Limassol - The Largest Port City in Cyprus

LEMESOS

THE LIVELY TOWN

The south coast of Lemesos is the island’s largest seaside resort and its main harbour. Built between two ancient towns, Amathounta and Kourion, it was already known as Neapoli (the new town) during the Byzantine years. Surrounded by the wine villages of Troodos, Lemesos has been known to traders for its wine and sugar cane, since the Middle Ages. Today, with a population of 135 000, it is the second largest city of Cyprus, the centre of its wine making industry, and an important commercial and tourist centre.

Its people are well known for their gaiety and lively character and the holiday atmosphere in this town is absolutely carefree. With its fun-loving reputation and the best nightlife on the island, it is fitting that only Lemesos stages some of the island’s best-known festivals: the annual Wine Festival in September, the Carnival in February, the Lemesos Festival during the summer and the ancient Drama Festival at Kourion.

VISITING THE TOWN

If shopping makes your day, Lemesos offers the full gamut, from ultra-modern to traditional and handmade. Head for busy St Andrews Street, not far from the seafront promenade, to find the best souvenirs in town. Vertical to St. Andrews is Anexartisias Street, offering an array of modern shops for shoes, clothes and accessories. Another important shopping street is Makarios Avenue, where many prestigious boutiques and showrooms are located, as well as small shops of every type. A tour to one of the wineries can easily be arranged in order to witness production and taste the final product. Visit Lemesos Castle, near the old port, where Richard the Lionheart allegedly married Queen Berengaria of Navarre in 1191 and crowned her Queen of England. Its grounds house the Medieval Museum of Cyprus with interesting pottery and tombstones amongst its numerous exhibits. If you are in for museums, visit the Folk Art Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Municipal Art Gallery. Take the children to the Municipal Gardens to see the animals at the zoo and have fun at the play area.