Limassol is located on the south coast of Cyprus and is the islandâs second largest city. The city is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Cyprus, being located on the beautiful Akrotiri Bay.
TYPES OF HOLIDAYS
Limassol provides the best of both worlds: it is a bustling city famed for its vibrant culture and nightlife; it boasts miles of sandy beaches to relax on; and it is right next to stunning countryside.
So whether you are looking to enjoy nature or experience the hustle and bustle of a city break, there truly is something to please everyone when you visit Limassol.
Flight times from the UK are roughly four hours so you can visit for a quick break, a week, two weeks or longer.
The range of accommodation available reflects this, with city centre apartments or out of town resorts catering to every need.
BEST TIME TO GO
The best time to visit would be during the summer months of May to October. Limassol enjoys a Mediterranean climate so the winters do tend to get cooler, and many of the tourist spots close at this time of year.
SIGHTS TO SEE
There are several historic sights to see in Limassol.
Limassol Castle is located right on the beach front and is well worth a visit. Dating from 1228, you can learn about the castle itself and pay a visit to the Cyprus Medieval Museum located within.
The ancient city of Kourion just west of Limassol was once a major Kingdom of ancient Cyprus. Ruins here include the Forum, Public Baths and a well preserved amphitheatre dating from the 2nd century BC.
Similarly the Archaeological Museum will teach you more about the history of the area as it contains many artefacts dating from the 5th century BC.
ACTIVITIES
Being located right by the sea, Limassolâs main activities are to do with the water.
Thrill seekers can visit one of the many water sports centres in the area and indulge in a huge range of activities from scuba diving to water skiing and jet skiing to windsurfing.
Those of you looking for something a bit more relaxing can take a boat trip around the beautiful bay and enjoy the scenic coastline that way.
Away from the beach, you can take a jeep safari into the surrounding hills to get a closer look at the wide array of wildlife in the area.
The hills of the area are also famed for wine growing, so you can visit one of the many vineyards and try some wine tasting! There is also a wine festival each September.
BEACHES
Naturally, beaches are a focal point for any holiday to Limassol, and there are plenty to choose from.
The most popular is of course Limassol Beach, located right next to the town. The beach can be fairly busy but as it stretches for several kilometres you should be able to find a space to spread out! As well as being centrally located, the beach is also right next to shops, restaurants and bars â" and those with children will especially appreciate the kidsâ playground.
Ladies Mile Beach is roughly a 15 minute drive from Limassol and boasts clear, shallow water. This makes it ideal for families to enjoy the water safely, and water sports such as windsurfing are also popular here.
Kourion Beach is west of Limassol and is rather secluded. The scenery here is stunning as it is surrounded by rugged cliffs, and the swell here can be pretty intense, making it popular with water sports enthusiasts.
And Governorâs Beach, situated between Larnaca and Limassol, is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. This pebbly-sandy beach is surrounded by white cliffs and nature trails, while the waters are popular for snorkelling and sailing.
NIGHTLIFE
Most of the accommodation in Limassol is ideally located for the tourist centre of the town. Here you will have access to all the best bars and restaurants, of which there are many to enjoy. Simply leaving your hotel and wandering through the streets you will be presented with something to suit everybodyâs taste.
The beach front is a great location to enjoy a drink and some music in the warm night air. Head to the Guaba Beach Bar for trance and techno music, or to attend one of their famous beach parties.
The Sahara Bar Lounge is a dance and chillout venue for a less hectic evening and those looking for something more civilized will enjoy the Waves Beach Bar which usually attracts an older crowd for a more chilled out vibe.
The Hamlet, the Welcome Inn and the Woodman all offer a taste of home with a mix of sports or Irish themed hospitality!
And to dance the night away, head to Basement or Replay, both of which are open into the early hours.
ACCOMMODATION
For those seeking budget accommodation with ease of access to the city centre there are several options available.
The Marianna Hotel is located right in the tourist area and is set in landscaped gardens. Here you can hire an apartment and come and go as you please. Within the resort there is a swimming pool and separate pool for the kids, as well as a bar and restaurant if you donât want to head out. Entertainment includes regular Greek nights and karaoke!
For something more peaceful you can stay at the Moniatis Hotel, in the pretty village of Yermasoyia, several kilometres from Limassol centre and 30 minutesâ walk from the beach. Here you can choose bed and breakfast, half board or all inclusive accommodation, with several restaurants and bars on site to choose from. If you donât want the walk to the beach then you can relax by the pool or even head to the fitness centre.
For those wanting to make the most of the beach without the hustle and bustle of the tourist area, you can stay at the Arsinoe Beach Hotel. Located a couple of miles from the centre of Limassol, the hotel is right on the seafront and also provides its own water sports for you to enjoy.
And the nearby Golden Arches Hotel is also right on the seafront and provides all types of board â" right up to all inclusive. This includes all meals as well as snacks and alcoholic or soft drinks. There is an outdoor pool as well as several bars and a tennis court.