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The island of Cyprus is steeped in mythology and has a cultural heritage that can be traced back over 9000 years. Located in the clear blue waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, ideally placed for trading between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, it is no wonder that Cyprus has had more than its fair number of ‘tourists’ throughout the centuries: Mycenaeans, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Alexander the Great, Ptolemny, Richard the Lionheart, the Knights Templar, Guy de Lusignan and the Venetians. In the middle of the 16th Century it became part of the Ottoman Empire and remained as such until the British took over some 300 years later. Cyprus eventually gained independence in 1960 and became a full EU member state in May 2004.
Today Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. Here you will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where wine flows as freely as the conversations at the local café. A carefree place where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the kindness of the people.
Facts and figures:
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean at 9,252 sq km. It is 1,953m at its highest peak (Mount Olympus, has 10,820km of public roads and 648km or coastline. It's population is almost 800,000 and 66,000 are foreign residents and workers. Annual growth is 2.3% and inflation is currently 3.6%. Major industries are tourism, fruit and vegetables, wine and cement. There are 3,700 places to eat and drink and over 86,000 hotel beds for the 2.3million tourists who visit each year. The currency is in pounds and cents in the same denominations as the British pounds and pence, driving is on the left, electricity is 240v using 3-pin plugs and telecommunication services are good. No vaccinations are required and both public and private healthcare services are of a high standard.
Climate:
The climate in Cyprus is that of long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Most of the rain falls during the winter months of December, January and February but temperatures usually remain about 16-20C and the sun still shines for an average of 5.5 hours each day. In July and August temperatures can reach up to 38C, with little or no rainfall and an average of 11.5 hours’ daily sunshine. The earliest sunrise is 5.30am in June and the latest is 6.55am in January. The earliest sunset is 4.35pm in December and the latest is 8pm in June and July. Sea temperatures range from about 17 degrees Celsius (63F) in February/March, very warm for you Northern Europe-based divers, up to 27/28 (82F) in August/September, which is just about right for us here in Cyprus!
Distances from Limassol:
Paphos Airport 63km west
Paphos 68km
Larnaka Airport 70km east
Larnaka 66km
Nicosia 83km north
Troodos 45km north
Ayia Napa 106km east
Hire cars, taxis, buses and ‘Service’ taxis (where you share the vehicle and cost with others) are readily available. There is no railway in Cyprus.
About Limassol
Combining its roles as the second largest city, the island's main port, the centre of the wine industry and a bustling holiday resort, Limassol emerges as a spirited and cosmopolitan seaside town.
Limassol became truly established with the arrival of King Richard the Lionheart of England during the Third Crusade. The conduct of Isaakios Komninos, then King of Cyprus; the marriage of Richard to Berengaria at the chapel of St. George; the Battle of Tremetousia between the armies of Richard and Komninos; the defeat and capture of the latter; the total destruction of Amathus (1191 a. d.); the bolstering of the population of Limassol; were the basic factors that contributed to the city’s independent and dynamic rise.
Today Limassol is a resort with a ten mile coastline, a busy shopping centre, countless tavernas and restaurants and a night life to suit tastes ranging from modest to sophisticated.
Places of interest:
Kolossi Castle
The Knights of St John arrived here in 1210, and Richard the Lion heart is reputed to have married Berengaria of Navarro at the castle after his return from the Crusades. Raids in the 15th Century virtually destroyed the original castle and it was rebuilt on a smaller scale. Appropriated by the Venetians in 1488, the castle was left to ruin until being restored by the British in 1933. The well-known dessert wine, Commandaria, was first produced here by the Knights of St John and is still being produced from the sweet, local grapes.
Kourion (Curium)
On a steep cliff overlooking the sea, Kourion is one of the most impressive archeological sites of Cyprus. It's actually two sites, the ancient city lying to the east and the sanctuary of Apollo Hylates a few kilometres to the west. The Kourion site museum is located 2.5km away in the large village of Episkopi.
The ancient city has a superbly sited Graeco-Roman theatre which was built during the 2nd Century BC; Kourion’s ancient necropolis; 5th Century basilica; the medieval chapel of Ayios Ermoyenis; and the annexe of Eusolios which houses beautiful mosaics. At the sanctuary of Apollo Hylates are the remains of the imperial Roman stadium which once seated 6,000; the partly-restored temple of Apollo; and a 6th Century basilica with a huge well in the floor and traces of mosaics.
Apart from its historical interest, Kourion beach is one of the most popular in the Limassol region and has a number of beachside tavernas to choose from.
Limassol Castle - Cyprus Mediaeval Museum
Built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Byzantine castle. According to tradition Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England, here in 1191. The castle houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum.
Limassol District Archaeological Museum
An interesting collection of antiquities found in the Limassol area from the Neolithic Age to the Roman Period.
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