5 Things to See in Limassol As the second largest city in Cyprus, Limassol (Lemesos) has a lot to offer visitors looking for a beach holiday, cultural visit, or both. All-inclusive resorts, an active nightlife scene and Byzantine monuments are just a few of the city’s attractions. Limassol is known for its fun-loving residents, who are keen to celebrate just about anything. It seems there is a special event happening every month. There is the 10-day Carnival in February, the Flower Festival in May, Beer Festival in July and annual Wine Festival in September, just to name a few. With 16 kilometers of sandy coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, Limassol is a beach-goers’ paradise. A convenient seaside promenade makes it easy to find your way around. Not far from the beach is the bustling city center, which offers cultural and gastronomic experiences unlike anywhere else in Cyprus. The historical center is located around the old port and Medieval Castle.
Limassol’s new port is the largest port in Cyprus, accommodating exports of fruits, wines, vehicles and other shipments. Between the old and new ports lies the new Limassol Marina, a €350 million project aimed at revitalizing the area with luxury waterside apartments and space for yachts of all sizes. This millionaire’s playground also includes 6,000 square meters of commercial and retail space. During Byzantine rule, Limassol, then known as Neapolis, was constructed between the ancient cities-kingdoms of Amathous and Kourion. Both settlements are now outstanding archaeological sites that attract history aficionados from around the world. Limassol is also situated in the heart of the island’s winemaking region. The villages north of Limassol on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains are renown for producing dry, red wine such as the famous Commandaria variety. The allure of Limassol is undoubtedly the promise of sand and sea, but there are many more surprises tucked away in its historical center. Stroll around the Municipal Market in Saripolou Square, head to the sites of Amathous and Kourion to witness the splendor of ancient Cyprus, or dedicate a day to wine tasting in the rural villages of the district. However you choose to pass the time in Limassol, you’ll certainly leave wanting to return. Here are my 5 things to see in Limassol!
Limassol District Archaeological Museum The Limassol District Archaeological Museum houses fascinating artifacts uncovered at the archaeological sites throughout the Limassol District. The collection of antiquities ranges from the Pre-Neolithic Period (10,000 B.C. – 8,500 B.C.) to the early Byzantine Period. Three exhibition rooms hold jewelry, coins, ivory, lamps, statues and imported Mycenaean vessels dating back to the Late Bronze Age. The museum also houses many objects related to the worship of Aphrodite. The impressive collection offers insight into the secular and sacred lives of the ancient Cypriots, as well as vital data about commercial activity in the Mediterranean. Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday closed Admission: €1.70 Limassol Castle and Museum This 14th castle is situated in the heart of the historical center, near the old harbor. The present structure dates back to the Ottoman Period, but excavations have revealed that an early Christian Basilica and a larger, Byzantine castle previously occupied the site. Rumor has it that King Richard the Lionheart, leader of the third Crusade, married Princess Berengaria of Navarre here in 1191. The Ottomans used the castle as a defensive fort and made use of the underground chambers as prison cells. In 1987, the building was ceded to the Cyprus Department of Antiquities and became the Medieval Museum. Exhibits include Islamic pottery, armor, weapons, jewelry, woodcarvings, Byzantine silver plates, tombstones, coins and religious objects. The roof offers great views. Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Admission: €3.40 Sculpture Park Having more coastline than any other city in Cyprus, Limassol has invested into beautifying its outdoor spaces. From 1999 to 2001, the city of Limassol hosted an annual Sculpture Symposium along the seafront promenade. Cypriot, Greek and international sculptors showcased their works to the public while reviving Limassol’s communal areas. Sixteen sculptures remain scattered along a one-mile stretch of the seafront, forming the city’s treasured Sculpture Park. A stroll through this area is a good way to know the city by foot. Where to Eat Ta Piatakia Ta Piatakia, or “small plates,” is an ode to the mezze food culture that defines Cypriot gastronomy. Chef Roddy Damalis has devoted his life to reinventing and redefining Cypriot home-style cuisine. Dining at Ta Piatakia is a unique opportunity to taste Chef Damalis’s culinary expertise and personal philosophy that big flavor can exist in little plates. Guests can enjoy from an array of signature plates that include stuffed village halloumi cheese, lamb shank with eggplant, oyster mushrooms in Roquefort cheese and minced goat patties. Chef Damalis’s unique vision for Cypriot food has led him to author the book, My Little Plates, as well as establish the Little Plates Cooking Workshop – a hands-on cooking school for all levels of expertise. But if you’re only in Limassol for a few days, you can just as easily get to know Chef Damalis by eating some of his famous creations. Recommendations: feta drizzles with honey, peri peri prawns, halloumi cheese wrapped in bacon with mango chutney, duck breast with walnut preserve, venison shepard’s pie, caramel cheesecake dessert ~ €25 -30 per person ~ Open Monday through Saturday 7 p.m. – closing ~ Reservations strongly recommended
Beaches
With miles of sandy coastline surrounding it, Limassol offers fantastic beaches. Those nearer to the city center have an array of facilities including restrooms, dining, water sports and wave breakers, making them more suitable for children. Beaches further from Limassol are known for their wilder, more unspoiled appearance. Not all of these have facilities or wave breakers, and are often more rocky than sandy. Beaches to the west of Limassol have rougher waters, so swimming may not be an option. Dassoudi Beach, main beach of Limassol Governor’s Beach, 30 kilometers east of Limassol Lady’s Mile Beach, near city center and Limassol Port area Button Beach, south of Lady’s Mile Beach Kourion Beach, 17 kilometers south of Limassol near Kourion ruins Avdimou Beach, 16 kilometers south of Limassol Melanda Beach, south of Limassol near Avdimou Beach Pissouri Beach, 10 kilometers west of Limassol, midway between Limassol and Paphos