Limassol & Southern Coast
Discover Limassol
Limassol (Greek: Lemesós) is Cyprus's second-largest city with 235,000 inhabitants — and economically the most important. Major shipping companies are based here, along with Russian and international businesses, and the nightlife is vibrant. But Limassol is much more than a business center.
The Old Town around the medieval castle has transformed in recent years from a sleepy quarter into a trendy culinary hotspot: craft beer bars next to traditional taverns, concept stores alongside vegetable vendors. The Molos Promenade stretches for 3 km along the sea — perfect for evening strolls with views of the illuminated coast.
In the surrounding area are some of Cyprus's most significant archaeological sites: the ancient Kourion with its amphitheater above the sea, the medieval Kolossi Castle, and the vineyards of the Troodos foothills, where the legendary Commandaria wine has been produced for centuries.
Orientation
Limassol stretches over 15 km along the southern coast. The main areas:
- Old Town (Palia Limassol): Around the medieval castle and Agiou Andreou Street. Narrow alleys, restaurants, bars, the covered market. This is where authentic life happens.
- Molos Promenade: The 3 km long beach promenade with sculptures, cafés, playgrounds, and the Old Port. In the evenings, THE meeting point of the city.
- Marina & New Port: The modern yacht harbor in the west with luxury shops and restaurants. Cyprus's chicest address.
- Tourist District (Germasogeia): 3 km east of the center, on the beach. Most hotels, resorts, and package deals are concentrated here.
- Lady's Mile Beach: South, on the Akrotiri Peninsula. 7 km long sand/pebble beach — one of the longest in Cyprus.
- Wine Villages: Inland towards Troodos: Koilani, Omodos, Platres — the wine region begins just 30 minutes from the city center.
Tipp
Limassol's old town is compact and pedestrian-friendly. It's best to park at the Old Port or the Molos Promenade (free on weekends) and explore everything on foot.
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!
Beaches
★★★ Lady's Mile Beach
The longest beach in Cyprus stretches over 7 km on the Akrotiri Peninsula south of Limassol. A mix of sandy and pebbly sections, with beach bars and taverns in some areas and completely undeveloped, natural sections in between. The water is shallow and calm — perfect for families.
At the southern end lies the Akrotiri Salt Lake, where thousands of flamingos rest in winter — a spectacular natural spectacle from November to March.
Akrotiri Peninsula, 10–15 min. from the center. Free access. Sunbeds/umbrella: 5–7€. Beach bars with food and drinks in several spots. Parking available.
★★ Governor's Beach
25 km east of Limassol lies one of Cyprus's most photogenic beaches: dark sand and pebbles in front of dramatic white chalk cliffs. The contrast between the white rock and turquoise water is spectacular. Several small coves side by side, connected by paths over the rocks.
Pentakomo, 25 km east of Limassol. Free access. Tavern right on the beach. Shallow water, but rocky bottom — swim shoes recommended.
★★ Kourion Beach
Directly below the archaeological site of Kourion. A long pebble beach with crystal-clear water, surrounded by dramatic cliffs. From the beach, you can see the ruins atop the cliff — a unique setting. In summer, the wind often blows stronger here than elsewhere — perfect for kitesurfing.
Episkopi, below Kourion. Free access. Tavern Chris Blue Beach with good cuisine right on the beach. Little shade — bring a sunshade.
★ Pissouri Bay
Halfway between Limassol and Paphos lies the picturesque bay of Pissouri. A long pebble beach, framed by white cliffs and the charming village of Pissouri on the hill above. Popular with British expats living here. Less crowded than the beaches directly in Limassol.
Pissouri, 30 km west of Limassol. Free access. Several taverns and water sports providers.
Wine Region & Troodos Foothills
The slopes between Limassol and the Troodos Mountains are Cyprus's oldest and most significant wine region. Wine has been cultivated here for over 5,000 years — Cyprus is one of the world's oldest wine-growing regions.
★★★ Commandaria Region
14 villages north of Limassol form the protected designation of origin for Commandaria — the sweet dessert wine considered the oldest named wine in the world. The Crusaders brought it to Europe in the 12th century, and Richard the Lionheart is said to have drunk it at his wedding in Limassol.
The grapes (Mavro and Xynisteri) are sun-dried after harvest until they are raisin-like, then fermented. The result: an amber-colored, honey-like wine with notes of caramel, dried fruit, and spices.
Wineries with tastings:
- KEO Winery, Limassol: The largest winery on the island with free tours and tastings. Their dry Xynisteri and Othello red wine are also excellent.
- Commandaria St. John, Koilani: Boutique winery in the picturesque village of Koilani, specializing in premium Commandaria.
- Tsiakkas Winery, Pelendri: Award-winning organic wines at 900 m altitude. Xynisteri, Maratheftiko, and an outstanding rosé.
