolia (land snails) or kouloumbra (kohlrabi cabbage) for a taste of something special. There is live music on Friday and Saturday. Take a cab to get there, and direct your driver towards the nearby K-Cineplex cinema complex.
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Michael S Michael Antiques
This place is a real treat. It's like delving into the town's history through the dusty antiques, old glassware, jewellery and ornaments. The cool, cavernous shop is owned and run by Michalis (Mr Michael), who will give you the lowdown on each item's past. Check out the charming glass paintings by a local artist, which include portraits and depict the circle of life, and lost love. A hurricane lamp makes an excellent souvenir.
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Symeou Efthymios
Larnaka is good for one thing in particular: pottery. Good quality ceramics are produced in small workshops, most of which are based around Ak Deniz in the old Turkish quarter. Take your time and explore the various styles and prices before you choose. The potters will always give a small gift when you buy a few things. Check out Symeou Efthymios with similar crafts, but with the potter's own touch.
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Prasino Amaxoudi
If you like a no-frills good kebab, this is the top place in Larnaka. It looks like kiosk, with a bottle of lemon juice on a plastic tablecloth, and a fridge with drinks where you help yourself. The supertasty grilled haloumi (helimi) in hot pitta has salad erupting from the middle. The tender chicken kebabs are equally scrumptious. It's just by the Grand Mosque in the old Turkish quarter.
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Stavrou Stavrakis
Larnaka is good for one thing in particular: pottery. Good quality ceramics are produced in small workshops, most of which are based around Ak Deniz in the old Turkish quarter. Take your time and explore the various styles and prices before you choose. The potters will always give a small gift when you buy a few things. Check out Stavrou Stavrakis, with ancient motifs on plates and pots.
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Archaeological Museum
This purpose-built place has thorough explanations of items on display. There is a wide collection of pottery from Kition and a reconstructed Neolithic tomb from Choirokoitia, as well terracotta votive figures, Roman glassware and even folk art. Spread out over five rooms, the collection is worth a browse, although not so much if you have already visited the Cyprus Museum in Lefkosia.
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Encounters
This is the best place in town for a dance-till-you-drop night out. Once known as Memphis, Encounters has now multiplied and is two places in one: Topaz, on the 1st floor with banging progressive house; and Club Deep, on the second floor, with mainstream, chart, R & B, hip-hop, you name it. The dance floor is on fire when guest DJs from Cyprus and abroad are in town.
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CTO Tours
The CTO runs a couple of free, chaperoned walks from its office. This is a painless way to get an introduction to the layout and attractions of Larnaka. 'Larnaka - Its Past & Present' runs every Wednesday from the CTO; call the CTO office for further information. 'Skala - Its Craftsmen' runs every Friday from Larnaka Fort; call the fort for further information.
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X.U.
What does X.U. stand for? No idea, but a bit of mystery is always a good thing. Not that this place needs it; it's hip and popular enough as it is. A massive aquarium has techno-loving fish blowing bubbles over the central bar, surrounded by sofas and gentle lighting. DJs from London come and let their tunes loose on a house, hip-hop and R & B dancing crowd.
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Aquafront
A large veranda with iron chairs and velvety sofas, surrounded by flowers. It's a quieter drinking spot for cocktails than those on the promenade, and it serves food too. The sea is right in front of you, and things don't get much better than a nice drink in the evening breeze. There's a barbecue night every Wednesday (during the summer, that is).
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Varoshiotis Seafood Restaurant
Presentation and taste go hand in hand in this chic place on Larnaka's waterfront. Prince's prawns are laid out like orange slices on a bed of wild and white rice, a swirl of soy sauce surrounds a radish and, with a glass of chilled white wine, your palate is headed for a great night out. And that's just the starter.
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Bailey
An Irish pub seems inevitable nowadays, wherever you go. And the Bailey's inevitability is increased by its size and popularity. It's decorated so well (or so Irish) that you may forget what country you're in after a few bevvies. There's plenty to wet your whiskers: draught beer, ale, Guinness, booze and more booze.
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K-Cineplex
Six screens, stereo surround sound, supercomfortable reclining seats, Hollywood blockbusters. There is a bowling alley, Irish pub and a restaurant within the complex. It's a five- to 10- minute taxi ride to the west of the city centre near the Kamares aqueduct.
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Black Turtle
A great quirky little meze taverna that features live music on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, when only mezedes are served and guests go wild and dance a lot. Don't be put off by the turtle shells on the wall; the owner is really a turtle lover.
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Tourist Submarine
A little bit overpriced, the Tourist Submarine is great fun nevertheless. You and your kids go to the bottom of the Mediterranean to see the shipwreck of the Zenobia - one of the world's top-ten wreck dives. The trips are around one hour long.
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Militzis Restaurant
This place is really popular with both tourists and locals for Cypriot food. Traditional oven-cooked dishes are good here, such as the delicious kleftiko (oven-baked lamb) and tava (lamb and beef casserole).
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Tudor Inn
Missing England? An English country pub, with climbing ivy and all. A Guinness sign beckons knowingly. You can get a steak here or a vegetarian plate. The only drawback is that it's closed during August.
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