Lefkara village in Cyprus Award

Lefkara awarded UNWTO ‘Best Tourism Villages’ status

The mountainous village of Lefkara has been awarded one of the ‘Best Tourism Villages’ by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) thanks to a combination of exemplary sustainable tourism practices and its traditional character of well-preserved customs, handicrafts, architecture and local gastronomy.
Lefkara is one of just 44 villages around the world receiving the global accolade. Highlights for holidaymakers include touring the ‘open-air’ museum of over 550 listed buildings and 35 ancient monuments, many with unique features using locally quarried stone, arches, balconies, wooden doors and cobbled lanes.
The village is also world-renowned for its hand embroidered lace linens (Lefkaritika) which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as crafts such as the delicate and intricate art of filigree silver and silver smithing. The handicrafts are showcased at the Handicraft Center as well as at the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing.
Lefkara offers an array of charming agrotouristic accommodation where visitors can immerse in all the beauty and folklore of this historic village. Read more about Lefkara village at https://larnakaregion.com

Festivities and events return to Larnaca and surrounding regions

After a break due to the pandemic, many popular festivities and events are back to entertain visitors and locals alike. These include the Anthestiria (Flower Festival) in Larnaka on May 15 – an annual flower festival which celebrates spring with a parade of floats decorated with fresh flowers along the palm tree promenade. The name ‘Anthestiria’ is derived from the word ‘anthos’ (bloom / blossom / flower), and the tradition dates back to Ancient Greek times.
Also, there is the Heartland of Legends – Handicraft and Enogastronomy (food & wine) Workshops – a rich programme of free workshops until the end of the year, with a variety of interactive sessions being held in Larnaka region villages. Typically held on Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends, workshops include lace embroidery, bee/honey-themed activities, herbs, jewelry, cheese and dessert making, and much more. Prior booking is required and guided village tours also take place in participating locations.
For more information, visit https://heartlandoflegends.com

Archaeological Museum of the Larnaka District re-opens

The Archaeological Museum has reopened following extensive renovations and offers a modern take on old treasures, including an impressive collection of rare sarcophagi. The sarcophagi (ancient coffins made from local limestone or marble) were discovered during excavations at Kition and are housed separately in the museum basement. They resemble the style of those of Ancient Egypt with carvings of human features on the outside. It’s believed that they were the final resting place of either nobility or royalty and are the only such sarcophagi on the island.
Interestingly, the tombs were known as ‘Larnakes’, and it is believed that the modern name of the city may originate from this. The museum had been closed for some years whilst it was undergoing the upgrades to its present building and features enriched, thematic collections that cover the prehistory and history of Larnaka city and region. Other changes at the museum include accessibility (including portable folding chairs / walking aids); free admission, and weekend opening hours.

Cyprus relaxes travel rules around Covid-19
Cyprus no longer requires the completion of passenger locator forms (Cyprus Flight Pass) for entry into the country. Moreover, it removes country-categorization and most travel-related COVID protocols. Fully vaccinated travellers and those recently recovered from the UK can now enter Cyprus, as long as they hold the relevant certification. For more information on the latest travel protocols, visit www.visitcyprus.com/index.php/en/news/774-covid19-travel-protocol

For information on all of the above and Larnaka Tourism Board, visit www.larnakaregion.com