11 Best Sights in Cyprus

In the town center stands one of the island's more important churches, Ayios Lazarus (Church of Lazarus), resplendent with gold icons and unique wood carvings. Constructed in AD 890 by Byzantine Emperor Leo VI and restored to its glory in the 17th century, it is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture. The church includes a fascinating crypt containing the sarcophagus of the Biblical Lazarus mentioned in Luke; Jesus is said to have resurrected Lazarus four days after his death, after which time Lazarus traveled to Kition (Larnaca's ancient city), where he became a bishop for 30 years.

On the edge of Larnaca Salt Lake, a mosque stands in an oasis of palm trees guarding the Hala Sultan Tekke—burial place of the prophet Muhammad's foster mother, Umm Haram, and an important Muslim shrine.

The old Larnaca of biblical times, Kition was one of the most important ancient city-kingdoms where the Mycenaeans originally settled in the 13th century BC. Though most of the ruins are still buried beneath the modern city, you can still see the architectural remains of the Temple of Aphrodite-Astarte, built by Phoenician masons.

The Larnaca District Archaeological Museum displays treasures, including outstanding sculptures, pottery, and other architectural fragments from prehistoric times through to the Roman period.

The Larnaca Fort was originally built in the late 1300s and then rebuilt in 1625; during British colonial rule, it was used as a prison. Today it's mainly worth visiting for the lovely views of the sea. The small Medieval Museum is inside the fort and has finds from Hala Sultan Tekke and Kition.

Near the airport, Mackenzie beach is ideal for lazing on white sands and dining at one of its many seafood tavernas. The beach also boasts a trendy strip of bars, clubs, and cafés, including the Mackenzie Food Plaza, which is now home to a number of fast food and coffee shop favorites. Mackenzie beach can get quite crowded during the summer, so arrive early for a prime spot on the sand. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.

The 11th-century Panayia Angeloktistos church, 11 km (7 miles) south of Larnaca, has extraordinary Byzantine wall mosaics that date from the 6th and 7th centuries. Large groups should call ahead, and request a guide in either English or Greek.

Centrally located within the town of Larnaca, it's a snap to combine beachgoing at Phinikoudes with other activities like shopping, eating, and strolling the pretty palm tree–lined promenade. You can rent sun beds and umbrellas from beachside vendors, as well as borrow some water-sports equipment if you're feeling more active. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.

The Pierides–Marfin Laiki Bank Museum is a private assemblage of more than 3,000 pieces distinguished by its Bronze Age terra-cotta figures, as well as Roman and Byzantine-era art.

About 7 km (4 miles) southwest of Larnaca, near the airport, is the 6½-square-km (2½-square-mile) Larnaca Salt Lake. It is a complex system of four main lakes, the main salt lake Alyki, Orphani, Soros, and the small Airport lake. In winter it's a refuge for migrating birds, especially flamingoes, and in summer it dries up with salt deposits. Though you can't walk on the lake itself, there are plenty of nature trails and picnic spots around it.

On a mountain approximately 40 km (25 miles) west of Larnaca stands the Stavrovouni (Mountain of the Cross) Monastery. It was founded by St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, in AD 326; the present buildings date from the 19th century. The views from here are splendid. Ideally, you should visit the monastery in a spirit of pilgrimage rather than sightseeing, out of respect for the monks. Only male visitors (no women) are allowed inside the monastery daily. The use of cameras or video cameras is prohibited.