Making the most of Limassol
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The island’s largest port facility, Limassol’s New Port, is in the western part of the town, 3 km from the centre around the old port. Bus 30 runs to the old port, as do shuttles costing 2 Euros in cash only. It is also a 30 min walk, though the route is not especially interesting.
The new 3.500 sq.m Cruise Terminal has duty-free shops, Euronet fee ATM, tourist desk, lounge/cafeteria, international telephone exchange, separate arrival/departure halls, ship-terminal transfers and taxis. A very luxurious marina is also being developed.
The cruise terminal is about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) west of the city centre, a 10 minute car or taxi journey.
Near Limassol castle, the old harbour now serves fishing boats and pleasure craft.
Bring a printable map.
Limassol, or Lemesos, is the south coast’s largest resort. Troodos mountains form a magnificent backdrop over ten miles of coast, and their fertile foothills grow most Cypriot grapes. Since the Middle Ages, when Crusaders held Cyprus under Richard the Lionheart, traders have known Limassol for wine and sugar cane.
Cyprus’s second largest city has 135.000 residents and is the wine-making industry’s centre, as well as an important commercial and tourism hub. A broad seafront promenade and lively shopping streets match the carefree holiday mood and the people’s energetic character.
With a fun-loving reputation and the island’s best nightlife, Limassol alone hosts several of its best-known festivals: the annual September Wine Festival, where wineries provide free samples for ten days; a ten day pre-Lenten Carnival with masquerade parties, balls and grand parades; the summer Limassol Festival; and the ancient Drama Festival at Kourion.
Near New Limassol Port, beautiful Ladies Mile beach is a 10-15 minute drive from Limassol town centre. You can walk the golden sandy beach, swim in crystal-clear, calm water or try the water-sports facilities. The water is shallow and very clear, making it safe for kids; the sand runs for miles, so there is room to find peace and quiet. Its flat, shallow water makes it one of the island’s most popular windsurfing spots.
At the port, a tourist information office provides a service for visitors arriving on passenger boats into Limassol harbour. It opens every morning except Sunday, as well as on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons; another office is at Spyrou Araouzou.
Getting around
Popular excursions take in the Curium amphitheater and sanctuary of Apollo, Kolossi’s Crusader castle and Paphos’s House of Dionysus.
Self-drive is very popular, using cars, quad bikes, mopeds, bicycles and dune buggies. Drive on the left.
Daytime transurban service-taxis are shared vehicles connecting every main town.
Taxis are costly and unreliable, with a poor local reputation for overcharging unsuspecting visitors. Hire a car or guide for the day instead.
Nearby places
The ancient walled city of Nicosia was split in half after the Turkish invasion of 1974. Until the last decade, tourists could not pass between the two halves, but recent changes make passage fairly easy.
Food and shopping
Lefkara lace, famous worldwide and closely associated with Cypriot workmanship, is a good buy. It takes its name from Lefkara, a village on a hill on the Nicosia-Limassol road.
Saripolou lies in the old district near the town hall and opens # 6am–3pm Mon–Sat. The Central Market occupies a graceful arcaded building from the British era in the early 20th century and is a fine place to buy handmade reed baskets, olive oil, loukoumia (Cyprus delight), other Cypriot delicacies, fruit, vegetables, cheeses and meats.
Money
The currency is the Euro.
Staying connected
Greek, Turkish and English are used; around 40% of Limassol residents are Russian-speaking.
Opening Hours and
Cyprus public holidays.