- Laneia Winery, Laneia: Small family winery in the picture-perfect village of Laneia. Personal tours and tastings.
Tipp
A wine route through the Commandaria villages (Koilani, Omodos, Laneia, Silikou) can be perfectly planned as a day trip from Limassol — just a 30–45 minute drive. Each village has wineries and taverns. But: Someone must stay sober for driving!
Omodos — The Showcase Wine Village
★★ Omodos
The prettiest wine village in Cyprus is located at an altitude of 900 m and is centered around a cobblestone square with the Monastery of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross Monastery). The alleys are full of souvenir shops, wine merchants, and lace makers at work.
The Linos Wine Press in the village is a restored medieval wine press house — you can see how grapes were stomped centuries ago. Also, traditional Palouze (grape must pudding) and Soutzoukos (nuts coated in grape syrup, hanging like sausages on strings).
Omodos, 40 km north of Limassol. Monastery free. Parking on the outskirts. Best visited on weekdays — crowded with tour groups on weekends.
Eating & Drinking in Limassol
Limassol has Cyprus's most dynamic culinary scene — from traditional taverns to modern fine dining.
Recommended Restaurants
★★★ Artima Bistro
Modern Cypriot bistro in the Old Town with creatively interpreted classics. The halloumi croquettes and lamb kleftiko are legendary. Reserve!
Agiou Andreou 225, Old Town. Main courses 14–22€. Reserve in the evening.
★★ To Katoi
Hidden in a cellar in the Old Town, To Katoi serves traditional meze in an atmospheric vault. 20+ courses for 22€ per person — unbeatable value for money.
Agiou Andreou 66, Old Town. Meze 22€/person. Evenings only, Thu–Sat. Reservation essential!
★★ Draught Microbrewery
Cyprus's first craft beer brewery right in the Old Town. 8 house beers on tap, plus solid pub food. The terrace on Saripolou Street is the place to be in the evening.
Saripolou 12, Old Town. Beer 5–7€, food 8–15€.
★★ Pralina
The best breakfast and brunch in town. Shakshuka, avocado toast, homemade granola, excellent coffee. Expect queues on weekends — that says it all.
Eleftherias 54. Breakfast 8–14€.
Regional Specialties
- Commandaria: The sweet dessert wine — with dessert or aged halloumi
- Sheftalia: Cypriot minced meat sausages in pork caul, grilled over charcoal
- Loukoumades: Fried honey balls — the most popular street food at the Limassol Carnival
- Zivania: Cypriot pomace brandy, 45% — Cyprus's raki/grappa
Practical Information
Arrival
Limassol does not have its own airport. The nearest airports are Larnaka (LCA) (70 km, 50 min.) and Paphos (PFO) (65 km, 45 min.). Intercity buses from both airports (7–9€), taxis 50–65€.
Accommodation
Old Town: Boutique hotels and apartments for culture and nightlife fans. Recommendation: Curium Palace (mid-range), The Old Port (boutique).
Germasogeia/Beach: Most resorts and package deals. Perfect for a beach holiday. Four Seasons (luxury), Mediterranean Beach (upscale mid-range).
Wine Villages: For those seeking peace: agrotourism accommodations in Omodos, Platres, or Laneia. Authentic, affordable, wonderfully cool in summer.
Day Trips from Limassol
- Kourion + Kolossi: Half-day, 30 min. by car.
- Wine Route (Omodos–Koilani–Platres): Full day, 40 min. drive
- Paphos (Archaeological Park): Full day, 1h drive or bus
- Troodos Summit: Full day, 1:15h drive, combination with Kykkos Monastery
- Nicosia: Full day, 1:15h drive or bus (4€)
Festivals & Events
- Limassol Carnival (February/March): Cyprus's largest carnival. 10 days of parades, costumes, music, and loukoumades. Think Rio — only smaller and Cypriot.
- Wine Festival (September): 12 days in the city park. Entry 5€, all wines included. The largest wine festival on the island.
- Kourion Festival (June–July): Concerts and theater performances in the ancient amphitheater under the stars.
Stadtrundgang
Altstadt-Rundgang Limassol
From the Old Port through the Old Town to the castle and market — Limassol's history and present on foot.
Old Port (Palaio Limani)
Start at the restored Old Port with cafés and views of the marina.
15 min.Molos Promenade
Along the sculpture promenade by the sea heading east.
20 min.Limassol Castle
Medieval castle with a museum. Richard the Lionheart married here.
30–45 min.Municipal Market
The covered market from the 1920s — fresh fruit, halloumi, spices.
20 min.Saripolou Street
Limassol's bar and restaurant mile. Perfect for a coffee break or a Keo beer.
20 min.Agiou Andreou Street
The main artery of the Old Town with the Grand Mosque (Kebir Cami) and the hammam.
20 min.War dieses Kapitel hilfreich?
