Summary
Limassol is Europe’s southernmost town, serving as a tourist destination in Cyprus, where visitors can embrace the simple joys of Mediterranean life. The area features pristine sandy beaches, a climate moderated by the Troodos Mountains to the north, and welcoming tavernas offering delectable meze and exquisite local wine.
Explore the surrounding region to uncover a land rich in history, where traditional methods of producing olive oil and wine prevail, and where one can wander through medieval ruins and ancient cities.
Let’s delve into the top attractions in Limassol!
1. Kourion
This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses 6,000 years of human history and is located just west of Limassol. Kourion flourished during the Roman period, referenced in the works of Pliny the Elder and Ptolemy.
The city’s most well-preserved remnants belong to this era, with the theater’s terracing largely intact along with the House and Baths of Eustolios, featuring vibrant mosaics.
In later years, Kourion became a center for Christianity, and visitors can explore the Episcopal precinct, which served as the residence of Kourion’s bishop, alongside two basilicas dating back to the 400s and 500s.
2. Molos
Situated between the city and the sea, Molos is not just a promenade; it functions as a captivating seaside park that stretches from the Old Port to the zoo. This space transforms a seaside stroll into an artistic experience, complemented by playgrounds, rows of palm trees, cafes, and benches, alongside water features, lawns, and sculptures.
On Sundays, locals frequent Molos for family outings; additionally, bike rentals are available to enjoy a ride along the elegant waterfront.
3. Akti Olympion
Partially bordered by Molos, Limassol’s premier city beach, Akti Olympion, offers an accessible option for those seeking relaxation by the Mediterranean. This Blue Flag beach provides essential amenities, including sun loungers, sunshades, and waterfront cafes.
Accessible by public transportation, it is also conveniently located near various shops.
The beach, characterized by its dark grey sands, extends over two kilometers, and in certain areas, it reaches a width of 40 meters, ensuring ample space for visitors.
4. Fasouri Watermania
Fasouri Watermania stands out among water parks in Cyprus, presenting an attraction that warrants an entire day. This Polynesian-themed park features a variety of slides, pools, dining options, and additional attractions across 100,000 square meters.
It boasts 22 attractions, catering to diverse age groups, from the adrenaline-pumping Kamikaze Slide for older kids and adults to the Kiddy Pool tailored for toddlers.
Adults can unwind with a massage at the on-site spa or relax on a sun bed throughout the day.
5. Limassol Castle
Standing robustly in the old town, Limassol Castle has a history that reflects many of Cyprus’s fortifications. Constructed by the Lusignans during the Crusades, recent excavations have uncovered remnants of both a Byzantine fortress and a basilica within its foundations.
The castle withstood assaults from the Genoese and the Mamluk Sultanate of Cairo before being reinforced during the island’s Ottoman period in the 16th century.
During peaceful times, the castle’s lower levels served as a prison until the 1950s.
Today, Limassol Castle hosts a collection of artifacts, including coins, weapons, and pottery from various epochs of the town’s history.
6. Kolossi Castle
A short distance west of Limassol, easily accessible via public transport, lies this fortress that merits a visit. It was at this location in 1191 that King Richard the Lionheart of England wed Berengaria of Navarre following his conquest of the island.
The castle was expanded during the 13th century by the Knights Hospitaller, with ownership alternating between this group and the rival Knights Templar over the ensuing centuries.
Today, remnants include a compact keep, a sizable rectangular courtyard, a well, and the ruins of a sugar factory, which was a focal point of the local industry during medieval times.
7. Tuck into a Meze
In Cyprus, sampling a Meze offers a delightful way to experience a range of local delicacies in one meal. Unlike tapas-style appetizers, a Meze in Limassol consists of a satisfying sit-down meal, comprising numerous small courses.
The meal typically begins with olives and progresses to dips like hummus, followed by grilled vegetables, calamari, and halloumi, concluding with your choice of roasted meat or fish.
Traditional tavernas are the prime establishments for enjoying Meze, and venturing to hillside villages outside of town can enhance the authenticity of this culinary experience.
8. Oleastro Olive Park & Museum
Olives and olive oil are fundamental elements of Cypriot and Mediterranean cuisine, making this olive press and museum an ideal introduction to local food culture. Oleastro is the island’s leading olive oil producer, sourcing oil exclusively from the koroneiki cultivar, and guides will illuminate the production process from soil to bottle.
Given the cultural significance of olive oil, this product is enriched with local lore; the museum explores both the scientific aspects and the mythology associated with olive trees and their oil.
9. Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
Located a few kilometers west of the ancient city of Kourion, this temple complex was once the most significant religious site on the island. Worshipped here was Apollo, the god of the island’s woodlands, from around 700 BC until 300 AD.
Substantial fragments of the sanctuary remain, including sections of the wall and portico of the temple, stairways, columns, and a monument where parades or dances would have occurred, along with lodgings for visitors.
10. Limassol District Archaeological Museum
This museum, a companion to Limassol Castle, chronicles the evolution of civilization on Cyprus from prehistoric times to the conclusion of the Roman era. Many artifacts from the late Bronze Age, Hellenistic, and Roman periods on display were discovered at archaeological sites nearby in Kournia and Amathus.
Among the standout exhibits are ornate animal-shaped wine vessels and a free-standing sculpture of the Roman god Bes.
11. Krasochoria
Traveling from Limassol to the southern foothills of the Troodos Mountains is a short journey. A prime reason to make this trip is the opportunity to tour the various picturesque villages engaged in viticulture.
Krasochoria is characterized by small stone settlements that are overshadowed by steep hills graced with terraced vineyards. Omodos is a charming example, situated 900 meters above sea level, featuring winding cobblestone streets and surrounded by a vibrant landscape of orchards with plum, pear, apple, apricot, and peach trees.
12. Commandaria wine
For an authentic taste of southern Cyprus, one must try Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine with historical roots dating back to 800 BC. This wine is produced through methods that predate Roman practices, utilizing either of the indigenous grape varieties, Mavro and Xynisteri.
The name Commandaria was associated with winemaking in southern Cyprus during the Crusades in the 1100s, making it one of the oldest continuously produced alcoholic beverages globally. Visitors can explore various wineries in the region to witness the fermentation and bottling process of this esteemed drink.
13. Akrotiri Salt Lake
One of the few wetland areas in the eastern Mediterranean, Akrotiri Salt Lake is situated in the heart of the cape of the same name. Despite its expansive circumference, the lake’s depth rarely exceeds one meter, with most areas being even shallower.
This characteristic attracts a multitude of bird species, especially during migratory seasons when various kinds stop here during their travel to or from Africa. Those visiting Limassol in the winter months can witness the breathtaking sight of several thousand greater flamingos inhabiting the lake.
14. Anogyra and Pastelli
Located off the road from Limassol to Paphos is the charming village of Anogyra, renowned for its cultivation of carob trees over many generations. These trees thrive on the arid slopes leading to the sea, with the sweet flesh of their pods being boiled into a syrup used for pastelli, a local confection that resembles toffee with a slightly bitter taste.
Anogyra is home to three museums dedicated to educating visitors about carob cultivation and the meticulous steps involved in the artesanal production of pastelli.
15. Avdimou Beach
While Limassol’s waterfront is characterized by modern tourist beaches boasting ample amenities, visitors may seek a more tranquil day by the Mediterranean. Numerous options lie to the east and west of the town.
To the west of Limassol, Avdimou Beach offers a broad expanse of sand and shingle, large enough to avoid overcrowding. The beach curves deep inland, resulting in gentle waves and waters that remain shallow until one ventures quite far out.
