Famous Sightseeing Places to Visit and Things to Do in Limassol
Limassol is city on the southern coast of Cyprus and is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The city has a storied history. Many of the popular places to visit in Limassol highlight the various civilizations and cultures which flourished in the region. The city, like country’s capital Paphos, has had a very interesting history which involves old settlements, Greco-roman invasion, byzantine empire, crusades and modernization. The city has several archaeological sites among Limassol tourist attractions. The oldest one is that of a Neolithic settlement. Aside from that you can visit the ancient cities of Kourion and Amathus.
Being a coastal city, there are a great many fun things to do in Limassol aside from historical monuments. One of the best-known beaches near Limassol is Aphrodite’s Rock which is believed to be the birthplace of the Greek Goddess Aphrodite. The ancient city of Amathus is also associated with the story of Theseus from Greek mythology. Other popular beaches in Limassol include Kourion beach, Lady’s Mile Beach, Pissouri Bay and Malindi Beach. You can enjoy water sports, scuba diving, snorkeling, boat cruise, surfing, windsurfing and so on.
On the other hand, if you are looking for hike trails you can explore the surrounding hills and valleys near the city. There are also several villages among places to go in Limassol via hike trails. There are trails leading up to historical sites as well if those fit your fancy.
As for exploring cultural aspects during Limassol sightseeing, you should check out olive museums and wineries. The island of Cyprus has its own specialty in both these items and they make great souvenirs. There are many art galleries and handicraft centers among Limassol attractions for you to explore. There too you can purchase locally produced items to take back home.
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Table of Contents
Top 18 Tourist Places to Visit in Limassol
1. Ancient Kourion
This is the archeological site of the ancient city of Kourion which once flourished on these lands. The settlement dates back to Neolithic age, but the city also has several monuments which belong to Greco-Roman period. It is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Limassol and will require a couple of hours time to explore.
2. Kourion Beach
The beach is quite close to the Kourion archaeological site and is among the best beaches in Limassol. Aside from seaside leisure there are many activities and experiences you can enjoy at this beach including watersports, scuba diving, boat cruise, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing and more. You can easily enjoy half a day at this beach.
3. Old Town
The old town district is one of the best places to begin Limassol sightseeing. The area has numerous historical monuments as well as markets and street shops. You would need at least an hour to roam the streets and explore this area.
4. Troodos Mountains
This hill is great for enjoying the outdoors when you visit Limassol. It is a popular place for hiking and also has high hill resorts once you reach the summit village of Platres. You would need about half a day for the hike trail and a day more if you plan to explore Platres village as well.
5. Kolossi Castle
The castle dates back to 1210 and was built by the Knights of St. John. It was taken over by Order of Knights Templar in the 14th century. It is among the most important medieval Limassol tourist attractions. You will need about an hour to explore this castle.
6. The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
This ancient temple dates back to 8th century BCE and is dedicated to Apollo Hylates who was considered to be the protector of the city of Kourion. It is among the most wonderful places to visit in Limassol for its grand architecture and design. You will need an hour or so to explore this temple.
7. Limassol Archaeological Museum
This museum exhibits various historical artifacts recovered from the region from Neolithic age all the way to Roman age. You will get to learn a lot about the regions history and the various cultures which prospered here. Some of the most interesting things to see in Limassol are exhibited in this museum and you will need about an hour and a half to explore it.
8. Solea Valley
Another great place for outdoor things to do in Limassol is the Solea Valley. Besides beautiful natural landscapes and long hike trails, this valley is also known for Troodos Mountain Churches. You will need 3 to 4 hours to explore this valley.
9. Aphrodite’s Rock / Rock of the Roman (Petra tou Romiou)
This is one of few Limassol attractions connected with Greek Mythology. It is considered to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and love. It is also among the best beaches near Limassol. You will need about an hour at this beach as there are beautiful sites to enjoy here.
10. Choirokoitia Archaeological Site
This archaeological site belongs to a neolithic settlement which lived here between 6,800 to 5,250 BCE. The excavation on this site have found several houses, defensive walls and public use buildings. You will need 2 hours to explore this archaeological site when you visit Limassol.
