Between which ancient cities is modern Limassol located? Cyprus, Limassol: reviews

If there is a city that is really prone to constant transformation and change, then it is Limassol, which every year becomes more and more modern and can proudly boast of its vibrant, dynamic, cultural life.

Visitors to the city immediately notice the constant and harmonious juxtaposition of old architecture with super-modern projects: from old mansions of the colonial era to small galleries near major art centers, and on the other hand, a modern and intricate port, which in the near future will be a beautiful addition and a successful accent city. The multifaceted collage of the “city of entertainment” is brightly and colorfully complemented by luxury hotels along the entire coast of Limassol.

Especially in the evening hours - all cafes and bistros are crowded with visitors, and you, heading to the city pier, can visit one of the bars you like and try delicious light cocktails against the backdrop of sea waves and the sounds of soft Greek music. The smell of water, fish and spices will complement the flavor of your romantic evening. Continuing to walk along a special walking path along the coast, you will reach a medieval castle, in the vicinity of which there are a lot of different restaurants offering delicious dishes for all tastes and preferences: from stuffed squid, seafood risotto and fresh salads - to meat dishes of local national cuisine.

If you are a true history buff, then be sure to visit the monuments of ancient Amathus and the Colossus Castle, where every visitor has... read more

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Weather in Limassol by months:

Month	Temperature		Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Water temperature in the sea	Number of solar hours per day
	During the day	At night
January	15.3°C	11.0°C	25.9%	5 days (59.8 mm.)	17.9°C	10 o'clock 8m.
February	16.5°C	11.2°C	22.0%	2 days (33.6 mm.)	17.2°C	10 o'clock 57m.
March	18.6°C	12.4°C	16.8%	2 days (25.4 mm.)	17.2°C	11 o'clock 59m.
April	21.9°C	15.1°C	12.3%	2 days (20.0 mm.)	18.2°C	13:00 4m.
May	26.0°C	18.8°C	9.8%	2 days (22.4 mm.)	20.5°C	13:00 59m.
June	29.9°C	22.1°C	4.8%	1 day (12.8 mm.)	23.6°C	14h. 26m.
July	32.9°C	24.7°C	1.4%	-	26.5°C	14h. 13m.
August	33.2°C	25.1°C	1.4%	-	27.6°C	13:00 26m.
September	31.0°C	24.0°C	2.8%	1 day (11.5 mm.)	27.1°C	12h. 23m.
October	26.7°C	20.4°C	8.4%	3 days (32.5 mm.)	25.3°C	11 o'clock 18m.
November	21.9°C	16.6°C	15.8%	2 days (26.1 mm.)	22.5°C	10 o'clock 22m.
December	17.4°C	12.9°C	23.2%	3 days (44.1 mm.)	19.8°C	9 o'clock 53m.

*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years

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How much does a holiday in Limassol cost? October 2015.

tour cost

A trip to a 3* hotel in Limassol (Caravel) for 9 nights with departure from Minsk cost 600 euros. I was flying alone, so I’m listing the price for a single; a room for two would have been about 40-50 euros cheaper. The price included breakfast and dinner. The hotel is modest, but located near the sea, the food is decent, you definitely won’t go hungry. Despite the modest budget, the holiday lived up to expectations. The price of the tour included transfer from the airport to the hotel and back.

I bought excursions from a hotel guide, or it was possible from locals travel agencies As a rule, it is more interesting to take with them, but the season was ending and there were few tempting offers. Prices “on the street” and in the hotel are not much different. Sightseeing tour in Cyprus (Grand Tour) cost 65 euros, to Northern Cyprus - 55 euros, to Paphos and Cleopatra Beach - 45 euros. There was an interesting offer for Israel - for 2 days by plane (fly 30 minutes). The program included a visit to Jerusalem (Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Western Wall), Bethlehem (Church of the Nativity), Dead Sea. The cost of a tour to Israel is 300 euros.

We arrived in the second half of May, and this is the most ideal time, as for me. The air temperature remained between +26 and +28 degrees. Water temperature - +23 degrees.

Before you go on the road, determine the purpose of your trip. Of course, this means swimming in the sea. But if you also want to see all kinds of excursions, then it is best to go to the so-called " the Velvet season". It lasts from approximately September to early November. At this time the temperature drops a little, but it is not cold, the sea is warm and sunny, what could be better?

Vacation with children

Availability of playgrounds (while we were on vacation, I counted 3), large staff fun animators who really enjoy their work. When we booked the room, we were asked in advance whether there was a child and whether a crib was needed in the room. It seems like a small thing, but when friends were vacationing in Tunisia, they had to order a bed as additional service, although we asked about this when booking. Another plus for the hotel :)

Restaurants have an extensive children's menu, even for those children who are just being introduced to complementary foods. Well, and of course, high chairs.

There are also swimming pools on site especially for the little ones.

What to take with you on vacation?

1. Money. I advise you to take a credit card with you. It is accepted everywhere, and it is much more convenient than stuffing cash into your pockets.

2. Protective cream. The peak of high temperatures in Cyprus occurs during the hot summer months. Don't forget to stock up on sunscreens (especially if you have sensitive skin) with a high spF level. I managed to burn my shoulders even at the end of May, so I especially focus your attention on the protective cream.

3. And be sure to take a good mood with you.

Where is the best place to stay?

