Limassol is Cyprus’ second largest city offering everything you might be looking for in a Mediterranean city. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about getting to and around Limassol and the best things to do in and around Limassol city and Limassol district.
Why Visit Limassol?
Limassol has:
🔶 gorgeous sandy beaches for a relaxing beach day,
🔶fascinating Greco-Roman and medieval sites to explore,
🔶is near the lush forests and traditional villages of the Troodos mountains,
🔶a wide range of accommodations for every budget, and it
🔶has some of the island’s best traditional taverns serving authentic Cypriot cuisine.
How to Get to Limassol
Limassol is on Cyprus’ south coast and is the island’s second-largest city. However, it doesn’t have its own airport.
Nevertheless, Paphos and Larnaca International Airports are less than an hour’s drive away from the center of Limassol.
There’s no shortage of direct flights to Paphos and Larnaca from many European and international destinations.
And while it lacks an airport, Limassol has the largest port on the island, with most cruise ships having Limassol as a starting point and ferry links with Greece.
Getting Around Limassol
Limassol is a walkable city, so you can easily reach the city’s top landmarks, such as the marina and the castle, on foot.
The Old Town’s narrow streets are almost impossible to drive through and are a pleasure to explore by walking.
If you don’t want to walk around the city in the heat, Limassol’s bus network, EMEL, can take you both around the city’s main attractions and to all the towns across the district, such as Kolossi, Omodos, and Lofou.
If you’re planning a day trip from Limassol, take the Intercity Buses from Limassol’s central bus station, Leontiou.
The best way to get around anywhere in Cyprus is by car.
So, with the exception of the marina and Old City, I recommended renting a car to be able to travel around Limassol’s many attractions, beaches, and towns at your own pace.
Note: In Cyprus, we drive on the left side of the road. If you’re not comfortable with driving on the left, it’s best to take a taxi or explore through tours.
Best Things to do in Limassol
Limassol City is a truly vibrant city and a melting pot of culture and history, rolled up in a little luxury. The best place to start exploring Limassol is the bustling Promenade and Marina.
Here you’ll get sea views thrown in for free with a coffee and a sweet snack at a seaside cafe. The Limassol Old Town is a real pleasure to walk around and there’s a number of interesting museums to explore. You can easily spend a half day on foot in these, the nicest parts, of Limassol,
Limassol Old Town
I love the warren of winding streets at the heart of the coastal cities of Cyprus. In the Old Town, you’ll find traditional Cypriot architecture and boutique shops.
The Old Market and the Saripolou Square are full of cafes, cocktail bars, and restaurants.
Limassol Marina
The Limassol Marina is one of the most beautiful marinas in Europe and the Middle East with luxurious villas and apartments overlooking the harbor that is the only one in Cyprus able to host super yachts.
In addition to its luxury residential area, the Marina is home to trendy restaurants and bars such as the Pixida Fish Tavern.
Molos Promenade
Molos Promenade, also known as Molos Park, runs adjacent to Limassol’s coastline for 1.2 km (0.75 miles). It features a sidewalk surrounded by greenery and palm trees, making it ideal for picnics by the sea.
The park has bike paths, skateboard ramps, and walking paths, so it’s the perfect spot for a fun day filled with activities, such as skateboarding, cycling, or rollerblading.
By the promenade, there are also plenty of cafes to enjoy a cold refreshing drink or an ice cream while enjoying the views on Limassol’s hottest days.
Molos Sculpture Park and Trail
Within the Molo Promenade, you’ll also find the Molos Sculpture Park and trail, which hosts fantastic artworks by Cypriot, Greek, and foreign artists.
All twenty sculptures were commissioned by the Limassol Municipality.
They are accompanied by an ” Infopoint digital information access system” which gives you information about each of the sculptures in Greek and English.
Limassol Archaeological Museum
The Limassol Archaeological Museum hosts a collection of artifacts from various historical eras found on various archaeological sites across Limassol District.
The museum houses artifacts from the 10th millenium BC up to the end of the Roman period.
The first room showcases Cyprus’ pottery throughout the years, the second exhibits coins, jewelry, lamps, and copper tools and objects, and a third displays sculptures, tombstones, capitals, inscriptions, and other marble and limestone artifacts.
The museum is also home to historical finds related to the cult of Aphrodite’ and has many finds from Ancient Amathus.
It’s at the corner of Byronos and Anastassi Sioukri, and there is a little paid parking right next to it. It’s only open weekdays, from 8 am to 4 pm.
Municipal Museum of Folk Art
Limassol’s Folk Art Museum is housed in a renovated building and hosts a rich collection of rural crafts from all over Cyprus, showcasing the island’s folk art during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The museum’s artworks include urban attire, national costumes, furniture, country tools, wood carvings, embroidery, and jewelry.
It’s at Ag. Andreou 253, and it’s open weekdays, from 07.45 am until 14.45 pm.
Limassol Municipal Garden
The Limassol Municipal Garden is one of the most historic locations in Limassol and a symbol of the city, as it has a history of more than a century.
The gardens feature beautiful greenery with eucalyptuses, pines, and cypresses surrounding the garden’s paths and covers more than 60 square meters.
