LARNACA MAKES WAVES

Though Nicosia is considered the Cypriot capital, with Larnaca’s airport connecting it to the world and a major new port and marina project under development – the largest infrastructure investment on the island at €1.2 billion (US$1,4 billion) – the small coastal city is on the rise.

Larnaca has long been popular for destination weddings, water sports and its history and culture, but it is now attracting a new type of traveller – one who is keen to explore the growing business opportunities it promises. It’s now considered Cyprus’ third city, yet it has retained its oldworld charm and character, so it’s the city for those who don’t like cities.

“Traditionally, the capital was considered to be the business hub,

ABOVE: Larnaca remains a popular tourism destination LEFT: Psarolimano Fishing Harbour – authentic Larnaca

but it has been some time now that general growth and development on the island has seen a more even distribution in the association of other regions for business, and in particular, with the rapid investment and development in Larnaca, we have seen it emerge as a very We have seen it strong and popular emerge as a very contender for business, strong contender not only on the island, but also in the wider for business region,” explains Larnaca Tourism Board Chairman Dinos Lefkaritis. Factors contributing to Larnaca’s business appeal include its growing number of conference facilities and hotels, and the location of the airport – close to the city centre – he notes, but it’s the upcoming port and marina project by Kition Ocean Holdings that could be the gamechanger, transforming Larnaca into the island’s travel hub for air and sea. When the privatisation takes place in the coming months, the 10-year mega project will mark the start of Larnaca’s firm positioning as a major business centre.

“The integrated port and marina project, combined with the creation of a new touristic seaside area due to the removal of the oil refineries, is attracting new development, with the chain benefit being felt throughout all sectors,” Lefkaritis continues.

“Keeping in mind that these two projects are the biggest structural projects on the island currently, it is only natural that they would stimulate investment interest and

trigger a knock-on effect of further development. Larnaca has big plans and is going to be ‘one to watch’ in the future.”

The project will span across 510,000 square metres, incorporating passenger terminals, properties, a beach club, berths for up to 650 yachts, parks space, education and medical centres.

Some believe the project is ambitious for a small island already well established in the shipping industry across five ports, but the CEO of Kition Ocean Holdings, Panos Alexandrou, says there is still room for more and that domestic competition can only a positive thing.

“Larnaca is where it is needed the most. This is where the opportunities

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The sea port city of Larnaca is ripe for investment; Kition Ocean Holdings is developing a $1.4 billion port and marina project are and that’s where great things will happen,” he remarks.

The development, which has major funding from the UK and Israel, will help transform the city from a place of transit into a destination its own right, he adds. Currently Larnaca is “the only city in Europe and possibly in the world with a fairly big international airport where more

than three million visitors arrive each year, but very few stay”, he says. at’s something Kition Ocean Holdings plans to change.

AAK Larnaca Napa Sea Cruises Director Andreas Panagiotou says the ambitious project, which stands to rival the island’s established port in Limassol, the island’s second city, o ers hope to Larnaca’s residents.

“ is will bring more people and in turn, create more jobs with the increasing demand,” says the cruise company owner whose family-run business has been based at the Larnaca marina for decades.

Alexandrou predicts that as many as 4,000 new jobs will be created.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Conveniently nestled between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Cyprus is emerging as a technology and innovation hub, going beyond its cemented status as a destination

LARNACA FAST FACTS

How to get to Larnaca Emirates operates a fivetimes-weekly service from Dubai, which is linked to its Malta service. The major carriers of Israel, Turkey, Lebanon and Egypt also operate flights from their major cities (Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Beirut and Cairo respectively). Flight times from the region to Cyprus are within three-anda-half hours.

When to go Larnaca o ers year-round sunshine and a temperate climate. Summer can be hot, in the high 30s during the day, and the winters are mild, with a daytime average of around 14 degrees during December and January, although there can be snow in the mountains.

Where to sleep Hotel Indigo, which opened in Larnaca’s historical area in July, is a modern yet authentic 40-room hotel with a great location – just 15 minutes’ drive from the airport and a short walk away from the best of the city’s amenities and the beach (see p63 for a full review).

How to get around The city is easy to walk but if you venture further afield, car rental is advisable. Taxi prices are on a par with those in other European destinations ($18-20 from the airport) and the major roads are of a good standard so self-driving is a good option.

Visas European passport holders do not need a visa. If you don’t hold an EU passport, it’s best to check your country’s advice on travel to Cyprus before booking.

COVID-19 Visitors must apply for the Cyprus Flight Pass before visiting – a free and easy form to upload your vaccination/ PCR information. All visitors must show this to enter public places. PCR tests are quite pricey and start from AED200 with results back within 10-20 hours and go up to AED480

Hotel Indigo, Larnaca The newly opened Antasia beach club

for results within two to three hours. More information can be found on locations and pricing at hermesairports.com/ covid-19/covid-19-test-labs.

Outside of Larnaca Paphos, a 90-minute drive from Larnaca, is a leisure destination favourite promising stunning natural landscapes, outdoor adventure, including hiking in the Avakas Gorge, waterfalls, historical sites and wine tours.

The newly opened Antasia beach club is a sophisticated spot with a bar to enjoy the spectacular sunset views and a gourmet Asian fusion restaurant. Part of the Thanos group, it’s attached to Almyra hotel, which was beautifully renovated last year, and Annabelle hotel. Both o er superb dining destinations, from Japanese at Notios to the charming Cypriot taverna by the sea, Ouzeri.