The following hotels have good reviews: St Raphael 5*, Constantinos the Great 5* and Olympic Lagoon 4*. We still chose "St Raphael 5*". We booked the room half a year before the trip, therefore, the price came at a discount, namely 42,600 thousand rubles for a full 7 days (Meals included, transfer to the airport and back). The excursion was a nice bonus

What to do at the resort?

When a beach holiday starts to get boring, it's time to go on excursions. There are a huge number of them, and you can find out about them from your hotel. By the way, there is Russian speaking guides. It is very convenient, especially when the level of English is at the everyday level.

There are the following interesting excursions for children on the island:

Young farmer (there is an opportunity to watch and participate in the cultivation of local vegetables, cook and dine on the farm yourself, valid petting zoo with goats and donkeys). The excursion lasts 5 hours. Cost 25 euros/person.

To the top of Olympus (for the bravest there is a tension cable car, you can dive down from a waterfall (small, of course)), cost 30 euros per person, duration 5.5 hours. At the end of the excursion, you will be awarded a diploma of a real conqueror of the island! Children will definitely like it.

Adults will definitely enjoy the excursion, which can replace everything. Intriguing? This is a journey around the island, a total of 10 hours. But it's worth it. Cost per person from 45 euros. You have to travel about 400 km, and how much you can see!

I give it a solid four, because... the beach was clean and well maintained. For littering in a public place - a fine of 100 euros. And it's not easy empty words, before my eyes, one man was actually fined. It may be harsh, but it disciplines.

Disadvantages of holidays in Limassol

1. They offer excursions very intrusively. They don't understand the refusal the first time.

2. There are different local population who, in pursuit of additional income, will also try to literally “sell” you their handmade.

I guess that's all :)

Is it worth a holiday in Limassol?

My answer is of course yes! There is extraordinary nature, amazing beaches and very beautiful sunsets. At least for their sake, I agree to return there again :)

My trip to Cyprus turned out to be very spontaneous. It was July on the calendar, with two weeks left. The choice fell on Cyprus, since a visa is not required for Russians, convenient flights fly from Moscow, and the beaches in the south of the island are marked Blue flag.

Literally one day after booking a hotel and buying tickets, I was ready to travel. I decided to stop in Limassol.

There are several reasons for this: firstly, developed infrastructure, which is important. Secondly, the quiet atmosphere combines in a surprising way with fun nightlife. Further: the guidebooks promised beautiful beaches, which, in addition to everything, were also “therapeutic”. The fact is that the sand here is of volcanic origin, and accordingly it contains a lot of silicon. And it, in turn, has a beneficial effect on the skin.

So I had no doubts. I'm flying to Limassol!

A little history

During Byzantine times, the city served as the residence of the bishop and was called New town. It was located between two very important centers - Amathus and Kourion. Today, all travelers coming to Limassol try to visit these cities. Everything about them is imbued with the spirit of history.

The dawn of Limassol as a seaside resort began in 1974, immediately after the loss of the port. This part of northern Cyprus began to belong to Turkey. It was necessary to offer travelers new resort. This is what Limassol became. Its developed infrastructure, active night life, beautiful beaches and stunning nature attract more and more tourists every year.

How to get there

If your next point on the map is the resort town of Limassol, then first of all you should decide how to get there.

The most convenient way is by plane. Flights (direct and with transfers) depart regularly from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities.

If you are an avid traveler, and a composite route is not a problem for you, but a way to get new experiences, then you can use the ferry. From which countries the ships depart, I will tell you in the corresponding section.

Also, a rather long but interesting road awaits those who travel by car. You will cross the borders of several states, where you can stop to rest and move on.

By plane

There are two airports in Cyprus that receive a flow of tourists.

The first is located in Paphos – Pafos International Airport

It is located 60 kilometers from Limassol. The airport itself is not very large, but it has everything you need to spend your time comfortably while waiting for your flight. Travelers are offered numerous cafes and bars, a Duti Free store, a tax-free return point, and a VIP lounge.

Having arrived at Paphos airport, exit through the main entrance and here decide how to go to Limassol: by taxi or bus.

From the airport by taxi

• You will pay an average of 55 EUR per trip.
• Travel time is about 40 minutes.
• The drivers speak Greek, English and quite good Russian, so there will be no problems with communication. Just keep the address of your hotel or apartment handy.

From the airport by bus

• Every day from 9 am, buses depart from the airport every 45 minutes to Limassol. There is usually a sign on the windshield indicating the destination. It's difficult to confuse. To be sure, check the information with the driver again.
• The ticket costs 12 EUR.
• Less than an hour on the road (50 minutes) and you will find yourself in Limassol. Very convenient and not expensive.

Second airport – International Airport Larnaka

It is located 70 kilometers from Limassol. This is where most tourists fly. The largest airport on the island offers a standard set of amenities: cafes, taxi-free return counters, a luxury lounge, souvenir shops, etc.

Let me remind you that you can return tax free if your purchase exceeds the cost of 50 EUR.

From Moscow to Larnaca

Direct flights to Larnaca are provided by:

• S7 Airlines,

• Victory,

• Aeroflot.

Travel time is about 4 hours. Prices start from 260 EUR (round trip).

Flights with transfers:

• Belavia (transfer in Minsk),

• LOT (transfer in Warsaw),

Prices for round-trip tickets start from 230 EUR.

From the airport by bus

• A ticket for an adult costs 9 EUR.
• For children 3–12 years old – only 4 EUR.

• Buses run every one and a half hours daily from 3 am to 00:00.

