Limassol Holidays

A cool Cypriot city of culture

Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus, and it’s a seriously buzzy, cool and modern place that’s not afraid to let its historical and cultural credentials shine just as brightly as its glittering bar scene. Limassol holidays give visitors a bit of everything – usually done with more than a touch of style. The heart of Limassol is still its atmospheric Old Town – an enticing maze of colourful streets lined with cafés, boutiques and restaurants – and then there are the ancient ruins, excellent shopping, contemporary art and a host of harbour-side activities.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Cyprus without some seaside action, and holidays to Limassol tick this box as well, thanks to several long stretches of beach on the southern edge of the city. It’s yet another string to the bow of this truly multilayered destination – whatever you’re looking for in a holiday, Limassol likely has it in bucketloads.

Explore our map of Limassol

Your Limassol questions, answered

Which beach is best?

The most popular beach in Limassol is the vast Lady’s Mile beach (around 8 kilometres long), which has gorgeous sandy sections, sunloungers, water sports and plenty of space.

What’s the food like?

Limassol offers a wealth of global options, from sushi to Vietnamese, plus a fine selection of Cypriot cuisine, including ‘meze’ (selection of small dishes), ‘pide’ (Turkish flatbread pizzas) and more.

When’s the best time to visit Limassol?

Between April and November, you’ll have warm temperatures and low rainfall. In July and August, it’ll easily top 30°C. The shallow seas fringing the city can even be that warm, too. In the offseason, all the sites are still open and it will be less crowded. Warmer than the UK, Limassol is a good choice when you're after a winter escape. It’s a city with everything without being overwhelming in size.

Is it good for shopping?

The town offers plenty of shopping choices, from designer boutiques in a vast mall to traditional markets and shops in the Old Town selling jewellery, art, clothes and gifts.

Which area of Cyprus is Limassol in?

Limassol is on the southern coast of Cyprus, less than an hour by car from both Larnaca and Paphos international airports. It’s the second-largest city on the island and the main tourist hub.

Does Limassol have good nightlife?

Limassol has a wide range of options, everything from local fish taverns to chic restaurants. You should try exploring the bars. Look out for everything from cosy to retro to downright glamorous. Quirky themed inns are set alongside classy cocktail bars – you'll even discover some set around swimming pools that are lit up at night. Clubs may not be as wild as those on other parts of the island but there’s still a number to choose from. You’re sure to find one that matches your musical tastes.

Is Limassol good for couples?

With dozens of good beaches within a short distance of Limassol, you’re sure to find a private nook for a romantic afternoon. And the restaurant and bar scene here is perfect for evenings out. Luxury boats can be chartered from Limassol’s harbour or there are regular catamaran cruises along the island’s beautiful coastline.

Should I hire a car in Limassol?

Limassol is a good choice as a base when you visit Cyprus as there’s so much to see and do in the city itself. While you could easily spend a week exploring everything around here and use the local buses to go further afield, a hire car will help you see more of the island. You’re less than an hour’s drive from Paphos and its pretty harbour. With a car, you could visit the Troodos Mountains. Mount Olympus is a ski resort in the winter months – another reason to visit offseason.

Are there historic sites near Limassol?

Some of Cyprus’s finest archaeological sites are just outside Limassol. The Kourion Amphitheatre is close by, as is the Temple of Apollo. In nearby Paphos, you can go to the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Tombs of the Kings to see the world-renowned ancient mosaics. Should you want to go even further back in time, the cliffs to the west of Limassol are the perfect hunting ground for fossils. Aphrodite’s Rock, where legend says the Greek Goddess of love and beauty emerged from the foam, is less than 30 minutes’ drive away.

Best things to do Beaches

Explore Limassol Marina
Limassol’s ultra-plush marina is a playground for the owners of fancy yachts, but it’s also a great visit for everyone else, with restaurants, a spa, art exhibitions and scuba-diving.
Stroll Molos Promenade
There are echoes of Miami on this palm-tree-lined stretch running along the coast. It’s a hub of activity, with sculptures, parks, sports, playgrounds, shops and restaurants.
Turn back time
Limassol is bursting with history and stories. Uncover them by visiting some of the impressive castles, museums covering everything from folk art to archaeology, and the remains of an ancient city, Kourion.