Ayia Napa’s underwater sculpture museum opened this summer, putting the notorious party town on the map for something other than its bars and nightclubs. An underwater forest, sculpted by Jason deCaires Taylor, features 93 works ranging from figurative sculptures to statues and trees.

CYPRIOT GASTRONOMY AT ITS BEST

Souvlaki

EAT LARNACA Cyprus is a culinary crossroads, so foodies love the diverse gastronomy, which is heavily influenced by Greece, but also Europe and the Middle East too. Meat is very much on the menu in Larnaca, and those frequenting local eateries will soon realise it’s at the heart of Cypriot cuisine. Souvlaki [kebabs], sausages and chops are some of the quintessential treats on o er for the carnivores.

A favourite among the locals is Militzis tavern by the sea, full of meaty delights and fresh salads, familiar treats like home-made hummous, local cheese, moussaka and freshly baked pita. Nearby, the old streets of the city centre are awash with an array of cosy and livelier options. Local haunts include Greek tavernas Valtou Rigani and Stou Roushia, where the barbecue aromas waft into the narrow-cobbled streets. For fish, Stefanos is a popular seafront taverna.

The beauty of Greek cuisine is that carnivores and vegetarians are as equally satisfied. Meat aside, the amazing dips, salads and vegetable dishes on o er are tempting enough. The Mingle Experience at the Qbic City Hotel has an extensive vegan menu in addition to its regular menu, o ering light bites, comfort food and selected local wines. With outdoor and indoor seating, this cosy little cafe is actually a perfect place to work with great background music, a lovely ambiance and good Wi-Fi connection.

DRINK LARNACA Cyprus might not be famous for its grape, but it does have a centuries-old history of wine making. The Oak Tree Wine Cellar, a family run business in Larnaca, o ers wine tastings with dozens of local specialities on o er, giving visitors an insight into this Cyprus tradition. Wines showcased are from small, local producers that use the island’s six grape varieties, including one red that has been brought back from extinction. A tasting costs just AED52, including a selection of 10 Cyprus wines, and is well worth the experience to explore this industry undergoing a beautiful revival in the island’s two wine regions, Paphos and Limassol, where 100 wineries are now on the rise. Hosted by the veritable local wine guru, Sergios, the tasting is also a wonderful way to meet the locals and understand more about this fascinating Mediterranean island.

Investment from Israel has also given a technological boost to the industry, blending Israeli innovation and the Cypriot traditions. Brands like Project X, a start-up between Ido Lewinsohn MW and Kamanterena Winery, are bringing the industry into the 21st century.

for leisure travel to become an incubator for techpreneurs, entrepreneurs and start-ups.

Its educated and bilingual population is driving the change. Infrastructure, construction and new university campuses are in full flow and a flurry of new industries want a piece of it. Lebanese fintech provider, FOO, recently opened an office in Nicosia, with plans to expand further in Cyprus and around Europe.

Larnaca’s port and marina project will build on the success of the country’s shipping industry, which witnessed a boom at the start of the 1980s and other industries grew as a result. During the 1990s, Cyprus diversified into corporate servicing, which helped drive the property boom of the 2000s and now, it’s the start-up generation delivering the next wave of economic growth.

The island shares many cultural synergies with the Middle East; a place built on relationship building, family and tradition. It is therefore no surprise that Gulf investment in Cyprus is robust, with Limassol Port now 75 per cent owned by Dubai’s DP World. Of course, it makes business sense too.

DP World Limassol CEO Nawaf Abdulla says Cyprus is the optimal location for the Dubai-based entity, which won the 25-year concession in January 2017.

“Cyprus makes sense for DP World given its position at the crossroads of Europe, Middle East and Africa, making it attractive for both maritime trade and passenger routes,” he says.

Limassol Port serves Israel, Greece, Lebanon, Egypt and other key European markets and is now the main cruise and oil and gas logistics services port of the island’s southern coast.

“Cyprus has the opportunity to play an important role in encouraging trade in the region,” Abdulla continues. Limassol Port is already one of the major destinations in the Mediterranean for the cruise industry, with the opportunity to be the first port of call for cruise lines after transiting the Suez Canal. The Larnaca port development can only build on this position of strength. The pandemic has also led to a change in Cyprus’ tourism source market demographics, with more visitors from the Middle East discovering the destination, assisted by strong air links and favourable travel rules.

Radu Stefan Mitroil from Thanos Hotels and Resorts concedes that while the pandemic drastically impacted the island’s tourism sector, there is a sense of positivity for 2022.

“Before the pandemic our main source markets were the UK, Germany, Israel and Russia. This has changed and we’re now seeing many more visitors from Israel and the Middle East joining us,” he explains, citing Lebanon, Jordan, the UAE and Egypt, all of which are a short direct flight from Larnaca. “There is definitely growth potential from this region,” he adds.

Lefkaritis agrees and says the Middle East now represents one of the top five markets for the Larnaca region.

“As a tourism board, we have always given emphasis to this market and prior to March 2020, we were seeing a record-breaking number of visitors from the region, with a large and steady increase projected, in line with increases from other markets,” he says.

Israel, Lebanon and Iran deliver the highest volumes, and visitor numbers from the UAE, Jordan and Egypt are smaller, but growing, Lefkaritis adds.

With travellers now choosing closerto-home locations, the future looks bright for Cyprus as a tourism and corporate destination with plenty to offer visitors whether they are searching for sun or business opportunities.

Cyprus has the opportunity to play an important role in encouraging trade in the region

ABOVE: Larnaca