It opened its gates on October 17, 2016 and is in memory of Georgios Karapatakis. Its capacity was 8,058 spectators and it was built within 9 months, with the fans of AEK Larnaca seeing their dream come true. It is a stadium that meets the specifications to host UEFA European competitions. The platforms have names of regions and villages of the province of Larnaca.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO AEK ARENA – GEORGIOS KARAPATAKIS
*** BUS: 417.
LARNACA: THE “DIAMOND” OF CYPRUS
The sprawling palm trees on the city’s beaches, its cosmopolitan air, the oriental aroma emanating from the Hala Sultan mosque and its smiling inhabitants compose a magical “puzzle” of images and smells! It is considered the oldest city of Cyprus that will delight you with its cultural history and its monuments of incomparable beauty. For many it is considered the jewel of the Mediterranean and is an important core of the commercial life of the island. The contrasts of the city coincide harmoniously, as you can see on the one hand its ultra-modern architecture and on the other its beauty that has remained unearned since past centuries.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +90
Nearest airports from city center: Larnaca Airport (11km), Ercan Airport (40km), Paphos Airport (125km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** MEDIEVAL CASTLE (WJ6Q+42Q, Piale Pasha, Larnaca)
It functions as a small museum consisting of three rooms with exhibits from the early Christian period. You will see objects of Byzantine, medieval and Islamic origin. The castle, which dates back to the 14th century, was destroyed and rebuilt in 1625 by the Ottomans. Among other things it has been used as a place of trade, as a fortress with cannons and as a prison.
*** SAINT LAZAROS CHURCH (Square, Agios Lazaros, Larnaca)
It was built towards the end of the 9th century and here are the remains of Saint Lazarus, who shortly after the Resurrection of Christ, had to leave Judea because his life was in danger and came to Cyprus. The church was built over the tomb of Saint Lazarus.
*** HALA SULTAN MOSQUE (VJP6+627, Tekke Street, Larnaca)
This complex is dedicated to the memory of Umm Haram who was a relative of the prophet of Islam Muhammad. and you will see her tomb covered with cloths.
*** “KAMARES” RESERVOIR (Larisis Van Ntaik, Larnaca)
Visit the most famous part of the city’s old aqueduct, the reconstruction of which was completed in 1750 and is 15 km long.
*** ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF LARNACA PROVINCE (WJ9M+M95 Square, Kalograion, Larnaca)
In addition to the many exhibits you will find about the ancient city of Kiti, you will see on screens the historical development of the city of Kiti and the Larnaca region.
*** FINIKOUDES BEACH
One of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and worth a visit. Walk along the seaside promenade and enjoy your food or coffee. Nearby is the marina where luxury yachts and sailboats from all over the world are parked.
*** ALIKI LARNACA
In this complex network of four salt marshes you will find 85 seabirds (about 20,000-38,000 birds). In winter you will see wonderful flamingos.
*** PIERIDΙS’ MUSEUM (4 Zenonos Kitieos, Larnaca 6023)
In the Pieridis’ house which dates back to 1825, you will find a huge collection of exhibits relating to Cypriot culture for hundreds of years. You will also see old maps of the country, Roman vases and sculptures by Cypriot artists.
*** KYRIAZI MEDICAL MUSEUM
In this mansion donated by Dr. Marios Kyriazis you will find the healing arts over the centuries with documents, photographs and medical objects.
*** CHURCH OF PANAGIAS TIS ANGELOKTISTI (Archiepiskopou Kyprianou 2, Kiti 7550)
It is a Byzantine church from the 11th century and its name means “built by angels”. The original arch and a rare 6th-century mosaic showing the Virgin Mary and the infant Christ between two archangels have been preserved.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** If you like diving, then you must visit the Shipwreck “Zenovia” which was an 11,000 ton Swedish ferry that sank in 1980.
*** There is one more Wreck that deserves the attention of divers. Specifically the “Elpida” which is a boat from Volos, which was built in 1965 in Germany.
*** Visit the Monastery of Agios Minas which is in a mountainous area of the province of Larnaca and is said to date back to the middle of the 16th century.
*** About 30 kilometers away from Larnaca you will find the archaeological site of Choirokoitia, where there is the best preserved prehistoric settlement.
*** It is worth a visit to the Municipal Art Gallery of Larnaca.
*** The Archaeological Site of Kiti should be one of your options to visit.
FOOD AND DRINK
In Larnaca you will have the opportunity to taste all the delicacies of the island. Try halloumi, crushed green olives, sheftalies, souvlaki, moussaka, dolmades, pastitsio, trachana and loundza, kleftiko which is roast lamb and the local suzuki. Try the local zivania to drink. You will also find restaurants with great Mediterranean, Greek, Italian, Asian and American cuisine.
WHERE TO STAY
There are several options for finding affordable hotels and accommodations in the city center or in Finikoudes Beach.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** The Salt & Pepper Museum Larnaka is a special museum about salt and pepper containers! The collection is over 20,000!
*** About 15 minutes drive from Larnaca you will find the Camel Park, where you will have the opportunity to ride camels and ponies.
*** Mackenzie Beach is spectacular not only for swimming, but also for watching airplanes land and take off.
*** Fun Factory is the best choice to have a good time with your children.
*** For your shopping you can visit the Metropolis Shopping Center, Patsalos Plaza, Paris Shop and Shishalove Store.
*** You can find many shops for your shopping in streets leading to the Old Town start from Finikoudes Boulevard.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by bus.
CITIES NEAR LARNACA
Major cities close to Larnaca are Famagusta (43km), Ayia Napa (47km), Nicosia (48km), Paralimni (49km), Limassol (67km), Paphos (133km).
