Flight to Larnaca (LCA) starting at €49.99*

In Larnaca, in the Greek section of Cyprus – as well as on the rest of the island – it’s common to find holy Christian and Islamic sites side by side. One of the oldest churches, which is also the spiritual centre of Larnaca, is the Church of Saint Lazarus. Legend has it that Lazarus established Christianity in Cyprus. Those looking for a bit of contrast should travel to the large salt lake and visit Hala Sultan Tekke. It is one if the holiest sites in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. Like a fairy tale, the mosque is tucked away between a palm grove consisting of orange, lemon and fragrant oleander trees.

In Larnaca, Cyprus, you can travel back to the Stone Age. The Stone Age settlement of Choirokoitía gives tourists an impression of what everyday life was like for people back then. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is just one of 17 other Stone Age villages in Cyprus. Here you can see the honeycomb-like clay brick houses and tools made of obsidian, a rock made of volcanic glass. Choirokoitía was abandoned for reasons unknown, leaving scientists stumped. Some locals allege that the disappearance has to do with the barbarism of the earlier dwellers. It remained uninhabited for thousands of years after. The ideal time to visit Choirokoitía is in the late morning, when the lighting conditions are best for taking pictures.

There are also a number of small, idyllic farming villages surrounding the city of Larnaca. Visitors will enjoy traditional Cyprian cuisine and hospitality here. Some of the specialities include home-made halloumi cheese from the grill and local vegetables – a culinary homage to Greek cuisine! Those hoping to try as much as possible should order the meze platter, a dish containing generous portions of the best specialities Cyprus has to offer. As a final course, be sure to try the lemons and oranges preserved in syrup – a treat only available on the island. The most traditional beverage in Cyprus is called commandaria. It’s a brownish, glimmering dessert wine that is surprisingly aromatic and sweet, making it the perfect drink to ring out a nice day in Larnaca.