Limassol

Limassol District reaches from the southern shores of Cyprus up into the Troodos mountains in the heart of the island, making it the home of Cyprus' biggest variety of scenery. Here, you can relax along the gorgeous coastline, go wine tasting, or mountain bike along forest trails! 

Good To Know

• Getting There: Choose either Pafos or Larnaca International Airport to fly into. Multiple shuttle busses connect the airports and Limassol's town center throughout the day, with a travel time of under an hour each.
• Getting Around: Getting around the city without a car is fairly easy, as there is good public transport within the city and to popular sights. If you're planning on heading out of the city regularly, or you just want more freedom, consider hiring a car. Don't worry if hiring a car is not an option, as there are plenty of day tours available that will take you (almost) anywhere you want to go!
• When to Visit: The combination of having a large residential city and diverse landscapes within its boundaries makes Limassol a great year-round destination.
• Where to Stay: Stay in downtown Limassol if you're craving days at the beach and nights out on the town. If your ideal daytime activity is hiking or biking through the woods, head to Platres at the foot of Mount Olympus.
• More: Check out our other trips about Cyprus and find out all the other amazing places to visit around the island!

Highlights

Limassol

Limassol is the perfect destination for a short city trip. The second-largest city in Cyprus, it is not as dependent on international tourists as Pafos or Ayia Napa. Thus, Limassol's lively atmosphere doesn't dull as much during the off-season. Spend your days lounging at the beach and taste your way through the restaurants at the marina in the evening, before heading out to the clubs or bars! In addition to downtown city life, Limassol also offers a charming old town. 

Hint: Take a look at the Points of Interest for the best beaches, restaurants, and bars in the city.

Historic Sites

As a country with such a long and rich history, it comes as no surprise that there are historic sites wherever you look, and Limassol is no exception to this rule. In fact, Limassol is home to Southern Cyprus' most important excavation site: that of the Ancient City of Kourion. The kingdom of Kourion was most likely established around 1000 A.D. and was, up until its destruction by an earthquake in the 4th century B.C., one of the most powerful kingdoms on the island. Its ruins lie on a 70 m (230 ft) high bluff overlooking the azure waters of Episkopi Bay to the west of Limassol. Out of the many excavated remains of Kourion, those of amphitheater are the most spectacular. First constructed in the 2nd century B.C., the theatre could seat 3500 people. This amphitheater exhibits some of the best acoustics of its kind, so sit in the rows furthest away from the center see if you can hear someone having a conversation on stage. Plan at least 2 hours for your trip to Kourion, as there is plenty to see. Some remains, such as the stadium, are a bit further from the main excavation site, so don't forget to drive or walk there, too! 

To the east of Limassol lie the ruins of the Ancient City of Amathus, another ancient city-kingdom that ruled during a similar time-frame as Kourion. The city dates back to 1100 B.C. and is said to have been founded by King Cinyras, father to Aphrodite's lover Adonis. Legend also states that the Cretan princess Ariadne died and was buried at Amathus. Be sure to walk the 15 minutes up to the acropolis and be rewarded with an extraordinary vista overlooking the ruins, the city, and the blue Mediterranean!

Troodos

The Troodos Mountain Range is known for its charming villages and monasteries, as well as its huge range of outdoor activities. While you may think of Cyprus as a purely hot and arid country, Troodos begs to differ. In summer, the shade of the trees along with the higher altitude serves as a haven to escape the sweltering temperatures at sea level, and around January, Troodos even turns into a winter wonderland! The first stop on your trip to Troodos should be the small town Platres, just a 40-minute drive from Limassol. Just outside Platres lie Caledonia Falls, the second tallest waterfall in Cyprus, and Milomeris Falls, while a bit further away, you will find Chantara Falls to the west and Meso Potamos Falls to the east. There tend to be smaller crowds at the latter two, giving you more freedom to enjoy the water and scenery. From Platres the peak of Troodos, Mount Olympus, is not far. In winter, Mount Olympus is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. And once the snow has melted, the surrounding trails become accessible again. Hike along the 14 km (8.6 miles) Atalante Loop Trail or the shorter, 7 km (4.3 miles) long Artemis Loop Trail for some wonderful vistas of the Mountain Range. If you would rather bike than hike, rent a bicycle or book a guided tour of your choice at Activate Cyprus at Mount Olympus. Other highlights in Troodos include the Byzantine-age Kykkos Monastery and the medieval Tzelefos Bridge, now a popular photo subject. After a fun day of exploring the trails in summer, visit the picturesque village of Omodos. Located in the vineyards just below Troodos, Omodos is known for its traditional Cypriot atmosphere and, of course, its wineries. Spend the evening strolling through the narrow streets between old stone houses and taste the local specialties!