An Overview. Larnaca (also spelt Larnaka) (Cition, Kition, Citium) has an advantageous geographical location within Cyprus been a coastal city at the south-west side of the island. Larnaka, along with the rest of Cyprus, became a member of the European Union on the 1st of May 2004 and it is now the easternmost city of the New Europe.

This advantageous location resulted in a very rich history for the city. It has been continuously inhabited at the same location for over 4000 years and had many flourishing periods throughout history. Hundreds of years of contrasting civilizations, architecture and culture have left their mark on what has always been one of Cyprus’ most important and diverse regions. Legacy has it that the city has been inaugurated by Kittim, the great grandson of Noah. The city is the birthplace of Zenon of Kition, a very important philosopher of the ancient world, of Apollonios of Kition, a renowned physician of the first century BCE, and also the chosen residing place of St Lazarous, the friend of Jesus Christ, after his resurrection.

Present day Larnaca is the main city of Larnaca district, the third largest district of Cyprus by land area and by population. The district has an area of 1,393 km² or 15% of the total island area (9248 km²). The total population of Larnaca district is 146,300 (2011) or 17% of the total Cyprus population (862,000). The population of Larnaca urban area is 86,400 (2011) or 10% of the total island population.

The city of Larnaca covers an area of 32.5 km2. The population density is approximately 2,600 inhabitants per square kilometer. The city abides by the sea on its east side, the salt lakes and the international airport on its south side, the petrol depot area on its north side and the Municipality of Aradippou on its West side. It can be easily concluded that the city is suffocating from Natural and Technical obstructions and cannot expand horizontally on land and can only expand vertically.

The city has unique characteristics and many advantages compared to the rest of the cities of Cyprus. Firstly it has the salt lakes that are a biodiversity treasure with exclusive flora and fauna and thousands of migratory birds that are protected by the Natura 2000 and RAMSAR treaties. Secondly it has the main airport of the country within its boundaries and also has a port and a marina which comprise a perfect combination for the ‘fly and cruise’ concept. Thirdly it has such a geographical location that the sum of the distance from Larnaca to all other cities of Cyprus is the smallest compared to similar calculations for all other cities, making it a perfect logistics centre. In addition Larnaca is relatively flat which results in ideal conditions for walking and cycling.

Larnaca being a coastal city has a very mild climate with yearly average temperatures between 15 and 25 (avg low 7.5 o C in January, avg high 33 in August). It receives 350mm of rain annually but it is almost completely dry from April to October.  It has 3357 hours of sunshine per year which corresponds to 77% of daytime. Gusts of wind affect the city sometimes but generally the winds are reasonable most of the year. Design basic wind speed is 40 m/s.

Larnaca is an area of outstanding beauty – endowed with numerous attractions, waterfronts and scenic vistas as well as some of the islands most outstanding beaches. Larnaca offers its visitors a multitude of options, with a well-defined historical center, important museums, excellent coastlines for swimming, a multitude of shops and an exciting nightlife scene that embraces all generations.