Limassol (Greek Lemesos) is the second largest city in Cyprus after Nicosia and the largest coastal town on the island. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the city dates back to the 2nd century BC. It has a population of 230,000, the majority of which are Greek Cypriots. English is the second language in the city, and it’s widely spoken there.
Limassol is a popular tourist destination for a number of reasons. It is known for sandy beaches, colonial-style buildings, parks, natural variety, welcoming atmosphere, taverns, wineries, festivals, and more.
Traveling in Limassol – Tourism in the Life of the City
Limassol amazes tourists with the variety of things they can find to do. Everyone here can find an activity according to their interest: strolls along paths surrounded by palm trees, beach volleyball, drinks, entertainment, and fun for the whole day.
Let’s look at some of the most popular activities that Limassol offers:
- Visiting wine villages
In Limassol, you can find the greatest number of wineries on the island. Wine-growing villages, which locals call “Krasochoria” have a rich history, and offer excellent wines along with beautiful scenery. Due to the dry climate, and unique geological location, wine-makers grow different grape varieties which give a special taste to the drinks.
- Taking a cruise ship tour
The Port of Limassol is the largest port in Cyprus, and one of the leading cruise locations in the Mediterranean. Here you can find all kinds of ships: small, luxury, and mainstream. Taking a boat tour or a ship cruise in the Mediterranean, passengers can look at the dark blue water of the sea, and have an authentic experience.
- Water activities
From exploring the underwater world and marine life to practicing extreme water sports: Limassol offers it all. Swimming, sailing, diving, parasailing, surfing, kiteboarding, fishing, and more: tourists can choose an activity according to their needs.
- Watching flamingos
If you happen to be in Limassol in winter, you can go to see flamingos. These birds arrive in the district for their winter migration. However, some of them stay the full year. Limassol Salt Lake situated on the southwestern side of the city in the Akrotiri Peninsula is a popular place for flamingo-watching. While going to see these birds, it’s important to know that flamingos are startled easily, and getting too close will scare them.
- Going to bars and clubs
Limassol has an active nightlife. There are various types of bars and nightclubs in the city center with drinks and music for every taste. During the summer season, they host international DJs, fashion shows, and parties regularly.
Places to Visit in Limassol
Here is our list of top places to visit in Limassol:
Kourion, named after the colonist, Kouriefs, is one of the main attractions in Limassol. Dating back to the 8th century BC, it presents an impressive archaeological site which includes an amphitheater, a treasury, a walkway, an ancient wrestling school, baths, temples, and a market. Inscriptions reveal that the city was dedicated to the God of the forests, Apollo Hylates, the protector of Kourion.
Admission fee – €4.50
A fairytale for automobile enthusiasts. This is a place where you can see classic, historic, and collectible cars of all ages. Among the vehicles is the first automobile with a combustion engine, the green Mini from the popular ‘Mr Bean’ movies, and more.
Admission fee – € 15 – for adults, € 13 – for adults over 65, €11 – for teenagers over 12 years, € 9 – for children 12 years old and under
This medieval castle, located on the southern edge of the village of Kolossi, is an example of military architecture. Kolossi played an important role and served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar.
Admission fee – €2.50
Sculpture Park is one of the most visited places in Limassol. It is located on the seafront, near the village of Fasoula. Here you can see works by different artists who participated in the Competitions held by the Limassol Municipality.
Admission fee – free
Molos, Multifunctional Seaside Park is the main place for strolls. It stretches across 1 km and is surrounded by many trees. Apart from walking, here you can bicycle, have a picnic, skateboard, exercise, or enjoy a cup of coffee.
Admission fee – free
This is a popular swimming spot, which combines a picturesque view, and mystery. According to a legend, it is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. There is a huge rock in the water, where the Goddess is believed to be born from the ocean. The Aphrodite Beach is located near the city of Pafos and is close to the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Troodos is the tallest and the largest mountain range in Cyprus. In the area, there are many famous resorts, and villages. In winter, the mountain is covered in snow and is a popular skiing spot. People visit the place for hiking, cycling, camping, and sightseeing. Here you can walk through the forest and see waterfalls. The region contains a large group of churches and monasteries of the former Byzantine Empire. Ten of the monuments are included in the World Heritage List.
The museum offers visitors an exploration of the island’s history from the 9th millennium to the end of the Roman period. Here you can see pottery from different ages, coins, jewelry, artifacts, copper tools, objects, and more.
The entrance is free.
Located near the Limassol Old Port, the marina is a residential and retail complex with modern restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. Limassol Marina offers benefits like an attractive location, impressive architecture, beautiful scenes, and direct access to the city center and the beach.
The museum, situated in Erimi village, is a place to discover the history of wine production on the island. Here you can taste wine, and see ancient jars, canisters, and other objects.
Admission fee – €4 or €5 with tasting
How Much Money Do You Need to Visit Limassol for a Week?
As preferences vary, there isn’t a definite amount of money for everyone to bring on to the vocation. However, take into account that prices in Limassol are cheaper than in most European cities. The average cost for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around €15, and the price for a local transport ticket is around €1.5. Public buses within the city serve famous attractions so you can take one to go to a beach and an archaeological site. There are options for staying at a hotel as well as for camping with different accommodations and pricing.
The Best Time to Visit Limassol
The largest number of tourists visit Limassol during July and August as these are the best months for swimming. The hot season lasts around 3.5 months, from mid-June to the end of September, with an average daily temperature being 84°F (29°C).
The cool season in the city lasts from December 5 to March 24, with an average daily temperature below 66°F (19°C).
Although the peak season for tourism is summer, Limassol has attractions all year round.
Festivals are among the reasons to visit the city. In February, you will be able to take part in the Grand Carnival, in spring there is the Mandarin festival, in May the city celebrates Anfestiria, the main flower festival. The list goes on.
With its cultural heritage, traditional and modern architecture, nature, and history, Limassol is a city worth visiting.
