Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The excavated tomb and sarcophagus of Hala Sultan (Umm Haram), meaning 'Great
Mother' in Turkish, is found left of the entrance, in what feels like a cave.
The tekke is 1km from the main road between Larnaka and the airport.
Larnaka Salt Lake
During winter this protected reserve fills with rainwater, creating an important migratory
habitat for flamingos, wild ducks and water fowl. As summer approaches the waters
slowly dry up and the birds leave. They are replaced by a crusty layer of salt amid heat
waves that bounce and shimmer off its white surface.
Archaeologists have determined that in prehistoric times the central lake (known to loc-
als as Aliki) was a natural port that facilitated important trade to the island. It serviced a
sizeable late-Bronze Age town that stood near where the Hala Sultan Tekke is now. In
1050 BC the town's population abandoned the site and shortly after the waterway dried
up, thus creating the salt lake. For centuries afterwards salt was harvested from the lake
and became a valuable export for Cyprus. Temporary harvest houses were set up and don-
keys were used to cart salt in large woven baskets. By the 1980s rising costs and slowed
production halted salt harvesting altogether.
There are walking trails around the banks which are great for birdwatching in spring.
During summer, when the water has disappeared, you should still stick to the paths rather
than walk on the salt crust.
Kiti & Around
Pop 3140
This village 9km southwest of Larnaka is home to the 11th-century domed cruciform
church of
Panagia Angeloktisti
(
h
9.30am-noon & 2-4pm Mon-Sat Jun-Sep)
. The church, literally
meaning 'built by angels', houses an extraordinary 6th-century
Mosaic of the Virgin
Mary
. It was only discovered in 1952 amid the remains of the original 5th-century apse,
which has been incorporated into the current building. Wonderfully preserved, the mosaic
portrays Mary standing on a jewelled pedestal with baby Jesus in her arms, bordered by
the archangels Gabriel and Michael. The church is still a place of worship with regular
services.
Further along the coastline you will find the village of
Perivolia
and
Cape Kiti
. The
cape, complete with cliffs and lighthouse, has some wonderful getaway hotels and simple
ice-cream parlours.
