Limassol (or Lemessos) is situated in the south of the island and it is Cyprus main industrial and maritime area and the second biggest town of the country. Its population is about 177 000.

Situated at foothills of the Troodos Mountains, the modern resort of Limassol has become a Mecca for tourists looking to chill out in the clubs and bars. It is both Cyprus’ main commercial center and one of the biggest resort on the island. Limassol is also one of the busiest ferry ports in Cyprus, with regular sailings to destinations across the Middle East.

The old city centre is worth visiting, because of its vibrant community The old city is relatively untouched by the streams of tourism and it maintained the traditions of Cypriote life: meze restaurants, wine and beer cellars, places to sit outside and just watch people passing by.

Limassol offers a great variety of activities and a great number of museums and archaeological sites for those interested. Places of interest include the Berengaria Castle, the place where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria, Kolossi Castle, the ancient city of Curium and its still functioning amphitheatre, Apollo Sanctuary and many others.

Limassol is well-placed to access some of the island’s best beaches, Troodos Mountains, villages and wineries.

Things to do:

1. The Cyprus Rally

This rally competition is held yearly in Cyprus since 1970. The event is based in Limassol. It runs on the winding gravel roads of the nearby mountains of Troodos. It was part of the FIA's World Rally Championship from 2000 to 2006. In 2007, the event was part of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.

2. Fairs & Festivals

Two major festivals of Cyprus are held in Limassol, one is the Carnival which takes place six weeks before Easter and is a parade of cheerful and amusing masquerades, and the second is in September where Limassol celebrates the Dionysios Wine Festival, jointly sponsored by the major wine and beer cellars.

3. The Time Elevator

The Time Elevator is an amusing virtual ride that takes you for 45mins through the history of Cyprus. Starting from the copper mines, it takes you from the birth of Aphrodite to the invasion of 1974 and other events. While sitting in the "elevator", it will be rainy, windy and you'll sometime feel like you're in a roller-coaster.

Address: Vasilissis 1 (Right behind the Medieval Castle in the Old Town)

4. Wine Tasting

The villages of Limassol district and Troodos Mountains offer the best wines for tasting from their cellars. The most famous wineries are in Omodos village and Platres (Lambouri winery).

5. Cruising

Cruises to Egypt, Syria, Israel, Lebanon and some of the Greek island are available from the port of Limassol.

6. Kolossi Castle

The castle is an excellent example of military architecture, originally constructed in the 13th century and rebuilt to its present form in the middle of the 15th century. It served the guard of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. In the 14th century it came for a time under the domain of the Knights Templar.

7. Kourion site

Kourion is one of the most spectacular archaelogical sites in Cyprus with amazing panoramic views of the sea - especially by the amphitheatre, where music concerts are held in the summer. It provides seating for up to 3,500 people.

8. Sport Activities

There is a wide choice of sports one can do when visiting Limassol: football, volleyball, tennis and even horse riding. There is also a very nice golf course in Limassol for golfers and beginners alike. On the beach it is worth taking advantage of the water-sports, such as jet-ski, snorkeling, diving or just lay back on a pedalo.