Larnaca is the oldest living city of Cyprus and was originally known as Kition, or Kittium. Legend has it that the first settlement at the spot was founded by Noah's great-grandson Kittim. Unlike other ancient cities of Cyprus, which were abandoned by their inhabitants, Larnaca from the time of its founding 6,000 years ago, has existed and still exists on the same site.
Like most other towns on the southern coast, Larnaca was refashioned by the building boom of the late 1970s. The loss of Nicosia airport with the Turkish occupation led to the airstrip outside Larnaca being extended and new terminal buildings being built. This facilitated a considerable increase in tourist traffic, and a number of large hotels were constructed on the long beach situated just outside the town.
Today, a wonderful palm-lined seafront promenade dominates the resort of Larnaca, stretching from the luxury marina to the coastal road, popular day and night for walking, dining or just simply relaxing. Numerous international restaurants, cafes and bars make up the promenade, which is an all year round attraction for both tourists and local residents. Take a walk along the beach, time for lunch and then shop until early evening along the main high street, which houses a variety of modern boutiques and several Uk retail stores.

The advantages of Larnaca as a tourist resort are numerous. The town is large enough to have everything one may need, but still is not overcrowded, especially at its beautiful beaches which extend for 25km. The area is currently experiencing rapid growth due to high levels of investment in tourism and the longer term prospects of re-unification of the island. Current expansion of Larnaca international airport, the construction of a PGA golf course and the development of number 5 star holiday resort complexes within the surrounding villages of the Larnaca area, are just a few of the many planned changes to boost tourism and the economy in this area. 

Because of the mild climate in the winter and the genuine hospitality of the local people, Larnaca enjoys tourism at very high occupancy rates all the year round. The whole area has 9,500 hotel beds, about 10% of the islands total tourist capacity. Along the bay, there are luxurious beach hotels and also hotel apartments or holiday apartments of very high standards and competitively priced.

Situated in a strategic position, Larnaca is located in the centre of the island and is an ideal base for exploring the rest of Cyprus. Its residents benefit from Larnaca International Airport and close proximity to the remaining cities in Cyprus. Nicosia is only a 20-minute drive away and reaching Limassol takes just 30 minutes driving time.