Larnaca Cyprus

Most travellers first see Cyprus at Larnaca, which is the second port and the site of an international airport. No welcome could be sunnier: at Larnaca, deep blue seas meet bright sand beaches under incomparably brilliant skies. Here yachts and sailing vessels from around the globe bob and glint, and along the harbour perimeter is a palm-lined promenade. Between shopping trips to Larnaka’s international-calibre boutiques, inviting cafés offer shady resting spots and sweeping ocean views. The promenade winds its way to a striking finale, the Larnaka Medieval Museum, housed in a 17th-century fort.

Make your way north from the fort, toward the center of the city, and you will come to one of Larnaka’s and the island’s most cherished sites — the church of St. Lazarus. After his resurrection from the dead by Jesus, Lazarus elected to live out his “second” life as Bishop of Cyprus. He is reputedly buried in a crypt under the main altar.

Originally called Kition in the days of the Old Testament, Larnaka reached a heyday as a commercial center in the 1700’s, when the consulates were established here.

One of the oldest, continually-inhabited cities in the world, Larnaka abounds with sights. Nearby is an 18th-century aqueduct, and two wonderful museums — the Larnaka District Archaeological Museum and the Pierides Foundation Museum. Both contain exceptional examples of Mediterranean art.

Heading out from Larnaka toward Limassol (next section), stop by the enchanting village of Lefkara. Doubtless you, like Leonardo da Vinci five centuries before you, will be seduced by Lefkara’s exquisite handmade lace...

Shopping in Cyprus is a fun experience because it mirrors the fact that the island is such a land of wonderful contrasts. You can find goods and products that are produced in the humblest village workshop, but you can also find the highest fashions in the larger, more sophisticated cities. You can buy everything from folk art souvenirs to locally-made cheeses, (including delicious Halloumi) and local wines and spirits.

The historic folk arts of Cyprus are the inspiration for many of the quality gift and souvenir items you can buy on the island. Among them laces named after the village of Lefkara, embroideries from Pafos — called “Pafitika” fabric — and fine pottery, woodwork, leather and metal work from many places; all deservedly famous.

Fabrics are used in a large number of different items and come in styles to fit every taste. Many have a story to tell.

Lefkaritica lace, for example, was made well before the Venetians came to prize it as an expression of quality folk art. But even though its roots are in history, Lefkaritica is a living tradition, with new designs in table cloths, curtains, placemats and dresser sets being added continually.

One way or another, if you are looking for items that can be worn, or carried, or placed on the table, the wall or the floor, Cyprus is the place for you.

The history of Cyprus also finds expression in its metal wear made from locally-mined materials. Well before the Bronze age, Cyprus was known for its copper pots, saucepans and planters, all of which make wonderful gifts for the practical-minded recipient, or can adorn your own kitchen at home.

Then there is gold and silver jewelry, much of it faithful reproductions of ancient designs, and often exceptional examples of Cyprus folk art skills.

Pottery making has also a long tradition on Cyprus. Look for the terra cotta ware with white decorations, copied from museum pieces. Beautifully decorated gourds are also available, and make surprisingly useful planters , vases, carafes and scoops.

Basket-weaving is a specialty of the village of Mesoyi, which produces brightly ribboned items that make perfect wall hangings. Footstools, wood carvings, pine dowry chests, small boxes and shelves, all are available — some decorated with, birds, flowers, rosettes, trees and religious symbols. The Cyprus Handicraft Service, is a government-run organization that specializes in craft work It has stores in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos.