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Choirokoitia

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Historical site
—°4
Choirokoitia (Cyprus)

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Choirokoitia is an archaeological site in the Larnaca district and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of an aceramic Neolithic settlement in the entire Eastern Mediterranean. The settlement dates from the period between the 7th and 4th millennia BC and is renowned for its distinctive cylindrical houses built of stone and mudbricks. These circular structures stood closely together and were protected by a massive defensive wall. Excavations have shown that the inhabitants practiced agriculture, raised livestock, and possessed advanced craftsmanship for producing stone tools and jewelry. A unique feature of the settlement is the burial of the deceased beneath the floors of the houses. Choirokoitia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998, providing vital insights into the evolution of the first permanent human communities on the island. Several of the roundhouses have been reconstructed on-site to give visitors a vivid representation of prehistoric life.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141416192327303028242016
Rain mm7242231392116153071

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Choirokoitia is a Neolithic archaeological site open as an open-air museum. Visitors can see the reconstructed roundhouses and settlement remains.
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Typical hours
The site typically opens in winter from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in summer until 7:30 p.m. It's advisable to check current times in advance.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, but without flash indoors. The reconstructed houses offer particularly good subjects from various angles.
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Time needed
A visit to the site typically lasts between one and two hours. Those interested in the exhibition and details should allow more time.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the scenic village of Lefkara, known for its lacework. The nearby city of Larnaca with its sights is also easily reachable.
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Getting there
Choirokoitia is located near the A1 highway between Limassol and Larnaca, exit Choirokoitia. Parking is available right at the site entrance.
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Insider tip
Take time for the small on-site museum, which explains the artifacts and brings history to life. A morning visit is most comfortable as it is cooler.

Geography

Coordinates
34.79610, 33.34440

Facts

  • The settlement was discovered in 1934 by Porphyrios Dikaios.
  • The circular houses have an outer diameter of 2.3 to 9.2 meters.
  • Inhabitants cultivated grains such as wheat and barley.
  • Skeletal remains indicate an average life expectancy of 35 years.
  • The site was suddenly abandoned around 6000 BC.
  • It is estimated that 300 to 600 people lived in Choirokoitia.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ChoirokoitiaChoirokoitia<1 km · SEExplore →
Ayios Theodoros ValleyAyios Theodoros Valley5 km · NEExplore →
Drapia FarmDrapia Farm5 km · SEExplore →
Zygi Fishing Shelter & MarinaZygi Fishing Shelter & Marina6 km · WExplore →
Bee & Embroidery MuseumBee & Embroidery Museum6 km · SEExplore →
LefkaraLefkara7 km · SExplore →
Kornos HillKornos Hill8 km · EExplore →
Pentakomo Coastal CavesPentakomo Coastal Caves10 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Choirokoitia (4)

Ekklisiastiko Museio🏛 museum

An ecclesiastical museum in the Choirokoitia community.

Choirokoitia Remains🏺 historical

Significant remains of a Neolithic settlement in Cyprus.

Reconstructed houses🏛 museum

Reconstructed prehistoric circular houses in Choirokoitia.

Basketry Museum🏛 museum

A museum about traditional basket weaving in Choirokoitia.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How old is Choirokoitia?
The settlement dates from the Neolithic age and is about 9,000 years old.
Why are the houses round?
Circular construction was typical for the architecture of this early era.
Can you see reconstructed houses?
Yes, at the entrance there are five reconstructions showing prehistoric life.
Is the site located on a slope?
Yes, the settlement stretches across a steep hill above the valley.
Are there toilets and a café?
Yes, there are basic facilities for visitors at the parking lot.
Choirokoitia: where is it located?
Choirokoitia is located in Cyprus.
Choirokoitia: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ekklisiastiko Museio, Choirokoitia Remains, Reconstructed houses.
Choirokoitia: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Choirokoitia: why is it worth visiting?
Choirokoitia is an archaeological site in the Larnaca district and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of an aceramic Neolithic settlement in the entire Eastern Mediterranean.
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Nearby cities

Larnaca — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Larnaca
A coastal city with a palm-lined promenade and the international airport.
Governor&#39;s Beach — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Governor's Beach
Famous for the striking contrast between bright white limestone cliffs and dark sand, ideal for snorkeling and seafood dining.

History & landmarks

Choirokoitia — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Choirokoitia
A UNESCO-listed Neolithic settlement featuring reconstructed circular dwellings that showcase life 9,000 years ago.
Larnaca Salt Lake — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Larnaca Salt Lake
A complex network of salt lakes, known as a wintering ground for flamingos.
Kataklysmos — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Kataklysmos
The Festival of the Flood, celebrated grandly in Larnaca with waterfront activities.
Larnaca Castle — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Larnaca Castle
A medieval castle located at the southern end of the Finikoudes promenade.
Zenobia Wreck — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Zenobia Wreck
One of the world's top diving sites, a sunken ferry located off the coast of Larnaca.
Lefkara — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Lefkara
A world-famous village for traditional lace and silverwork, with architecture defined by its namesake white limestone.
Pentakomo Coastal Caves — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Pentakomo Coastal Caves
The coastal caves near Pentakomo are the result of centuries of erosion by the sea.

Nature

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Lefkara Dam
A large earth-fill dam that creates a stunning blue lake in the mountains above Lefkara.
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Dipotamos Dam
A large reservoir located between Larnaca and Limassol, surrounded by rolling hills.
Kionia Peak — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Kionia Peak
Kionia is a mountain peak in the Machairas Mountains.

More places

Hala Sultan Tekke — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Hala Sultan Tekke
A prominent Islamic pilgrimage site located on the Larnaca Salt Lake.
Church of Saint Lazarus — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Church of Saint Lazarus
A historical Byzantine church in the center of Larnaca.
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Ayios Theodoros Valley
The Ayios Theodoros Valley extends near the south coast.
Drapia Farm — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Drapia Farm
An agrotourism farm offering accommodation and experiences like halloumi making and olive picking.
Zygi Fishing Shelter &amp; Marina — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Zygi Fishing Shelter & Marina
A modern fishing shelter and marina, famous for its fresh fish tavernas.
Bee &amp; Embroidery Museum — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Bee & Embroidery Museum
A museum in Kato Drys showcasing rural life, with exhibits on beekeeping, winemaking, and Lefkaritika lace.
🗺️
Kornos Hill
Kornos is a prominent hill near the village of the same name.
Stavrovouni Mountain — Choirokoitia (Cyprus)
Stavrovouni Mountain
Stavrovouni is a prominent isolated mountain in the southeast.