Limassol
If you are a convinced urbanist and cannot live without big houses, cars and people, you need to go to Limassol.
This is the main port, the second largest city and the most important tourist center of Cyprus with a population of about 135 thousand people. It is located in the south of the island in Akrotiri Bay . The tourist zone smoothly flows into the city, filled with shops, restaurants and wine cellars. Limassol is the winemaking center of Cyprus and the holiday city. A colorful carnival is held here annually in February with a large parade passing through the central streets. Wine Festival, lasting 10 days, is held every September. Obviously that’s why Richard the Lionheart married here with Princess Bernharda. Well, if you want something reasonable, kind, eternal – visit the open Greco-Roman theater, preserved from ancient times, where unforgettable theatrical performances are still held!
According to Justinshoes, Limassol is famous not only for its seaside resorts but also for its wine industry as it is surrounded by many vineyards.
The city is divided into three main areas: the center, Potamos Yermasoia s (5 km from the center) and Amathous (8 km from the center). The hotels of the city, located over 15 km east of the center, are considered among the best in Cyprus. A large selection of restaurants with national cuisine, nightclubs with music, discos and bars create the atmosphere that nightlife lovers like so much.
For those wishing to shop while in Cyprus, Limassol has a wide variety of shops to choose from, among
which are fashion shops of European and local fashion designers, jewelry stores, souvenir shops, leather goods shops and many others.
From Limassol, you can easily and quickly reach any settlement on the island, as well as visit local attractions, such as the ancient cities of Kourion and Amathus, as well as the medieval fortress of Kolossi, wineries and the archaeological museum.
Larnaca
Larnaca – the third largest city in Cyprus after Nicosia and Limassol with a population of over 40,000 people, the second largest port in the southern part of the island and the gate of Cyprus to the world – here is the island’s largest international airport.
The hallmark of Larnaca, of course, is the palm-lined Finikoudes promenade, which offers a wonderful view of the bay with yachts moored in it. There are many restaurants and street cafes where you can enjoy the seascape and watch the strolling public over lunch or a glass of wine. This is a great place to relax and meet new people.
The convenient location of Larnaca allows you to quickly get to other cities and resorts of the island. On the outskirts of the city is the famous Mackenzie sandy beach , where there are many restaurants, taverns where you can taste fresh fish dishes. Sports include water skiing, windsurfing, paragliding, jet skiing, canoeing, water banana riding, tennis, beach volleyball and basketball, yacht rental. Large selection of restaurants, taverns and bars in the city itself, as well as in the Dhekelia Road area.
Excursions are offered to Nicosia – for the whole day, to the mountains (with a visit to colorful villages) – for the whole day, a boat trip on the sea – for the whole day, Limassol (with a visit to Kolossi Castle) – for the whole day, dinner at the Cypriot Nights tavern “.
The history of the city goes far into the pre-Christian era. Ever since the Phoenicians discovered Larnaca on their Mediterranean voyages, this city has served as the main sea gate of Cyprus. Larnaca stands on the site founded in the tenth century BC. e. the city-state of Kition, which is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. According to legend, its founder was the grandson of Noah. Here was born the great philosopher of antiquity, the founder of the Stoic school in Athens, Zeno (335 – 263 BC).
The country’s main international airport is also located here. Opposite the airport, on the edge of the salt lakes, where flamingos winter every year, stands the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. In the very center of the city on the palm boulevard there are many cafeterias, cozy restaurants and taverns, and nearby – narrow streets with a variety of shops, churches, museums and a fortress.
Palm alley “Finikudes” (translated as small palm trees) is a favorite place for Larnaca children to play and walks for city guests. A new tourist area with comfortable hotels is located just 10 minutes drive from the city center.
Attractions
The Church of St. Lazarus is the oldest building in Larnaca. It was built in the 9th century on the grave of the same Lazarus, whom Christ resurrected. According to legend, after the resurrection from the dead, Lazar lived for another 30 years in Cyprus. On his marble sarcophagus is engraved the inscription: “Lazarus, friend of Christ.” Presumably, the name of the city comes from the Greek word “larnax”, which means a coffin. This refers to the sarcophagus of St. Lazarus.
Port Fortress, built by the Turks in 1625, is located at the end of the palm-lined seaside boulevard that serves as the hallmark of Larnaca. Now the fortress houses an exhibition hall with finds from ancient Kition and other parts of the island. The Pieridis Museum is a particularly interesting place for lovers of archeology and history.
The Church of Panagia Angeloktitos (“built by angels”) in the settlement of Kiti (11 km from Larnaca) is famous for its magnificent mosaics, one of the best on the island
