Things to do in Limassol

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Explore Ancient Kourion

One of Cyprus’ premier tourist destinations and most remarkable archaeological marvels, the ancient city-kingdom of Kourion (also spelled Curium) stands as a highlight on the itineraries of most visitors. Kourion boasts a history dating back to the Neolithic era, although its most striking monuments all hail from its Greco-Roman period. The intimate amphitheatre, accommodating up to 3,500 spectators, was originally constructed in the 2nd century and later expanded by the Romans. Following its complete reconstruction post a 4th-century earthquake, the theatre offers breathtaking vistas over the rugged coastal cliffs and the vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea. For aficionados of mosaic art, the House of Eustolios within Ancient Kourion steals the spotlight. Initially serving as an opulent Roman villa, it was repurposed into a communal leisure center and public baths during the Byzantine period. The remarkably preserved mosaic floors here are a sight to behold. Notable features include the depiction of Achilles disguised as a woman and the renowned four-panel mosaic portraying a partridge alongside the god Ktisis. Continuing along the cliff’s edge, visitors encounter the remnants of a 5th-century Byzantine Basilica, a Roman Nymphaeum adorned fountain, and extensive remains of public baths. A brief stroll from these ruins leads to the diminutive House of the Gladiators, named for its mosaic floor depicting a gladiatorial combat. Upon concluding the exploration of the site, a visit to the nearby village of Episkopi (located two kilometers northeast) and its Kourion Museum is highly recommended. The museum’s collection showcases a plethora of smaller artifacts unearthed from both Kourion and the Sanctuary of Apollo.

Relax on Limassol's Beaches

For many visitors, a holiday in Limassol means one thing: the beach. The long, sandy eight-kilometer stretch of Lady’s Mile Beach (13 kilometers southwest of Limassol) is on the eastern shore of the Akrotiri Peninsula and is one of the most popular local beaches, with the interesting landscape of the salt lake running behind the shore Kourion Beach (17 kilometers west of Limassol) is below the mighty ruins of Ancient Kourion and boasts a wide sweep of golden-beige sand backed by cliffs, and the remains of a 6th century basilica nearby – in case you need a dose of culture with your sunbathing. Avdimou Beach (27 kilometers west from Limassol) is a long beach with a sandy shore, pleasant swimming, and a small café and a jetty at the eastern end. Pissouri village (10 kilometers west of Avdimou) has an enticing beach with a pleasant stretch of sand. The village is on a cliff top and has plenty of pretty cafés and boutiques to visit when you’ve packed the sand castle action up for the day.

Delve into the Attractions of Limassol Old Town

Limassol’s lively old town district is the most interesting part of the city to explore. Right in the center, on the main square, the top tourist attraction is Limassol Castle, built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Byzantine construction. Some of the earlier fortifications can be seen just inside the walls. This is where Richard the Lionheart of England married Berengaria, and later, the Ottomans used it as a military base. The entire interior of the castle is now home to Limassol Medieval Museum with a fascinating collection of suits of armor, weaponry, religious icons, and tombstones. The main square is rimmed by cafés and restaurants always bustling with Limassol’s bright young things. After dosing up on castle history, check out the city’s modern vibe at the innovative Lanitis Art Foundation (also on the main square), housed in an old Carob Mill and home to a rotating schedule of exhibitions. A hop-skip-and-jump east from the square is bulky Limassol Cathedral, with a wonderfully Baroque facade, while down a squiggle of an alleyway is the small Grand Mosque, surrounded by palm trees.

Visit Kolossi Castle

Probably the dinkiest castle you’re ever going to see, Kolossi Castle was built in 1210 CE by the Knights of St. John. Just 10 kilometers west of central Limassol, it’s one of the best places to visit on the road between Limassol and Ancient Kourion. It is a fine example of military architecture and served as the Grand Command center of Jerusalem’s Order of St. John until being taken over by the Order of the Knights Templar in the 14th century.You enter the castle across a tiny drawbridge, which brings you into a large chamber with a decently-preserved fresco depicting Jesus’ crucifixion on the main entrance wall.A narrow spiral staircase leads you up to the second level with two stone-cut chambers, and then onto the battlemented roof with excellent views across Kolossi village below. Beside the main castle building is the ruins of a medieval factory where the knights processed sugar cane.

