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- Destinations
- Europe
- Cyprus
- Limassol
Limassol
During the Crusades Richard the Lionheart visited the Cypriot
city of Limassol (then known as Lemesos) to free his betrothed from
the Byzantine sovereign. The subsequent wedding became a party that
remains legendary 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.
Information & Facts
Climate
Limassol experiences a Mediterranean climate with plenty of
sunshine and warm weather. Summers are long and dry and winters
mild. Spring and autumn are short. Summer is a time of high
temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breeze creates a
pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas.
Kids Attractions
Kids on holiday in Limassol will love this outdoor paradise
where golden beaches and other fun activities await those visiting
this sunny Cypriot region. But parents: don't forget the sunscreen
as temperatures can get as high as 73F (33C) during the summer
months.
Take the kids to the Municipal Gardens, where the Dinosaur Park
and Limassol Zoo Garden are located for a fun-filled day of meeting
animals where little ones can even get to pet goats, sheep and
rabbits. Or take a trip to the Mazotos Camel Park just outside of
Limassol where kids can take a ride on a camel, feed carrots to the
donkeys and goats at Noah's Ark, splash in the swimming pool and
let off steam in the kids playground while mum and dad relax with a
drink at the restaurant.
Many of the hotels have play areas and multiple swimming pools
for children of all ages as well as crèches and babysitting
services so kids are taken care of while the folks can hit the town
or just enjoy a romantic dinner.
Language
The majority of Cypriots speak Greek, and a small
percentage speaks Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect differs from
mainland Greece. English, German and French are spoken in tourist
areas.
Money
The currency was changed to the Euro (EUR) on 1 January 2008.
Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments. Money and
travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, open from Monday to
Friday. There are ATMs spread throughout the island, operating 24
hours a day.
Shopping
Travellers in Limassol looking to satisfy their urge to splurge
will be pleased to know that there is plenty to whet their appetite
when it comes to shopping. There are, of course, the ubiquitous
western-style shopping malls where stores like Debenhams and
Carrefour will cater to your every need.
The main shopping areas in Limassol are on Agiou Andreou Street
and Makarious III Ave where everything from clothing and footwear
to leather goods and jewellery can be found. Head to the cobbled
streets of Ayios Andreas and Anexartisias for a more historic and
traditional atmosphere where trendy little boutiques and specialist
stores line the streets and lanes away from the modern city.
Visit the local markets which take place every Saturday where
bargains and great buys can be scooped up. Best buys in Cyprus
include sea sponges and loofas and these are available at most
tourist shops and markets, but be prepared to splash out on these
bathing accessories. Another great buy is Lefkara Lace and other
lace products, but it has to be said that for real shopaholics, the
centre of Nicosia is the best place to spend a day indulging in the
local wares and goods.
Most shops are open weekdays from 9am to 1pm and from 3pm to
7pm, while on Saturdays stores open from 9am and close at 1pm. In
tourist areas though, many shops are open all afternoon.
Time
GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to last Sunday
in October).