Walk within the old city, along its narrow wining streets and discover the Limassol Castle. The Medieval castle was built around 1000 A.D. It was where Richard the Lionheart married Queen Berengaria. It now houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum, exhibiting interesting pottery, tombstones, coats of arms, carvings and reliefs. A point of reference for the city is the Ayia Napa Cathedral. Found in within the old part of the city, the church was built between the 19th and 20th century, and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
It is a unique architectural structure built on the ruins of an old Byzantine church, maintaining the Byzantine elements. In the same area as the cathedral, find the Agiou Andreou Shopping street ideal to find souvenirs to take a piece of Limassol with you home as well as discover Cypriot tradition products. The main shopping street of Limassol is Anexartisisas shopping street. There you can find a range of both high street and designer shops, cafes and snack bars for a fulfilling day of shopping.
A landscape of unique, wild charms unravels at the western coast of the Limassol district. Cape Aspro, whose name is related to the white, chalky cliffs rising above the beach, is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places in the Limassol district. The is a complex 5 different trails running through the area over the cliffs, to allow someone to explore is easily, since they are interconnected in order to lead to magnificent view points, during the spring and summer months, the contrast of blue and white creates a dreamy setting, while on sunset a veil of magic covers the entire area. After some recent works in the area, the trail has become smoother and more accessible for hikers. There are also signs leading the way for those visiting. Depending on the route one chooses to follow, the hiking may last up to 10 kilometers. Many will choose to stand at the nearest spot, though, to admire the breathtaking views from the rising high, starting from the sandy beach and reaching up to 200+ meters.
Renowned wine villages in an effortless journey through beautiful scenery. A stronghold of tradiontal wine making with an excellent choice of local wines. Nowhere else in Cyprus is such a great presence of wineries as in these wine growing villages of…Lemesos (Limassol) district, known locally as Krasochoria, the Wine Villages. In Omodos and Koilani alone there are 10 such wineries. The route is outstanding, not resembling any other. This beautiful wine region comprises 20 scenic villages that decorate the southern slopes of the Troodos mountains. The wineries scattered along this route, each in its own way generously reward the visitor seeking a unique and eclectic wine experience. A dry climate combined with a unique geology is responsible for some excellent wines, made mostly from the local grape varieties Xynisteri and Mavro and also from some imported ones, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Grenache and Syrah. Make sure you have enough time at your dispocal to taste what this route and its special wines have to offer. Visit wonderfully unspoilt villages such as Omodos, Vasa, Koilani, Lofou, Arsos and Vouni with their traditional architecture, cobblestoned narrow passages cheerfull sourroundings, many of which host some for the best tavernas in Cyprus.
Troodos is the largest mountain range in Cyprus, located in roughly the center of the island. Troodos’ highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952 meters, which hosts four ski slopes. The Troodos mountain range stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus. …There are many famous mountain resorts, Byzantine monasteries and churches on mountain peaks, and nestling in its valleys and picturesque mountains are villages clinging to terraced hill slopes. The area has been known since antiquity for its mines, which for centuries supplied copper to the entire Mediterranean. In the Byzantine period it became a great centre of Byzantine art, as churches and monasteries were built in the mountains, away from the threatened coastline. The Troodos mountains are known worldwide for their geology and the presence of an undisturbed ophiolite sequence, the Troodos Ophiolite. These mountains slowly rose from the sea due to the collision of the African and European tectonic plates, a process that eventually formed the island of Cyprus. The slowing and near-cessation of this process left the rock formations near intact, while subsequent erosion uncovered the magma chamber underneath the mountain, allowing a viewing of intact rocks and petrified pillow lava formed millions of years ago, an excellent example of ophiolite stratigraphy. The observations of the Troodos ophiolite by Ian Graham Gass and co-workers was one of the key points that led to the theory of sea floor spreading. Walk through the forests on one of the nature trails and take in the wonderful scents and aromas and enjoy looking at the waterfalls and surrounding views.
