Larnaca - Discover the heavenly south coast of Cyprus

Endless shades of blue and green. An island kissed by the sun. Always dreamed of a vacation on the Mediterranean? Then Larnaca, Cyprus is exactly the right place for you. Cultural sites dating back thousands of years, exciting sporting activities, and happy days on the beach offer an unforgettable vacation at any time of the year. Discover delicious Cypriot cuisine and an island full of magical mythology in the blog post below.

Located in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus' subtropical climate is a real treat, providing more than 13 hours of sunshine in the summer and wonderfully mild temperatures in winter. Geographically speaking, the sunshine island belongs to Asia, but is considered part of the European cultural area.

Cyprus and its capital city Nicosia are divided into the Greek Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. If you want to win the hearts of the locals, learn a few words in Kypriaka, a Cypriot dialect combining ancient Greek and Turkish.

Whether you're seeking a beach, cultural or sporty vacation, Cyprus is the perfect place to go. You can look forward to fine sandy beaches, high mountains and fragrant forests. The Cypriots are proud to say that their island is blessed with everything nature has to offer.

Cyprus eventful history began more than 3,000 years ago with the city-kingdom of Kition. Conquered and ruled over by a wide range of empires in ancient times, you will find the remains of a wide variety of different cultures on Cyprus and a wealth of historic sites.

The perfect start to your unforgettable trip to Cyprus can be enjoyed at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Larnaca. Only 7 kilometers from Larnaca Airport (LCA), in the heart of the city, you'll find a unique mix of modern lifestyle and ancient culture here.

The best thing about Larnaca is that all great attractions and beautiful beaches are so close together. Take a walk along palm-lined promenades and dip your toes in the wonderfully clear waters before enjoying a delicious drink in one of the cheerful bars.

Go past the picturesque port and immerse yourself in the historic heart of the city. Follow in the footsteps of Aphrodite at the Archaeological Museum, walk along the remains of the Mycenean temple, the ancient city-kingdom of Kition, and its cyclopean walls.

Explore the Byzantine Church of Saint Lazarus and the Turkish Castle with its museum of local history. Art lovers should visit the Pierides Museum and enjoy the rich collection of Cypriot antiquities.

Depending on how the mood strikes you, Larnaca offers a diverse range of day trips and sporting highlights like moutainbiking, golfing, surfing and sailing. Visitors interested in culture take a trip to the Mosque of Umm-Haram, one of the holiest sites in Islam. The Larnaca Salt Lake is particularly beautiful in winter when lots of pink flamingos transform the lake into a sea of color. Picture-perfect panoramic view? Next stop: the beautiful mountain village Lefkara.

So much exploring works up a big appetite. How fortunate that culinary delights are a highlight of Cyprus. You can look forward to a delicious mix of Greek and oriental cuisine, in which fresh and sun-ripened ingredients are prepared using recipes that go back centuries.

Be sure to try the hearty meat dishes such as stifado or sheftalia, delicious vegetables such as kolokasi (taro root) and grilled halloumi cheese. Cyprus is also famous for its dessert wine, Commandaria. A wonderful drink to enjoy at sunset.

Wherever you happen to be, Cyprus is one big open-air natural museum that takes you on an unforgettable journey!