Welcome to Troodos & Limassol

Limassol - known as 'Lemesos' in Greek - is the second largest city and the main passenger and freight handling port of Cyprus. It is a bustling, cosmopolitan town and a focal point for commerce, tourism and shopping. Its coastal promenade stretches for 13 kilometres along the southern coast of the island at Akrotiri Bay. It is the capital of Limassol District, which is the biggest municipality / region of Cyprus, bordering those of Larnaca, Paphos and Nicosia. 

Limassol has been at the heart of Cyprus and its historical tradition since antiquity - both as a centre of trade in the Eastern Mediterranean and a target for outside political and military adventurism. Limassol was built between two ancient cities - Amathus and Kourion. During Byzantine rule it was known as Neapolis (new town). Limassol's tourist strip now runs east along the coast as far as Amathus. To the west lies the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area of the United Kingdom - a legacy of the period between 1878 and 1960 when Cyprus was a British colony.

The evidence of various foreign interventions across the centuries can (literally) be found in the remains of the many archaeological and historic sites scattered across the wider district of modern Limassol. This presents an uncanny opportunity to visit places where people and events from bygone eras have shaped and influenced not only the destiny of Cyprus but also other nations and historical movements. A good example is at Limassol Fort. Built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Byzantine castle it houses the Cyprus Mediaeval Museum. It is here in 1191, according to tradition, where the King of England, Richard the Lionheart, married his fiancé Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England. This followed Richard's defeat of the Byzantine ruler of Cyprus, Isaac Komnenos who had refused to support Richard in his crusade to liberate the Holy Land.

The excellent website of the Limassol Municipality has comprehensive information about the history of the locality plus details of current events and plans for the future, including the development of a world class 1000 berth yachting marina - see www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy

Limassol is a thriving regional community of town and village life that celebrates its heritage just as much as it embraces the challenges of the 21st century. It is home to the Cyprus University of Technology - plus the various museums and archaeological sites waiting for exploration by the enquiring visitor. Kolossi Castle is a 'must see' attraction and Kourion is one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean. The open-air amphitheatre looks down onto a largely unspoilt beach which hosts three tavernas.

See www.hestia-holidays.com/places for further details of Places to see in the Limassol area.

Nowadays, Limassol is infamous in Cyprus for its festivals such as the Carnival in February, the Yermasogeia Flower Festival in May and the Festival of the Flood in June. The Wine Festival is held at the Municipal Garden on the seafront in September, where the visitor can taste some of the best wines that Cyprus has to offer - free of charge!

Perceptibly a centre of commerce, Limassol and its environs also attracts tourists - mostly during the summer season - from international points of origin including the UK and Russia. The historic old town is ideal for dining out, with nightlife for everyone.

The area boasts some of the finest international hotels on the island - and a superb choice of accommodation for the more discerning visitor who prefers the quiet luxury of their own rented villa or apartment in a private setting. Privacy means exactly what is says - being able to relax and come and go as you please. Providing this kind of service distinguishes Hestia Holidays and the service they offer their growing number of clients looking for a holiday in Cyprus. You will be spoilt for choice when deciding which rental villa or apartment to select from their superb portfolio.

Like the rest of Cyprus, the Limassol region is an area of contrasts.

Leaving the northern outskirts of the main town beckons you on an upward, winding journey towards the Troodos Mountains. This is the largest and highest mountain range in Cyprus, where Mount Olympus peaks at an elevation of 1,952 metres.

The Troodos mountain range stretches across much of the western side of Cyprus. There are many famous mountain resorts, Byzantine monasteries and churches on mountain peaks with mountain villages clinging to terraced hill slopes. There are nine churches and one monastery in Troodos that are counted among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

Pano Platres is the most renowned mountain summer resort in Cyprus. Situated on the southern slopes of the Troodos only 40km from Limassol, it is listed among the 119 villages that belonged to the Limassol district in the time of the Francs (1192 to 1489). Among the sights and beautiful landscape are numerous nature trails for hiking in Cyprus, including sections of the E4 ‘European Long Distance Path’, some 10,450 kilometres which starts in Gibraltar and ends in Cyprus with the final 640 kilometres. The area is also popular for Cyclist with routes that wind through refreshing pine forests. Visitors can also explore the stunning Caledonian and Millomeri waterfalls.

Skiing can be enjoyed on the slopes of Mount Olympus - usually from the beginning of January to the end of March. This is only 3km from the Troodos hill resort, 12km from Platres hill resort, about an hour's drive from Limassol with a similar drive time to Paphos or Nicosia. Cyprus is one of the few places in the world where on the same morning you can ski - and in less than an hour swim or sunbathe at the coast!

For those not arriving by sea, Limassol is within convenient drive time from either of the island's two international airports at Paphos or Larnaca. Within 45 minutes or so of landing and collecting their rental car, the independent traveller can be at their luxury private villa or apartment. Simply visit www.hestia-holidays.com/carhire to arrange everything.