Located close to the ancient city of Kourion, the temple of Apollo Hylates was one of the main religious centres of Cyprus where the mythical god Apollo was worshipped as Hylates, that is, the god of the woodlands. This distinctive architectural complex sheds light concerning the development of a Cypriot rural sanctuary dating from to the Bronze Age through to the end of paganism in Cyprus. We can conclude that there were 3 distinctive building periods; the earliest is the Archaic Sanctuaryduring the 7th century B.C., the Ptolemaic Sanctuary during the 3rd century B.C. and the Roman Sanctuary during the 1st century A.D.
Kourion is one of the most stunning archaeological sites on the island. It was a great city kingdom and today new treasures are still being discovered there. What is most prominent in this site is the Greco – Roman amphitheatre. Villas with extravagant mosaic floors and an…early Christian Basilica are among the treasures that are found here. The splendid amphitheatre was built in the 2nd century B.C. and since its restoration, is used for theatre and music performances. The house of Eustolios also found here, consists of a complex of baths and rooms which contain exquisite mosaic floors from the 5th century A.D. It was once a private Roman villa prior to becoming a recreation centre during the Early Christian period. The Early Christian Basilica also dates back to the 5th century and was most likely the Cathedral of Kourion which includes a baptistery on the north face. Wonderful mosaic floors are also found in the House of the Gladiators and the House of Achilles. Dedicated to the water Nymphs is another Roman monument- The Nymphaeum.
The way modern blends with the old in this city, is absolutely magical. The old harbor transformed into a fishing harbor and the area around it has also been completely transformed into an amazingly beautiful tourist center. The core of the beauty of the transformed old port is undoubtedly the picturesque fishing harbor. Amongst the picturesque, yet modern landscape the fishermen boats stand out. Every night they set out for fishing and return back early in the morning carrying their shift catch. The area has awakened from a long sleep and with its fresh look is all set to welcome again all those visitors as in the good old days. New shops are opening one after another and the energy of the port reminds those previous glorious times. Gastronomical and entertainment options within the brand new ‘old port’ are too many. Cafes and restaurants of every kind and taste are able to satisfy all moods.
The Promenade in Limassol is hugely popular with holidaymakers for its view of the sea, the sandy beaches, and the palm-coated surroundings, with the backdrop of its long and close proximity sea shore and various water parks, creates a wonderful atmosphere for adults and children of all ages. The busy streets flanking this seaside route have a unique appeal of its own; it’s packed with restaurants, cafes, English style pubs, vibrant nightclubs, and a wide range of shops selling almost everything including souvenirs and traditional sweets and delicacies. Mingling with the warm and friendly locals adds to the experience and enhances the well-being factor. Spending enjoyable hours in the boulevard is a gratifying joy, so take a stroll alongside the beach and allow yourself to delight in the agreeable ambience.
Situated on the South coast of Cyprus, west of Limassol city, the famous Kolossi Castle stands an imposing site. This Medieval fort is one of the most important on the island. Lying in the heart of a rich…and fertile valley to the mouth of the river Kouris, the castle was often mentioned by sightseers of the Middle Ages. This was mainly due to its vast olive, cereal, sugar-cane and locust-tree plantations not to mention its vineyards. This was the crux of one of the most important feuds of the noble Franks during their sovereignty over Cyprus. In 1210 A.D. Hughes I, the sovereign of the de Lusignan’s dynasty, granted this rich property to the friars of the Order of Saint John. The area’s name is most likely derived from a former feudal lord of the province- Gerinus de Colos.
The Limassol Marina will provide for the mooring of yachts at sea and on shore. Additionally, the project includes the development of residential, commercial units as well as buildings for cultural uses. The location selected for the development of the Limassol Marina is adjacent to the heart of Limassol, making it a landmark development for the locals and an attraction for the visitors. Carefully designed to blend with the surrounding area of the old port, the old town and the castle, the project aims to become a unique residential and leisure destination. The Limassol Marina is expected to enhance Nautical Tourism and put Cyprus at the centre of the yachting destination map. The project also contribute to the upgrading and significant differentiation of the tourist product of Limassol. The Limassol Marina provide for the mooring of yachts at sea and on shore. Additionally, the project includes the development of residential, commercial units as well as buildings for cultural uses.