11 Best Sights in Larnaca, Cyprus

In the town center stands one of the island's more important churches, 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.

The Larnaca District Archaeological Museum displays treasures, including outstanding sculptures, pottery, and other architectural fragments from the ancient city of Kition and the neolithic settlements of Khirokitia and Tenta-Kalavassos. Re-opened in 2022 after the construction of two new wings, Wing 1 traces a course from 8000 BC until the 12th century BC, and Wing 2 is dedicated to the Iron Age.

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, although the complex is open to all and not aligned to any single religion.

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 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 is mainly worth visiting for the lovely views of the sea. The small Medieval Museum is inside the fort and houses a variety of antiquities, photographs, utensils, and other artifacts from the 4th through the 19th centuries.

About 7 km (4 miles) southwest of Larnaca, near the airport, is the 2.2-sq. km Larnaca salt lake. It is a complex system of four main lakes: the main salt lake Alyki, Orphani, Soros, and the small Spiro lake. In winter it is 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.

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 Park City, 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 Panagia Angeloktistos church, 11 km (7 miles) south of Larnaca, has extraordinary Byzantine wall mosaics that date from the 6th and 7th centuries, in particular the rare 6th-century mosaic of the Virgin Mary and Child between the two archangels Michael and Gabriel. There is also a 10th-century icon of the Virgin, Lazarus, and Lucas, all of whom were believed to have lived in Kition in the early years of the Christian church.

Centrally located within the town of Larnaca, it is 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 hiring some water-sports equipment if you're feeling more active. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.

The oldest private museum in Cyprus houses an assemblage of some 2,500 pieces ranging from Bronze Age terracotta figures to Roman and Byzantine-era art. The museum is housed on the ground floor, and the family still lives on the first floor of a colonial style building from 1825.

On a mountain approximately 40 km (25 miles) west of Larnaca stands the Stavrovouni (Mountain of the Cross) Monastery. One of the oldest monasteries in the world, it was founded by St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, in AD 326 and it contains a fragment of the Holy Cross; the present buildings, however, date from the 19th century. The views from here are splendid but, unfortunately, only male visitors (no women) are allowed inside the monastery. The use of cameras or video cameras is also prohibited, as are short trousers,