11. Ancient Amathus
Another one of places to go in Limassol associated with Greek mythology, this archaeological site is that of Amathus and dates back to 1,000 BCE. It is associated with the story of Theseus. You will need about 2 hours to explore this site.
12. Kykkos Monastery
This Greek Orthodox monastery dates back to 1831. It was a built by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I. The origin of this church has a beautiful story of a hermit and a governor who convinced the emperor to build this church. In terms of design this church is among the most beautiful things to see in Limassol. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.
13. Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas of the Cats
This monastery was first established in 325 A.D though the current version dates to 13th century. The cats which roam this monastery were brought in from Egypt to overcome the snake problem. Ever since then, they have been added to the monastery’s name. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this monastery.
14. Molos Promenade
This promenade stretches from the city’s old port all the way to the zoo. It is one of the best places to visit in Limassol for a leisurely stroll. You will come across street food vendors, shops and sculptures aside from beach views as you walk the Molos Promenade. It will take at least 45 minutes to explore it.
15. Lady’s Mile Beach
This beach is located on the eastern end of the Akrotiri Peninsula. The beach has ocean on one side and a salt lake on the other. There are numerous fun things to do in Limassol with regards to beach activities here. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this beach.
16. Fasouri Watermania
After enjoying sightseeing, if you are looking to blow off some steam with fun things to do in Limassol. This waterpark just fits the bill. It has something for everyone and is especially popular with families. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying here.
17. Limassol Castle
This castle was erected by Lusignans during the crusades to withstand attacks by Mamluk Sultanate, Genoese Sultanate and Ottomans. The castle was then converted o a prison and in 1950s it was turned into a museum. It is among the most important historical Limassol tourist attractions and would require an hours time to explore.
18. Oleastro Olive Park & Museum
Oleastro is the largest olive producer in Cyprus and this museum outlines cultivation and processing of olives to various products. You can also purchase some of the finest olives and olive products from here. It is one of the most fruitful places to go in Limassol. You will need an hour and a half for the tour and shopping.
If you are looking for more places to visit in Limassol then check out the section below.
Things to do in Limassol
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Limassol
- Limassol Castle
- Limassol Archeological Museum
- Cyprus Motor Museum
- Aiya Napa Cathedral
- Municipal Museum of Folk Art
- Morfi Art Gallery
- Agios Georgios Havouzas Church
- Kolossi Castle
- The Water Museum
- Peter’s Gallery
- Golden Gallery by Kapatays
- St. Catherine Catholic Church
- Grand Mosque of Limassol
- Pattichion Municipal Museum
- Cyprus Medical Museum
- Zacharias Gallery
- Limassol Public Gallery
- Holy Trinity Church
- Agia Marina Church
- Medieval Castle of Limassol
- Plateia Iroon Art Display
- Carob Museum
- Sourp Kevork Armenian Church
- Agios Arsenios
- Amathus Ruins
- Cyprus Wine Museum
- Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas of the Cats
- Panagia Amirous Monastery
- Medflora Museum
- Klimonas Archeological Site
- Episkopi Archeological Museum
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Limassol
- Kouris Dam
- Polemidia Reservoir
- Germasogeia Reservoir
- Kouris Reservoir
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Limassol
- Municipal Zoo
- Limassol Municipal Garden
- City of Dreams Mediterranean Casino
- Cyprus Casino
- Bubble Park
- Fasouri Watermania
- Metropole Retro Club
- Puzzle 3041 Escape Room
- Vulcan Vegas Casino
- Flight Simulator
- Limassol Surf House
- Dinosaur Park
- Apesia Hills Donkey Riding Park
- Antony’s Garden House
- Arizona Luna Park
Shopping in Limassol
- Old Town Market
- Agiou Andreou Street
- Makarios Avenue
- Anexartisias Street
- My Mall
- Asomatos Village Flea Market
Beaches & Island in Limassol
- Limassol Promenade
- Molos Seaside Park
- Atki Olympion Beach
- Dasoudi Beach
- Armonia Beach
- Onisilos Beach
- Castella Beach
- Aphrodite Beach
- DaNala Beach
- Vouppa Beach
- Lady’s Mile Beach
- Santa Barbara Beach
- Loures Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Limassol
- Hiking
- Surfing
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkelling
- Beach Sports
- Watersports
Sightseeing in Limassol
- Old Town
- Limassol Water Tower
- Limassol Cruise Terminal
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Limassol
- La Maison Fleurie
- Il Castello
- Artima Bistro
- Sykaminia Cook Shop
- Al Borgo Pizzeria
- Ousia Lounge Cafe
- Epsilon Resto Bar
- Yabashi Asia Fusion
- Meze Taverna
- Ciao Napoli
- Karatello Tavern
- Apollo Garden
- LocoMondo Cafe
- Dionysus Mansion
- Stretto Cafe
- Le Frenchie
- Vivaldi
- Dafne
- Kouzina
- Sailor’s Rest
- Venezia
- Malindi Beach Bar
- Dino Bistro Cafe
- Kohili Surf & Turf
Where to Stay in Limassol?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Limassol. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Limassol.
