Limassol, Cyprus

The Molos Promenade stretches along the central Limassol coastline from the old port to Olympia Beach. As such, it’s the perfect place for walking, swimming, sunbathing, water sports, cycling or rollerblading.

Enjoy a seafront walk from Ancient Amathus to the old port along Limassol’s 5km coastal walkway, breathing in the fresh sea air and taking in the endless blue view.

In the heart of the city centre, the Limassol Municipal Gardens house botanical gardens, an open air theatre and a small zoological corner. Head here for some time out surrounded by the greenery of local pines, eucalyptus, and cypress trees. The Municipal Gardens are also well-known for hosting the annual Limassol Wine Festival.

Limassol is packed with shops around every street corner. There are endless places to indulge in retail therapy, from fine boutiques to hip concept stores and traditional souvenir shops selling creative crafts and handmade products. Head to St. Andrews Street, Makarios Avenue, and Anexartisias Street for the ultimate shopping experience.

There is never a dull moment in Limassol! The cool city is home to countless bars, clubs, and restaurants and is particularly famous for its beachside bars and cafes just inches from the shoreline. So kick back, sip your favourite cocktail, and listen to the waves break.

Limassol is also famous for its vibrant festivals, the most notable being the Limassol Wine Festival, usually held in late August or at the start of September in the Limassol Municipal Gardens. The festival celebrates Cyprus’ long wine-making history with plenty of vino, entertainment, and merriment. Visit the festival to taste the Cypriot wines for free while you watch folk dancing and singing.

Other annual festivals worth visiting include the Athestiria Flower Festival in May, the Festival of the Flood (Kataklysmos) in June, and the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama in July. That’s not to forget the most well-known yearly extravaganza before Lent – the Limassol Carnival. The fun and flamboyant celebration includes parades, fancy dress parties, and much more.

Approximately 11km east of Limassol lies ancient Amathus, one of the greatest ancient kingdoms on the island. This site is steeped in legends and historic tales dating back to the 11th century BC. Built on coastal cliffs, it provides incredible views of the sea and fascinating insights into the past.

The countryside outside Limassol, 19km west of the city, is home to one of the island's most breathtaking archaeological site: the ancient Kingdom of Kourion (Curium). The remains of this ancient kingdom features a spectacular Greco-Roman Theatre perched high on hilltop and built in the 2nd century BC. Take time to enjoy views of the Limassol coastline from above, and if you’re visiting Cyprus in the summer, be sure to head here to enjoy a musical and theatrical performance under starry skies.

Near the old port in the central hub of the city, the Limassol Medieval Castle attracts visitors from near and far. Interestingly, its famed as the spot where in 1191, Richard the Lionheart allegedly married Queen Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England. Another castle worth visiting is the grand Kolossi castle, which once served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar and later as the headquarters for the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.

Plenty of museums in Limassol tell tales of days gone by. Be sure to visit the Cyprus Medieval Museum and the Limassol Municipal Museum of Folk Art, where rooms are specially staged to display old clothes and utensils realistically.

Limassol is blessed with beautiful long stretches of beach to enjoy carefree days soaking up the sun. Take a plunge at Governor’s beach, Dasoudi Beach, Lady’s Mile and Pissouri Beach (in the nearby village of Pissouri). Most Limassol beaches feature water sports for all the family and useful amenities such as changing rooms, showers, cafes and bars.