Larnaca, or Larnaka is a city on the southeast coast of Cyprus. The major international airport of Cyprus, Larnaca International Airport is located in this city. It has a population of 72,000 (end of 2001) and is the island's second commercial port and an important tourist resort. To the
north of the town lies the island's oil refinery, while to the south of Larnaca the International Airport is situated. The city
of Larnaka is well-known for its picturesque sea-front which includes rows of palm trees. Much of the activity is centred around the city
promenade during the major festivals. The most important of these for the city of Larnaka is Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood, celebrated in early summer with a series of cultural events.
Larnaca is one of the major seaside resorts in Cyprus. There are numerous beaches in and around Larnaca which which extend for
approx 25 km (16 mi). The main Phinikoudes and McKenzie beaches both have been awarded Blue Flags for environmental
cleanliness.
There is a wide variety of restaurants, tavernas, cafeterias and bars catering for varied tastes between 'traditional Irish
pub' through international chains like McDonnalds to local Cypriot fare. The Cyprus 'meze' is the food specialty of the town.
Within the wider Larnaca district there are 9,500 hotel beds, about 10%
of the total all island tourist capacity. Along the
Larnaca bay there are luxurious beach hotels and also hotel apartments
or holiday apartments withing all price ranges. Prices are
generally lower from the rest of the island. Larnaca is the ideal base
for exploring the rest of Cyprus. Its international
airport lies a few kilometers from the centre of the town, but because
the flight path is over the sea there is almost no noise
from landing and departing aircraft.
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