Budget car hire in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Larnaca, Paphos and Limassol.

Larnaca

Situated on the southeast coast Larnaca, with its international airport, is one the points of entry to the island for many visitors. The present city is built  on the ancient site of Kition. According to the legends it was founded by Kitim, one of Noah's grandsons. A new city was built by the Achaeans and Phoenicians on the ruins of the previous one (Kitims city) back to the 9th century BC. and it had become an extremely important trading centre, with its main export being copper from Tamasus kingdom (Nicosia areas). It was extensively damaged in the wars with the Persians and in 450BC was besieged by the Greek fleet, led by General Kimon with 200 triremes. The leading general was killed during the battles and today we find at the sea front of Larnaca a monument dedicated to Kimon the Athenian who lost his life fighting for Kition today's Larnaca.

The name of this town Larnaca it means Sarcophagus (marble/stone coffins of the ancient times that have been used in the early AD years too). Kition changed its name to Larnaca once St. Lazarus's tomb was found to the areas of Kition, 10th century AD. The emperor then of the Byzantine empire, Leo the Wise one, sent immediately money and men to the island to construct a church above the saint's tomb. This church is until today one of the most beautiful examples of unique Byzantine architecture and it is dedicated to the patron of Larnaca Saint Lazarus. Visitors can also step right below the altar room where the tomb of the Saint can be seen. The church is in the centre of a square  surrounded by cloisters, and close to the old town of Larnaca.

One of the most popular places in Larnaca is known as Finikoudes area (Palm trees area) which is to the seafront. The promenade which runs along the seafront is lined up with palm trees cafes, English style pubs, restaurants, hotels and self catering hotel apartments as well as car hire firms and travel agencies.