Cyprus Island of love.

Brief History of Limassol

City of Cyprus, the island's main port and second largest city of Nicosia. It's an important tourist centre and produces brandy, cigarettes and perfumes. Since the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus in 1974, the city's economy grew substantially. Richard the Lionheart, King of England, used the city of Limassol as a base in the Third Crusade in 1191.

Limassol (Greek: Λεμεσός, Lemesos) a city on the southern coast of Cyprus is situated in the Bay of Akrotiri, and is one of the most important tourist destinations of the country.

The history of Limassol is short compared to other settlements in Cyprus, as when Richard the Lionheart, en route to the Middle East, arrived in Limassol in 1191, it was merely a village, but probably had been inhabited since at least did millennium and a half. The arrival of Richard the Lionheart put an effective end to the Byzantine domination over Cyprus.

Limassol in recent years has experienced an amazing project of rejuvenation, with cultural activities, museums and shopping malls that have added a more attractive Limassol. Limassol is proud of its hospitality and friendly atmosphere and warm, friendly locals and their zest for life.

Limassol is famous in Cyprus for its festivals, like the Carnival and Wine Festival.[4] The Limassol Carnival festival lasts for ten (10) days, with jolly and amusing masquerading. This custom is very old, going back to pagan rituals.[4] With the passage of time it has acquired a different, purely entertaining character, with a large, popular following.

Limassol Port is the largest port facility on Cyprus. Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus, and is surrounded by sugar cane fields and vineyards. The sugar and wine industries here date back to the days of the Crusades. The residents of this city have a fun-loving attitude. Greek is the main language used, although most Cypriots do speak English.

Shopping

Three large Western malls featuring department stores, boutiques, and speciality stores are located in Limassol. These malls are Debenhams, Carrefour, and Orphanidies. A Saturday market is open near the Carrefour mall. Numerous items can be purchased at bargain prices.

Things to See

Ladies Mile Beach is just a short distance from the Limassol cruise port. The beach features several miles of clean golden sand. Shallow, clear water makes a safe swimming environment for all ages. The water's clarity makes it ideal for snorkelers as well. Windsurfing is also a popular sport at this beach.

A good way to get acquainted with the local history of Limassol is the Time Elevator. This is a 30-minute ride that takes visitors through the city's history.

Restaurants and Bars

Most of the dishes served in Limassol are Greek items like moussaka. The restaurants often serve meze, which is a mixture of whatever items are available that day. Kebabs served in pita bread are a popular item, as well as local hallourmi cheese

For outdoor dining featuring Cypriot dishes, try the Famagusta Nautical Club. Raj's Tandoor has Indian dishes ranging from mild to extremely spicy, with several vegetarian options.

Local wines are inexpensive, and served in the bars. Cypriot coffee is served with a jigger of brandy. The Basement Club Limassol serves a variety of drinks, has DJ's who play a good variety of pop music, and friendly staff. Rumours is considered to be one of the best.

Beaches

Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus lying on the southern coast of the island. It is one of the most incredible holiday spots in Cyprus housing a large array of hotels and resorts, and holding plenty of attractions and summer-time adventures. The city has soft Mediterranean climate with short cool winters, long, dry, sunny summers and sea water temperature allowing for swimming almost any time of year. Limassol caters for all kinds of vacationers as it boasts unmatched variety of sights and entertainment options - fine sandy relaxing beaches, wide selection of pubs, taverns, disco and casino, designer shops, historical and cultural monuments such as "Kourion Kingdom" and "Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates", and medieval castles such as "Limassol Castle" and "Kolossi Castle". In order to ensure a cheerful and memorable vacation.

Hotels

Limassol keeps some of the most sparkling first class resorts - Ajax Hotel, Londa Hotel, and Apollonia Beach Hotel.

Limassol is brimming over with all types of accommodation options, ranging from sumptuous resort complexes to budget apartments and villas. One of the best-rated hotels in the city is Hotel Saint Raphael Resort spreading over 6 spectacular floors of dazzling, luxuriously furnished premises. Guests of the residence are welcome to enjoy the pool, sun terrace, massage services, hairdressing salon and a la carte restaurant. Another striking 5-star hotel is Columbia Beach Resort standing out with its distinctive architecture. picturesque vineyards valley and the rugged rocks nearby. Grand Resort Hotel is another posh holiday retreat offering delightful accommodation