Limassol

Limassol is the co-capital of Cyprus, located in the south part of the island. The second largest city of Cyprus, after Nicosia, has become very popular during the past few years. Its location, near the sea and close to the mountains, its magnificent sidewalk by the sea, that runs along the city’s waterfront, its revamped old town, its newly built impressive Marina, its magnificent restaurants and lovely bars, all these make Limassol a lovely destination to spend your summer days.

This bustling city attracts a wide array of people. From singles under 25 who come to party at Limassol’s many bars and beach bars, to couples who want to experience the luxury of the city’s gourmet restaurants and five star hotels. Families also come to enjoy the long stretch of beaches, the many attractions to visit and the various activities that take place around the city.

Places to visit in Limassol

Limassol is a city rich in history and culture. Start your tour, by visiting the beautiful Medieval Castle near the old port. According to tradition, Limassol Castle is there where King Richard, the lionheart, married Berengaria of Navarre. Right behind the castle, is the Carob Mill Museum, with a restored machine that used to process the carobs. Nearby by the shore, you will find Molos Promenade with it’s Sculpture Park and the Old Port Square with various restaurants and cafes. Next to the Old Port Square is the Limassol Marina, a stunning urban project, with many cafes, restaurants and shops.

On the eastern part of the city, at the end of the sidewalk, you can visit the ruins of the ancient city of Amathus, as well as the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite. In the outskirts of the city, 15 km to the west, you should definitely visit the beautiful ancient Kourion Amphitheatre, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, where a lot of concerts and ancient drama performances still take place. Nearby, you can also visit the Temple of Apollo. A few miles away, there is the Medieval Castle of Kolossi, an amazing castle built in 1210. If you are a wine lover, you should definitely check out the Wine Museum in Erimi Village, where among others, there is an excellent collection of commandaria brands, the famous local sweet wine.

Amathus Archaeological Site

Amathus Achaeological Site in Limassol Travel guide

Kolossi Castle

Things to do in Limassol

As Limassol is an important urban centre of Cyprus, there are a lot of festivities and events taking place quite often. At the beginning of September, there is the famous Wine Festival and in February the spectacular carnival parade, to name just a few. If you come here during the summer, you will spend your days at the beach, lounging or doing all sorts of watersports. If you would like to get to know Limassol better, walk around the beautiful old city and visit some of its many museums. The Archaeological museum, with important antiquities from the Roman and the Neolithic Ages, the Cyprus Medieval Museum inside Limassol Castle and the Pierides Museum.

It is also worth visiting the famous Wine Villages, about an hour’s drive from the city centre. Cyprus is an important wine producing country, and many of its very good wineries are located in those Wine Villages. Most of the wineries are open to the public (call in advance, Sundays closed). Do note that the Commandaria region, where this great sweet wine is produced, is also in the Limassol district and it consists of 14 villages. You can also visit some of Limassol’s mountain picturesque villages such as the beautiful Lofou, Anogyra, Vassa (there is a Zivania Museum, a local white spirit), Omodos and of course, lovely Platres, famous for its trout dishes.

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Fasouri Watermania

Shopping in Limassol

Limassol is the second largest city on the island and has many shopping areas and the main ones are Makarios Avenue, Anexartisias street and Agiou Andreou street. These shopping areas provide the full range, from ultra-modern to traditional items and souvenirs. You can also find plenty of clothes, footwear, leather accessories and also some superb jewellery stores spread throughout the town.

Agiou Andreou street is the best area for souvenirs, with many shops for locally produced items, including art pieces, leather goods, woven goods, ceramics, copperware, handmade silverware and jewellery, baskets, and the famous traditional handmade Lefkaritika lace

Anexartisias street hsa more than 300 shops, including famous trendy shops like Replay, Bershka and Mango, international chain shops like Zara and many clothes, footwear, sportswear and jewellery shops.

Makarios Avenue has designer shops and many of the more prestigious boutiques and showrooms, along with small shops of every type.

If you are fond of Malls, one of the largest shopping malls in Cyprus, “My Mall”, is located in the Zakaki area, at the northwest entrance to Limassol, with a close proximity to the port.

Shops in Limassol open at 9:00 or 10:00 in the morning and close at 8:00 in the evening. On Wednesdays most shops close in the afternoons, and on Sundays all shops are closed. During the summer most shops close between 1:00 and 4:00 pm.

Don’t forget to try some local wines and spirits, and maybe take a bottle or two back home as gifts.

