Occupying a large bay in the south east of the island, Larnaca is one of the leading tourist resorts in Cyprus. Cruise ships dock east of the town where plans are underway for a massive development project to transform Larnaca into the eastern Mediterranean's leading cruise holiday hub.

The resort is mostly modern, with a long attractive seafront, fringed by palm trees, cafes and tavernas. To the northern end of the promenade is a pleasure marina and the Fort, around which is Larnaca's old Turkish quarter. There are churches and museums to visit in town and some of the island's finest monasteries are close by.

Set in the large bay of Akrotiri on the south coast of Cyprus, Limassol (Lemesos) is the island's second-largest city, a major port and a busy tourist resort. Cruise ships dock at the ‘New Port', some 5km (3 miles) from the centre of town.

The resort centre is modern with long narrow beaches next to the busy main road. The most interesting part is the old Turkish commercial quarter around the castle, and the nearby Old Port with its fishing harbour.

Sightseeing

Cyprus is most famous as a beach holiday destination but it also offers splendid ancient Greek temples, Roman mosaics, Crusader castles and Byzantine monasteries dating back a thousand years.

Cyprus is famous as a beach holiday island but it includes splendid ancient Greek temples, Roman mosaics, Crusader castles, Byzantine churches and monasteries dating back a thousand years, all within half a day's reach of Limassol.

Highlights

• Pierides Museum: This archaeological museum in town enjoys a charming setting in an old family home.
• Church of St Lazarus: Larnaca's most revered church, home to the sarcophagus of St Lazarus.
• Panayia Angelostikos: Beautiful 11th-century church in nearby village of Kiti.
• Stavrovouni: Atmospheric hill-top monastery in a fabulous position with far-ranging panoramic views (closed to women).
• St Barbara monastery: Home to the studio of the island's most famous icon painter, Father Kallinikos.
• Cape Greco:  The island's southeastern tip provides a breathtaking viewpoint and Konnos Bay, the finest beach on the island.
• Limassol Castle is an imposing solid stone fortification dating from the 15th century and is home to the excellent Cyprus Medieval Museum.
• Limasol is the centre of the island's wine making industry and winery tours are run by various companies.
• Paphos (60km due west) is famous for its Roman mosaics, among the finest in the Mediterranean.
• Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou) is the legendary birthplace of the goddess.
• Between Paphos and Limasol,  Kourion is the region's finest archaeological site with a Roman amphitheatre enjoying a magnificent site perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.
• The Troodos Mountains, famous for their many remarkable frescoed medieval churches, are within easy day-trip distance.

Tourist Information

Larnaca Tourist Board
Plateia Vasileos Pavlu, Larnaca, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2465 4322.
Website: www.visitcyprus.com

Sypro Araouzou, Cyprus
Tel: +357 (2465) 362 756.
Website: www.visitcyprus.com

Shopping

Cypriot purchases include handmade lace, jewellery, woven curtains and tablecloths, silks, basketwork, pottery, silverware, reproduction icons and leather goods. Silver spoons and forks are a traditional symbol of Cypriot hospitality. Other products include the simple baskets which have been made on the island for years, leather goods and pottery. The local wines and brandy and Cypriot Delight (do not call it Turkish Delight!) also make good purchases.

Eating Out

The best way to sample Cypriot food is by ordering mezze (snacks), a selection of different local dishes. Kebabs (pieces of lamb or other meat skewered and grilled) and dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) are favourites.

When To Go

Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers from mid-May until mid-September and rainy, mild winters from November to mid-March. Spring and autumn are characterised by calm weather and there are clear skies and sunshine almost year-round.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination Larnaca.

Transfer Distance 2km (1.2 miles).

Transfer Time 5 minutes.

Key Facts

Region Cyprus

Time Zone GMT + 2.

Currency Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Language Greek.

Location South coast of Cyprus.

Population 47,000.

Government Republic since 1960.

Religion Greek Orthodox.

Social Conventions

The Cypriots are very hospitable people and it is impolite to refuse an offer of a drink. Always dress appropriately when visiting religious establishments. Photography is forbidden near military installations. A licence (purchased cheaply from the museum's ticket desk) is often required to photograph museum artefacts. No flash photography is allowed in churches with murals or icons.

Tipping: A service charge is added to all bills, but tipping remains at the discretion of the individual.