Larnaca (Greek: Λάρνακα [ˈlarnaka]; Turkish: Larnaka) is a city on the southern coast of Cyprus and the capital of the eponymous district. With the population of 51 468 (2015) it is the third-largest city in the country, after Nicosia and Limassol.
History
The word Larnaca derives from the Greek n. larnax, meaning: "coffer", "box", "chest", e.g. for household stores, "cinerary urn", "sarcophagus"; "drinking trough" and "chalice".
Larnaca, which was initially known as Kition, is the oldest living city of Cyprus. Unlike other ancient cities of Cyprus, which were abandoned by their inhabitants, Larnaca has continuously been inhabited since the city was founded 6000 years ago. Being in the crossroad of civilization from the early dawn of history, Larnaca has attracted many visitors. Some came as colonizers or traders, while others were invaders, conquerors or tourists. Some of the nations that passed through Larnaca include the Greeks, Persians and Egyptians as well as the Romans, the Byzantines, the Franks, the Venetians, the Turks and the British.
Climate
The climate in this area is described as a hot semi-arid climate due to its low annual rainfall and strong summer drought.
Economy
Larnaca significantly supports the economy of Cyprus. This important tourist resort has a commercial port and an international airport. Also, there is an oil refinery, which lies to the north of the city. The city is home to most of the industries of the island.
As Larnaca has plenty of tourist spots with the availability of restaurants, luxurious beach hotels, and a good transportation service, it is emerging as a popular tourist destination in Europe.
The service sector, including tourism, employs three-quarters of Larnaca's labour force. Many travel and tour operators and other travel-related companies have a head office Larnaca.
Transport
The city's transport hubs are Larnaca International Airport and Larnaca Port—the Republic's busiest airport.
Public transport in Larnaca is served only by buses.
Education and science
There are over a hundred educational institutions in the city, including the Alexander College and Larnaca College.
Alexander College is highly student-focused and has a well-earned reputation for providing the best design education on the island. The College offers facilities and supports creating imaginative opportunities for the future of their students. Since it was founded in 1991, Alexander (formerly known as Cypoly) is registered and approved by the Cyprus Ministry of Education. The academic standard of lecturers, facilities and the coordination of courses all contribute to giving Alexander the characteristics and prestige one would expect of a modern European school.
Website: https://alexander.ac.cy/
Larnaca College is one of the most vibrant Academic Institution of Higher Education set up in Larnaca Cyprus. Moreover, it offers high standards of private University level education on a wide range of Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs. The college admits students from around the world. Larnaca College is registered and accredited by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus.
Larnaca College is well-known for its expertise in the areas of MBA and BA in Business Administration, Hospitality and Tourism, Accounting, Digital Marketing, Secretarial Studies, and Early Childhood Education. All programs are accredited by CY.Q.A.A , which is the competent authority responsible for ensuring the quality of higher education in Cyprus.
Additionally, Larnaca College is dedicated to generating and preserving knowledge, understanding and creativity by conducting high-quality research. In addition, it offers scholarly and professional activities that benefit students, scholars and broader communities. Besides, it is a priority the College to share that knowledge and understanding in order to prepare future professionals for lifelong learning.
Website: https://www.larnacacollege.ac.cy/
Culture
Larnaca has a theatre and an art gallery, which are operated by the municipality.
Local institutions also include the Municipal Wind Orchestra.
Larnaca Municipal Wind Orchestra is both a marching band and a wind band in Larnaca, Cyprus, that offers an extensive repertoire of music, ranging from jazz to rock 'n' roll movie soundtracks. Apart from playing for parades on national holidays, the band also makes regular appearances in various concerts and music festivals throughout Cyprus and abroad, representing both Larnaca and Cyprus internationally.
Much of the activity of the city is centered on the city promenade during the major festivals. The most important of these is Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood, celebrated in early summer with a series of cultural events. The festival used to last for about a week, but, in recent years, with the increased commercialism of peripheral stalls, rides and temporary restaurants, the festival has been extended to about three weeks, during which the seafront is closed to traffic in the evenings.
