Limassol is a popular tourist and resort center. The city is located in the southern part of the island of Cyprus, which is washed by the Mediterranean Sea.
This is a fairly large cultural, historical and economic center of the island. By size and population is the second city in Cyprus.
Description of Limassol sights, beaches, tourist reviews and much more - in our article.
Description
The population of the city is about 235 thousand inhabitants. Mostly Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots live here. There are also Russians (several thousand people) who moved permanently to Cyprus.
The tourist center is located between the cities of Amathus and Kourion - on the coast of Akrotiri Bay.
Limassol is considered one of the most interesting resorts of the island, because in the city, in addition to excellent beaches, well-developed infrastructure and picturesque nature, there are a lot of attractions and attractions.
In this city and its environs, the ruins of ancient settlements have been preserved, which are vivid evidence of the existence of an ancient Aegean civilization.
Various excursion programs in these places (including the Limassol Archaeological Museum) help to learn more about the history of the island (it turns out that the city appeared on the ruins of ancient Nemesos, and became famous from the time of the Crusades thanks to the English king - Richard the Lionheart).
Also near Limassol there is a well-equipped modern water park, in the city itself there are theater performances, concerts, there are zoos and just park areas, the promenade.
Also in the city every year (in August) wine festivals are held, which attract guests from all over the world.
What exactly is worth seeing ...
There are a lot of sights of Limassol . Each of them can be seen by going on a specially organized tour. Or on your own (do not worry about the possibility of getting lost, local residents always gladly help tourists in finding the object of interest).
Group tours can be booked directly at the hotels - with representatives of their tour operator. At a cost it will be somewhat more expensive than traveling on your own.
So what can you see and visit in Limassol?
- Ancient churches and monasteries (including Agia Napa Cathedral).
- Municipal Museum of Folk Art.
- Museum of Archeology.
- Limassol castle.
- Kolossi Castle.
- Embankment
- Omodos village and other mountain settlements (organized excursions from Limassol).
- Sanctuary of Apollo.
- Ancient Amanthus.
- Ancient Kourion.
- Beaches "Dasoudi", "Ladies' Mile", Aphrodite.
- Zoos
- Aquapark.
- City gardens.
- KEO factory.
About some of them - in more detail.
Cathedral
The famous Orthodox temple of the city is Agia Napa Cathedral, which is definitely worth a visit during a trip to Cyprus - to Limassol.
The building was erected at the very beginning of the 20th century on the territory of the ruined ancient church.
The author of the temple project is the architect Papadakis. The styles in which the building of the Cathedral of Agia Napa is erected are classical Greek and Byzantine.
Outside, the monastery looks quite majestic and modest. Inside, it amazes with its rich decoration (including silk embroideries and ornate lace), many decorative elements (forged metal products, stained glass windows, elegant stucco molding, stone carving), unique religious shrines.
The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary is stored in the cathedral, about which incredible legends (about miracles of healing) are composed, also the image of Jesus Christ with the twelve apostles (decorated with silk threads and the finest lace) and the belt of the Virgin.
It is necessary to visit this temple on your own or in an excursion group, since the historical and religious object is really a symbol of the city and the center of Orthodoxy in Limassol.
Limassol castle
The historical defensive structure was built in the XIV century by the Lusignans. According to legend, the remains of the walls of the Byzantine fortress, built in the X-XI centuries, were earlier on this territory.
History says that it was in the castle - in a small chapel - that the wedding of the English monarch Richard the Lionheart took place with the Princess of Navarre Berengaria (that’s the name of the street where the landmark of Limassol is located). And this event glorified the city throughout the world.
When an earthquake occurred at the end of the 15th century, the complex of structures was destroyed, and in the 16th century it was rebuilt by the Turks.
After that, from the beginning of the XIX to the middle of the last century, a prison was organized in the building. But then the Limassol castle was closed for reconstruction, after which the Cyprus Museum of the Middle Ages was opened here.
Among various historical values, ceramics, furniture, clothes, weapons, medieval knightly armor are stored and presented for tourists to the walls of this ancient building.
Archaeological Museum
The museum was founded in the middle of the 20th century. Currently geographically located near city gardens. And initially the exposition was placed right in the Limassol castle.