• Travel time to Limassol is about 50 minutes. A very convenient way to travel.

From the airport by taxi

• Cars await passengers in the arrivals hall on level zero.
• The trip will cost an average of 50 EUR.

From the airport to Limassol by rented car

It is very convenient to fly to the airport and go to the hotel by car. Some people prefer to book a car in advance via the Internet. I recommend doing this in the summer. The choice of models is larger and the price will be slightly lower.

Other travelers rent a car directly at the airport at the counters of companies providing rental services to tourists. In any case, a car in Cyprus is very useful. I will write more about car rental in a separate section.

By train

Unfortunately, there is no railway in Cyprus.

By bus

You can use the bus if you are already in Cyprus and want to visit Limassol. Bus service is quite well developed on the island.

Advice. It is more profitable to buy a round trip ticket at once. This way you can save a couple of euros.

From Famagusta to Limassol:

• one way ticket costs 5 EUR,
• round trip - 9 EUR.

From Larnaca to Limassol:

• one way ticket costs 4 EUR,
• round trip - 7 EUR.

From Paphos to Limassol:

• one way ticket - 4 EUR,
• round trip - 7 EUR.

From Nicosia to Limassol:

• one way ticket - 5 EUR,
• round trip - 9 EUR.

By car

Traveling by car will not be long, but interesting. From Moscow the distance is about 3400 kilometers.

You will cross the border of Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. To travel you need to apply for a Schengen visa. And plan in advance where you will stop to rest.

From the Turkish port of Mersin you need to take a ferry to the north of Cyprus, to the city. Transporting a car one way will cost 35–45 EUR (depending on the type of vessel). Further along the island you should head south to Limassol.

From St. Petersburg the distance is longer - about 3,780 kilometers.

By ferry

Cyprus can be reached by ferry from Israel and Greece.

From Israel to Cyprus

From the port of Haifa, ferries depart to the New Port of Limassol. At 18:00 you depart and arrive in Cyprus early in the morning. Very convenient if you can handle sea travel well.

Simple three-star hotels offer rooms in season from 70 EUR. This price usually includes breakfast. They are located very close to the embankment, the walk does not take much time. In the summer heat this is very important.

Judging by the reviews from vacationers, Mediterranean Beach Hotel ideal for staying with children, since the beach has its own section of the beach with sun loungers for guests. You can choose the type of food you like best - only breakfasts or add dinners to them. And some stay at all inclusive. Rooms in season with breakfast cost from 140 EUR.

The best five star hotels in Limassol are St-Raphael Hotel and Four Seasons. St-Raphael Hotel operates only on an all inclusive basis. Well-groomed territory and a section with sun loungers on the beach are at the service of vacationers. However, the sea here is not very calm, so many kiters come here. Not the best option for children. Prices start from 190 EUR. Four Seasons needs no introduction.

The prices here are appropriate. If you are willing to pay an average of 350 EUR per night, then you are guaranteed a holiday at the highest level.

Food

Some cook themselves, buying food in supermarkets, others eat in taverns. I will give approximate prices for products and dishes.

In restaurants/taverns:

The average bill for two with drinks on the embankment is 45–50 EUR. If you choose a tavern not by the sea and more modest, you can have lunch for 40 EUR (for two):

• first courses - from 5 EUR,
• pizza - 6–9 EUR,
• assorted kebab - 15–18 EUR,
• meze (usually order a portion for two people) - from 20 to 40 EUR,
• glass of wine - 4–5 EUR,
• cocktails - from 10 EUR,
• ice cream - 3–4 EUR.

In supermarkets:

• bread - 2 EUR,
• juice - from 1.5 EUR,
• bottle of wine - from 4 EUR,
• olive oil 1 liter - from 6 EUR,
• salmon fillet - 15 EUR,
• potatoes 1 kilogram - from 2 EUR.

Excursions

In Cyprus you will be offered a lot of programs. There are both historical and entertainment. I will give approximate prices for the most popular ones. Keep in mind that the cost may vary depending on the components. For example, is lunch included in the price:

• Trip to Famagusta in northern Cyprus, duration about 8 hours - from 140 EUR.

• A comprehensive excursion for those who want to get to know the main attractions of the island in one day takes the whole day - about 170 EUR.

• An excursion to Lefkara for lovers of antiquities and exclusive items made by local craftsmen lasts on average 5 hours - 40 EUR.

• Trip to monasteries and picturesque villages, about 5 hours - 40 EUR.

Taxi

All cars have meters. So:

• Getting into a taxi is paid separately - 3.5 EUR.

• Heavy luggage (over 12 kilograms) - 1.5 EUR.

• On holidays, 2 EUR is added to the total amount.

• 1 kilometer - on average 1 EUR.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

In the vicinity of Limassol there is a large number of historical monuments, monasteries, temples and castles. It is for this reason that a rented car will allow you to move around the island freely.

There are also several interesting places for children, both in the city itself and nearby. Therefore, Limassol is a great holiday destination with a child. Little travelers won't be bored.

Top 3

There are several attractions within the city. The remaining places are no less interesting, but they are located not far from the city, in the outskirts, so they will be discussed below. So, what to see within Limassol:

Beaches. Which ones are better

Most tourists come to Limassol precisely for the beautiful beaches. There are several of them in the city, they smoothly flow from one to another. As I already wrote, the sand here is of volcanic origin. That's why its color is greyish. However, it is quite soft to the touch, although it does not have a fine composition. Some sections of the beaches are a mixture of coarse sand and pebbles.