Museums found in Larnaca include the Larnaca District Archaeological Museum, Pierides Museum, Agios Lazaros Byzantine Museum, Kallinikeio Municipal Museum of Athienou, Larnaca Medieval Museum, Larnaca Municipal Museum of Natural History, Larnaca Municipal Historical Archives - Museum of Larnaca, Folklore Museum ‘Kostas Kaimakliotis’ - Aradippou, Theasis Museum and Kyriazis Medical Museum.
The main monuments of the city are:
A bust of "Kimon the Athenian" stands on the Foinikoudes Promenade, with this quote referring to him on the pedestal: "Even in death he was victorious" (Greek: "Kαι νεκρός ενίκα").
The marble bust of Zeno stands at the crossroads near the American Academy. Zeno was born in Kition in 334 BC. After studying philosophy in Athens, he founded the famous Stoic school of philosophy.
The Armenian Genocide Memorial stands on Athinon Avenue.
Sports
Local teams (football) include: AEK Larnaca FC and ALKI Larnaca FC.
Local sports arenas include GSZ Stadium, "Antonis Papadopoulos" and "Ammochostos".
The city has always hosted a variety of sporting events, including marathons, world beach volleyball championships and European football championships.
Larnaca attracts windsurfers from around the world especially in autumn. Mackenzie Beach hosts windsurfing centre together with an extreme sports centre.
Peculiar locations
The Larnaca Salt Lake is a protected area that is home to migratory birds, especially the beautiful flamingos. A walk along the nature trail around the Salt Lake is a definite must not only to enjoy the exceptional natural habitat but the breathtaking romantic sunsets!
Larnaca district is the ideal place to experience authentic village life. There are many picturesque traditional villages made up of stone-built buildings and narrow streets such as, Tochni, Skarinou and Kato Drys. One of the most well known is Lefkara, where one can watch women making traditional handmade lace, the reputed “Lefkaritiko”. This ancient craft is included in UNESCO’s representative List of Intangible Culture Heritage of Humanity.
The city today
Larnaca can be divided into two large sectors: the central business district and the periphery. The central business district comprises the historic centre and the area from the popular Finikoudes Beach to Mackenzie Beach, while the periphery comprises mainly houses, small workshops and educational institutions. A large area covered by salt lakes is also in this sector. Larnaca is a coastal island town, so the dominant scenery here is sun and sea.
Larnaca has been undergoing rapid development in recent years. Urban development is at its peak with projects ranging from small and cozy boutique hotels to tall buildings and luxurious resorts welcoming tourists from all over the world, fostering entrepreneurship and helping local businesses to flourish. At the same time, the so-called Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan is being implemented. It is expected to reinforce the measures already taken to promote sustainable mobility through quality urban environments: with a focus on nature, history and tradition.
International activity
Cyprus is both a crossroads of three continents and a multicultural centre. Larnaca hosts many communities from all over the world. Local English-speaking universities attract many students from Africa and Asia, as they offer the opportunity to gain a degree in many popular professions. Larnaca is also home to many Europeans and Russians who mainly move here after retirement, seeking a quieter place with milder weather conditions.
The institution of city partnerships between the cities of Cyprus and overseas began gradually after Cyprus gained independence in 1960. Today, Larnaca's partner cities are: Haringey (UK), Poti (Georgia), Glyfada (Greece), Ajaccio (Corsica), Bratislava (Slovakia), Larissa (Greece), Novosibirsk (Russia), Szeged (Hungary), Saranda (Albania), Piraeus (Greece), Leros (Greece), Iliupoli (Greece), Tulcea (Romania), Giannitsa (Greece), Odessa (Ukraine), Marrickville (Australia), Tianjin (China), Tarpon Springs (USA), Venice (Italy) and Krasnodar (Russia).