The Nutcracker House Shop

My Mall Limassol

Best Beaches in
Limassol

In Limassol, the colour of the sea is dark blue, the waters are quite shallow and the sand is dark-coloured. In front of the city, there is a large waterfront, starting from Akti Olympion beach and ending in the Amathus area. You can swim, sunbathe, go sailing or do all kind of water sports. Loures beach, Vouppa beach, Miami beach and Castella beach are some of those beaches. Dasoudi (Small Forest) beach is hidden beach behind a small forest of eucalyptus trees near the centre of the town. There are full amenities in all of them, from watersports to showers and toilets. On the other hand, you can just spend your beach days enjoying your drinks and snack in the city’s many splendid beach bars, cafes by the sea or have lunch at one of the restaurants only a few metres away from the sea.

If you want to get away from the city centre, there are quite a few beaches that we recommend. Lady’s Mile, is a stretch of long beach with shallow waters, where the kids can build castles in the sand and with plenty of restaurants for lunch. Kourion beach, located 20km to the west, below the Kourion ancient amphitheatre, is ideal for watersport activities such as paragliding, kite-surfing, wakeboarding and more. A bit further to the west, you will find the Pissouri Bay beach, set between hills in a lovely scenery, with deep crystal clear blue waters. On the other side of Limassol, to the east, you can visit Governor’s beach, ideal for for fishing and snorkelling and with many famous fish restaurants.

Akti Olympion Beach

Dasoudi Beach

Best Beaches in Limassol

Explore the best and most popular beaches in Limassol and nearby areas

Accommodation in Limassol

Limassol is an ideal destination for families, couples and business travellers because of its many beachside resorts and hotels. The biggest and most luxurious hotels in Cyprus can be found in Limassol

There are also plenty of private villas and apartments to choose from, in more relaxing and quiet areas, often overlooking the Mediterranean. Most villas offer accommodation for a minimum of four guests and can be surprisingly good value for money, especially during the peak season.

If you are looking for holidays during the summer months and you are looking for a great accommodation near the beach, you should book well ahead. Great choices include the Four Seasons Hotel, the Amathus Beach Hotel, the Amara Hotel, the Royal Apollonia Beach Hotel and the Mediterranean Beach Hotel, all of which stand alongside Limassol’s beachfront.

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Places to eat in Limassol

Limassol is without a doubt, the island’s capital of gastronomy. There are so many excellent options for dining that you will be spoilt for choice. If you want to experience gourmet dining, there are quite a few superb restaurants in the city centre, the Old Port Square and in five star hotels. You can choose from Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, fish and seafood, steakhouses, local Taverns and many more.

On the other hand, there are also many, on the more budget side, options. A few gastropubs, the restaurants both around the Medieval Castle and in the old city, some known chain restaurants in the Limassol Marina, as well as lovely bistros and cute restaurants, delicatessens, lunch and brunch spots.

Furthermore many of the bars, wine bars and beach bars serve very good food. Along the coastal line and inside the city, fish restaurants are a must visit. Finally, you should also taste the food in the local restaurants and kebab houses, both in and a bit outside the city. Limassolians are proud of their restaurants and they have every right to!

Dionysus Mansion

Columbia Steak House

Top Restaurants

La Maison Fleurie

French, Seafood | Get Directions

Meze Taverna Restaurant

Cyprus, Greek | Get Directions

Dionysus Mansion

Greek, European | Get Directions

Columbia Steak House

Steakhouse, International | Get Directions

The Fish Market

Seafood | Get Directions

NOA Beach Seafood Restaurant

French, Seafood | Get Directions

Il Castello Restaurant

Greek | Get Directions

Danae Tavern

Seafood, International | Get Directions

Columbia Beach

Steakhouse, International | Get Directions

Puesta Oyster Bar and Grill

Seafood | Get Directions

Nightlife in Limassol

Limassol is a fun city. There are many options to choose from if you want a glass of wine, a fancy cocktail or even dance the night away. One of the most popular spots in the city, has been the Saripolou Square in the old city centre. It is packed with bars, serving drinks and nibbles. If you want to spend your nights in the old city, in almost every corner or street or even square e.g. the Heroes’ Square, there is lovely bar, whether it is a mainstream one or a cocktail one.

If you want to party near the sea, along the frontal waterside, there tens of bars, pubs and clubs especially in the more touristy Germasogia area. During the summer, some of the best places to party in Limassol are the beach bars where you can party and enjoy your drinks until late. The most famous of all is the Guaba Beach Bar, with famous Djs from around the world performing every Sunday. And if you want to really see how the locals enjoy their night, why don’t you visit some of the fancy bars and clubs playing almost exclusively Greek music? You might like it!

Guaba Beach Bar