Limassol, or Lemesos as it is also known, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cyprus. Many of the visitors to this second largest city on the island come to visit nearby archaeological sites, not to mention spend some time on one of the area beaches. Other attractions such as the Limassol Zoo and the Medieval Castle and Museum only provide more options when it comes to keeping busy. There are lots of fun things to do in Limassol, and thanks to its excellent location, it can make for a good base for a Cyprus holiday.

Limassol is situated on the southern coast of Cyprus, and it was built between two ancient cities. These ancient cities are Amathus and Kourion. The latter is home to some of the best preserved ruins on the island, including a rebuilt Greco-Roman theater that is used for drama productions, concerts, and other special events. Coincidentally, concerts are often held at ancient Amathus as well, and these concerts are usually free. While Amathus deserves a look, it is Kourion that commands more attention. Many tourists combine a visit to the ruins at Kourion with some time on Kourion Beach. This beach is good for swimming and wind-related watersports, such as windsurfing.

When it comes to things to do in Limassol, hanging out at a beach is at the top of most travelers' lists. There are some decent city beaches in Limassol that visitors can use for a swim, and these beaches tend to be relatively crowded. For those who want to experience less in the way of people, the beaches outside of town will be a better fit. Avdimou Beach is arguably the most low-key beach in the area. Should you prefer a livelier atmosphere, the nearby beach at Pissouri Bay attracts quite a crowd during the peak summer season. Pissouri Bay is often the destination of choice for Cyprus holiday packages due to its resorts, its watersports opportunities, and its relatively vibrant nightlife.

Cyprus Map

As is true of many Cyprus beaches, the beaches in and around Limassol consist of a mixture of sand and small pebbles. Most feature accommodations, as well as places to eat, and some are more renowned for their nightlife than others. Others are renowned for other things, such as their picturesque settings, as is the case with Petra tou Romiou. Also known as Aphrodite's Rock and Beach, this beautiful beach is a popular stop along the western route to Paphos.

Limassol travel can revolve around any number of things, and fans of history won't want to miss the Medieval Castle and Museum while making the rounds. This is the most popular tourist attraction in Limassol proper. Legend has it that Richard the Lionheart, or King Richard I of England, married Berengaria de Navarre here in 1191. It doesn't cost anything to explore the grounds or the lovely gardens at the Medieval Castle, and the admission fee for the interior museum is reasonable. All kinds of fascinating Byzantine and medieval artifacts are on display at the museum, and the rooftop terrace provides wonderful views of the underrated Old City district.

There is something for everyone when it comes to Limassol travel, and while the city features a vibrant clubbing scene, it can also cater to families. Two of the top family attractions in the city are the Limassol Zoo and the Wet n' Wild Waterpark. The former is a relatively small zoo, and it can be found at the beautiful Public Garden. Among the animals that visitors can see at the zoo include lions, tigers, ostriches, monkeys, and a type of wild sheep known as a moufflon. The Wet n' Wild Waterpark can be found near the beach in the main tourist part of the city. Wet n' Wild boasts a lazy river, an exciting wave pool, and other water-related attractions that both kids and adults can enjoy.

For travelers with extra time to spare in Limassol, taking a cruise is worth considering. The city is home to the most important port in Cyprus, and short cruises to destinations such as Said, Egypt or the Greek Islands are easy to arrange. Scuba diving is another option when it comes to filling your Limassol travel itinerary. Much like the smaller city of Larnaca, Limassol is one of the best bases for Cyprus diving expeditions. The shipwreck of the Zenobia off Larnaca is consistently rated as one of the top diving sites in the world, so it's understandably popular among diving enthusiasts.

Since there are so many interesting things to do in Limassol, the hotels in and around town tend to fill up quickly during the peak summer season. In addition to staying at one of the Limassol hotels, visitors to the southern coast can also consider staying in nearby towns and villages. Perhaps a night or two in one of the nearby mountain villages will prove tempting, or maybe a luxury beach hotel down in Limassol proper will fit the bill.