Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus and the most southern in Europe. The Greek people pronounce it as Lemesos. The city stretches along a long stretch of beach and has one of the busiest Mediterranean ports. Visitors and ex-pats have plenty to do and see in this cosmopolitan hub of Cyprus. In addition to being a busy port and thriving tourist destination, Limassol offers a glimpse into Cypriot history, cuisine, and culture.
With its many archaeological sites and an array of designer shops, Limassol provides the opportunity to explore many ancient sites. The city served as a strategic garrison for Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade. Two ancient kingdoms once existed on the island of Cyprus - Kourion, and Amathus. Take a European cruise and see more of Limassol's highlights!
The strategic location of Cyprus, bridging Europe and the Levant, has drawn visitors for hundreds of years. The Mediterranean island has been shaped by all its peoples, from Neolithic settlements to Bronze Age copper mines that gave it its name, to ancient Greeks and Romans, with elaborate mosaics, and crusaders, who built good castles. In Nicosia, the capital, Venetians built majestic stone bridges and walls.
Today, Cyprus is divided. Turkish troops invaded the north following a coup in 1974. The island is occupied primarily by the Turks, with the internationally recognized Greek Cypriots occupying the southern two-thirds. The green line between the two islands is patrolled by United Nations troops. Taking a day trip over to Nicosia on the Turkish side is possible as part of reunification talks.
Limassol cuisine is influenced by local and international influences, with a strong Asian influence. Manykinds of seafood from the area are served at traditional restaurants, including clams and mussels. Begin each meal with a simple Greek salad with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, and olives. The historic district is lined with restaurants andeven more options tucked away along its streets.
Make your next vacation memorable with this list of all the fun things to do in Limassol. You will never regret taking this trip after an exciting experience like this. Now let's get started with the exploration of the port.
Since the 11th century AD, Nicosia, the largest town in Cyprus, has been the capital of the country, as the last divided capital in the world after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Its old walls surround this remarkable city, merging bustling modern-day business and cultural centers with a charming historic center. Observe the colorful 18th-century frescoes on the walls of the Cathedral of St. John, built by Archbishop Nikiforos in 1662. The Cyprus Archaeological Museum houses Cyprus's most significant collection of antiquities after leaving the cathedral. Aphrodite from Soli, today a symbol of Cyprus, is likely the most recognizable exhibit.
You'll see the Turkish side at the Green Line checkpoint at Ledra Street, located in Cyprus's northern part. We enter the old city through the impressive Venetian Walls via the Paphos Gate. Here, you can stroll among the traditional houses, craft shops, taverns, and galleries or shop for souvenirs along narrow pedestrian streets.
Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a small harbor and resort town. You can also visit the House of Dionysos in Paphos, which has mosaic floors showing scenes from Greek mythology and Roman legends unearthed from a 3rd century AD villa excavation. All around the Mediterranean, these mosaics are known to be the finest. You can spend your free time exploring international merchandise and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Limanaki, or you can relax and enjoy the town's lively atmosphere.
Here visitors can discover the Dionysos mosaics, renowned throughout the Mediterranean. Apart from that, picturesque churches, museums, countless antiquities, medieval monasteries, and a charming harbor guarded by a small castle.
See the pavement mosaics in Kourion's ancient ruins, an impressive Greco-Roman site. Within walking distance of the theater is a building dating back more than 2,000 years.This old theater, still used today for performances such as ancient dramas, is perched high atop a cliff and offers spectacular views of the ruins below and the sapphire sea. Visit Kourion's beach tavern for a local lunch.
A renowned village on the Troodos Mountain's slopes, Krasochoria overlooks the sea. Cyprus has been at the forefront of wine production since the Bronze Age and has a history of over 6,000 years. 'Krasochoria' originates from their wealth of wine-making tradition, hence the name. Inebriating views of the landscape, traditional architecture, and picture-perfect moments await guests at twenty traditional villages interwoven with the island's greatest concentration of wineries. Take part in a wine tasting that includes wines such as white and reds and ancient sweet wines such as Commandaria. Get swept away by the exquisite traditional cuisine of Cyprus while you sample their wines.
