5 Amazing Things to Do in Limassol Cyprus

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Limassol has a way of surprising you. It’s the kind of place where ancient history and modern life sit comfortably side by side – one minute you’re wandering past centuries-old ruins, the next you’re sipping a cocktail by the sea.

When I first arrived, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it didn’t take long for the city to win me over. If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Limassol and only have a short amount of time, these are the three experiences you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Think of it as a highlights reel – the places and moments that really capture the spirit of the city.

_{Press Trip}_{with Robinson, however, all views are entirely my own. Many thanks to Robinson Cyprus for hosting my stay.}

I was on a press trip in Cyprus for 3 nights and we stayed at Robinson Club Cyprus. During our stay, we went on a half day trip with TUI Collection; a condensed version of this excursion, to see the sights and soak up some culture. Here is what we did.

Top things to do in Limassol that you cannot miss

Walking tour

I am always a big fan of taking a walking tour on your first day in a new country, because you learn so much about the city from a local and it can help you to find your bearings – making the rest of the trip smoother.

We had a guide as part of the press trip we were on, but I would book this popular tour with a local architect to explore the city’s rich history and hidden gems. The tour takes you on a journey through iconic sights from the Castle Square to the Old Port.

Kourion

Perched on the historic coastal road between the towns of Paphos and Limassol is Kourion; one of the best places in Cyprus to visit if you love ancient history. You can easily spend a day here exploring the ruins, but as we were short on time, we just saw the highlights.

There are a whole variety of buildings in varying states of preservation and also some spectacular views of the Mediterranean sea from this elevated site. The area has been subjected to 5 major earthquakes (none of significance in recent times) and so as a result, parts have been rebuilt over time.

The Roman amphitheatre is in very good condition and is a must-see. It used to hold 3000 spectators once upon a time, but now it only holds half the amount. Several rows of the top seats have been restored as the theatre is still used for concerts to this day because of it’s great acoustics.

The acoustics are brilliant. Apparently, if you throw a coin into the centre, you can hear it drop clearly from the highest seat. We didn’t test that theory out, but a couple of people in our group did give us a Backstreet Boys rendition from the stage, which we could hear perfectly well from the top.

There is a divot mark on the amphitheatre floor, where if you stand there, the acoustics are perfect. Just say something and your voice will echo throughout the entire amphitheater. Be sure to try this during your visit.

Kourion is truly a must-see as there is so much history here over so many centuries. Once here, make sure to wander through the baths and see the mosaics; they really are incredible to see. Some are so well preserved that they look like they were made recently, but you need to remember most are over 1500 years old.

Omodos

Nestled within the Troödos Mountains, Omodos is easily up there as one of the best places in Cyprus. This touristy village has preserved its ancient beauty; narrow streets, picturesque views, tavernas and ancient stone buildings with carved wooden balconies.

We visited a bakery to sample the local Cypriot village bread – crispy rolls covered in sesame seeds with somewhat of a sweet centre. Can’t say I was a fan, to be honest. The quaint shop sold everything from honey, nuts, baklava, lace table cloths, souvenirs and handmade embroidered products from local artists. The cashews covered in sweet pomegranate syrup were delicious!

Make sure to wander around the quaint little cobbled streets and spot the 500-year-old wine press too – evidence that the production of wine took place in Omodos in ancient times.

If you’re not fond of crushed grapes, ensure you visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross (also known as the Timios Stavros Monastery). It is one of the islands oldest and historically important religious sites – well worth visiting if you’ve got time.

There was a christening happening at the time of our visit, so unfortunately we were unable to wander in and explore. Just ensure you are dressed modestly before you enter, or you can help yourself to a robe outside.

Ktima Gerolemo Winery Tour

Speaking of wine..

It would be wrong to visit the wine region without stopping off at a vineyard to sample the area’s most famous wine. We visited Ktima Gerolemo winery, a beautiful place nestled in the mountains close to the village of Omodos, in the heart of the wine producing area.

me at Ktima Gerolemo with the mountains and vineyard behind me

With spectacular views of the valley and the vineyards, with the mountains in the distance, we very much enjoyed our relaxed wine tasting session. Our host, Ari was very knowledgeable and passionate about the wine and provided lots of humour and entertainment to us all.

my hand holding a glass of white wine in a winery Ktima Gerolemo

olive tree and the grounds of Ktima Gerolemo winery

We sampled a white, red, rose, dessert wine and had a shot of something that resembled disinfectant (to me, anyway). There were halloumi and olive nibbles available and the wines were all delicious. The dessert wine was particularly a hit for me, but let’s just say the shot finished us all off! It was a queazy hour’s drive back to our hotel on the bumpy, windy roads down the mountains. I highly recommend you skip the shot and just stick to the glorious wine.

Catamaran Cruise

A fabulous way to explore Limassol is by setting sail from Limassol Old Port and cruising to Cape Gata and Ladies Mile Beach. On this tour, you can enjoy a buffet lunch on board and take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

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