Choirokoitia

Choirokoitia is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. Dating back to the Aceramic Neolithic period (around 7000 BC), it provides unique evidence of an organized sedentary society. The settlement consists of circular houses built from limestone and sun-dried mudbricks, clustered on a hillside overlooking the Maroni Valley. At the base of the hill, five dwellings have been reconstructed using ancient techniques, allowing visitors to experience the scale and atmosphere of 9,000-year-old homes. An intriguing custom of the inhabitants was burying their dead beneath the house floors. A path leads up the hill to the original excavations, where the defensive wall and foundations of dozens of huts are visible. The site is conveniently located just off the main highway between Nicosia and Limassol. A small visitor center provides context on the tools and agricultural practices discovered here. A visit typically takes about an hour and is best combined with a trip to the nearby mountain village of Lefkara. Sun protection is recommended as the hillside is quite exposed.

Nearby cities

Larnaca

A coastal city with a palm-lined promenade and the international airport.

Governor's Beach

Famous for the striking contrast between bright white limestone cliffs and dark sand, ideal for snorkeling and seafood dining.

History & landmarks

Larnaca Salt Lake

A complex network of salt lakes, known as a wintering ground for flamingos.

Kataklysmos

The Festival of the Flood, celebrated grandly in Larnaca with waterfront activities.

Larnaca Castle

A medieval castle located at the southern end of the Finikoudes promenade.

Zenobia Wreck

One of the world's top diving sites, a sunken ferry located off the coast of Larnaca.

Lefkara

A world-famous village for traditional lace and silverwork, with architecture defined by its namesake white limestone.

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

Kionia is a mountain peak in the Machairas Mountains.

More places

Choirokoitia

One of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean (UNESCO).

Hala Sultan Tekke

A prominent Islamic pilgrimage site located on the Larnaca Salt Lake.

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

An agrotourism farm offering accommodation and experiences like halloumi making and olive picking.

Bee & Embroidery Museum

A museum in Kato Drys showcasing rural life, with exhibits on beekeeping, winemaking, and Lefkaritika lace.

Zygi Fishing Shelter & Marina

A modern fishing shelter and marina, famous for its fresh fish tavernas.

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Kornos Hill

Kornos is a prominent hill near the village of the same name.