Turkish Quarter

Larnaka


Strolling the streets of the old Turkish neighbourhood of Skala is a glimpse into the Cyprus of old. This quaint district is a watercolour-worthy scene of squat cottages with peeling whitewash, coloured window shutters and flowerpot-studded doorways. Road signs here still carry their Turkish names, a reminder of Larnaka’s mixed community before 1974. Today the quarter is being revived by a clutch of ceramic workshops that have made Skala their home, giving the area a distinct bohemian edge.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Larnaka attractions

1. Grand Mosque

0.07 MILES

Located at the beginning of Larnaka’s Turkish quarter, with its maze of sleepy whitewashed streets, the Grand Mosque is the spiritual home of Larnaka’s…

2. Larnaka Fort

0.09 MILES

Built in the Lusignan era, the fort stands at the water’s edge and separates the Finikoudes promenade from the old Turkish quarter. Its present form is a…

3. Agios Lazaros

0.19 MILES

This 9th-century church is dedicated to Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus is said to have resurrected four days after his death. The church itself is an…

4. Byzantine Museum

0.2 MILES

Located in the courtyard of the Agios Lazaros complex, this museum originally contained many priceless relics and artefacts. Unfortunately, much of the…

5. Kyriazis Medical Museum

0.3 MILES

If you happen to be in Larnaka on a Wednesday or Saturday, and have a passion for medical history – or just like quirky museums – hop along here. This…

6. Finikoudes Beach

0.32 MILES

This clean, shallow beach is highly popular despite not being particularly pretty. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired for between €2 and €3, and there are…

7. Pierides Archaeological Foundation

0.49 MILES

This museum was established in 1839 by Demetrios Pierides as a protective answer to the region’s notorious tomb raiders and the illegal selling of the…

8. Municipal Art Gallery

0.52 MILES

This small gallery is made up of five adjoining colonial-style stone warehouses built by the British in 1881. Three of them show contemporary artworks by…