With a population of over 160 000 people, Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus and is the most important economic center in the country.
The lively Mediterranean city is located on the Akrotiri bay, on the southern coast of the island.
It is known for its large port, which, ironically, began to develop dynamically after the Turkish invasion in the summer of 1974.
Until then, the leading coastal centre and major port of Cyprus was the city of Famagusta, which over the circumstances remained in the TRNC.
Weather
Protected by the high Troodos Mountains to the north, Limassol is the warmest city in Cyprus.
It has a very warm subtropical climate with strong tropical influence.
The average daytime temperature is about 18°C in January and about 33 – 34°C in July and August.
Summers here are very hot. They usually start as early as March, earlier than any other place in Europe, and last until December.
Sea waters are relatively warm even at the height of winter.
The average sea surface temperature along the coast in February is about 17 – 18°C and about 27 – 30°C in August and September.
The weather in Limassol is dry throughout most of the year, with a short rainy season during the winter months from November to February.
Best Things to Do in Limassol
Limassol is an important tourist center.
It is distinguished from all other cities on the island with its green parks and gardens.
One of them, the Municipal Gardens, is located in the city centre, next to the coast.
Here you will find the zoo and a large outdoor amphitheater.
Limassol is famous also for its beautiful coastal park Akti Olympion, which offers some pleasant coolness under the shade of evergreen eucalyptus trees.
Between the park and the warm waters of the Mediterranean, there is a several kilometers long beach of dark ash-shade sand.
In warmer years, you can see sun bathing tourists on the beach from early March to mid-December.
The coastline of Limassol is an attractive entertainment zone, which is known for its numerous fish restaurants, cafes and luxury hotels.
The promenade with its palms and other beautiful trees and shrubs is a favorite place for pedestrians and cyclists.
Lovers of architecture will experience an amazing pleasure of a leisurely afternoon walk in the old town of Limassol.
Here you will find predominantly two-storey old buildings with their first floors occupied by nice cafes, small shops and craft studios.
The lands of what is today Limassol have been settled since ancient times.
Evidences suggest that this part of Cyprus is permanently settled after the 10-9 millennium BC.
Today, here you will find many astonishing historical monuments, which stand out against the background of this otherwise modern and cosmopolitan city.
Among the most notable places to visit are the ruins of the ancient Amathus area, the Medieval Castle of Limassol, the Archaeological Museum, the Citadel of Kolossi, The Municipal Museum of Folk Art, and the remains of the ancient settlement of Kourion.
Though exposed to prolonged periods of drought and high summer temperatures, the vicinity of Limassol is occupied by fertile lands.
Here are grown olives, grapes, citrus trees and many others.
This is the most famous wine region on the island, and the wine produced in this part of Cyprus is among the most popular in the world.
West of the city extends the Western Sovereign Base Area, which is a British overseas territory.
Not far from Limassol, approximately 2.5 kilometers outside the city, is the Yermasoyia Dam, whose level usually drops drastically during the hot summer months.