View the Akrotiri Peninsula

The Akoriti Peninsula slithers south from Limassol covered with citrus plantations and large stands of cypress trees and with a Salt Lake at its core. Much of the peninsula is part of the Akrotiri British Sovereign Base, although driving along its length there’s not much sign that you’ve passed from Cypriot to British territory. The Salt Lake here, six kilometers southwest from central Limassol, is a major overwintering site for greater flamingos and is one of the Mediterranean’s most important wetland sites for wading birds. Right at the tip of the peninsula is the Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas of the Cats, founded in CE 325, although the current buildings date from the 13th century. Above the north entrance is a marble section dating from the medieval period and depicting four coats of arms. The monastery gets its rather long name from the multitude of cats that sprawl out across the grounds and were first introduced from Egypt here in the 4th century to try to control the peninsula’s snake problem. The method worked and instead of snakes, the monastery (and Cyprus as a whole) is now overrun with cats.

Hike in the Hills around Platres

High up in the Troodos Massif is the tiny village of Platres, which hums with visitors both local and foreign in the summer, when the coast temperatures start to sizzle. This is the ultimate high-hills resort, which first found favor during the British colonial period and has played host to numerous famous heat-escapees including King Farouk of Egypt. Today, it’s a favored bolt-hole for hikers and nature-lovers attracted by the lush and beautiful Troodos Mountains. Despite the onset of tourism, the village has hung on to much of its traditional character. The narrow streets are rimmed with well-preserved, sturdy stone houses; many sporting creaky overhanging balconies. Just out of town are the cooling waters of the Kaledonian Falls, while those in the mood for more than a meander can pull their hiking boots on and hit the downhill trail to the village of Foini or, for something more exerting, the uphill hike to the village of Pouziaris. Buses from Limassol leave three times daily for Platres, which is 39 kilometers north of town.

View the Sanctuary of Apollo

Celebrating Apollo Hylates, God of the Woodland and protector of Ancient Kourion, this temple ruin dates from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE. Excavations have revealed other structures that once stood on the site, including a bath complex, pilgrim hall, and holy precinct. Today though, the triumphant pillars of the lonely main sanctuary building are the only well-preserved portion of what must have been a rather impressive religious compound. Visitors can also see the Priest’s House where there are remnants of a mosaic. A paved route then passes along the portico of the South Building and down a flight of steps to a Palaestra (sporting arena) once used for athletic games. The Sanctuary of Apollo is only three kilometers west of Ancient Kourion (20 kilometers west of central Limassol) and is best visited as part of a Kourion trip.

Delve Deep into History at Choirokoitia

Choirokoitia is one of the most important Neolithic settlements in the world. It’s on the main coastal road, sitting 37 kilometers east of Limassol and 34 kilometers west of Larnaca, so it is easily visited while traveling between the two towns. The ruins here, consisting mainly of the foundations of circular houses and tombs all ringed by a defensive wall, have been dated back to roughly 6,800-5,250 BCE. Archaeological excavations here have discovered that each house in the settlement had a flattened earth floor, raised platforms at the edges for sleeping, a fireplace, and a central pole to support the roof. The houses were built close together and linked by narrow passageways across the hillside. The site has four main areas. The first area contains significant remains of house foundations including a larger house up to nine meters in diameter. The second area, farther up the road, has houses B and C, where archaeologists unearthed numerous burial plots. Area 3 has several house foundations again, including house F, which contained 26 burials. The final area is at the far end of the site, up the hill. From here, you can see the remnants of the defensive walls, and it is possible to get a clearer impression of the site as a whole, which is otherwise quite confusing.

