Larnaca
WHY LARNACA?
Like most other towns on the southern coast, Larnaca was refashioned by the building boom of the late 1970s. The loss of Nicosia airport with the Turkish occupation led to the airstrip outside Larnaca being extended and new terminal buildings being built. This facilitated a considerable increase in tourist traffic, and a number of large hotels were constructed on the long beach situated just outside the town.
One of Larnaca's most distinctive features is the mid-town seaside promenade lined with tall palm trees. A project to improve the area around the promenade - known as the Finikoudhes - and turn it into a large precinct bordered by tavernas and a sandy beach was recently completed. The takeover of the yacht marina by a private company (from the Cyprus government), which plans to invest heavily in the marina's expansion, will result in a sharp boost in property value in the area. Palm trees and minarets which dot the horizon also give Larnaca a Middle Eastern ambience, particularly in the old, inner city.
The advantages of Larnaca as a tourist resort are also numerous. The town is large enough to have everything one may need, but still is not overcrowded, especially at its beautiful beaches which extend for 25km. The archaeological sites and its six museums are in the centre of the city within walking distance.
Summer sports, sea activities and cruises are readily available. The shops are well stocked, medical care is excellent, and its cinemas are screening films simultaneously with the cinemas of Europe and the USA. The variety of restaurants, tavernas, cafeterias and bars is great. The Cyprus "meze" is the food specialty of the town. Night life is interesting and safety in the streets unsurpassed. Cultural life is rich and many events are organised by the town's Municipality almost daily.
Because of the mild climate in the winter and the genuine hospitality of the local people, Larnaca enjoys tourism at very high occupancy rates all the year round. The whole area has 9,500 hotel beds, about 10% of the islands total tourist capacity. Along the bay, there are luxurious beach hotels and also hotel apartments or holiday apartments of very high standards with prices generally lower than the rest of the island.
Situated in a strategic position, Larnaca is located in the centre of the island and is an ideal base for exploring the rest of Cyprus. Its residents benefit from Larnaca International Airport and close proximity to the remaining cities in Cyprus. Nicosia is only a 20-minute drive away and reaching Limassol takes just 30 minutes driving time.
In addition, the closure of the refinery along the Larnaca - Dhekelia Road in May 2004 (a primary reason why the value of Larnaca's property has not reached the peaks like other Cyprus towns), will also shoot property value even higher, the extension of the International airport will also increase demand for quality properties within the surrounding areas. Entry of Cyprus into the European Union and the resolution of the long standing Cyprus problem are further indicators of the worth added to property - property prices are expected to rise much higher.
About Tersefanou
A lovely village of moderate size it is situated to the west of Larnaca and will be where the planned golf course is to be built. Views from most areas in and around the village are beautiful and most properties enjoy a sea view.
The close by village of Kiti has all amenities and with Larnaca being only a 15 minute drive away plus the beach just ten minutes away this location has a lot to offer.
The golf course will have a positive effect on land and house prices, as it is already doing. The time to invest in this area is now before prices escalate to those seen around other golf developments.
About Kiti
A good sized village with a population of just over 3,000 it lays just 7kms west of Larnaca and has all amenities such as banks, supermarkets, tavernas coffee shops and restaurants.
Unlike some of the smaller villages Kiti is alive during the day! You can get everything you need here and it has several tavernas well worth visiting for lunch or dinner. The nearby village of Pervolia is just 1.5kms away and for those who are energetic it is only a 20 minutes stroll.
A bus service runs to Larnaca every hour and will take just 15 minutes. Good beaches are just 5 - 10 minutes drive away and access to all other major towns is easy through the excellent road network.
When considering the area around Kiti you cannot dismiss the impact that a new golf course will have on the property prices. Unlike other courses in Cyprus which are in relatively remote locations, this new project will be set just outside of the villages in the area, namely Kiti, Tersefanou, Pervolia and Menou.
Final planning approval is still to be given but it is not too far away from being granted. For this reason the prices in the area are at a level that reflects the normal prices for the area. Once final approval is granted then it is sure to have a positive impact on property prices in the area.
About Pervolia
Pervolia has remained a well hidden secret for years, an unspoilt area with long stretches of pebble beaches and some sandy beaches it has a charm that will have you returning many times even if it is just to have a leisurely lunch in the beautiful village square or to watch some traditional singing and dancing whilst enjoying a candlelit dinner. From the village itself you can walk to the beaches and a walk to the larger village of Kiti will only take you about twenty minutes.
Development is slower here but look out, this is an area earmarked to do well. It will only be a ten minute drive from the proposed golf course and with the added bonus of being just a walk from the beach it will prove very popular for investors.
About Oroklini
Just to the east of Larnaca, Oroklini has proven a popular destination for holidaymakers as well as those who wish to make a permanent move to Cyprus. It is a fair sized village and is only a few kilometers away from the seafront and Larnaca Bay, where there is a choice of sandy beaches and the usual array of tavernas, restaurants and bars.
Oroklini itself has all amenities including banks, restaurants and shops as well as a direct bus route through to Larnaca.
Agents Info - Cyprus (A.I.C.)
2nd Floor
145-157 St John Street
London
EC1V 4PY
URL: www.agentsinfo.co.uk
Fax: 00 357 25 581 674
Email: sales@agentsinfo.co.uk