Lemesos (Limassol)
Lemesos (Limassol) – is the island’s second largest city, a city that sparkles with energy and ‘joie de vivre’. Lemesos is conveniently situated 35 minutes away from both Larnaka International airport and Pafos airport between the two ancient city-kingdoms of Amathus and Kourion. It is the island’s main port, the centre of wine industry and a fascinating holiday resort which caters to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Underneath the magnificent backdrop of the Troodos mountain range, the town’s tourist strip stretches along the coastline and is packed with hotels and restaurants, pubs and night spots. A splendid promenade extends over a large area of the coastline. Behind the promenade lies busy St Andrews street, with quant little shops offering local jewellery, souvenirs and local crafts. At the end of promenade you will find Limassol Marina which combines elegant residences and a full service marina with an enticing mix of restaurants and shops, to create a lifestyle uniquely shaped by 'living on the sea'.
Makarios Avenue, in the centre of Limassol town offers mainstream shopping with prestigious boutiques, designer outlets and showrooms, as well as small shops of every type.
A destination with marvellous sandy beaches and high standard accommodation, professional financial and business services, countless of activities and entertainment spots. The people of Lemesos have a fun-loving reputation and are very proud to host and stage some of the island’s best known festivals, such as the annual Wine Festival in September, when various wineries offer free samples of their produce and the Carnival in February with the grand fancy dress chariot parade and masquerade parties. Not surprisingly the nightlife is varied with all sorts of taverns, clubs and discos.
Its unique identity is based in its rich history which spreads out between two ancient city kingdoms: Amathus on the East and Kourion on the West, two of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Cyprus. Kourion, is one of the most interesting and spectacular archaeological sites on the island with excavations still bringing new treasures to light. The magnificent Graeco-Roman Theatre was originally built in the 2nd century BC and enlarged in the 2nd century AD. It is now fully restored and used for musical and theatrical performances. Amathus, provides interesting excavations and numerous tombs have been found. One such tomb can be been found in front of the Amathus Beach Hotel.
In the old town, the medieval castle radiates out from the old fishing harbour and was the site that hosted the royal wedding in the Middle Ages between Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre.
Take some time to enjoy the charming surrounding countryside and head towards the Kolossi Castle, one of the most important fortress in Cyprus built by the Franks in the 13th century. Kolossi Castle is also where the delicious sweet dessert wine ‘Commandaria’, the world’s oldest named wine was produced.
Resume your drive to the north of Limassol on the way to the southern villages of Troodos driving through the scenic wine producing villages or ‘Krassochoria’ as known in Greek. Experience the history of traditional Cyprus wine making, take a stop at a winery and sample Cyprus wine and visit the picturesque villages. Lemesos with 100 villages within its district, including the magnificent Troodos mountain range makes it ideal for exploring traditional Cyprus. Among the most popular villages is Lania, Lofou, Vouni and Omodos.
Limassol offers all of the attractions of a seaside town with beaches, water sports and diving as well as the family attractions of Water parks and the Zoo. The restaurants provide a full international choice of food and there are many excellent local Tavernas serving Cypriot specialities. The night life is lively and vibrant with a wide choice of clubs, wine bars, pubs and disco’s. If you are looking for a mix of cultural activities or just the seaside experience, or both, then Limassol is the place to be.