Explore the Remnants of Ancient Amathus

According to mythology, this is where the god Theseus left the pregnant Ariadne after his battle with the Minotaur. Amathus has been settled since approximately 1000 BCE and was one of the island’s original four city-kingdoms. The first inhabitants here were probably Mycenaean, although there is no definite evidence to prove this. The remains on show today date mostly from the Roman and Byzantine eras. During the Roman period, Amathus was an important port city, which made its money by exporting the island’s copper and timber, but the city’s age of glory began to crumble during the 4th century after it fell victim to a series of devastating earthquakes. The ruins are spread out and there isn’t as much to see as in Kourion. The most easily visible feature is the Agora where a large number of pillars have been reconstructed, and the vestiges of some early walls can be seen. On the hill above are the remnants of the Acropolis and the Temple of Aphrodite, with the entrance marked by a large stone jar, while at the bottom of the hill is a ruined Byzantine Basilica.

See the Collection inside Limassol Archaeological Museum

Just behind Limassol Municipal Gardens is the city’s archaeological museum which houses an interesting collection of antiquities found in the Limassol area that date from the Neolithic Age up to the Roman period. Room One contains Neolithic tools and pottery that were excavated at Kourion and Amathus, as well as the city itself. It’s a mind-boggling display of Cyprus’ vast history covering a huge time span from 3000 BCE to 1300 CE. Room Two holds artifacts from the Greco-Roman era including a stunning bronze bull and some delicate figurines, while Room Three contains some of the most important finds from the local area, including statues of the Egyptian god Bes and the goddess Artemis unearthed at Amathus.

See Sunset at Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou)

Local lore says this is the spot where the goddess Aphrodite emerged from the waves. Today, it is one of the island’s most magical places to visit at sunset. The Greek name of the rock “Petra tou Romiou” or “Rock of the Greek” is associated with the legendary Byzantine frontier-guard Digenis Akritas. It is said he kept Arab pirates at bay by throwing rocks at them from the hillside above. Two large rocks jut out into the sea here, creating one of Cyprus’ most photographed beachscapes. The setting has been the source of inspiration for many poets and painters; most famously Boticelli’s Birth of Venus painting (in Florence). Although the actual beach is shingle rather than sand, this is a top picnicking haunt and a must-stop for anyone tootling along the coastline between Limassol and Paphos.

Car Motor Museum

The Cyprus Motor Museum, located in Limassol. It showcases a captivating collection of vintage and modern vehicles, spanning decades of automotive innovation. From classic cars to rare motorcycles and iconic race cars, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through the evolution of transportation. Visitors can marvel at meticulously restored vehicles, learn about their engineering feats, and appreciate their cultural significance. With interactive exhibits and engaging displays, the Cyprus Motor Museum provides an immersive experience for all ages, celebrating the timeless allure of the automobile.

Marina Limassol

Tourists flock to Marina Limassol for a multitude of reasons, drawn by its blend of modern luxury, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning coastal views. Here’s why it’s a must-visit destination: Scenic Beauty: Marina Limassol offers breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls along the waterfront or relaxing moments enjoying the sea breeze. Luxurious Ambiance: The marina boasts a sophisticated atmosphere, lined with upscale shops, boutiques, and waterfront restaurants. Visitors can indulge in fine dining experiences or simply unwind with a drink while admiring the yachts bobbing in the harbour. Yachting Culture: As one of Cyprus’ premier yachting destinations, Marina Limassol attracts boat enthusiasts from around the world. Tourists can marvel at the impressive array of luxury yachts and sailboats moored in the marina, or even arrange for a yacht charter to explore the coastline in style. Cultural Events: The marina serves as a hub for cultural events, including live music performances, art exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year. Tourists have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cyprus’ vibrant cultural scene while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Waterfront Activities: Marina Limassol offers a variety of water-based activities, from leisurely boat tours to adrenaline-pumping water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. Visitors can also embark on fishing excursions or hop aboard a sightseeing cruise to explore the coastline. Shopping and Entertainment: The marina features a range of shops selling luxury goods, fashion items, and souvenirs, perfect for indulging in some retail therapy. Additionally, there are entertainment options such as cinemas and waterfront bars where tourists can unwind after a day of exploration.