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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Cyprus

GMT + 2.

Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Greek.

South coast of Cyprus.

47,000.

Republic since 1960.

Greek Orthodox.

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.