Walking on such a beach is comfortable; your feet don’t sink into the depths. Children enjoy making castles on the shore.

I'll tell you about best beaches Limassol.

Churches, temples and castles. Which ones are worth visiting?

Kykkos Monastery

Located 70 kilometers from Limassol. Be sure to visit this place!

It is built on a high cliff with stunning views. Sources give different dates for its construction. The thing is that the monastery was completely burned down several times. But historians claim that the first building was completed at the end of the 11th century.

Within the walls of the monastery there is a shrine - an icon of the Mother of God. One of three, authored by the Apostle Luke. The icon has healing properties; it is said that its power is so strong that the monks decided to cover its face with a cloth.

In August and September, large-scale religious fairs are held near the monastery.

Machairas Monastery

It's on the slopes mountain range Troodos (about 70 kilometers from Limassol inland) at an altitude of 870 meters. There is a quiet, calm atmosphere here, conducive to walking. Monks' cells were built next to the monastery.

Temple of Apollo

It is located just a couple of kilometers from the ancient city of Kourion. The temple was built in the 7th century BC. Unfortunately, time has taken its toll and the building has suffered from destruction many times. Therefore, the temple was rebuilt several times.

For the inhabitants of the island it was an important shrine. To protect it from the predatory raids of invaders, it was surrounded by a wall. But this did not stop the enemies.

Kolossi Castle

Find a couple of hours to visit a wonderful place. The castle is located just 10 kilometers from Limassol, surrounded by citrus plantations. The castle has served as a citadel of knightly orders since 1454. You can get to it by suspension bridge.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Museum of the Middle Ages in Limassol Castle.
There is a very romantic legend associated with the history of the castle. King Richard the Lionheart sailed to Acre, but was overtaken by a strong storm. Therefore, he moored the ship in Limassol. Later, his magnificent wedding took place in the castle. Today there is a museum within the castle walls. Here you can see photographs of the churches of Cyprus, a collection of weapons, found ammunition, knightly clothes, armor, coins and bronzes.

Opening hours:

• Monday-Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00,
• Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00.

Ticket price:

• Admission is free for children.
• A ticket for an adult costs 5 EUR.

Tourist streets

Limassol is a relatively small seaside city, and accordingly, at any time of the year people go to the embankment to walk, breathe the sea air, take photographs or have lunch. The embankment is quite convenient for pedestrian promenades. There is a separate path for cyclists.

Tourists also like to visit streets where shops and shops are concentrated. I will tell you more about them in the “shopping” section.

What to see in 1 day

So, you only have one day left. I will offer a small program that will be interesting for both adults and children:

In fact, it will be a very busy day. But you will have time to get acquainted with the history of the city, have fun in the water park, stroll along the embankment, swim in the sea and soak up the sun and try National dishes in a restaurant.

What to see in the area

In this section I will talk about interesting cities nearby.

Kourion (70 km)

Just a few kilometers west of Limassol is Kourion. The 70 meter high cliff offers stunning panoramas of the surrounding area. Don't forget to take your camera with you.

Some important facts that will be interesting to know about Kourion

In fact, in the first millennium AD, the city was completely destroyed by a powerful earthquake. For a long time it was restored, but in the 7th century Kourion again suffered from Muslim raids.

Interestingly, the city was founded by participants in the Trojan War.

Today, walking around its territory, pay attention to the mosaics. The ruins of the amphitheater have not been preserved in the best condition, but its former scope is still visible. Its capacity is amazing - 3.5 thousand people could watch the performance at the same time!

Schedule:

• in summer from 8:00 to 19:30,

• in spring and autumn from 8:00 to 18:00,

• in winter from 8:00 to 17:00.

Amathus (2 km)

Just a couple of kilometers from Limassol in the east is an ancient city. Walking along its streets, pay attention to ancient buildings, ruins, remains of walls and columns.

During archaeological excavations the temple of Aphrodite, the city of the Acropolis, baths and even a market were discovered. It is difficult to imagine how life was in full swing in this place hundreds of years ago.

Paphos (70 km)

Buses depart daily near the Old Port to. It is advisable to leave in the morning, around 8–9 o’clock.

In Paphos, allow 3 hours to explore the archaeological site. They are under the protection of UNESCO. The mosaics are of great value here. Some of them are located indoors, some are outdoors.

It is difficult to walk in the heat - there is no shade, the sun can burn your head. Don't forget water and hats.

• Entrance costs 3 EUR.

• Opening hours: daily from 8:30 to 18:30.

You can end your visit to Paphos with a walk along the promenade.

Food. What to try

Taverns and restaurants in Limassol offer tourists a wide selection of Greek dishes. Prices on the embankment are slightly higher than in the depths of the city.

On average, lunch with a glass of wine or fruit juice will cost 45 EUR (for two).

If you want to save money, buy takeaway food. For example, gyros. It's essentially meat with vegetables and sauce wrapped in pita bread. Very tasty and filling. A serving costs about 5 EUR.

You can also cook at home by buying food from the supermarket. In this case, it is better to stay in a self-catering apartment. By choosing vegetables at the market and fresh meat at the store, you can prepare very tasty dishes. It will be much cheaper than eating in restaurants.

In conclusion, here are a few dishes that you should definitely try:

Among the variety of restaurants, I would recommend one that I remember most - MEZE Taverna.