It’s great for kinds with a refurbished zoo and an open-air theater.
🤿 Enjoy Limassol’s Beaches
Limassol’s coastline has several kinds of beaches, including rocky shorelines, secluded coves, and lively sandy beaches.
🏖️ The busiest beach near the city center is Dasoudi Beach, a blue flag beach with fine golden sand and shallow calm waters.
By the beach, you can find amenities like bathrooms and changing rooms, as well as water sports activities, a beach volleyball court, and a kid’s playground.
You can also rent sun beds and umbrellas here.
🏖️ Limassol’s most famous beach is Governor’s Beach.
It is about twenty minutes from the city center but it’s worth the short drive here to admire its crystal-clear waters, stunning white cliffs surrounding the beach, and to snorkel.
🏖️ Another lively beach is Lady’s Mile, a beach based in the British-controlled Sovereign Base area, that stretches for about 5 km, offering plenty of space to lounge, sunbathe, and swim.
Located in Episkopi, a town 30 minutes away from Limassol’s city center, it’s popular for those eager to windsurfing and parasailing.
Visit Historical Sites
🏰 Limassol Castle and Medieval Museum
Within the city center, you’ll find the 14th-century Limassol Castle, home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum. The Castle is built on an earlier Christain Basilica.
Built during Turkish rule, you can view an online virtual tour of the castle here.
The Medieval Museum features an impressive collection of artifacts, including medieval pottery, silver Byzantine plates, tombstones, crosses, coins and weapons.
🏰 Kolossi Castle
Established by the Knights Hospitaller, Kolossi is a fine example of the era’s military architecture, while its sugar mill gives you a glimpse of the island’s agricultural heritage.
🏺 Amathus and Kourion
Apart from medieval fortresses, Limassol is home to the ruins of two ancient cities, Amathus and Kourion (Curium) that were located on either side of present-day Limassol.
Kourion is the remnants of a Greco-Roman city, known for its restored amphitheater overlooking the sea and the magnificent mosaics and frescoes depicting mythological scenes.
Car MuseumCyprus
In the uninspiring industrial district of Limassol city (Epimitheos) you’ll find a little treasure for clasic car lovers.
I get dragged to a lot of these around the world, but I really enjoyed this one. There’s a large historical spread of 3-wheeled post-WW2 vehicles, to classics Jags, Rolls, and more modern hotted-up numbers.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm, and weekends from 10 am until 6 pm.
Entrance Fees: Adults € 15, Over 65s € 13, 12-17 year olds €11, 4-12 year olds, € 9, Children under 4 years are free, family packages available.
Limassol Festivals and Events
Generally, Limassol is a vibrant city with many events and festivals throughout the year.
But there are two significant events that Limassol is known for, the Limassol Wine Festival and the Limassol Carnival.
The Wine Festival has, in fact, roots in antiquity when ancient Cypriots honored Dionysus, the god of vine and wine, with celebrations, dance, music, and, of course, wine.
Every September since 1961, Limassol comes alive, celebrating winemaking and promoting Cypriot wines.
Another fun event that shouldn’t be missed is the Limassol Carnival.
It is a 10-day colorful event held 50 days before Orthodox Easter, and similar to most well-known carnivals across the world, the streets of Limassol become a playground for both children and adults.
However, much like the wine festival, the carnival in Limassol also has its origins in antiquity when the ancient Cypriots celebrated Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, with a festival known as Aphrodisia.
This year, the Limassol Carnival will be held between the 7th and 17th of March.
Where to Stay in Limassol
Limassol may be known as Cyprus’ most cosmopolitan city but it offers all kinds of different accommodation, from luxury hotels and cozy bed and breakfasts to traditional guesthouses and budget-friendly hostels.
Check out our recommended Limassol hotels here.
A popular area to stay is near the Limassol Marina. However, note that Limassol Marina is usually home to high-end hotels and villas rather than budget-friendly accommodations.
Another great area with both luxury and boutique hotels is Germasogeia, a suburb of Limassol about twenty minutes from the city center.
If you prefer a more relaxed place to stay, Agios Tychonas offers some of the best hotels in Limassol, including the Four Seasons Hotel.
If you don’t mind staying outside of the city, check out the beautiful guesthouses in villages like Lofou for an alternative holiday.
Usually, guesthouses are hosted in traditional stone houses that share a courtyard, often with a pool and a restaurant.
Where to Eat and Drink in Limassol
The Old Town is undoubtedly the best area to find different kinds of restaurants, bars, and eateries and taste local food or enjoy international favorite dishes.
A popular spot is the Limassol Agora, the city’s old market, which has transformed into a food court, where you can find a variety of street food.
For those looking for a place to have a romantic dinner, the Limassol Marina has many trendy waterfront restaurants with stunning views and delicious food.
A favorite restaurant is the Epsilon Resto Bar, renowned for its modern interior and fusion-based menu.
If you really want to experience a traditional and authentic Cypriot culinary journey, venture towards the Troodos Mountains, where family-run taverns offer a feast of meze.
I guarantee you that not only you will leave satisfied, but you will want to visit again and again.
