Mix up sun-drenched beaches with a cosmopolitan town bursting with restaurants, bars, and historic attractions to explore and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fun-filled Limassol holidays. Located on the south coast of Cyprus, it’s ideal if you want to do a bit of sightseeing alongside your classic beach holiday. It’s also a family-friendly place with lots on offer to keep the kids entertained.
Things to do
Limassol is a great destination for shopping. Head to Agiou Andreou Street and you’ll find loads of local crafts on sale, as well as My Mall (the biggest in Cyprus), where you’ll find hundreds of shops under one roof including big-name brands like Adidas and Calvin Klein alongside highstreet favourites such as M&S.
After a bit of retail therapy, make sure you delve deeper into the history of Limassol by wandering the maze of cobbled streets that run behind the Old Town. Start by admiring the Byzantine architecture around Agiou Andreou and make your way towards the Medieval castle, which sits near the Old Harbour.
If everyone’s getting a bit hot and bothered, cool them down and take the kids to Fasouri Watermania Waterpark, with a range of slides and wave pools for a day of fun. Hit the beach and try one of the many water sports on offer. If you’re a more experienced diver, the MS Zenobia wreck, which is home to a rich and varied marine life, is close by.
There are plenty of restaurants in Limassol alongside cafés and bars, which is where most people head once the sun goes down. If you’re looking for a light bite, you’ll find a dozen places selling Cyprus’ answer to the doner kebab - gyros. Those craving something more substantial should hit Meze Taverna, whose chefs have 30 years’ experience. Do not leave here without trying the beef stifado, it’s delicious.
Added to all that, there’s a reason that holidaymakers flock to Limassol year after year - it’s cheap! You can grab a pint of beer for around 3 euro, while a three-course set menu will cost as little as 20 euro, not to mention many of its top-rated attractions are free to enter.
Excellent beaches
A wide range of beaches cover the sun-drenched coast, so finding the right one for you is easy enough to do. You’ll be able to relax on soft, golden sand in Governor’s Beach, or for water sports, the Akti Olympion Blue Flag beach is perfect. Its clear, calm waters are great for activities such as learning to windsurfing or diving. But no matter which one you choose, all of the beautiful shores that line Limassol offer a relaxing setting with excellent views of the glistening, turquoise sea.
Fabulous shopping
As well as the beautiful beaches, Limassol is popular for its fantastic shopping opportunities. Only a short distance from the city centre is My Mall, the largest shopping mall in Cyprus. Browse in hundreds of boutiques, both designer and high street brands. If shopping isn’t for you, there’s lots of other entertainment to get involved with, including bowling and ice skating, plus plenty of restaurants to grab a bite to eat in.
History and culture
Limassol is an important city for Cyprus, as it’s the country’s main industrial port along the large Mediterranean trade route. This is what first made it such a popular holiday destination, well, that and the beautiful climate. There are lots of archaeological sites to see around the city including the ruined city of Kourion. Sticking to traditions of Cypriot life, the city hosts religious festivals throughout the year too.
Vibrant nightlife
The variety of bars and clubs that line the streets in the bustling city of Limassol will not disappoint. Head down to Limassol marina where you’ll find well-known places to enjoy a bite to eat at the start of your evening, such as Wagamama and TGI Fridays. There’s also a choice of traditional wine bars and restaurants here such as The Yacht Club, Crystal and Derlicious.
Dance under the stars along the beach in Guaba Beach Bar, where partygoers can dance all day and night to the latest summer music that’s playing from the sound system. For something fruity, make your way to one of the many cocktail bars to watch the bar staff flaunt their skills and enjoy a Mojito or two. Be entertained at a cabaret show, or take to the mic for karaoke; the nightlife is notoriously vibrant with something to suit all tastes. With the large amount of places open until the early hours, your hardest decision will be where to go first.
More Travel Guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Ayia Napa | Larnarca | Nissi Bay | Paphos | Protaras