Larnaca is quieter than its sister towns of Limmassol, Agia Napa, Paphos and Nicosia and has a delightfully unpretentious feel to it.  The long seafront (Finikoúdhes) is reminiscent of a Continental promenade, with a line of mature palms and a variety of cafes, taverns and restaurants stretching from one end to the other.  The Marina can be found nearby and, at the western end, there is a 17th century fort.

Between Larnaca and the airport, there is the world renowned salt lake, home in the cooler months to colonies of graceful flamingos and other migratory birds.

The three main streets of Ermou, Zinonos Kitieos and Grigori Afxentiou Avenue contain a variety of interesting shops.  Here you can find a host of jewellery, clothes, crafts and furniture shops, as well as chemists, tobacconists and banks.

Please note though that, in season, the shops close at 1 to 1.30 and do not reopen until 4 o’clock.  On Wednesday and Saturday they close for half day.

Antiquities can be found at The Pierides Muesum  (just off Platía Dhimokratíasare) and The Archeological Museum (north of Grigóri Afxendíou).

Tekke of Hala Sultan (Umm Haram)lies 5km southwest of Larnaca, on the edge of the salt lake.  This mosque is where, according to legend, Muhammad’s paternal aunt, accompanying her husband on an Arab raid of Cyprus in 649, fell from her mule during an attack by Byzantine forces.  She died and a shrine grew up where she fell.  Today, it is one of the holiest spots for Muslims after Mecca, Medina, Kairouan and Jerusalem.