Choirokoitia, also known as Khirokitia, is a Neolithic settlement in the Larnaca District of Cyprus, set in the village of Choirokoitia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is widely regarded as one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean.
What you will see
The main draw is the settlement's well-preserved remains of circular dwellings. The site is dated to around 7000 BC, so these stone foundations are among the oldest traces of settled life on the island. Walking between the remains gives a clear sense of how the village was laid out and how its houses were built.
Planning your visit
- Type of visit: an outdoor heritage site, best suited to people interested in archaeology and early human history.
- Location: the site sits in Choirokoitia village in the Larnaca District, in the south-east of Cyprus.
- Contact: you can call +357 24 322710 before you go to check current arrangements.
Because the site is an open archaeological area, comfortable shoes and water are sensible for the walk around it. Allow time to read any displays and to take in the setting, which is quieter than many of the island's busier sites.
Choirokoitia is a good choice for travellers who want to add a prehistoric dimension to a trip around Larnaca. It offers a focused and unhurried look at one of the earliest known communities on Cyprus, and it pairs well with other visits in the surrounding district.
