01
Limassol Promenade
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.
02
Limassol Marina
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 will also contribute to the upgrading and significant differentiation of the tourist product of Limassol. 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.
03
Limassol Old Port
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.
04
Limassol Castle
Limassol castle lies in the centre of the old city and above the old harbour. Based on local Cypriot tradition, Richard the Lion heart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England right here in 1191. The fort has suffered damage throughout the years from the hands of many different invaders to the island, and from various destructive earthquakes. In 1590 the Ottomans rebuilt the castle as it stands today. The original fort was larger. The subsequent rebuild includes parts of the original fort, such as the two oblong halls of the ground floor. The basement contains cells which were used as a prison until 1950.
05
Old Town Architecture
The old town of Lemesos (Limassol) is the heart of the city with its narrow streets radiating out from the old fishing harbour. Explore the historical centre of Lemesos by walking through the old streets and discover its long history. Some of the main features are its monuments, unique architecture, traditional workshops, the old market and the traditional shops. The centre of this city is full of character and wrapped around the small castle, and which radiates out into a series of lanes where old houses and modern boutiques flank you on either side. It is an area bustling with cafes, bars and restaurants that are popular with both the locals and visitors. It is simultaneously a hub of modernity; this is Cyprus’ international business centre. The construction of the state-of-the-art marina running parallel to the old harbour is approaching its completion. For people looking for a holiday that takes in more than the usual sun and sea, Lemesos is at the very heart of one of the island’s richest areas for exploration. Staying here places you in easy striking distance to some of Cyprus’ best historical remnants, and the lush, green mountains of the Troodos region.
06
& Old Market
Saripolou Square & Old Market
Saripolou Square the busiest neighborhood of the center, and the best location for a coffee, drink, cocktail and delicious food. The regeneration of Limassol center has become the new lifeline of the city. The once indifferent center, has acquired innovative benchmarks. The four edges of Saripolou square lead to the Castle, the University, the Municipal Market, and the Old Catholic church. The city center is truly full of character. The Limassol Municipal Market, also known as the «Pantopoulio», is energizing. The preserved original building was made of stone and was constructed in 1917, at a time when Limassol was just beginning its development and gradually extending, to reach its present form. The area of the market is unique and a significant landmark of the city. The market is being repositioned into the daily life of Limassol to create a long-lasting legacy. Combining its traditional origins of the past with becoming a contemporary area for economic and cultural activity, it has seen the overall regeneration of the urban center.
07
Ancient Theater
Curium Ancient Theater
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.
08
Medieval Castle
Kolossi Medieval Castle
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
09
& Bay
Pissouri-Village
Pissouri is the third largest village district in the Limassol district of Cyprus, and is located in the Southwest of Cyprus just off the A6 motorway midway between Limassol and Paphos (34 kilometers from both). The main Pissouri village is located about 3 kilometers from the sea on the Cape Aspro ridge, and about 500 feet above sea level. It is the administrative centre for the Pissouri District, and houses a delightful village square. There are many charming taverns, coffee shops, as well as entertainment facilities, several chapels, and an imposing and historical Gothic church.
10
Temple of Apollo Hylates
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 Sanctuary during the 7th century B.C., the Ptolemaic Sanctuary during the 3rd century B.C. and the Roman Sanctuary during the 1st century A.D.
11
& Wine Villages
Limassol Wine Routes & Wine Villages
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. 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 and Vouni with their traditional architecture, cobblestoned narrow passages cheerfull sourroundings, many of which host some for the best tavernas in Cyprus.
12
Limassol Villages
13
Limassol Monasteries
Troditissa Monastery: Located on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, the Trooditissa Monastery is one of the very few monasteries in Cyprus where the date of formation is unknown. It is believed though based on local tradition that it was founded just after the iconoclastic era (8th-9th century A.D.). The monasteries in general in Cyprus were built after a hermit or hermits had been there originally, often in caves, living a life of spiritual struggle. The monasteries were then subsequently built around these holy men. The same applies in the instance of Troditissa Monastery. The oldest reference we have of the monastery is of a 14th century deed. There are no remnants of the Middle Byzantine period or of the period of Frankish rule.
Timios Prodromos: The Monastery of Timios Prodromos (St. John the Baptist) lies in the Troodos forest area of Mesa Potamos. The Monastery “is located among beautiful mountains covered in dense pine forests, has springs of sweet water near a small river or big deluge”. This was written during the 18th century by the Russian wanderer Barsky during his travels of the whole island, noting down and describing all the Churches and Monasteries he encountered.
Agios Georgios (Saint George) Alamanou: Agios Georgios Alamanou monastery for nuns is found on the left hand side of the Nicosia – Limassol motorway, on the exit for Pentakomo. The history of this monastery is centuries old. Back in history, Agios Georgios became the refuge for one of the three hundred Alaman people that fled to our island, from persecution by the Arabs.
14
Skiing in Prodromos
The ski season in Cyprus typically lasts between January and April. Based on Mount Olympus, with four ski lifts and eight alpine ski runs the Cyprus Ski Club accommodates skiers of all levels on its picturesque runs. It also operates ski schools on site whilst also offering cross-country ski tracks. Equipped with four ski lifts, the ski centre also offers a restaurant and cafes in a pleasant and relaxing environment. In the Troodos area there are 2 hotels close to the ski resort and many more in the wider area of the region. In the winter you can find bargain prices for these hotels. Mount Olympus is only a few kilometers from the Troodos hill resort and only a short drive to the coastal city of Limassol. There are 4 ski clubs in Cyprus: Nicosia, Famagusta, Limassol and Troodos ski club. Ski equipment can be rented.
Ski lifts: There are 4 ski lifts on Mount Olympus: North Face I & II and Sun Valley I & II and operate all week between the hours of 9.am until 4 pm.
15
Surfing – Windsurfing – Kitesurfing
Windsurfing is a popular water sport in Cyprus and because of the climate you can practice throughout the whole year. You can do wakeboarding too because of the flat summer sea at sunrise. Kite surfing is also popular when the winds are strong. Even in winter all these types of water sports can be enjoyed due to mild weather and moderate waves.The Best Places in Limassol are: A) Ladys Mile: During winter there is an easterly on-shore wind and during summer winds can reach 5 Beaufort B) Curium: In Curium you can sail throughout the year with waves reaching double head height. C) Paralimni Beach: (Pissouri)