Built over the remains of an ancient city and boasting a rich and varied history, modern Larnaca is Cyprus's third largest town, with a population of approximately 70,000 and a resort area stretching for 8 mls along the coast. It was a quiet, declining port until the partitioning of Cyprus in 1974, after which both port traffic and tourist development blossomed, the latter aided by the construction of the island's international airport just outside town. The town's focal point is its centrally located, pedestrianised 1-ml-long promenade, lined with hotels, restaurants, shops, bars and open-air cafes; it's also famed for its palm trees, some of which are 50 ft or more in height. At one end of the promenade is a well-equipped marina and, beyond that, the town port, which is used mainly by commercial shipping. About 200 yds inland is the town's main shopping centre, concentrated in 2 parallel streets. There are also 2 resort areas outside the main town: Mackenzie Beach and a large concentration on the Larnaca-to-Dekelia Rd (also known as Ayia Napa Rd). Mackenzie Beach is a small resort, 2 mls SW of the centre, with a good sandy beach considerably improved by wave barriers. The nearby fishing harbour ensures that fresh fish finds its way onto the lunchtime menus of the local restaurants. The big disadvantage of the area is that it borders the airport runway. The biggest resort area is on the Larnaca-to-Dekelia Rd, situated 5 mls NE of the town centre and sprawling for over 3 mls along the coast. There are plentiful amenities and the beaches are good, with plenty of sand and clear waters, but they can get very crowded - especially at weekends when locals descend - and access from the hotels inland is across the main road with its nonstop traffic.

All markets, particularly young singles and families, in high season. More mature clientele in low season.

Over 80 tourist hotels and apartment buildings concentrated in the 3 resort areas.

Fine sandy beaches situated in all 3 resorts. Beaches at the rear of beachfront properties tend to be described as "private" and are looked after. Some of the public beaches are looking a little neglected and are also narrow in places, making them extremely crowded, especially at weekends. Sunbeds and sun umbrellas for hire on all public beaches. Main beach areas are regarded as safe for swimming; if they are not, it is clearly marked.

Fairly uninspiring on the whole. Some shops, albeit of a limited variety, in the resort areas at Mackenzie Beach and in the Larnaca-to-Dekelia Rd area. Wider variety of shops in the town centre, mainly souvenirs etc for tourists or everyday essentials for locals. Sunday market in Larnaca centre.

Daytime: plentiful water sports, including windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, sailing, parasailing and jet-skiing; fishing; horse riding; go-karts; fun park; camel rides. Exploring the town, with its museums, churches, 17th-century fort and remains of the ancient city of Kition. Nightlife: plenty of bars, pubs and tavernas with live music; a few discos and clubs; open-air theatre.

Wide variety of restaurants and cafes offering fast food and local and international cuisine, particularly kebab houses and open-air, beachfront eateries. Eating out on the whole is a more casual affair. It is now getting harder to find the traditional meze houses, but there are some very appealing tavernas in the Larnaca-to-Dekelia Rd area. Fine dining is restricted to the 4- and 5-star hotels.

A rather unreliable bus service is scheduled to run on the hour from the town centre to Larnaca Bay, but only till early evening. Wider service to other resorts, including Nicosia, Limassol and Ayia Napa. Car and motorbike hire available.

Half day: Byzantine Angeloktisti Church in nearby village of Kiti; peaceful Hala Sultan mosque; Kornos village for pottery; Lefkara village for local lace and silverware; Stavrovouni Monastery for fine views (no women allowed inside); bird-watching - particularly for flamingos - on nearby salt lake (winter only). Tourist office offers a 2-hr walking tour of Larnaca centre. Full day: variety of boat trips (including fishing); island coach tours. Two days plus: minicruises to Israel and Egypt.

On the SE coast, 25 mls SE of Nicosia. 3 mls N of the international airport.

Built round Larnaca Bay, facing SE. Generally flat with some hills and mountains farther inland.

Telephone Area Code: 24
Website: www.vtourist.cy.net/larnaca/

Airport : Intl
Airport Code: LCA
Flight time from ther U.K.: 4 hrs 15 mins