Luxurious Hotels
- Alasia Hotel
- Sir Paul Hotel
- Alinea Suites
- Old Port Hotel
- Olympic Residence Deluxe Apartments
- St Raphael Resort
- Four Seasons Hotel
- The Royal Apollonia
- Columbia Beach Resort Pissouri
- GrandResort
- Atlantica Bay Hotel
- Mediterranean Beach Hotel
- Atlantica Oasis Hotel
- Atlantica Miramare Beach
Mid-Range Hotels
- Kapetanios Odyssia
- Kapetanios Limassol Hotel
- Curium Palace Hotel
- La Maltese Mansion
- Polyxeni Hotel Apartments
- City Centre Studios
- Harmony Bay Hotel
- Ajax Hotel
- Ambelikos Traditional Agrohotel
- Forest Park Hotel
- Navarria Blue Hotel
- Park Beach Hotel
- Club Aphrodite Erimi
- Semiramis Hotel
- Troodos Hotel
Budget Hotels
- Pefkos Hotel
- Le Village Hotel
- Lofou Agrovino
- Livadia Hotel Kyperounta
- Niki’s House
- Oinoessa Traditional Boutique Guest Houses
- Caravel Hotel
- Metropole Hotel
- Stou Kir Yianni
- Pier Beach Aparthotel
- Blue Crane Hotel Apartments
- Marianna Hotel Apartments
Custom Tours Package in Limassol
How to Reach Limassol?
By Air
The closest airports for Limassol travel are Larnaca and Paphos. Both international airports receive flights from several cities including Athens, Beirut, Vilnius, Vienna, Doha, Budapest, Paris, Billund, Stockholm, London, Sofia, Belgrade, Dubai, Munich, Manchester, Zurich, Frankfurt, Brussels, Yerevan, Kiev, Bucharest and so on. You will need to get a bus or a cab to visit Limassol from either of these airports.
By Road
You can get a bus from several cities on Cyprus island including major cities like Paphos and Larnaca for Limassol sightseeing. If you plan to travel by road, use routes A1, M1 or B8.
By Water
Limassol is one of the largest ports on the island and is a popular cruise ship terminal. Cruise tours, even one-day cruises, are among the most popular things to do in Limassol. There are cruises coming in from several cities including Beirut, Rodos, Port Said, Ashdod, Haifa and Agios Nikolaos.
Image Reference
- Ancient Kourion – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- Kourion Beach – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- Old Town – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- Troodos Mountains – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- Kolossi Castle – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- Limassol Archaeological Museum – orientalizing / Flickr
- Solea Valley – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- Aphrodite’s Rock / Rock of the Roman (Petra tou Romiou) – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- Choirokoitia Archaeological Site – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- Ancient Amathus – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- Kykkos Monastery – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas of the Cats – DM PHOTOGRAPHY / Flickr
- Molos Promenade – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- Lady’s Mile Beach – Ivan C / Flickr
- Fasouri Watermania – Peter Clarke / Wikimedia Commons
- Limassol Castle – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
- Oleastro Olive Park & Museum –