Order a portion of meze and drinks if desired. Rest assured - you will remain full and satisfied with the service. Meze here is served with a large number of sauces, appetizers and meat or fish dishes.

The owners pay special attention wine list. Express your wishes and they will help you choose a drink.

A serving of meze will cost 25–30 EUR (depending on whether the meze is fish or meat).

Mid-level

Expensive

Holidays

Safety. What to watch out for

Cyprus has a very strict and principled police force. Therefore, it is safe and comfortable to relax here. Even in the evenings, walking along the embankment, there is no need to worry.

However, it is worth remembering a few simple rules:

• Smoking in in public places forbidden.

• To visit monasteries and churches, choose closed clothing.

• Do not leave your belongings on the beach unattended. Extra caution never hurts. I wouldn't recommend taking expensive things to the beach. It's better to leave them in the safe.

• Another important point in summer - use sunscreens with a high degree of protection. This will help keep you healthy and avoid burns.

Things to do

When historical monuments examined, and the soul asks for new adventures - it’s time to get busy aquatic species sports The beaches offer a wide range of water activities.

I'll start with the less extreme ones:

So, these are the most interesting, in my opinion, water activities. Now about something else.

With the exception of the winter season, you can go to the mountain range.

Here you can spend the whole day surrounded by picturesque nature in the fresh air. There are walking routes here. Take a walk to Caledonia Falls; on a hot day, the cool spray is very refreshing. After exploring, stop for lunch at one of the taverns.

Shopping and shops

Without leaving the city, in Limassol you can go shopping and look for the things you like.

Bars. Where to go

There are many bars in Limassol. They are of different levels, targeting different audiences, respectively, with different price ranges. Most of them are open until one in the morning, but some are open until three o'clock. However, usually the public enters the bar in front of the nightclub, so the main fun begins at 10 pm and lasts until 12.

Dizzy Bizzy

Nice place with a great crowd. Golden youth have long chosen this bar. In summer it is especially pleasant to spend time on the open terrace, from where you can see the eucalyptus grove. As a bonus - a full menu of European cuisine and signature dishes.

Draft

I recommend this place to all beer lovers. The bar produces several types of foam. The menu offers several types of amazing grilled meats. IN warm time year, sit on the veranda. It is located right next to the walls of the ancient fort. Unobtrusive music complements a pleasant evening spent at Draught.

Rumors

A fun bar in the heart of the tourist area. The DJ plays exciting music, the bartenders prepare good cocktails. You should arrive by 8 pm.

Woodman

A real English bar in Cyprus. If you come here, try the famous fish and chips dish - fish in batter with chips. Also on the menu are English pies and sandwiches. Beer flows like a river during sports broadcasts in the bar.

Before renting a car, you need to understand that traffic on the island is on the left. The first time will be very unusual, but for experienced drivers this will not be a problem.

Cypriots drive quite carefully. The main thing is not to break the rules and not to provoke dangerous situations.

As I already said, a car in Cyprus will greatly free your hands. You can independently travel around the island and admire its beauty. Do not adjust to the schedule of buses and minibuses.

If you are not confident in yourself and are worried about possible troubles, then it is better to take out insurance, which is called full insurance. It guarantees full coverage of damages.

Basic penalties

• speeding over 5 kilometers - from 10 to 230 EUR, payment is made at the police station or at the city municipality,
• smoking in a car in the presence of a child, eating and drinking while driving, parking against traffic, driving without seat belts - 85 EUR,

• driving while intoxicated - from 200 to 400 EUR (permissible blood alcohol content - 0.5 ppm),

• fines are paid within two weeks.

Basic Rules:

• children under 10 years of age must be transported in seats or using special restraint systems in accordance with their weight,

• all passengers, including those in the rear seat, must wear seat belts,

• speed limit within the city - 50 km/h,

• outside the city - 80 km/h,

• on the motorway - 100 km/h (minimum speed - 65 km/h),

• Low beams should be turned on immediately after sunset,

• Talking while driving is prohibited (only using the hands free system).

Parking

There are designated parking spaces in the city center.

• If the seats are outlined with a yellow line, then only passengers can board and disembark.

• If there are double yellow markings, stopping is strictly prohibited.

• Parking is only allowed in the direction of travel.

• In the center of Limassol, an hour of parking costs about 1 EUR.

To pay for parking, you need to deposit coins into the terminal (if you leave the car for an hour, pay the cost for 60 minutes, and so on), take the ticket and place it in a visible place under the windshield.

Limassol; Vacation with children

For children in Limassol there is a lot of entertainment for every taste! I'll tell you about the most interesting places.

Park Santa Marina Retreat

All children who don't like to sit still will love this place. This big park For active rest.

It is located just 20 kilometers east of Limassol.

Children can ride a horse and listen to interesting stories about the life of these smartest animals. Boys enjoy archery and rock climbing. On weekends, teams are recruited here to play football.

Together with their parents, young travelers can play a round of golf, ride a mountain bike special route, and then take a walk around the mini-zoo.

Treasure hunting games are also organized here. Fans of team games can play paintball.

You can spend the whole day in the park; time flies here.

• Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.

• Ticket price - 5 EUR.

Waterfront Amusement Park

In the evening, the attractions start operating. There is a bowling alley, billiard rooms, a sports bar with large screens and a video game room.

Zoo

Located in a city park. It is very small, so it will only be interesting for children under 10–12 years old.

