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While Larnaca is mostly a working city, the tree lined avenues and historic quarter manage to instill the atmosphere with a distinctly old world feel. These days the city is a laid back place, much appreciated for its friendly people and carefree attitude. The first mention of Larnaca in the history books is in reference to Zeno, the stoic philosopher. Some time later it gets mentioned again when Lazerus - he of resurrection fame - came here to live after being brought back from the dead. He became the first bishop of Larnaca and is also the patron saint. The city fell from fortune somewhat in the seventh century as Arab invaders forced the citizens inland and it wasn't until the middle ages that it regained its strength. Larnaca did well under the Ottomans as the city became the principal port and commercial centre of the island. This lasted until the mid 20th century when towns such as Limassol and Famagusta started to take over. Today, Larnaca is a busy place with an international airport and a fully modern infrastructure yet it still manages to retain a lot of its ancient charm. The tourist industry is beginning to take hold on the city and there are quite a few resorts and hotels being developed around the town. The local beaches are among the best in Cyprus and the further along the coast you go the better they get, making Larnaca the ideal base from which to go and explore the rest of the island. The nightlife in Larnaca is also improving with a great selection of bars, tavernas and cafes starting to spring up in the town centre. Larnaca may not have the polish or finesse of other resorts in Cyprus and may have a reputation for being somewhat scruffy, but this only adds to the charm of the place as it also lacks the brazen commercialism of the more popular places on the island. One of the main attractions in Larnaca is the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, a very important Moslem site that draws pilgrims from all over the world. The mosque makes an ideal day trip, as do a host of other nearby attractions such as Ayia Napa, Zenobia and the Troodos Mountains. |