Mediterranean · Cyprus
Limassol Travel Guide
Limassol is Cyprus's vibrant second city — a seaside town with a medieval castle, a lively old town, excellent wine country in the Troodos Mountains, and ancient ruins at Kourion. The warmth of Cypriot hospitality and the quality of meze dining make every port day memorable.
How Do You Get from the Ship to Town?
Walk along the seafront promenade to the old town (15-20 min) or take a quick taxi (5-8 euro). The castle, old market, and marina are all in the same compact area.
What Can You See in 6 Hours?
Limassol Castle — A medieval castle where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre in 1191. Small museum inside with Byzantine and medieval artefacts.
Old Town — Pedestrianised streets around the castle with cafes, boutiques, and street art. The covered market (Agora) has local produce and crafts.
Kourion — A spectacular Greco-Roman site 15km west with a cliff-edge amphitheatre overlooking the sea. Mosaics, baths, and the setting are breathtaking. Taxi costs 30-40 euro return.
Lady's Mile Beach — A long, sandy beach south of the port. Less developed than the town beaches with clear water and beach bars. Taxi 10 euro.
Where Should You Eat in Limassol?
Meze: The ultimate Cypriot meal — 15-30 small dishes served over 1-2 hours. Hummus, halloumi, souvlaki, sheftalia (pork sausages), and much more. Book a meze at any traditional taverna (25-35 euro per person).
Halloumi: Grilled Cypriot cheese is nothing like the supermarket version. Served warm with lemon, it's squeaky, salty, and addictive.
Souvlaki: Cyprus's favourite fast food — grilled pork or chicken in pita with salad, tzatziki, and chips. 4-5 euro from any souvlaki shop.
Is Limassol Worth Exploring Independently?
Limassol's old town is walkable and charming. Kourion is the main excursion and easily reached by taxi. Ship excursions to Paphos (1 hour) or the Troodos Mountains are possible but long. For a relaxed port day with great food, stay in Limassol.
Useful Local Phrases
Yia sas
Hello
(YAH-sas)
Efcharisto
Thank you
(ef-hah-ree-STOH)
Poso kanei?
How much?
(POH-soh KAH-nee)
Kopiaste
Welcome / Help yourself
(koh-pee-AH-steh)
Local Tips
- •Cypriot meze is a multi-course feast of 15-30 small dishes. Order it for lunch — it takes 1-2 hours and will be the best meal of your cruise.
- •Commandaria is the world's oldest named wine, produced in the Troodos foothills since 800 BC. Sweet and fortified — try it at any wine shop.
- •Limassol old town has been revitalised with cafes, bars, and street art. The area around the castle and the old mosque is the most atmospheric.
- •Cyprus drives on the left (British legacy). Watch for traffic when crossing streets.