Destination

The island’s second largest city, Lemesos (Limassol) spreads out between two ancient city-kingdoms, Amathus to the east and Kourion to the west, both of which are amongst the most spectacular archaeological sites in Cyprus with impressive Greek theatres and temples.

The town has grown along a 15 km coastline to become Cyprus’s second largest city with almost 170,000 inhabitants. Lemesos (Limassol) is the island’s main port, the centre of the wine industry and a bustling holiday resort.

But more than just a lively cosmopolitan town, renowned for its nightlife and festivals, Lemesos (Limassol) has a historical centre with old buildings and narrow alleyways around the Medieval Castle, where according to the tradition, Richard the Lionheart, leader of the Third Crusade, married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England.

West of Lemesos (Limassol) stands the Kolossi Castle where the world’s oldest named wine ‘Coumandaria’, was produced. This sweet dessert Cyprus wine, got its name from the “commandary” of the knights of St John of Jerusalem who were stationed in the area during the medieval times.

In the nearby Troodos mountain region one finds nature and culture at its best: Traditional wine producing villages, Byzantine churches with frescoes - ten of which are UNESCO listed-, impressive old monasteries, pine clad forests and most of all hospitable people.

For detailed information on the island and on things to see and do, visit the Cyprus Tourism Organisation Official website: www.visitcyprus.com