Larnaca

The gallery is housed at one end of the promenade in handsomely restored customs warehouses, originally built in 1881. It hosts regular exhibitions of works by local and international artists through an exchange programme with galleries in Athens and Dublin. In the same complex is the Tornaritis-Pierides Municipal Museum of Paleontology, featuring a unique collection of shells and fossils.

Phone:

+357 24 65 88 48

Opening hours:

9am-2pm Tues-Fri, 9am-12am Sat, Sun. Closed Sun May-Sept

Address:

Old Customs House, Europe Square, Phinikoudes Promenade

The patron saint of Larnaca, Lazarus, is buried here. He is said to have moved to this church after his resurrection by Christ, having been ordained Bishop of Kitium by Saint Barnabas. His tomb lies beneath the altar, one of several sarcophagi on view. On site is a Byzantine Museum with a small but rich collection of religious items.

Phone:

+357 24 65 24 98

Opening hours:

Church 6am-dusk; museum 8.30am-1pm, 4pm-6.30pm

Address:

Ayios Lazaros Square

Built in 1816 over the tomb of Umm Haram, a relative of the Prophet Mohammed, the Tekke is an important Muslim site and ranks after the shrines of Mecca, Medina and Al Aqsha. Surrounded by date palms and olive trees, the mosque is very pretty and offers wonderful photo opportunities from across the Salt Lake.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

7.30am-7.30pm (June-Aug), 9am-7.30pm (Sep-May).

Address:

Beside the salt lake, near Larnaca Airport

An early evening walk along the palm tree-lined seafront promenade during the summer months will show you why it’s so popular. Packed with cafés, bars and restaurants, this is where most of Larnaca’s action can be found. At one end is the marina with space for around 450 yachts. Walk along the pier and catch a glimpse of the luxury craft moored there.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

N/a

Address:

Beachfront

Standing at the far end of the promenade, the fort was constructed in the early 1600s and was later used as a prison during the early years of British rule. More recently it was the landmark that separated the town’s Greek and Turkish quarters (until 1974). Today, the building is open to the public, often hosting plays and concerts.

Phone:

+357 24 30 45 76

Opening hours:

9am-7.00pm, Mon-Fri

Address:

Ankara Street, off Phinikoudes Promenade

A once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll never forget: a trip under the Mediterranean aboard the only tourist submarine in the region. The main attraction, especially for non-divers, is getting to see the shipwreck of the sunken cargo ship Zenobia (rated as one of the world's top ten wreck dives) in air-conditioned comfort. Transfers from your hotel can be arranged.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

Tue, Thur & Sat May-June, plus Wed & Fri July-Aug

Address:

Larnaca Marina

A century ago, camels were used for transporting local silk, copper and carobs to the island’s ports. Now the only place you’ll see them in Cyprus is here. It’s a fun day out for the whole family, offering camel rides, a variety of local wildlife, a swimming pool and a restaurant. A very popular place, especially at weekends.

Phone:

+357 24 99 12 43

Opening hours:

9am-7pm

Address:

Mazotos Village

Located in the former home of its founder, Demetris Pierides, the museum was created in an attempt to prevent the island’s archaeological treasures from being removed from the island by archaeologists and diplomats. The oldest privately-owned museum in Cyprus, it offers a fine collection of medieval, Byzantine, Frankish and Roman exhibits. Costumes, weaponry, ceramics, needlework and more are on display.

Phone:

+357 24 81 45 55

Opening hours:

9am-4pm Mon-Thur; 9am-1pm Fri & Sat

Address:

Zenonos Kitieos 4

For good Cypriot food at good prices you won’t find better than this – just check out the number of locals eating here every night. Pleasantly located overlooking the Med, it offers a fairly typical taverna menu plus a few specialities. Kleftiko and tavas are popular while vegetarians are also well catered for. The perfect introduction to local cooking.

Phone:

+357 24 65 58 67

Opening hours:

Noon-midnight daily

Address:

Piyale Pasha 42

Styled as a traditional brewery, this popular bar-restaurant has actual beer pumps on several tables, specialist beers and a menu offering cuisine from all over the world. Add to this its seafront location and the fact that it’s at the very heart of where things are happening in Larnaca – it doesn’t get much better unless you’re teetotal.

Phone:

+357 70 00 44 54

Opening hours:

9am-2am daily

Address:

Phinikoudes Promenade 77