Limassol
Limassol is the closest thing to a magical and mythical land. It has a coastline that is pristine, especially when kissed by the setting sun. Many other spectacular views abound, along with the archaeological sights that wait to be discovered. Limassol is known as the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite. To be precise, she was thought to have emerged from the foaming sea at the temple to Apollo and Petra tou Romiou. This story inspired many poets and painters to come visit this scenic land.
Wine first gave Limassol its popularity as a trading post. Cyprus has a 4,000-year history of wine-making, and one of its most famous wines, Commandaria, prompted Richard the Lionhearted to proclaim it the wine of kings and the king of wines. Limassol has not forgotten where its wine has gotten it, and every September there is a memorable wine festival. This celebration, as well as other carnivals held during the year, add to the great flare and liveliness here.
Limassol offers quite a number of options to visiting guests. There are plenty of shops where you can find unique souvenirs. Most of the main shopping is located around Agiou Andreou Street. There are also historical sights to teach you about the island of long ago. The castle and medieval museum will take you back to that time. The Turkish Muslim influence on Limassol's past can be seen in the vibrant mosques that still dot the island landscape. The advantage in Limassol is that one can visit all of these sights and shops easily by foot. So enjoy all of its treasures. Have a sip of wine on the soft, sandy beaches while watching the sun say goodnight to the sea. Limassol's beauty gives new meaning to the term island paradise.
Docking & Local Transportation
The ferry docks at the Port of Limassol/Larnarca and is only a few minutes away from the downtown center of Limsasol
Limassol is truly wonderful because it allows you to see everything and go everywhere by foot. If that does not interest you, however, you can take buses to many of the featured locations. Contact Limassol Urban Bus Company Limited (2539-0044) for more information.
Local Interests
The top place to visit in Limassol is the Castle and Medieval Museum (Eiinis Street, 2533-0419). The main buildings of the castle were built in the 14th century. Richard the Lionhearted exchanged wedding vows with Berengaria in the castle's chapel, which was part of the original construction, but unfortunately is no longer there. Later, the castle was used by the Turks as a prison, and then by the British as a headquarters for its army. Today, the castle is home to the Medieval Museum. It has several floors, starting with the basement, which contains replicas of sculptures and pictures of the Byzantine churches of Cyprus. Then climb up the stairs where there is a series of small rooms that hold exhibits of very curious items. On the second floor, you will find suits of armor and ancient weapons. The last stairway leads out to the battlements where the best views of the city can be seen.
The District Archaeological Museum (Kaningos and Vyronos Street, 2533-0157) is also a good place to see items that date back thousands of years. On the grounds is a lovely garden, home to a sundial that is thought to have belonged to Lord Kitchener. Once inside, there are three rooms. In the first room, there are Neolithic tools and pottery from Amathous and Kourion. The second room houses a marvelous collection of Roman coins. The last room features statues from the Amathous, including the statues of Artemis and the Egyptian god Bes.
Amathous (8 km. east of Limassol) is an archaeological site that include a rock-cut tomb on the grounds of the Amathus Beach Hotel. It is a small site, but includes a large number of ornate pillars, which make it quite an amazing place to see. Close to this area are the remains of the Temple to Aphrodite. Researchers believe that some of the site is now underwater, so if you are a snorkeler or a diver, get ready to explore!
The sight most adored by the camera afficianados is the Petra Tou Romiou (24 km. east of Pafos). Meaning Rock of Romios this site features two huge rocks in the sea set against white cliffs that create the perfect picture. There are a café and a parking lot up in the cliffs, where the view just cannot be beat! This is the exact place Aphrodite, patron goddess of Cyprus, was thought to have emerged.
Activities
Beaches
Limassol has many exquisite beaches that offer its visitors the greatest photo opportunities and memories to last a lifetime. One beach that combines the past with the present is the Akrotiri Peninsula. Not only does it have a great beach, but it also has a salt lake and an historic church. The church of Agios ton Gaton is at the southern end of the beach. It also goes by the name St. Nicholas of the Cats, and was founded in AD 325. There is a café here where you can relax while enjoying the scenery. The Avdimou Beach (3 km. off the main road, opposite turning to Avdimou village) is an extremely long and gorgeous stretch of sand. Take precautions when going into the water, because it gets deep quite quickly. There is a café here also, on the eastern end. Lastly, Governor's Beach (Junction 16 Nicosia to Limassol motorway) is laid out beautifully with steps cut out of the white cliffs to take you down to the water.
Dining
There are several restaurants that serve food that will tickle your tongue with savory fun! A good place for lunch that will give you the best view of the beach is the Melanda Taverna (Melanda Beach, 9956-5336). At night, if you'd like to mix with Limassol's well-to-do, and have the best dinner at the same time, try Blue Island (Amathountas Avenue, 2532-1466). If local hospitality and charm suit you more, then venture to Lefteris Tavern (Agias Christinis 4, 2552-5211). The welcoming Cypriot nature and old style building will set a peaceful and relaxing mood along with offering delicious food.
Shopping
There are opportunities to shop anywhere and everywhere in Limassol. They have a great tradition of silk making that goes all the way back to the Byzantine Period. However, Limassol has more to offer other than silk. P and D Mayromatis (23 Koumanderis Street, 2536-4710) is also the name of the couple that owns this store that specializes in leather goods.