The popularity of Larnaca as a tourist destination is prompting the opening of five new hotels in 2015. The hotels are a mixture of new establishments and reinstated and adapted buildings, spread out across the town. The Ciao Stelio hotel in the popular area of McKenzie will open in April with 102 beds. The Saint Lazarus area with its grand church and quaint square will see two new openings in the first quarter of 2015; Mikes Kanarium, an intimate hotel with 52 beds, and a unique boutique hotel with 35 beds that will be split between a restored, listed house and a modern complex.

A new city hotel will open in spring in main shopping street of Zenonos Kitieos, with 58 beds and a roof-top swimming pool. And another city/boutique hotel will open near the historic American Academy private school, and will offer easy access to the town centre. Finally, on the coastal strip of Dekeleia Road – where the majority of existing hotels are situated – the Lenios hotel will reopen. Construction work on an ambitious luxury hotel complex on the Foinikoudes strip will also begin at the start of beginning of 2016.

The sea road redevelopment offers new paths for walking, running & cycling

Following the complete redevelopment of Piale Pashia (the strip that bridges the beaches of Foinikoudes and McKenzie), the new sea road is now a favourite spot for a stroll, run or cycle thanks to its new paths. Starting from the Medieval Fort at the end of the Foinikoudes promenade, there are two parallel walking paths; one on road level – partitioned with glass panels that do not obstruct the sea views – and a second, lower walkway with a feeling of ‘walking on water’. After the paths terminate, a cycle and pedestrian path continues towards McKenzie.

The redevelopment of the area means holidaymakers can walk the entire length of Foinikoudes to McKenzie with uninterrupted sea views and passing some interesting spots along the way. The walk is around five kilometres with beautiful views of the sea, and passes through the old Turkish Cypriot neighbourhoods. Further along is the quaint fishing harbour, where several traditional fish restaurants are situated, and adjacent is the upgraded beach of Castella. The end point is the trendy McKenzie beach strip.

Free activities in Larnaca this winter for visitors to Larnaca November 2014 – April 2015

Visitors to Larnaca from 01 November 2014 until 30 April 2015 will be able to take part in a series of free activities and sightseeing days, courtesy of Larnaca Tourism Board. These exciting experiences will give holidaymakers a unique insight into the region, visit some of the main attractions, as well as some lesser know places. There will also be the chance to try local foods and wine, and see local craftsmen and women at work.

All activities do need to be pre-booked and hotels will issue guests with a voucher. The following experiences are available through the winter months:

• Beach      gymnastics – this      one hour gymnastics session on Mondays at 9am is an invigorating way to start      the week and takes place on Foinikoudes Beach next to the Marina. All      fitness levels and ages are welcome to enjoy exercising to the sound of      the ocean.
• Mazotos      Camel Farm – this      full day execution takes visitors to the animal park in Mazotos Village,      the only place where camels can be found in the whole of Cyprus. Visitors      can explore the scenic grounds of the park and take an exhilarating safari      ride through the countryside. This trip takes place 9am to 5pm every      Tuesday.
• Guided      tour ‘Larnaca Past & Present’ – this is a two-hour walking tour with a      professional guide around the picturesque city of Larnaca, learning about      the history, traditions, culture and architecture. The tour departs every      Wednesday 10am from Vasileos Square.
• Traditional      Day in Athienou – for      a taste of traditional Cyprus this village tour includes the museum, the      chance to make halloumi cheese in the house of Father Kallinikos and      visiting a restored flour mill. Takes place on Thursdays from 12pm to      1.30pm.
• “Scala:      its craftsmen tour – this two hour walking tour takes visitors to      the Scala area of town along the Castle seafront to visit hidden pottery      workshops created by artists inspired by ancient Cypriot art. Takes place      on Fridays 10am to 12pm starting from Larnaca Medieval Castle.
• Larnaca      Villages – this      is almost a full day tour around some of the regions prettiest mountain      villages, including Lefkara and Skarinou, for the chance to marvel at the      scenery, see women hand make lace and taste some of the regions delicious      specialities. Takes place on Saturdays from 9am until 3pm and includes      hotel pick up.

Musical Sundays – a unique chance to see performances of traditional Cypriot and Greek music and dance on the seafront at Foinikoudes, taking place on Sundays from 11am until 12pm. A perfect end to a week of activities and the chance for visitors to sample one of the beachfront tavernas for lunch afterwards.

For more information on Larnaca visit www.Larnacaregion.com