Opening hours in summer: from 9:00 to 18:00

Ticket prices:

• adult - 5 EUR,

• children - 2 EUR.

Fasouri Waterpark

The vast territory is home to more than 30 attractions and water slides. I assure you, it will be interesting not only for children!

The most favorite slide among visitors is a 50-meter descent with a slope of 70 degrees. The impressions are simply unforgettable.

Another attraction for those who like to tickle their nerves is when a stream of water with a pressure of 1000 liters per minute carries a person out of the pipe, who lands in a deep pool.

There are fast food restaurants on site that sell not only hamburgers, but also Greek dishes.

There are free buses to the water park. They depart from the eastern part of Limassol and go through the entire city, collecting people at stops. A trip around the city takes on average 10 minutes. Therefore, I advise you to stand at the stop at the moment the bus leaves from the terminus. There is usually a sign on the windshield with the name of the water park.

Shuttle schedule to the water park:

• 9:30,
• 9:45,
• 10:10,
• 10:45.

From the water park buses go to:

• 15:30,
• 16:30,
• 17:00,
• 18:00.

Ski holiday

It was opened several decades ago ski resort. I must say that it is popular both among island residents and travelers. An excellent infrastructure has been created here for the comfort of vacationers.

From Limassol it is no more than 45 kilometers away.

The height of the resort is 2 thousand meters above sea level. In winter - ski resort, and in the summer - a nature reserve where it is pleasant to walk and spend time in the fresh air.

Skiing enthusiasts as well as professionals come here. By the way, every year the resort hosts international ski competitions.

The season starts in mid-December and lasts until the end of March. The dense snow cover is maintained by artificial turf. Therefore, he is not afraid of temperature changes.

At the end of the season, a veterans' race is traditionally held, in which former athletes and ordinary winter sports enthusiasts participate. This action looks especially beautiful in the evening when the torches are lit.

Ski passes

• A day ski pass costs 23 EUR. There is an equipment rental center and a shop near the ski lifts where you can buy skis and mountain clothing.

• An individual lesson with an instructor will cost 40 EUR.

• Group lesson - about 10 EUR.

You can also purchase a club card, which provides a number of advantages. The list of discounts must be checked at the box office.

• For two weeks, the card costs about 22 EUR.

• Upon presentation club card A ski pass (for one week) costs 60 EUR.

If you plan to ride for at least seven days, it will be more profitable to purchase a card.

• At the resort you can rent ski equipment for 15–18 EUR per day.
• Rental of cross-country skis and boots – 10 EUR.

Trails

The resort has 4 lifts:

• Two of them are located on northern slopes- Zeus and Hera. There are 5 trails here. They are aimed primarily at professionals.

• The other two lifts are located in Sun Valley and take skiers to the slopes of Aphrodite and Hermes. The trails located here are suitable for both beginners and intermediate skiers.

Guests stay in hotels at the foot of the mountain range. The choice of hotels is quite large, the price range is from 70–90 EUR. These are mainly small family hotels. Perhaps the best accommodation is offered by the Casale Panayiotis hotel. A stylish small room (with an excellent breakfast) will cost 110 EUR.

Anything to add?

It is the second largest city in Cyprus after Nicosia with a population of 228 thousand people, the majority of whom are naturally Greek Cypriots, but there is also a Turkish quarter and several thousand Russians live here, more than in any other city in Cyprus. If Nicosia is the administrative center of the Republic of Cyprus, then Limassol is, without a doubt, the business capital of the island with the main Cypriot commercial port and many offices of various companies.

The second name of the city is Lemesos. The exact date of the city's founding is unknown, although it is believed that it was founded in the 11th-12th between the ancient kingdoms of Kourion and Amathus, the latter of which was captured by Richard the Lionheart in 1191. It was in Limassol that the wedding of this crusader king and Berengaria of Navarre took place. The church where the ceremony took place was soon destroyed, and in its place the Templars built a castle, which has not survived to this day. After this, the castle was built many times and destroyed again under different rulers and dynasties - under the Lusignans, Venetians, and then under the Turks. Today on the territory Limassol fortress houses the Museum of the Middle Ages.

Among other historical attractions of Limassol it is worth highlighting Sanctuary of Apollo of Hylates , Kolossi Castle, which was a government residence in different years, as well as ruins of Kourion And Amathusa. You can get acquainted with the local beauties in absentia in the section “ photo attractions of Cyprus ».

Limassol also has the reputation of being one of the most popular resorts in Cyprus, which is ideally suited for those visiting the island for the first time - there are excellent beaches with hotels, and the famous KEO winery, and its favorable location in the south of the island allows you to get from here without any problems to other cities - Pathos , Larnaca And Nicosia. In addition, to the north of Limassol the beautiful Troodos Mountains begin.

It is in Limassol that a large-scale wine festival is held in September, dedicated to the god of this activity, Dionysus, and in February the city becomes the arena of a colorful costume carnival, which has no analogues on the island. The city has a lot of entertainment, from the wonderful Luna Park to the Watermania water park and the city zoo.

However, the main object of desire for tourists is, of course, the excellent Limassol beaches, covered mainly with hot grayish sand or pebbles. The city stretches for 15 kilometers along the coast from east to west, so there should obviously be no problems with the swimming area. In addition, there are many wonderful beaches in the surrounding villages that are not as crowded as the city beaches, the most famous of which are Santa Barbara and Loures.

