Cyprus cities: Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca, Famagusta and Paphos
Limassol
Limassol, the second largest city, is located in the southern part of Cyprus between the ancient kingdoms of Curium and Amathus. It is one of the major tourist and seaside resorts in Cyprus, it has the biggest port on the island and it is the home of many offshore companies. Limassol hosts the two biggest festivals on the island: ‘Carnival’ in early spring and ‘The Wine Festival’ in late summer. Both festivals attract locals, as well as tourists from all over the world.Limassol is also the wine-producing center of the island
The surrounding countryside is filled with acres rich with vineyards. Limassol being on the footsteps of the Troodos mountain range, where most of the island’s grapes are cultivated, makes Limassol the centre of the island’s winemaking industry. The city’s carefree holiday atmosphere, seafront promenade and bustling streets, are matched by the friendly and lively character of its people. It offers the full array of shopping from impressive international boutiques to traditional handcraft centers.Limassol is renowned for its cultural tradition and hosts a broad spectrum of activities throughout the year. Here you will find a list of the major annual events in Limassol along with places of interest to visit.
Events in Limassol:
- February
- May
- Anthestiria Flower Festival
- Cyprus Rally
- June
- Kataklysmos: A unique Cypriot celebration, the Festival of the Flood marked by festivities at all seaside towns
- Shakespeare Festival at Ancient Kourio
- Beer Festival: Participation of local and imported beer companies
- July-August
- Summer Cultural Events
- Ancient Greek Drama Festival
- August-September
- Limassol Wine Festival: Famous annual festival at Municipal Gardens with local foods, traditional music & dance, and free Cyprus wines from the barrel
- September-November
- Kypria: Cyprus International Festival in all towns
- November-April
- European Limassol Festival: Variety of prestigious cultural events
- December
- Annual Christmas Concerts
- Gala Opera at Rialto Theatr
Places to visit in Limassol:
- Limassol District Archaeological Museum
- Flok Art Museum
- Kolossi Castle
- Kourion Museum
- Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
- Ancient Ruins of Amathus
- Limassol Municipal Art Gallery
- Agios Georgios Alamanou Convent
- The Medieval Museum
- The Castle
- The Public Garden and Zoo
Nicosia
Nicosia, known locally as “Lefkosia”, is the capital and largest city of Cyprus. Located on the Pedieos River and situated almost in the centre of the island, it is the seat of government as well as the main Business Centre. Nicosia is a modern, dynamic capital with lots of shops, modern shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment. The city is a trade center and manufactures textiles, leather, pottery, plastic, and many other products.
In the city of Nicosia there are plenty places of interest to visit like Cyprus Museum, House of the Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios and Byzantine Museum. Laiki Geitonia also is pedestrian section, which has been carefully renovated to evoke the atmosphere of past days. The two main streets of old Nicosia, Ledra and Onasagorou, are lined with shops of every type, and both streets are pedestrian only. Nicosia is the seat of the University Of Cyprus (UCY) and of another four universities, one public and three private.
Larnaca
As the oldest continually inhabited town in Cyprus, the port city of Larnaca has a rich and interesting history stretching back 6,000 years. Legend says the original town of Kition was founded by Noah’s grandson, Khittim. Due to its prime location in the Mediterranean, the town has been desired by every civilization that has ruled over this region.
Larnaca is the island's second commercial port and an important tourist resort. To the north of the town lies the island's oil refinery, while the International Airport is situated to the south of Larnaca. The city of Larnaca is well-known for its picturesque sea-front which includes rows of palm trees (Finikoudes).
Much of the activity is centered on the city promenade, especially during the major festivals. The most important of these for the city of Larnaca is Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood, celebrated in early summer with a series of cultural events. Most of the activities around Larnaca involve the sea and the many beaches which surround the city.
Famagusta
Parts of the region of Famagusta lie in the government-controlled area and attract thousands of visitors every year with their golden beaches and water sports. Picturesque harbors, windmills, old churches and the red-soil villages “Kokkinochoria” are also distinctive features of this area.
Paralimni is the main town centre with Protaras as its major beach resort. Agia Napa, once a small village is now a very popular holiday destination offering a lively night scene, a 16th century monastery, a Marine Life Museum, a picturesque harbor and an amazing water-park.
Paphos
The city of Paphos is on the southwest coast of Cyprus, and used to be the capital city of the island in Roman times which dates from 1400 BC. Legend has it that the city is built on the spot where the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, was born. Today, however, Paphos is reviving on the strength of its tourism and government investment infrastructure such as dams, roads and airport.
The city has become a popular seaside resort for British and European tourists. There’s a lovely seaside promenade in Paphos where restaurants and hotels abound, an archaeological museum, the Byzantine castle of Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings, St Paul’s Pillar are close, and the Temple of Aphrodite, that saucy goddess of love, beauty, and naughtiness is handy too. There are a few high quality golf courses within 20 minutes of Paphos.