Today we are going to Limassol in Cyprus, and I will show you my top 7 list of things to see and do in Limassol. As always, you can find our YouTube-video at the end of the post. Check it out!
Limassol is a vibrant coastal city on the southern coast of Cyprus, located in the south-eastern corner of Europe. There are international airports in Paphos and Larnaca. They are both roughly a 45 minutes drive from Limassol.
Limassol offers a sunny Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. A bustling seafront promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants dominates the city. It also has a beautiful old town and a modern Marina. The city’s rich heritage is showcased through landmarks like Limassol Castle, dating back to the medieval period. Limassol also hosts an array of festivals and events, including the colorful Limassol Carnival during spring-time.
1. Limassol Marina
The new Limassol Marina was completed in June 2014 and is a modern marina with space for even large superyachts. It’s located close to the old town and Molos Seafront. If you have a car, I would recommend to park either at Molos or in the parking garage connected to the Marina. There are plenty of restaurants and bars along the front of the marina and it has become a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists. Smaller fishing boats side-by-side with leisure yachts. The marina is great for a bit of food, a drink or just a coffee.
2. Agia Napa Cathedral
Agia Napa Cathedral is located in connection to the old town, and was built towards the end of the 19th century, on the ruins of an older, smaller Byzantine church. Entrance is free and it’s open all year around, but closed on public holidays.
According to tradition, the church takes its name from an icon of the Virgin Mary, which was found in a glen (‘napa’ in Latin), and thus is dedicated to her. Other sources believe that the church owes its name to a temple built in the Frankish period, dedicated to the Holy Nappe of St. Berenice, known by the name of ‘Saint Nape’. The present church – which was completed in 1906 – is three-aisled, with a marble iconostasis and frescoes mainly on the dome, and contains a silver-covered icon of Agia Napa.
3. Castle of Limassol
The castle can be found on the western edge of the histotic city centre and its purpose was to guard and protect both the port and the city itself. Although the oldest written reference to the castle of Limassol dates back to 1228, archaeological evidence indicates that it existed during the Byzantine period. Today the castle houses the Medieval Museum of Cyprus.
The castle has a rectangular shape and the thickness of its walls is two meters. There are many rooms to explores divided on several levels. My favourite was the basement which is comprised of three long vaulted rooms, with various artifacts.
4. Limassol Old Town
The Old Town is located in the same area as the Castle of Limassol and it’s a charming historic area with plenty of good restaurants and bars. The old town is getting more attention year by year and buildings are slowly getting fixed up. Through the narrow streets you can also find smaller shops and why not stop for a coffee.
Saripolou Square is meeting point in the middle of Old Town. This popular square is now one of the most sought out destinations for drinks, dining and nightlife. With dozens of shops framing it, Saripolou square is buzzing with life, as it’s an adored hangout for the youth – and not only – in the city. Its bars, cafes and restaurants ,have managed to bring in such a small area, a wide range of outing choices.
5. Omodos Village (Limassol district)
We are now going outside the city of Limassol, but we stay in the Limassol district. Number 5 on the list is Omodos Village. Located 30 minutes by car to the north-west of Limassol is this beautiful wine-village, surrounded by tall mountaintops. A large cobblestone square surrounded by restaurants and cafés lies in the centre of the village. Next to it a 17th century stone-built monastery.
We are on our way to Arkatena Fotini which serves a delicious brunch. You can choose to sit inside or on their balcony. You can choose between three different brunch styles with many options. We went for the Omodos Brunch by Fotini which included warm homemade bread, 2 choices of marmelad, 2 choices of cheese, 2 choices of cold-cuts and 2 choices of spreads. Fresh orange juice and mountain tea worked as a great compliment to the brunch. This place was amazing. You should really try it out when you visit Omodos.
Next up we tried some wine next to the square and we got recommended to visit the winery Ktima Gerolemo. Ktima means estate in Greek. It’s located just a 5 minutes drive from the village and because we are here in the spring time it’s was a very green and beautiful drive there. We got a short tour of the building which had some incredible views. Friendly people and good wine. We ended up buying a bottle of the indigenous Cyprus white grape variety Morokanella. Always fun to try something new and this was a great wine. They also produce wines from the more common cyprus variaties like xinesteri and Maratheftiko. You can book tours online.
6. Molos Sea Promenade
After a refreshing trip to the mountains, we go back to Limassol city and as number 6 on the list is Molos Sea Promenade. Strechting from the marina all the way to Limassol Zoo, it’s a multifunctional park with plenty of green spaces, hundred of trees, walkways and bike-lanes. A great place for a walk, to grab a coffee or just sit down and listen to the waves of the Mediterranean Sea.
7. Limassol Carnival (spring-time)
Taking place every year, 50 days before the Orthodox easter, the festival is a 10 day event of people eating, singing, wearing costumes, and attending parties. The celebrations are held in most towns around the island, but the event held in Limassol is by far the largest and most popular. On the final day which is the Grand Carnival where more than 150 groups and an estimated 50.000 people take part in the procession.
As you can see Limassol has a lot to offer and I’m sure you will have a great time visiting. Let me know in the comments if you have been to Limassol and what you favourites were !
