Limassol Travel Guide
Introduction
Limassol is Cyprus’ second-largest city and it acts as the country’s busiest port. It is also a popular tourist destination, with great beaches, shopping, and cultural attractions.
If you plan on visiting during your Cyprus holiday, here’s what you can expect to find.
Come check out our Limassol travel guide as we cover the best things to do in Limassol, Cyprus.
Top Attractions
Begin your visit to the Limassol area with a day trip out to the ancient ruins of Kourion. While people lived here for more than 7,000 years, the city of Kourion first rose around 1,300 BC. Through its history, it came under the rule of many powers.
At one point or another, the Mycenaean Greeks, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Classical Greeks, and the Romans all controlled Kourion. Shortly after Rome’s fall, though, an Arab raid destroyed its acropolis, and thus, Kourion fell.
Archaeologists dug up the city in the early 19th century. Despite the passage of millennia, many of its features remained remarkably preserved. Today, visitors can gaze upon mosaics and its amphitheatre, where performers entertained the masses.
You can also enter the so-called “earthquake house.” This ordinary structure sheds light on a seismic event that devastated the city in the 4th century AD. Its occupants partially rebuilt the city, but given this house’s state, they didn’t save every structure.
Next, move on to The Sanctuary Of Apollon Hylates. You’ll find it close to Kourion, as it was where locals honoured Apollon, the god of the woodlands. There’s more than an altar at this site – you’ll also see a bathhouse and an ancient gymnasium.
On a beautiful, sunny day, the crumbling ruins stand out against the blue sea behind it. Note that site caretakers charge an entrance fee of about 3 Euros – don’t get caught short!
Closer to town, Kolossi Castle is also worth a visit. Crusaders from the Kingdom of the Franks built this fort in the 13th century. In the mid-15th century, the Knights of St. John assumed control and expanded its ramparts.
Though some of the grounds lie in ruins, most of the castle is in excellent condition today. Within the keep, take a walk up its spiral staircase. It leads to the highest point in the castle, where outstanding views can be had.
On your way out, try some fresh-squeezed orange juice. For decades, locals have run a stand by the exit, selling incredible OJ at low prices.
Those looking for a church to explore in Limassol will want to include Agia Napa Cathedral in their itinerary. This Byzantine-style church replaced an older one in the late 19th century, a fact which explains its relative modernity.
Before locals constructed the original church, someone found an idol of the Virgin Mary in a nearby field. As a result, they built it to honour the Holy Mother. Within, you’ll find a silver icon of the Virgin, frescoes on the dome’s interior, and a marble iconostasis.
Other Attractions
Like other destinations in Cyprus, Limassol has beaches that draw people from around the world. If you want to end your day of ruins exploration with some seaside relaxation, hit up Kourion Beach.
This chill spot is a sand/pebble mix, and it has excellent views of sea cliffs at its far end. Its shallows make it family-friendly, yet its high winds also make it a great spot to go windsurfing. Thanks to its location far from Limassol, it lacks the crowds of city beaches. Despite this, it has an on-site bar/restaurant, so don’t worry about packing food in.
Closer to Limassol, Governor’s Beach is another popular option. It takes its name from the fact that the former British governor spent considerable time here. Today, locals tout this blue flag beauty for its deep, crystal clear waters, and its great food options. Be aware this place is well-loved by nudists, thanks to its location out of the city centre.
Have a gearhead in your travel party? If so, include a visit to the Cyprus Historic & Classic Motor Museum. Within, you’ll find 120 automobiles from just about every era. Begin with a 1912 Model T, and end on a sports car from 2004.
All in all, this collection has some interesting pieces. These include Mr. Bean’s MINI, the armoured Cadillac of Cyprus’ first president, and Margaret Thatcher’s Range Rover. If rain forces you off the beaches, this fun trip down memory lane will help you salvage your day.
Are the kids not liking the beaches of Limassol? Take them for a day out at the Fasouri Watermania Water Park. Not only is it the largest water park in Cyprus, but it’s also home to Europe’s biggest wave pool. Have you got thrill-seekers in your travelling troupe? Set them loose on the climbing walls and the zip wire. You may have trouble getting them to come back to the hotel, though!
End an awesome travel day in Limassol at the Limassol Marina. This spot isn’t just where the wealthy park their yachts – it’s home to tonnes of bars and restaurants. From black-tie affairs to Pizza Hut, you’re bound to find a spot that works for your group!