Achilleos Hotel Apt

Electricity & adaptor-plugs

by globetrott

Electricity in Cyprus has 220 Volt, but the plug might be different from the one that you use in your homecountry and so it will be the best to take an adaptor-plug with you, because even the big hotels obviously dont have a single plug in the rooms for the ordinary plugs of Europe.
Charging your batteries etc. will only be possible when you have the right adaptor like in my photo !
-----------------------------------I got this adptorplug from the reception of Hotel Larco and they have a perfect system there : Instead of lending it I payed a deposit of 3 Euros and got a receipt for it. I could have given it back at the end of my stay to have my money back, BUT I am glad I took it home and so I was able to use it also in Malta.

Larnaca Salt Lake

by call_me_rhia

The Larnaca Salt Lake is a great sight to behold, especially in winter, from November to March, when you can see quite a large number of pink flamingos resting on its shores. When we visited, there were only a few, and in the distance.

Yet, even without flamingos, we thought that the salt lake was a fascinating sight... it felt like being in the middle of nowhere. In the past this lake used to provide people with good quality of salt, which was scraped from its dried up surface. Scraping is still possible, nowadays, but for a some reason (pollution?) it is now deemed unfit for human consumption.

The Larnaca Salt Lake is located on the way Larnaka International Airport.

Great body art.

by planxty

OK, this is unodubtedly one of the more unusual tips I have ever posted on VT, and I appreciate it will only be of interest to a limited number of people.

I personally have tattoos, and I love them. They weren't things done in drunken haste as a kid and regretted later, in fact I was 31 when I got my first one done. I had been thinking for a long while about getting another one and had picked the design I wanted. mrs_p told me to wait until we went to Cyprus as she knew of a good tattooist in Larnaca, who had been recommended by her godson who lives in the town. I duly went and got my tattoo done and I am very pleased with the work.

The studio itself is spotless, normally overseen by the tattooist's niece, who is very friendly. There is no pressure on you if you just want to browse the books of designs.

The tattooist himself, Tasso, is a lovely bloke. If you like your tattooists "authentic", he is a shaven headed member of the Harley Owners Group (his bike is very nice) with plenty of tattoos himself, although he is also a Bachelor of Science and a qualified Dive Master! He speaks good English as well. He is principled about his work and will not, under any circumstances, tattoo you if he thinks you are drunk.

The studio is spotlessly clean and I had no concerns about it. The number of positive recommendations I had had from local guys with tattoos was, however, the clincher for me - he is very highly regarded locally. I actually go to know him socially as he drinks in the Old Country Pub across the road - only after work, I hasten to add.

Tasso also does piercing and has a nice selection of jewellery on offer.

As I said, not a tip for everyone, although if you're thinking of a holiday souvenir that will last a little longer than your duty free bottle of brandy, this is the place to go.

Money changing.

by planxty

There are numerous places in Larnaca changing money, but, in all the times I have been there,I have found this to be the best. As the photo shows it advertises no commission transactions, which normally means that the exchange rate is poor. This place, however, seems able to offer competitive rates. I always go here.

Palm lined front

by percy961

The port of Larnaka lies on the edge of Larnaka Bay, a bustling town with a nice seafront crammed with busy cafes.

"Larnaca Fort"

Built in 1625, it was used as a prison in the first years of British rule. It now houses a small archaeological museum, with finds from Kition and the Hala Sultan Tekke excavations. The Fort is also used as the Larnaca Municipal Cultural Centre.

The lovely 9th Century Orthodox Church in the heart of town is said to be built over the tomb of St Lazarus, the bother of Mary and Marta. Apart from its legendary origin, the church is also notable for its baroque carvings and lovely icons.