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Larnaca significantly supports the economy of Cyprus. This important tourist resort has a commercial port and an international airport. Also, there is an oil refinery, which lies to the north of the city. The city is home for most of the industries of the island.

As Larnaca has plenty of tourist spots with availability of restaurants, luxurious beach hotels, and a good transportation service, it is emerging as a popular tourist destination in Europe.

Due to Larnaca being one of the most important cities of Cyprus, the economy of this city contributes heavily to the economy of Cyprus.

After being part of the European union, Cyprus has adopted the Euro as a national currency recently on 1 January 2008. Also the island of Cyprus has achieved the third highest position in terms of per capita GDP in the European Union after Luxembourg and Malta.

The economy of the island is mostly dependable on the services sector, trade, tourism, education, agriculture and light manufacturing sectors. Though it is affected by some factors like lack of investments, high freight costs and shortage of skilled labours. The main industries include import-export of agricultural products, poultry business, fishing and manufacturing of clothing and footwear. Some industrial sectors like processed foods and beverages, paper, chemicals, textiles, metal products, and refined petroleum also provide strong support to the country’s economy.

Now a days, the tourism business plays a vital role in contributing to the economy of Cyprus. The tourist inflow to Cyprus is showing gradual growth from all parts of Europe. The United kingdom is the main source of tourist traffic. In 2003, around 13% of Cyprus’ gainfully employed population was connected with the tourism industry.

Cyprus has an interesting history which has contributed substantially to the city of Larnaca.

In ancient times Larnaca was known as Kition as it is believed that Noah’s grandson, Khittim, established the first settlement about 6000 years ago. The modern name of the city; which means coffins in Greek (‘larnax’) was derived because of the many burial sites found on Kition settlements. While other settlements in Cyprus were abandoned later, Larnaca developed into a city because of its ancestors who inhabited it continuously.

Mycenaean age

Archaeologically, the earliest remains trace Larnaca to the Mycenaean age. Once, it was a major colony for the Phoenician rulers, but it achieved its true status during the Hellenistic Age.

The Mycenaean Greeks formed the Kition Kingdom in 13th century B.C. during which it was a major port and a trader in copper. The prosperity of the Kingdom can be viewed through the excavations of Cyclopean walls and Mycenaean temples.

Crossroad of civilization

Due to its prime location in the Mediterranean region, Larnaca has always attracted a lot of external rulers. Cyprus has been at the mercy of many conquerors, be it the Greeks, Persians, Egyptians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, Franks, Venetians, Turks or British rulers. The main reason for invading the city of Larnaca was due to its location as a port as well as its richness in minerals and other resources.

Byzantine age

Though many rulers attacked Larnaca, one of the most important ones were the Byzantines. Historically they left behind many remains and monuments such as Basilica of Saint Lazarus. During this time the city enjoyed stability and prospered as they traded with the rest of Europe.

When the Ottomans landed in Larnaca, the port basked in the glory of being an important diplomatic and commercial center of Cyprus.

The British who ruled Cyprus for about eighty-two years, first landed in Larnaca. It was during their rule that the port developed its own distinct identity in modern Cyprus as it developed very fast. This lasted till the Turks attacked Cyprus in 1974, where it won and Larnaca alone welcomed 40,000 refugees.