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Today, Larnaca (Larnaka) is the third largest of the Republic of Cyprus in terms of population (75.000) and economy.
It hosts the main international airport, a port and a nice marina for yachts. It has clean sandy beaches with clear blue waters and an efficient tourist infrastructure. The town is organized with everything that a large city can offer, but it lucks vices and problems of big population centers.
Low to inexistent crime rate, no traffic jams, and a well defined historic and city center near the beautiful promenade are just a few of its great advantages.
Like most other towns on the southern coast, Larnaca was refashioned by the building boom of the late 1970s.
The loss of Nicosia airport with the Turkish occupation led to the airstrip outside Larnaca being extended and new terminal buildings being built. This facilitated a considerable increase in tourist traffic, and a number of large hotels were constructed on the long beach situated just outside the town.
One of Larnaca's most distinctive features is the mid-town seaside promenade lined with tail palm trees. A project to improve the area around the promenade - known as the Finikoudhes - and turn it into a large precinct bordered by tavernas and a sandy beach was recently completed. The takeover of the yacht marina by a private company (from the Cyprus government), which plans to invest heavily in the manna's expansion, will result in a sharp boost in property value in the area. Palm trees and minarets which dot the horizon also give Larnaca a Middle Eastern ambience, particularly in the old inner city.
The advantages of Larnaca as a tourist resort are also numerous. The town is large enough to have everything one may need, but still is not overcrowded, especially at its beautiful beaches which extend for 25km. The archaeological sites and its six museums are in the centre of the city within walking distance. Summer sports, sea activities and cruises are readily available. The shops are well stocked, medical care is excellent, and its cinemas are screening films simultaneously with the cinemas of Europe and the USA. The variety of restaurants, tavernas, cafeterias and bars is great. The Cyprus "meze" is the food specialty of the town. Night life is interesting and safety in the streets unsurpassed. Cultural life is rich and many events are organized by the town's Municipality almost daily.
Because of the mild climate in the winter and the genuine hospitality of the local people, Larnaca enjoys tourism at very high occupancy rates all the year round. The whole area has 9,500 hotel beds, about 10% of the islands total tourist capacity. Along the bay, there are luxurious beach hotels and also hotel apartments or holiday apartments of very high standards with prices generally lower than the rest of the island. Situated in a strategic position, Larnaca is located in the centre of the island and is an ideal base for exploring the rest of Cyprus. Its residents benefit from Larnaca International Airport and close proximity to the remaining cities in Cyprus. Nicosia is only a 20-minute drive away and reaching Limassol takes just 30 minutes driving time.
In addition, the closure of the refinery along the Larnaca - Dhekelia Road also shoot property value even higher, the new nternational airport also increase demand for quality properties within the surrounding areas, and the golf course at Tersefanou just 10km away also benefit the whole area. Truly, now is the time to buy properties in Larnaca!
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