Attractions★★★
★★★ Kourion (Curium)
Cyprus's most spectacular archaeological site is located 15 km west of Limassol on a 70-meter-high cliff above the sea. The Greco-Roman amphitheater (2nd century BC, restored) seats 3,500 spectators — and offers a panoramic view of the coast that alone is worth the visit. In summer, evening concerts and theater performances take place here under the open sky.
Next to the theater: the House of Eustolios with exquisite floor mosaics (5th century AD), an early Christian basilica, the forum with nymphaeum, and a well-preserved bathhouse. The mosaic floors in the House of Eustolios depict fish, birds, and a personified representation of "Ktisis" (Creation) — among the most beautiful on the island.
Directly below the site lies Kourion Beach — a beautiful pebble beach, perfect for a cool-off after the visit.
Episkopi, 15 km west of Limassol. 4.50€. Daily 8:30–19:30 (summer), 8:30–17:00 (winter). Plan at least 2 hours. Little shade — bring a hat and water!
Kolossi Castle★★
★★ Kolossi Castle
The massive square keep (15th century) is the landmark of the Commandaria wine region. The Knights of the Order of St. John had their headquarters here and began systematic wine production — the sweet dessert wine Commandaria takes its name from the "Commanderie" of this order.
The tower is 21 meters high and has walls 3 meters thick. From the rooftop terrace, one can enjoy a splendid view over the citrus plantations to the sea. On the ground floor, the old sugar cane mills are preserved — Cyprus was one of the largest sugar producers in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Kolossi, 10 km west of Limassol. €2.50. Daily 8:30–19:30 (summer), 8:30–17:00 (winter). 30–45 min.
Limassol Castle & Medieval Museum★★
★★ Limassol Castle
The small yet historically significant castle in the heart of the old town stands on the site where Richard the Lionheart married his fiancée Berengaria of Navarre in 1191 — during the Third Crusade. The current structure dates from the Ottoman period (14th century) and houses the Medieval Museum of Cyprus with armor, tombstones, Byzantine ceramics, and Frankish coins.
The shady castle garden is a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of the old town.
Eirinis, Old Town. €4.50. Mon–Sat 8:00–17:00, Sun 10:00–13:00. 45–60 min.
Old Town & Market
★★ Limassol Old Town
The area around the castle has developed into the island's hippest district in recent years. The Agiou Andreou Street and the adjacent alleys are full of restaurants, craft beer bars, galleries, and boutiques. The mix of Ottoman architecture, British colonial era, and modern design is unique.
The Covered Market (Municipal Market) at the intersection of Agiou Andreou/Saripolou dates from the 1920s and has been extensively renovated. Fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, halloumi directly from the producer, olives, and pastourmas (air-dried beef). Most lively in the morning.
Next door: the Saripolou Street, Limassol's bar mile. In the evenings, the tables on the street fill up, live music from the bars, accompanied by the smell of grilled halloumi and souvlaki.
💡 Tipp
On Saturday, an extended farmers' market takes place in the square in front of the market. Local honey, Commandaria wine, carob syrup, and handmade Loukoumia (Cypriot Lokum) — perfect souvenirs!
