What to Do & See in Limassol, Cyprus

Limassol is the second biggest city in Cyprus, with population around 200k (and much more in summer months when tourists return).

It was built between two ancient cities of Amathus and Kourion – the second one being also a well preserved archaeological site.

Today, Limassol is a modern metropolis that offers everything you could think of for a perfect holiday – long stretches of beach, wide range of hotels, variety of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and beach bars.

Unlike the capital city of Nicosia, Limassol is much more cooler in summer months and offers gorgeous beaches, easy access to the mountains and plenty of opportunities for exploration just a short drive away.

While it was not my home city (my heart belongs to Paphos), in my 6+ years on the island I ended up spending a lot of time in Limassol, meeting friends or going there just for short weekend breaks.

What to See in Limassol

Limassol Castle

It may not look super exciting from outside, but I promise you there is lots to see inside (unlike the Paphos castle).

It is home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum with very cool exhibits spread around different rooms.

Bonus points – very good hiding place if you find yourself in the city in the middle of the day and trying to escape the heat.

Wisteria tree blooming inside the Limassol Castle gardens

You won’t need more than an hour to explore since it’s not huge, but luckily conveniently located next to restaurants so it’s easy to pop for a lunch once you’re done.

Kids will love it too, it safe to let them run around and explore on their own.

Entry is €4,50 and it’s open all year round, apart from bank holidays.

Limassol Marina

A fairly recent development, Limassol Marina boasts a range of restaurants, bars and posh apartments. It has its own gym, huge parking facility and plenty of yachts and ships do to a virtual window shopping for your future private island trips.

The marina feels more more posh and luxurious compared to the rest of the town and you get a sense of exclusivity while walking around here.

In winter, they put up Christmas markets on the square along with some carousel and small amusement park for kids.

The restaurants vary widely from local reasonably-priced tavernas to eye-watering overpriced bars.

It’s a great place for people-watching, enjoying an easy lunch or an afternoon stroll.

It’s a short walk away from the start of the coastline promenade and the huge parking facility will save you a lot of headaches about where to leave your car.

More here: Lunch in Limassol Marina

Coastline Promenade

Perfect for late afternoon stroll (otherwise too hot in summer) with kids or on your own.

The promenade starts at the end of the Limassol Marina and stretches for miles.

It’s lined with kids playgrounds, coffee shops and perfectly manicured grass – something of a luxury in Cyprus.

Locals usually head over here after 5pm when the heat resides to enjoy a frappe with a sea view while the kids run around the playground or splash in the fountains.

Limassol Old Town

It’s not big, but very charming especially in the evening.

Cute local tavernas in narrow streets with blossoming trees lining your way, adorable local shops and happy cheer of the locals enjoying their dinner.

Get lost and see where the roads will take you.

boho resto bar limassol — Boho resto bar in Limassol old town

Biggest Events of the Year – Carnival & Wine Festival

If you’re coming to Limassol in September, you can’t miss the wine festival! Organized by Limassol municipality, each year wine producers gather in a park in central Limassol to offer wine tasting along with food, entertainment and endless fun.

When I visited last time, our 6 eur ticket included a bottle of wine and an engraved cup for wine tasting you can keep.

We ended up spending a good few hours going from one stall to another tasting varieties we haven’t heard of before and finding our new favourites.

I was most surprised by free wine supplied by Limassol Municipality – you just turn up with your cup and they give you top up for free.

A few things that I felt were rather disappointing – if you’re driving here for the event, be prepared parking will be an absolute nightmare.

Another thing which was lacking on the even was a variety of wine producers – only the biggest wineries were taking part, not the smaller ones that make some of the best wines on the island.

The Carnival is another huge event that takes place outside of the main tourist season – usually in February/March. I visited only once as it was an absolute nightmare to get in and out of the city.

The streets were clogged up with illegally parked cars, road blocks on the way in and out of the city and huge traffic jams in the evening when leaving the center of the city. If you’re staying in the city and walk there, you’ll be fine.

Where to Eat in Limassol

My favourite way to explore a new destination – by eating! =)

Here are some of the tested and tried places I would happily come back anytime.

La Frenchie Restaurant

I can’t sing enough praises about this place. It was recommended to my by friends who lived in Limassol and were regular visitors.

A spectacular dining experience elevated by charming surroundings in the center of the old town.

Read more about it here: La Frenchie Restaurant

Dionysus Mansion

The unsuspecting front of the house hides this gorgeous lush garden – which is something very rare in Limassol.

Dining under the shade of trees and in gorgeous setting was already ticking a lot of boxes and luckily the food didn’t miss a mark either.

Marina Breeze

Skip the traditional tavernas and dine in style at Marina Breeze – the tables are overlooking the sea and fish swimming under your feet and the food is refreshingly modern, perfectly presented and most importantly – delicious.

Read more here: Marina Breeze Restaurant

Gin Fish

Another place where the view doesn’t let you down – overlooking the sea and the coastal promenade, Gin Fish specializes in sea food and gin cocktails.

A word of warning – things can get quickly out of hand if you’re presented with a huge menu involving just gin cocktails.

What to Do in Limassol

Looking for more inspiration? Here are a few extra ideas for what to do in and around Limassol.

Retail Therapy at My Mall Limassol

The Mall is located just on the edge of the city with easy access by a city bus or car. With plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from, it’s an easy escape from the heat.

Try Local Mezze Lunch & Frappe

You can’t visit Cyprus and not to taste a local mezze!

The meaty version tends to be quite heavy and I personally always preferred the fish mezze.

Mezze is a collection of around 10 small dishes, always starting with village salad with bread (my favourite), and slowly progressing through the courses with vegetable dishes up to roasted chicken or sea bass in fish mezze.

Best shared with friends and a good bottle of wine.

My favourite mezze lunch was in Kolios winery and combines the things I love the most – quality food (prepared by the owners wife), superb wine and amazing views!