It consists of three halls (quite large in area) and an atrium, interconnected by corridors.
The museum exposition consists of ancient collections of coins, jewelry, razors and other ancient finds. You can also see tombstones made of marble, ancient statues of deities (including Artemis).
All these artifacts are found in the vicinity of the city and belong to the inhabitants of the Neolithic period.
Zoo
What to see on your own in Limassol? It is worth a visit with the children to the zoo and water park. These are amazing places that will give a lot of joyful emotions and impressions to both adults and kids.
The zoo is a territory (small in area) where animals live completely in their natural conditions. There is also a miniature zoo farm where donkeys, ponies, cows, turkeys, goats, ducks are raised.
All the staff of the zoo in Limassol is very careful about its inhabitants. Even on certain days of the months, special educational lectures and seminars are organized for students. Thus, children are trying to instill a love of biology, zoology, the environment and its inhabitants.
Aquapark
Of course, a water park is a favorite vacation spot for the whole family. Located just 7 kilometers from the city. Considered the best in Cyprus. Its area is quite impressive in size - about 100 thousand square meters.
The design of the water body is made in a tropical style. There are many exotic plantations, including olive and orange trees. There are Polynesian structures with roofs made of palm branches, as well as elegant wooden bridges.
There are about 30 different attractions, the most popular of which are: Kamikaze hill (50 meters long), children's locations with slides and playgrounds, a river with a fast current, a pool with artificial waves and so on.
There are also 7 points where you can buy food and drink (restaurants, cafes) to cool off with drinks (water) on a hot day and grab a bite to eat.
The water park in Limassol was founded in 1999. Every year, Fassouri Watermania receives updates, including in terms of the quality of the services provided (for which he won three times as the best on the island).
It can be reached by car from the city center. There are also scheduled special buses.
Beaches
The most interesting object of the city is the sea coast. There are a lot of places for sunbathing and swimming. The best beaches of Limassol are the Governor's, Dasudi, Ladies' Mile, Aphrodite and others.
At first (especially noticeable to those who come to the resort town for the first time) it seems that the sand is dirty. The thing is that here it really has a dark shade due to the presence of a high percentage of a chemical element - silicon. Which also affects the color of the Mediterranean Sea (no azure).
In fact, this chemical element is very beneficial for the skin. And from the point of view of aesthetics, you must either get used to it or choose a hotel where specially brought clean light sand and pebbles.
Dasoudi Beach
City beach, located 3 kilometers from the city. This resort area is convenient for travel (from any hotel you can reach), as well as a small number of vacationers.
The cleanest water, fresh sea air, eucalyptus vegetation around make this place especially attractive for vacationers with families or couples (young, middle-aged).
On the beach there is a cafe, parking for cars, children's and sports grounds, special paths to the water.
Ladies' Mile Beach
The coastline, which includes several beaches, has a length of 5 kilometers. The depth of the sea is small, which will appeal to families with small children. There is also an open area, and therefore windy. This is a great place for anyone who windsurfs.
There are a lot of tourists on the Ladies' Mile beach, especially during the hottest season. All infrastructure is equipped at the highest level.
You can get to the beach by bus, which travels from the very center of Limassol.
Aphrodite Beach
This mysterious and interesting place for all tourists is located between Limassol and Paphos. The sandy beach is very cozy and romantic, especially in the evening.
According to legend, in this place the goddess Aphrodite herself once came out of the sea foam. Therefore, it is recommended that unmarried women and couples swim in the sea - this is the key to eternal youth, happy relationships and love in life.
Here you can rent sun loungers, umbrellas, sports equipment.
There are hotels near the beach. You can get from Limassol by bus, car, motorcycle.
Reviews
About the resort and the attractions of Limassol, feedback from vacationers is very positive. Especially from young people, since this tourist facility allows you to perfectly combine leisure, sightseeing and entertainment.
A healthy sea and eucalyptus air has a beneficial effect on the health of children and adults, especially those who have some problems with the respiratory system.
Reviews of tourists about Limassol:
- Hot climate in summer, warm in winter.
- Pleasant smell of eucalyptus.
- Beautiful paved walkways.
- Picturesque views.
- Delicious food in the hotel restaurant (all-inclusive category).
- Fun donkey riding.
- Great water park.
- Good infrastructure.