Day Trips and Experiences in Limassol District
Limassol districts has coastal villages, aniceint sites, monasteries, agrotourism, and wine routes that make Limassol a perfect base for exploring this compant yet diverse region.
⛪ Admire Limassol’s Stunning Monasteries
Limassol’s history is long and diverse. But you’ll notice that the whole of Cyprus is dotted with many churches, cathedrals, and monasteries.
That is because the island’s history is tightly linked with Christianity. Many of Cyprus’ monasteries offer historical, cultural, and spiritual experiences like no other.
So, let’s see some must-visit monasteries across Limassol’s district.
Located in a small village about 30 minutes to the east from Limassol, you’ll find the Byzantine Monastery of Agios Georgios Alamanou.
The monastery incorporates St George Alamanos’ Cathedral, four other smaller chapels, a courtyard with the catholicon in the center, and the nun’s rooms.
One of the most famous monasteries within Limassol district and the Troodos Mountains is the 13th-century Trooditissa Monastery.
Founded by ascetic monks, today it’s a pilgrimage destination for those wishing to conceive a child.
Within the Troodos Mountains, you’ll also find the Timios Prodromos Monastery, also known as Saint John the Baptist Monastery.
The monastery has suffered many disasters but its history dates back to the 11th century. Its 16th century church still remains intact and features traditional architecture.
🌄 Discover Beautiful Agrotourism Villages
Limassol is now Cyprus’ main cosmopolitan hub. But Limassol doesn’t offer only a city break, a beach holiday, or lively nightlife experiences.
Limassol is also the second largest district on the island with picturesque towns and villages hidden in the Troodos Mountains, perfect for an agrotourism holiday.
Omodos
Omodos is definitely one of the most beautiful mountainous villages in Cyprus.
It’s home to scenic cobbles narrow streets with traditional houses and taverns, and boutique stores selling authentic Cypriot art and crafts.
Omodos is also home to the Holy Cross Monastery, which holds a piece of the True Cross. So, Omodos makes for the perfect destination to experience Cyprus’ rural lifestyle and long Christian history.
Platres
Platres is one of the most visited towns on the Troodos Mountains as it offers diverse activities. However, it is mainly known for its outdoor activities.
Popular activities include hiking through the nature trails leading to the Millomeris and the Caledonia Waterfalls.
Platres is also home to excellent restaurants and cafes where you can taste authentic Cypriot cuisine, and well-known wineries where you can learn about the traditional methods of producing local wines like Commandaria.
Lofou
Another beautiful village on the foothills of the Troodos Mountains is Lofou.
Known for its well-preserved architecture, Lofou is home to stone houses with colorful doors and windows, traditional taverns and coffee shops, and wineries.
Join a Day Tour to Limassol’s Wine Villages or DIY
If you’re a wine connoisseur, you mustn’t miss the chance to taste Cyprus’ delicious and unique local wines.
And if you want to have a complete wine experience, these three fantastic routes across Limassol’s wine villages will surely leave you mesmerized.
Commandaria Wine Route
Commandaria is a sweet wine made out of the indigenous Mavro (red) and Xynisteri (white) grapes, and its story dates back to 2000 BC, making it the oldest named wine in the world.
The Commandaria Wine Route is also an ancient trail as its history goes back to 1192 AD when the Knights Hospitaller were impressed with Commandaria’s sweet taste that started its production at the vineyards of the Kolossi Castle.
Today, the wine route consists of four wineries and passes through the villages of Kolossi, Erimi, Monagri, Agios Georgios, Silikou, Doros, Laneia, Trimilkini, Agios Mamas, Kapileio, Zoopigi, Kalo Chorio, Agios Pavlos, Agios Konstantinos, Louvaras, Gerasa and Apsiou.
Fun Fact: Commandaria was the winning wine at the “Battle of Wines” in the 13th century, held by the French king Philip Augustus.
Krasochoria of Lemesos Wine Route
The Krasochoria of Lemesos, which literally translate to the Wine Villages of Limassol, have been practicing viticulture and winemaking for thousands of years.
Located on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountain range, they have unique climate and geology that allows them to cultivate the local grape varieties of Xynisteri and Mavro, as well as imported varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Grenache, and Syrah.
The Krasochoria include the villages of Kolossi, Erimi, Kantou, Souni-Zanakia, Pano Kivides, Agios Amvrosios, Lofou, Vouni, Koilani, Pera Pedi, Mandria, Kato Platres, Omodos, Vasa, Mallia, Arsos, Pachna, Anogyra and Avdimou.
Pitsilia Wine Route
The Pitsilia region is famous for its orchards and vineyards and is one of the most important agricultural areas on the island. So, it makes for the perfect wine route to experience the traditional methods of winemaking.
This region is also known for growing the local grape varieties, such as the red variety of Maratheftiko, which you can taste at one of the route’s many wineries.
The villages included in Pitsilia Wine Route are Trimiklini, Pelendri, Potamitissa, Dymes, Kyperounta, Chandria, Polystypos, Alona, Agros, Agios Ioannis, and Agios Theodoros, which are all across the mountain peaks of Madari, Papoutsa, and parts of Machairas.
