Visiting Cyprus? 5 Favourites (from a first-timer’s perspective!) #1 Limassol / Kourion

So you’ve settled on a new destination and (unless you like to spend 2 weeks idling by the pool) you check out the highlights, read a few ‘Top 10’ lists and start compiling you own ‘must dos’. Time is usually limited so you can’t do everything. You’ll begin with the most popular in line with your own interests and work from there.

I visited Cyprus in October 2021 for the first time. It was never on my bucket list but had several things going for it – there were flights available when I started looking for somewhere in late September, it offered the option of a mini road trip, there were ancient sites galore for a bit of ‘culture’, the food sounded great and, while sunshine wasn’t guaranteed, there was a very good chance of some decent weather!

Limassol

I’m beginning with Limassol because it was our first port of call. The absolute only thing I knew about it beforehand was that it was a holiday destination. I don’t love resort towns but this one was beside the UNESCO site of Kourion which was on my must see list.

As a resort, the second largest city on the island has a lot going for it – sand and sea, historical old centre and plenty of hotels, dining, entertainment and partying options. Close to two of the island’s main archaeological sites – Kourion and Amathus – as well as the wine routes, it’s also a useful base for daytrips.

Most people head for Molos, the beautiful promenade stretching along the seafront. The 1km long seaside park includes playgrounds, water features, palms and a great sculpture trail. On Sundays, you’ll be joined by Limassol locals, out for a family stroll. Out to sea, you can see the shipping lanes that serve this busy part of the Med.

From the end of Molos, you can see the resort stretching out along the coast…..

The city beach – Akti Olympion – doesn’t do it for me at all but I appreciate that many visitors like to stay close to the action. There are more attractive beach options for anyone willing to travel a little bit out from the city centre.

At the other end of Molos you’ll find the Marina, designed to blend in with the old port and the old town. Here, you can wander and compare the fabulous yachts with traditional fishing boats. There are lots of restaurants, bars and shops as well as open spaces for cultural events and activities.

The historical Old Town is located around the old port and the 14th century Medieval Castle (now a museum). The maze of little streets brings you to the Cathedral with its fascinating frescos, and to the Mosque, surrounded by palm trees. The main square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants.

Kourion

Kourion IS impressive – it’s worth coming to Cyprus just for this alone:

Firstly, the location – look at this place! Strategically spread across a hilltop, it offers fabulous views of both land and the Med –

I wish I’d more time to sit and enjoy….

Definitely heading down there for a swim after this!

The place is HUGE! – and offering very little shade – wouldn’t be a lot of fun in high summer!

While the site was first inhabited during Neolithic Times, the town of Kourion was founded in the 13th century BC by the Argives. It survived up to the Byzantine era and layers of influences -Pagan, Hellenistic, Roman, Christian – have been unearthed by archaeologists. The marble columns, beautiful mosaics and fine public buildings and baths all suggest a city of wealth and luxury.

A series of earthquakes hit the island in the late 4th century AD, causing much damage to Kourion and other coastal cities. The city was rebuilt but destroyed again during the Arab raids of the 7th century. By the 670’s the city had been abandoned and its habitants relocated to a new settlement just 2kms away.

Kourion was rediscovered in 1820, and systematic excavations began in 1934.

There is just so much detail to be absorbed as you stroll around…

The signage is impressive, making for a very easy self-guided tour. As well as direction indicators, there are information boards and floor plans at all the major buildings.

The Agora still has some of its marble columns in situ.

The Greco-Roman Theatre has been restored and is used for musical and theatrical performances.

The public baths, with intricate heating systems , are particularly fascinating….

The Early Christian Basilica was an enormous complex. Built on the site of a pagan temple, its location and richly marbled features reflect the rise and advance of Christianity in the city and state.

Impressive as the site and its ruins may be, the mosaics are the main attraction. The richly adorned villas are named after the scenes depicted on the floors – House of Achilles, House of the Gladiators, etc.

Visiting the site:

Entrance fee is €4.50.

You’ll need a minimum of 1-2 hours to whizz around – longer, of course, if you stop to read everything.

Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates

Just a few kilometres from Kourion you’ll find a temple complex that was once the most significant religious site on the island. Here, Apollo was worshipped as the God of the island’s woodland and protector of Kourion.

A sanctuary existed here from the 8th century BC but was extensively expanded during the Roman period of the 1st century AD – a temple was erected which was later given a four-column porch. A paved processional led to the temple and several buildings were added to accommodate an increasing number of visitors. The sanctuary was destroyed by one of the earthquakes of the 4th century.

Today, you’ll find several buildings on the site including a partially restored temple, and bath complex.

Kourion Beach

The great thing about having a car is that you can throw everything into it in the morning and not about carrying stuff around all day. So in this case, you can enjoy the archaeological sites and then head to the beach…

Small Stuff

Where we stayed

We were looking for a place:

Within walking distance of city centre

24 hour reception (arriving after 2 am)

Free parking

Non – luxury (this was for our first 3 nights)

Any kind of pool and sun deck.

Pefkos City Hotel is about a 20 minute walk to the Marina.

We paid €240 for 3 nights, breakfast included. Breakfast is good – Fresh fruit / seeds etc. / yogurt. Coal meats / cheeses / tomato / olives. Hot = eggs / bacon / croquettes/ etc. Breads = croissant / Danish / pain au chocolat…. Coffee machine.

This is not a ‘resort’ hotel but ideal for a few nights if touring. The pool area was small but adequate for our needs – it was quiet at the end of October.

Roadworks outside didn’t help with first impressions but did not effect us in any way. Its about a 20 minute walk into town – the walk is not particularly attractive but is quiet and safe. There’s a nice deli close to the hotel where you can get coffees etc.

Would we stay there again? Yes.

Where we ate…

One thing for sure – you won’t go hungry here…

You’ll definitely try a Meze – a medley of dishes including dips, salad, halloumi, vegetables and fish or meat, depending on your choice of menu.

At Meze Taverna Restaurant, our meat feast cost us €17.50 each….

Lunch in Jeugo Cafe

Gorgeous Chicken Avocado Salad (€12.50) and Halloumi Wrap with fries (€8.50)

You’ll get Moussaka pretty much everywhere….

You ARE on vacation – it’s always the right time for a cocktail!

How long in Limassol?

If touring around I’d give it 2 days / 3 nights max – a day wandering town and the beach, a morning for Kourion and the Sanctuary and another afternoon of leisure.

Pushed for time – You could easily do Kourion in a morning and walk around town the same afternoon.