Larnaca’s new Mayor, Mr Andreas Vyras has confirmed that the town is proceeding with a host of high profile initiatives to improve facilities for visitors, as well as create a greener, more attractive town.

Last year it was announced that Larnaca had been awarded an €18 million grant by the EU, to revamp sports facilities, create town centre squares and begin archaeological excavations at the site of the old port, as well renovating a workspace for its budding community of craftsmen and artisans. Those plans are now underway.

One of the major developments is the new €5.5 million Municipal Market that will incorporate a two-storey building with bazaars of traditional produce and products, and a section for young, emerging artisans, along with cafes, restaurants and an exhibition space. Other projects include renovations to the Municipal Sports Centre; the uncovering of further ruins of Ancient Kition; hop-on-hop-off buses that will be accessible for disabled people; squares and paving in areas of the town centre and old town; increased cycle lanes and car parking, and a complete overhaul of the Municipal Gardens.

These investments follow on from other projects over the past few years that have given the town a facelift, including improvements to the seafront promenade and the two-mile stretch between Larnaca’s medieval castle and trendy McKenzie Beach, the cycle lanes, the complimentary weekly experiences which run from 01 November to 30 April, the beach volley by Foinikoudes Beach and more.

Larnaca is renowned as a world-class diving destination and boasts one of the top 10 wreck dives in the world – the famous Zenobia wreck. Its diving credentials are now set to become even better with the creation of an artificial reef in the Voroklini area along with a dedicated snorkelling area, further cementing Larnaca’s status for having some of the best seas in which to discover the vibrant underwater world.

This is Larnaca’s first artificial reef, although others have been successfully deployed on the island since 2009, quickly increasing marine life and enriching the island’s waters through the organised sinking of various vessels, some of which are then designated as protected marine-life areas. The waters here are also perfect for children to snorkel safely.