Among other beaches, several are worth highlighting. Dasoudi Beach is located 3 kilometers from Limassol and is covered with sand and pebbles. It is a well-appointed place with cabanas, taverns, parking and numerous water sports. Lady's Mile Beach is located west of the city on the Akrortiri Peninsula. You can get there by bus, it will take 10-15 minutes. This sandy beach is popular with windsurfers and families as the sea is shallow and warm and there is no big waves. Lady's Mile is also known as quite quiet beach, so finding a secluded place here is not a problem. Curium Beach is famous for its very capricious and choppy sea, so it is a great place for sailing enthusiasts and good swimmers. And in the vicinity of the beach you can visit the ancient Roman amphitheater.

Based: approximately 4th century BC e.
Square: 34.87 km 2
Population: 280,000 people (2010)
Currency: Euro
Language: Greek
Official website: http://www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy

Flight time:
(charter flights to Larnaca airport)
from Moscow - 3 hours 40 minutes.
from St. Petersburg - 4 hours 25 minutes.
from Kazan - 3 hours 30 minutes.
from Yekaterinburg - 4 hours 30 minutes.
from Novosibirsk - 8 hours 20 minutes.

Current time in Limassol:
(UTC +2)

Not far from Limassol there is the village of Pissouri, whose beach of the same name, filled with excellent taverns, is very popular among local residents, which always speaks about this place better than any advertisement. In addition, Pissouri is also a good dive site. Not far from Limassol on the way to Larnaca is the so-called Governor's Beach, surrounded by stunning white cliffs. The beach itself is sandy and not too crowded with tourists, so it’s quite possible to relax here with a whole family or couples in some privacy. Governor's Beach is a great place for snorkeling, fishing and relaxing boat rides.

Limassol is one of the most popular resorts in Cyprus, where streams of tourists flock from the very beginning beach season. This city is mainly chosen by travelers who prefer a holiday with a lot of accessible entertainment. In this sense, Limassol is one hundred percent suitable. There are many entertainment venues here, there is a huge water park, several zoos and theater venues where concerts and performances are held every day in the summer.

In the vicinity of Limassol, evidence of the ancient Aegean civilization has been preserved. The ruins of ancient cities will interest history buffs, and the rich museum exhibitions can arouse interest even among those who have never been interested in the past of the island of Cyprus.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Limassol?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

An ancient city founded in the 12th century BC. e. representatives of the Aegean civilization. In the 4th century BC. it was destroyed by an earthquake and over time was buried under numerous cultural layers. On the territory of Kourion, as a result of excavations, buildings of the Greeks, Romans, and the remains of buildings dating back to the Byzantine period and the Early Middle Ages were found. Today, on the site of Kourion there is an archaeological park.

According to popular legend, Amathus is believed to have been founded by Kinir, the mythical Cypriot ruler who started the cult of Aphrodite on the island. In the 8th century BC. a port had already been built in the city, through which trade was carried out with the mainland, and Royal Palace. Amathus existed until the 12th century, then people gradually began to leave it, and the rich burials and pagan temples were plundered.

Apollo Hylates was the patron saint of Kourion. In the 8th century BC. Not far from the city, a grandiose sanctuary was erected in honor of this god. The temple was destroyed along with a large part of Kourion in the 4th century BC, and later another temple was erected in its place, which dates back to the later Roman period. But this building also suffered the sad fate of being destroyed as a result of another earthquake.

A prestigious area of ​​Limassol, including residential apartments, as well as marinas where ships up to 115 meters in length can moor. On the territory of Limassol Marina there are also restaurants and boutiques in an appropriate price segment, a spa and fitness center, and a yacht club. The area is equipped with a comfortable infrastructure that provides residents high quality life.

The Limassol promenade is about 3 km long, decorated with tropical vegetation and flower beds. The alley stretches from the old city port along residential areas. The embankment was reconstructed several years ago in accordance with the traditions of modern landscape design. Decorative pools, sculptures, fountains and other elements decorating the space appeared here.

An ancient settlement that already existed in the Byzantine era. The village received its modern name during the Middle Ages. The place is famous for producing excellent quality Cypriot wine. Almost all local residents are involved in this process. Every summer in August there is a wine festival in Omodos. The village also has a museum of Byzantine icons and an exhibition of folk art.

The castle was built in the 14th century during the reign of representatives of the Lusignan family in Cyprus. Previously, the walls of a Byzantine fortress of the 10th-11th centuries stood on this site. The structure passed from one conqueror of Cyprus to another more than once, while being subject to significant destruction. At the beginning of the 19th century, a prison was located on the territory of the fort, which existed until 1950. After reconstruction, the Cyprus Museum of the Middle Ages was opened in the castle.

The fortress was built under King Hugo I of the Lusignan family in the 13th century. Since 1291, the Knights of the Order of St. John (Hospitaliers) settled in the castle. In the 14th century, Kolossi briefly passed into the hands of the Templars. The structure is built of limestone in the best traditions of medieval military architecture. The main castle tower reaches a height of 22 meters, the thickness of its powerful walls is more than 2.5 meters.

The KEO plant was founded in 1929; nowadays it is considered one of the largest wineries on the island of Cyprus. At first, a small production was opened; by 1951, production volumes grew to hundreds of liters of wine and beer per day. The KEO assortment is quite wide; the plant produces cognac, liqueur, soft drinks, canned fruit and vegetables. The plant's products are purchased by many European countries.

