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Larnaca – A Deserving Destination In Cyprus

Larnaca is located on the southeastern coast of the Republic of Cyprus. Larnaca in Cyprus could be described as the resort with everything. It is home to the island’s largest international airport and  boast a great selection of shops too. There are also several modern industrial estates on edges of the district and a thriving commercial center too. There’s a modern promenade thronged with trendy sea front cafe bars, restaurants and the obligatory fast food chains for the youngsters.This makes it a natural tourist destination, as well as a starting point for visitors who want to explore other parts of the island.

The beach at Larnaca is one of the best in Cyprus and is actually man made though you wouldn’t have guessed so. Most of the restaurants and cafes run opposite the beach making them the ideal place to relax whilst taking in the superb view. It’s a nice stroll from Larnaca marina at one end to the ancient medieval fort at the other. Across the road from the marina is a small public gallery and a beautiful paved area built around an ornamental fountain. Some of the buildings in Larnaca are centuries old and many of them have been painstakingly restored to their former glory. A short walk to some of the quaint back streets behind the main promenade will reveal many more that are still awaiting renovation.

The history of Larnaca stretches back further than any other part of Cyprus and the town has been continually occupied since the bronze age. The town is built on the ancient site of Kition which was in fact once the capital of the whole of Cyprus. Legend has it that the original city of Kition was founded by the grandson of Noah and the biblical connections don’t end there. The church of saint Lazarus in Larnaca square is actually named after the same Lazarus that Jesus raised from the dead. The legends say that after his resurrection Lazarus traveled to Cyprus where he became the Islands first Bishop. The church is actually reputed to have been built over his tomb and visitors can go down into the tombs below the building. Like most of the churches in Cyprus Larnaca church is beautifully adorned with icons and intricate decor.

Ideally situated only a few kilometers from the airport the town has become a thriving vibrant community. In 1974 following the Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of the North of Cyprus Larnaca offered to accept 40,000 refugees. These displaced persons tripled her population to a then 65,000 inhabitants. With great motorway links to all the coastal resorts and the capital Nicosia the town is perfectly located for those wishing to visit the Islands many places of interest. With the recent boom in holiday home purchases Larnaca has also become something of a property hotspot. The fringe coastal villages such as Oroklini make ideal settings in which to own an apartment or villa and the prices are still quite reasonable compared with other parts of Cyprus. In fact many locals are selling up and buying villas in such places due to their out of town exclusivity which in turn is creating some prime locations.

With so much going for Larnaca it is no surprise that it is earmarked by many to be the next Cyprus property boom area. With this in mind many speculators are investing in off plan purchases on these new developments. They plan to profit from the rising market by selling when the developments are completed. The speculation is being further fueled by the proposals of a larger modern marina for the berthing of luxury yachts and a possible golf development. Golf sun and property are part of any speculators mantra so this is bound to affect values. If the area didn’t have more than enough to offer already these new proposals could turn it into an investors dream come true. So maybe if you are looking to invest in a place in the sun you should take a look at Larnaca Cyprus.

Larnaca is the second city, after the capital, Nicosia. Larnaca is an important commercial port and tourist resort. Larnaca, like the whole of Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate benefiting from long, dry, sunny summers and very mild winters making it an excellent destination for tourists. There are many reasons for visiting Larnaca, and Cyprus, there has never been a better time to go. Why not consider a holiday home, investment property in Larnaca.

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categories Localities | admin | datetime April 20, 2009 10:24 pm | comments Comments (0)

Discovery The Beautiful Islands Of Cyprus

The stunning European island of Cyprus lies in the Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus has a geographically diverse terrain featuring beautiful beaches, as well as miles of unspoiled countryside and plenty of mountains dotted with tranquil villages. It is a beautiful island for all seasons and one where holidaymakers are guaranteed a warm welcome.

Cyprus, official name Republic of Cyprus, received independence in 1960 from Britain and encompasses approximately 3,571 square miles or 9,250 square kilometers. The population of Cyprus is an estimated 772,000 people with Greek being the official language. However, the language spoken on Cyprus differs from the mainland Greece and varies in its pronunciation. Turkish is also spoken here and the main religion practiced is Greek Orthodox at 78% followed by 18% Muslim and 4% Christians, Maronite and Armenian Apostolic.

Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus and also the largest in terms of population with roughly 206,000 residents. The monetary unit is the Cyprus pound, which consists of 100 cents and the new Turkish lira, which is 100 kurus. The two main ethnic communities of Cyprus, the Greeks and Turks, began to split apart governmentally in 1963. This unrest became more distinct and apparent with the Turkish invasion of 1974 when their Cypriots were given de facto power of the northern part of the island. Then, in 1983, Turkey proclaimed an area called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The Greek Cypriots, who continue to control the only government that is recognized nationally, never acknowledged this.

In 1975 and again in 1985, the Turkish Cypriots enacted their own constitution. However, negotiations continue to take place intermittently for the creation of a new constitution and the establishment of a federal government that would improve relations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. This historically rich island is filled with a culture reminiscent of ancient Europe and the Middle East with over 9,000 years of invasions and unrest. There are many breathtaking sights to be seen here, including crusader castles among the vineyards, as well as centuries old monasteries with intricate Roman mosaic floors overlooking sweet smelling citrus orchards.

One of the most popular attractions in all of Cyprus is the remains of the St. Hilarion castle that has an almost magical quality about it straight from a children’s fairytale. This magnificent structure is blended with the cliff side so that it remains hidden from view until one is directly beneath it. The view from St. Hilarion is so fabulous that, on a clear day, you can see the Taurus Mountains in Turkey over 100 kilometers, or a little over six tenths of a mile away. St. Hilarion boasts tunnels, hidden rooms, steep staircases and overgrown gardens with several paths to explore. Local legend says the castle once had 101 rooms, the last of which being a secret room that belonged to a mystical fairy queen. The actual documented history is less colorful and says the castle is named after a monk called Hilarion who fled persecution in the Holy Land.

The tourism industry is so important in Cyprus. Rich in the culture and architecture of days gone by, this enchanting island in the Mediterranean is the  perfect place for people who like to explore archeological sites and ancient castles. For the nature lover who are just as excited once they get a look at the flowers and wildlife, many of can only be found on the island and some that are on the endangered list, that can be seen while hiking the beautiful mountainsides. Fresh olives and oranges surround you with aromatic fragrances wherever you go.

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categories Guides and Directories | admin | datetime 10:12 pm | comments Comments (0)