Gabriel House

Europe Day in Larnaca

by greekcypriot

9th of May is recognized as the Europe Day throughout Europe. This day European countries commemorate the founding of the European Union with special events organized to celebrate their European identity.

Larnaca also joins the party and organizes a series of events to mark the Europe Day. Festivities take place around the city in various venues but the main focus of the event is on the seafront.

For a traditional get away by the sea front!

by greekcypriot about MILITZIS TAVERN

Another favourite Restaurant of mine is the Militzis Restaurant.
I consider it to be the cheapest descent, and most popular place in the area, both for Cypriots like me, but for tourists as well. Excellent Service!
Cypriots usually come after 9pm, but especially on Sundays the place is full to bursting.
Its lovely terrace viewing the sea and the scent coming from the flowers in the garden makes the spot very romantic. Here, I usually have "Tavas" for 10 euros, and I recommend it to you. It is a mixture of beef and lamb cooked very slowly in traditional ovens, which can be seen at the side of the Restaurant.
Meze here costs 13.50 euros.
Here however don't expect to ask for a carafe. They have only bottled wine. The price starts from 9 euros to 25.
A KEO - the Cypriot beer which is excellent in quality costs 3 euros in this Restaurant.
The Restaurant is open for lunch as well.

Visit the Market.

by planxty

Readers of my other tips on VT will know that I absolutely detest shopping - i think I said elsewhere I'd rather wrestle a grizzly bear. Perversely, however, I find myself drawn like a moth to a flame to markets. I like to visit them not to haggle for the odd bargain but, because I find them hugely interesting and usually very photogenic.

In fairness, Larnaca municipal Market is not one of the vest I've been to, but it's still worth a look round. There are all sorts of things here - some touristy souvenirs, clothes, shoes etc. If you are self-catering, there is a reasonable selection of fruit and veg, although the main market for these things has long since moved to a site out near the airport. It's not very large really, but you might like to pop in.

HISTORICAL ARCHIVES MUSEUM IN LARNACA

by greekcypriot

The municipal museum is housed in a 1881building, which was the residence and office of the first colonial Port Master of Larnaca. On the ground floor is the City museum with exhibits emphasizing the long, glorious and uninterrupted history of the town. A large collection of the city’s coins minted in the local mint starting with the first coin of the city Kingdom of Kition of the late 6th century and a fabulous collection of city photographs through the years dating from 1850, are among the most interesting exhibits. On the second floor are located the city’s archives, which are open only for researchers as they include rare books, editions and documents.
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I like Larnaca.

by planxty

"An idea, once upon a time."

I visited Larnaca many times when I was with my ex-girlfriend, a Greek Cypriot. I have visited many times, and I really love the relaxed pace of life there. The weather isn't bad either, and with the sea breeze it doesn't get as oppressively hot as Lefkosia (Nicosia).

The above was written in 2003 and still holds true. On my most recent visit in April 2007, I did, however, notice many changes in the place. It is certainly expanding rapidly, and property prices seem to be spiralling. Additionally, with Cyprus now being part of the seemingly permanently expanding EU, you are far more likely to be served in a bar by a Lithuanian, Slovak or Pole than you are by a Cypriot. I know this is causing some resentment locally but is, I suppose, the way modern Europe is evolving, if evolving is the correct word.

Restaurants and bars come and go, but some of my old favourites are still there and I've found one or two great new places. Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, as alluded to above, I doubt I will ever be able to return to Cyprus, which is a shame. The reader, however, should go there if at all possible, it is a great place.