Cyprus Finest Magazine (issue 1, 2017) | Page 56

Church of St. Lazarus This 9th-century church is bound to enthral you with its historic architecture and the legend according to which this Church was built around the tomb of Mary’s brother, Lazarus who been dead for four days before Jesus Christ brought him back to life. Larnaca An old city that spans out to be a modern town with its restaurants, bars and cafes, Larnaca is the oldest city in Cyprus. Larnaca Salt Lake and Sultan A favourite site that is cluttered with pink flamingos, snoozing off with one leg tucked in. It’s a complex network of four salt lakes (3 of them interconnected) of different sizes to the west of the city of Larnaca. On the bank of one of the lakes lies the Hala Sultan Tekke, one of the holiest of shrines within Ottoman Islam. It houses the tomb of Umm Haram, Muhammad’s ‘wet-nurse’. Besides its picturesque beauty, the lake is the haunt of 85 species of water-birds with estimated populations between 20,000–38,000. which also uses this beach for several events and market place during the whole year around. The beach is around half a kilometre long and has fine, grey sand, shallow waters which make perfect for small children. The sea is usually calm enough for youngsters to paddle and swim with adult supervision. Behind the beach lies the centre of Larnaca, so you can sunbathe in the morning, enjoy lunch at any of the many local restaurants, and do some shopping in the afternoon, all within easy walking distance of many of the popular beachfront hotels in Larnaca. Finikoudes Avenue Scuba Diving Finikoudes beach was named after the small palm trees planted here back in 1922. Finikoudes beach is a Blue Flag status beach and is kept very clean by Larnaka Municipality, Diving academies will take you to a thrilling adventure of witnessing the ‘wreck of Zenobia’, a ferry that sunk to the depths of the ocean and is preserved underwater. Paphos Paphos is home to the most romantic looking and serene harbours that are bound to dazzle you. The dances, musical and theatrical performances are a must watch when visiting this city soaked in mythology, home to Aphrodite and goddesses of fertility. Archaeological Park This excursion will take you to the ‘House of Dionysos’ with its sparkling mosaic floors that tell the tales of Greek mythologies. More depictions are present in the ‘Villa of Theseus’ which are beautiful to look at. Remnants from a huge Byzantine castle named Saranta Kolones with its pillars and arches will fill you with wonder. Tombs of the Kings Full of ancient excavated tombs carved out of solid rocks and burial chambers, this acropolis was built in the 3rd century BC. According to legend, Saint Paul was tied to a pillar and whipped here. 56