The island’s second largest town and, thanks to its 12km coastline, the largest coastal resort. Lemesos is also a thriving port and commercial centre.
Known as the town that never sleeps, local residents are renowned for the friendliness to visitors and for their ability to throw a good party! For proof, look no further than the spring carnival and the autumn wine festival.
A town long associated with wine production, Lemesos is also said to be the site where Richard the Lionheart wed Berengaria of Navarre. The usual water sports are catered for along the beach while most sporting activities (including shooting, golf, bowling, karting, golf and more), are out of the town centre.
Nearby is Germasogeia dam, popular with anglers, and Akrotiri salt lake, home to migrating birds in winter and a stopover point for millions more. Lemesos is also known as Limassol.
Places to Visit:
Lemesos Castle
Near the Old Port, Tel: 25305419
The current castle dates from the 13th century. It stands on the site of a Byzantine castle where, it is said, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre in 1911, crowing her Queen of England. The British used the castle as a headquarters and prison until 1940. The castle today houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum.
Amathus
Amathus Archaeological Site
11km (7miles) east of Lemesos
Amathus was occupied from 1,000BC to the 12th century AD. It played an important part in ancient Cypriot history as a port and a city kingdom. Unfortunately stone from the ruins was removed for variety of building projects – one of them being the Suez Canal.
Kolossi Castle
Kolossi Village, 14 km (9 miles) west of Lemesos
Tel: 25934907
An original castle is though to have been built on the site in the 13th century when it belonged to the knights of St John of Jerusalem – the knights Hospitallers. The present castle was built in 1454. The Kolossi headquarters ‘Grandde Commanderie’ gave its name to Commandaria, the renowned Cyprus wine. Sugarcane was grown extensively in the area and the remains of a 14th century sugar processing factory can still be seen nearby.
Kourion
Kourion Archaeological Site
Episkopi, 19 km west of Lemesos, Tel: 25934250
Kourion Archaeological Museum, Tel: 25932453
A fascinating site that has ongoing excavations. It is thought to date from the 3rd century BC. The 2nd century Roman theatre is very impressive and regularly hosts concerts and theatrical performances. There are also remains of a 5th century Christian cathedral, villas with mosaic floors and the house of Eustolios – a private villa which became public baths at the end of the 4th century.
Municipal Art Gallery
28th Oktovriou 103, Tel: 25586212
The gallery has a permanent display of works by Cypriot artists.
Municipal Folk Art Museum
Agiou Andreou 253, Tel: 25362303
Items from the 19th and 20th century, offering a glimpse of Cypriot life.
Stadium
Near Kourion Archeological Site
All that remains of this 2nd century AD stadium is the oval wall. It had capacity for 6,000 spectators. At 217 meters long and 17 meters wide it was one of the largest stadiums in Europe and many games were held here.
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
Episkopi 3 km west of Kourion
This sanctuary, dedicated to the God of the Woods, is surrounded by what remains of a deer forest. Apollo was worshipped here from the 8th century BC until the 4th century AD. The 1st century AD Temple of Apollo has been partly restored. This area is believed to be Kourion’s oldest settlement.
Donkey Sanctuary
Vouni Village, Tel: 25945488
Rescued and retired donkeys are cared for in this delightful sanctuary. Open to the public.
Hiking/Nature Trails
Three trails are available, prepared by the CTO. One at Germasogeia Dam and two at Kyparissia. Telephone the Cyprus Tourism Organization on 22691100 for further information, or visit the CTO’s website at www.visitcyprus.com
Akrotiri Enviromental, Education & Information Centre.
Akrotiri Village, Tel: 25826562.
A RAMSAR site with lots of interesting information and displays on the enviromant of this unique wetland area. A 2km nature trail takes you to the village, famous for its basket markets.
Open daily from 8am until 3pm. Admission free.
Sea Sponge Exhibition
Old Port roundabout, Tel: 25871656
Situated in an old carob warehouse, an interesting display of different sponges.
Walking Tours
Contact CTO Lemesos: Tel: 25362756
Tours run from Nov-April and depart from the Cyprus Tourism organization office:
- Germasogeia – A village blessed by Water
- Discover the Natural Environment of Germasogeia
Water Parks
Fassouri “Water Mania”
Located between Lemesos New Port & Pafos via Trahoni village, Tel: 25714235
Annual Events
Cyprus Rally – March
Organised by Cyprus Automobile Association Tel: 22313233
The Cyprus Rally is a great opportunity to see the superstars of rallying in action. See the teams, the cars, the mechanics at work and sometimes the drivers at the Lemesos service park
Festivals
- Lemesos Carnival – beginning of Lent
- “Kataklusmos” Flood Fair – June
Contact: Lemesos Municipality, Tel: 25884300
Kataklysmos, which coincides with the day of the Pentecost, is a religious and popular feast celebrated only in Cyprus. The celebrations of this feast last several days and take place in all seaside towns and resorts. The programme includes various nautical games, folk dance performances, songs and music, swimming competitions and boat races.
Lemesos Beer Festival – July
Website: www.limassolbeerfestival.com
Enjoy local and imported beers, nightly dance and music performances by local and European bands. DJ’s and DMC’s. A party atmosphere into the early hours.
Wine Festival – August/September
Venue: Lemesos Municipal Gardens
Organised by Lemesos Municipality, Tel: 25884300
A twelve-day festival where visitors can enjoy free (yes, free!) wine every night from 8-11pm. Guests can also watch the traditional pressing of grapes and enjoy the music and dance performances taking place in the open-air theatre within the Municipal Gardens.
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