Much of the original city-kingdom of Kition is covered by present-day Larnaka. The sparse remains that have been unearthed, referred to as Area II, lie about 1km northwest of the central city. A raised runway takes you over the remains of Cyclopean walls. Most remarkable are the remnants of five temples (from the 13th century BC) and the ship depictions etched into the walls of the nearby ancient port. The latter confirmed that the city was founded by sea-trading Mycenaeans.
Ancient Kition
Larnaka
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.87 MILES
For divers, the one reason to come to Larnaka is to explore the Zenobia, a Swedish-built cargo ship that sank just off the coast of Larnaka in 1980…
22.27 MILES
Defining the Old Town, these imposing ramparts were constructed by the Venetians in the early 16th century. Although over 15m high and up to 8m thick, and…
23.12 MILES
North Nicosia’s most prominent landmark (also clearly visible from the southern half of the city), the Selimiye Mosque is a beautiful mongrel of a…
23.9 MILES
According to legend, Salamis was founded around 1180 BC by Teucer (Teukros), son of Telamon, king of Salamina, on the Greek mainland. Brother to the hero…
0.81 MILES
This 9th-century church is dedicated to Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus is said to have resurrected four days after his death. The church itself is an…
22.71 MILES
The Venetian walls form a border around the Old City and are so unusual that, once seen on a map, you’ll never forget the odd snowflake-like shape.
22.41 MILES
This beautiful Orthodox church is dedicated to St Paul’s good friend Varnavas (Barnabas), who was born in Cyprus and carried out his missionary work here…
23.16 MILES
The Büyük Han is Cyprus' best-preserved example of Ottoman caravanserai architecture. Built in 1572 by the first Ottoman governor of Cyprus, Lala Mustafa…
Nearby Larnaka attractions
1. Larnaka Archaeological Museum
0.29 MILES
Larnaka’s one-room archaeological museum is sparse on information but houses a wide collection of ceramics from nearby sites. The collection's highlights…
0.51 MILES
This museum presents an excellent introduction to the natural history of the island, with exhibits dedicated to fauna, flora, geology, insects and marine…
3. Pierides Archaeological Foundation
0.55 MILES
This museum was established in 1839 by Demetrios Pierides as a protective answer to the region’s notorious tomb raiders and the illegal selling of the…
0.57 MILES
This small gallery is made up of five adjoining colonial-style stone warehouses built by the British in 1881. Three of them show contemporary artworks by…
0.7 MILES
If you happen to be in Larnaka on a Wednesday or Saturday, and have a passion for medical history – or just like quirky museums – hop along here. This…
0.77 MILES
This clean, shallow beach is highly popular despite not being particularly pretty. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired for between €2 and €3, and there are…
0.81 MILES
Located in the courtyard of the Agios Lazaros complex, this museum originally contained many priceless relics and artefacts. Unfortunately, much of the…
0.81 MILES
This 9th-century church is dedicated to Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus is said to have resurrected four days after his death. The church itself is an…