Destination Guide to Limassol

During the Crusades Richard the Lionheart visited the Cypriot city of Limassol (then known as Famagusta) to free his betrothed from the Byzantine sovereign. The subsequent wedding became a party that is legendary still today, which is probably why modern Limassol is still a centre of nightlife and joie de vivre. This lively ambience is also aided and abetted by the fact that Limassol is the centre of winemaking on the island. The city has concentrated its efforts in recent years on mercantile development and modernising its buildings. Unlike other Cypriot cities it has not protected its architectural or cultural heritage, but with its many excellent hotels it does offer a good base for visitors who can head for the hills after whooping it up under the city’s bright lights. The foothills of the Troodos Mountains lie north of the city and offer charming country walks that meander through friendly villages. There are also some good beaches on the outskirts of the city, most of which belong to hotels which charge an entrance fee for non-guests. The sandy beach of Avmidou, located on the grounds of the British military base of Akrotiri, is open to the public.

Folk Art Museum

A collection of traditional costumes, farm and household tools and a variety of local handicrafts are among the displays at Limassol’s Folk Art Museum, contained in a restored house. Authentic Cypriot handicrafts are also offered for sale.

Address: 253 Ayios Andreas Street; Telephone: (25) 362 303; Opening time: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 1.30pm, and 3pm to 5.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (June to September 4pm to 6.30pm); Admission: C£0.50

Cyprus Medieval Museum

Limassol Castle, built in the 14th century, stands sentinel over the old harbour on the site of an earlier Byzantine castle. Today it houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum with a host of fascinating exhibits. The castle is renowned for being the place where Crusader Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and crowned her Queen of England in 1191.

Address: Limassol Castle, Richard and Berengaria Street; Telephone: (25) 305 419; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 10am to 1pm; Admission: C£1

Troodos Mountains

The Troodos Mountains in the interior of Cyprus north of Limassol offer a selection of four interesting signposted summer walks for nature lovers. The Artemis Trail is circular, extending four miles (7km) in the Black Pine region through the distinctive sub-alpine flora of the area. Orchids can be found under the pines, and one may spot the rare Epipactis condensata. The Atalanta Trail, six miles (9km) long, starts at Troodos and also offers rich plant life, spectacular scenery and birdwatching opportunities. The shorter and easier Caledonia Trail, covering two miles (4km), follows the Kryo Potamo stream about one mile (2km) from Platres, and winds through pine forest, and among plane trees. It also bypasses the Caledonian Falls, which are the only waterfalls on Cyprus. The Persephone Trail, named after the Greek goddess of spring, is about two miles (3km) long and offers lovely views.

Pitsilia

A worthwhile day trip from Limassol is to explore the unspoilt villages in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, in the region known as Pitsilia. A rental car or a hired taxi is necessary because public transport is infrequent. Many of the villages make their own wines, and other products such as honey and cheeses. The picturesque houses, painted churches and red-tiled roofs are striking, and many restored houses have been turned into cafes or restaurants.

Mount Olympus skiing

The Troodos Mountains in central Cyprus offer winter sports under bright-blue Mediterranean skies. Ski in the morning, swim in the afternoon! The main ski slopes are on Mount Olympus (6,401ft/1,951m), about an hour's drive from Nicosia or Limassol and the ski season extends from the beginning of January to the end of March. Visitors should not however expect Alpine standards or piste or snow reliability. An annual international ski contest is held by the Cyprus Ski Federation. The Ski Club also runs lifts, a hiring shop, restaurant and offers ski instruction at its Sun Valley centre.

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