The village of Erimi is located 17 km away. from Limassol. Since ancient times, the settlement was located at the intersection of important trade routes, which contributed well to the development of winemaking. The wine museum was organized in 2000 on the territory of one of the local mansions. The exhibition is dedicated to the history of Cypriot wine, details of the production and storage process of the drink. It also houses an extensive collection of wine vessels.

The museum is located in the old quarters of Limassol. Its small exhibition is dedicated to the carob tree, which grows everywhere in Cyprus. In past centuries, the gifts of this tree were used quite widely. Juice was extracted from the fruits, a substance like sugar was made, honey and even animal feed were made, and parts of the fruits were also added to baked goods.

The museum exhibition is located on an area of ​​1000 m². Here are historical models of cars and motorcycles made in different countries ah in different years. The exhibition is based on the private collection of the Cypriot collector D. Mavropoulos. The oldest exhibit in the museum is a Model T Ford, produced in 1912. Vintage car rentals are available at the exhibition.

The museum was founded in 1948; initially the collection was located on the territory of the Limassol Castle, but in the 70s. XX century it was moved to the building where it remains to this day. Most of The exhibition consists of finds discovered during excavations in the vicinity of Limassol. Ancient statues, marble tombstones, jewelry, coin collections and other artifacts are exhibited here.

Main Orthodox church Limassol, built in 1903 according to the design of the architect Papadakis on the site of an 18th century church. The architecture of the cathedral imitates the features of the Greek style and Byzantine style of construction. The Miraculous Image of the Mother of God is kept inside the temple. The interior is distinguished by luxurious decoration and an abundance of luxurious decorative elements, while the external facade looks quite modest.

The convent is located 19 km from Limassol near the settlement of Pendakomo. The monastery was founded in the 13th century by a monk who was fleeing persecution of Christians in Cyprus. Over the course of seven centuries, the monastery flourished and fell into decline several times; until the mid-20th century, male monks lived on its territory. After another revival in 1949, nuns came to live in the monastery of St. George Alamana.

The monastery is located 10 km from Limassol, several nuns and dozens of cats live on its territory. The history of the creation of the monastery is connected with the name of St. Helena, who in the 4th century ordered about 1000 cats to be delivered to the island so that the animals would exterminate the breeding poisonous snakes. The cats immediately settled in the monastery, founded not far from the place where St. Helena's ship moored. Since then, cats have been given every respect in Cyprus.

The shelter has existed since 1994, it was created by the charity Friends of Cyprus Donkeys. The fact is that there have always been quite a lot of these animals in Cyprus; they were used in households for transporting goods and as a means of transportation. As people no longer needed the help of donkeys, they simply left them where they had to. The shelter took upon itself the care of homeless and infirm animals.

On the territory of the Limassol City Park there is a mini-zoo, an outdoor amphitheater, a botanical garden, children's playgrounds and a cafe. Mass events are often held here, such as marathon races or children's festival. In the park there is a monument to the Russian poet A.S. Pushkin. In the summer, the amphitheater often hosts performances with the participation of artists from different countries. Groups from Russia, Europe and the USA come here.

A small zoo where animals live in their natural environment. The administration treats every inhabitant of its menagerie with great care. The zoo team organizes a large number of educational programs, for example, holding open lectures for schoolchildren on biology and classes on environmental protection. On the territory of the zoo there is a mini-farm where ponies, goats, donkeys, turkeys, ducks and cows live.

The very place where, according to legend, the goddess of beauty Aphrodite emerged from the waters of the sea. This is a small stone beach surrounded by rocks, where every tourist who comes to Cyprus strives to get. It is believed that if a couple in love takes a swim at Petra tou Romiou, they will have a long, happy life and many beautiful children. A woman who takes a bath here at midnight during the full moon will ensure eternal youth and beauty.

The beach is located 20 km from Limassol; it is a group of small cozy bays hidden on the rocky coast. The place got its name thanks to one of the British governors of the island, who loved to come here to swim. Governor's Beach is an amazingly picturesque place. The coastline is dotted with chalk cliffs that contrast with the blue color of the water, creating magnificent scenery.

Limassol city beach, which has a fairly convenient location. It can be reached from almost any hotel in the city in a short time. The coastal area is planted with eucalyptus trees, which emit a pleasant aroma that is very beneficial for the respiratory system. Infrastructure for tourists includes: parking, sports grounds, cafes, children's playground and convenient paths leading directly to the sea.

The beach is considered the most beautiful in Cyprus and one of the largest. Its coastline stretches for almost 5 km. The Ladies' Mile is a part of the coastline on which there are several beaches that merge into one another. During the high season there are a lot of tourists here, as this place is considered the most popular place in Limassol for sunbathing. Like all Cypriot beaches, Ladies' Mile is well equipped.

The beach is 19 km away. from Limassol, its territory is included in the environmental protection zone of Cyprus. The place is very popular with locals. The coastline of Kourion stretches for 1 km. There is practically no infrastructure here, except for one large restaurant and some amenities for tourists organized around it, but there are magnificent views from the coast, especially in the evenings.

The best water park in Cyprus, located 7 km from Limassol. It is surrounded by magnificent olive groves and citrus orchards. The park was opened in 1999, and by 2007 its area had increased significantly. Now Fasouri Watermania occupies an area of ​​100 thousand m². The water park offers tourists 30 attractions and 7 restaurants. The design is made in the style of the natural landscapes of French Polynesia.