Limassol - the main sea gateway to the island of Cyprus

If Nicosia is the administrative capital of the republic, then Limassol is considered the main business center of the country. The convenient location of the city and the hospitality of its inhabitants attract foreigners to Limassol. At present, the Russians have chosen Limassol as their place of residence. There are more of them here than in any other city on the island, several thousand.

It is in Limassol that four Russian-language newspapers are published, two schools for Russian children have been opened, there is a Russian church, a Russian club, a restaurant, and a store of Russian products.

A full-fledged city life is ensured by the presence of international schools, colleges and universities, which attract young people here, including foreign ones.

The beaches in Limassol are Cypriot-style, with a gentle descent into the water and decent infrastructure. They are predominantly sandy, sometimes sandy-pebble. But the sand here is not simple, but volcanic, containing flint, which has a very beneficial effect on metabolic processes in the skin. Central beach Ladies Mile considered one of the best, it is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. It is one of the most popular windsurfing spots.

Limassol is known for its festivals and celebrations. Carnival Apocreo in February-March it is considered the most spectacular on the island. This carnival, which is usually compared to the Russian Shrovetide, takes place in Cyprus every year and begins 50 days before Orthodox Easter. In July, the city takes place for a whole month Festival of arts... And September is marked Wine Festival (Wine Festival in Limassol). The holiday was first held in 1961. The most famous winemakers of Cyprus arrive at the event, each of them presenting the best wines to the guests. As a rule, from 8 to 11 pm you can taste the wine completely free of charge.

Another interesting national holiday also takes place in mid-July - Beer Festival (Limassol Beer Festival)... The festival is a worldwide celebration, it is always attended by a huge number of celebrities and rock bands. Despite the fact that the locals consider wine to be their national drink, they have also reached considerable heights in the production of beer.

What to visit for culture, architecture, museums and temples

Limassol famous for its architectural landmarks. Anyone who is fond of archaeological excavations should visit the ruins of ancient city-states - Amathus and Kourion... It was in Amathus, according to myth, that the courageous Theseus, who defeated the Minotaur, left his beautiful Ariadne. This city has been a major port and center of international trade since ancient times. To the north of the resort are picturesque mountains Troodos with ancient monasteries hidden in pine forests.

But in Limassol there are monuments of later architecture, the most outstanding of which is knight's castleKolossi fortress, built in the XII century. Then the knights were engaged in the production of sugar and wine, it is to them that the famous wine owes its origin "Commandaria"... Later, the castle passed to the Templars, and in the 15th century it acquired the appearance in which it appears before us now.

Travelers looking to learn more about wine production should head to the countryside Erimi... It is here that one of the world famous wineries is located, as well as Wine Museum... The collection of the museum is very interesting and varied. There are historical documents, and clay vessels, in which a drink was kept several centuries ago, and beautiful dishes.

Also in Limassol there is a famous citadel, erected at the beginning of the XIV century on the ruins of a Byzantine castle, in the chapel of which the marriage was concluded between Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria, who later became the English queen. Now the citadel is open Cyprus Museum of the Middle Ages.

For gourmets

A wide variety of restaurants can be found in Limassol. The resort has widespread establishments that specialize in the preparation of oriental cuisine; they will surely appeal to lovers of exoticism. National restaurants will appeal to those who love seafood; the chefs prepare the most incredible treats from seafood.

Among the restaurants specializing in the preparation of fish dishes, one should highlight Barolo... Its menu includes both traditional fish dishes and rare delicacies. One of the most exotic dishes is baked shark meat, and visitors who prefer meat dishes will be offered to order ostrich fillet.

One of the resort's most popular dining options is the Chinese restaurant. Mr.Chow... Its main feature is a huge menu, which presents both traditional treats and author's culinary masterpieces. Those who are not indifferent to the foamy drink and want to enjoy real Irish beer should go to the restaurant Finnbarr Irish.

Active rest and entertainment

Limassol will not let the lovers of outdoor activities get bored. Vacationers are offered a wide range of sports activities tennis, horse riding, yachting, even skiing in winter in the nearby mountains.

A popular pastime among the guests of the resort remains Sayious amusement park... Its vast territory is divided into several zones; the park has a go-kart track and a paint-ball area, a picturesque and cozy picnic area, as well as a wide variety of attractions and sports grounds for children. Here, every family member can find an attraction to their liking and not even notice how the day went!

Among the water parks it is worth highlighting Fasouri Watermania... It is a beautiful and spacious park surrounded by rich green spaces. Huge pools surround terraces for relaxation with umbrellas and sun loungers, colorful slides and unhurried rivers can be seen everywhere.  Fasouri Watermania has been awarded the Best Water Park in Europe by the World Travel Awards.

Excursions in the olive park are very popular Oleastro, during which vacationers are offered to get acquainted with one of the oldest crafts - the production of olive oil.

The largest entertainment center in the city is Galactica... It also has a bowling alley, a colorful amusement park, several attractive restaurants and cafes, and a billiard room.

It is not so easy to choose the best one among nightclubs, each establishment has a lot of distinctive features and advantages. Not far from the embankment there is Sesto Senso Gold Club... It has become a permanent resting place for celebrities, several times a week performances by famous DJs take place in the club.

Where to put a yacht in Limassol?

There are three marinas in Limassol - Marina San Rafael, Old Port and Limassol Marina. The authorities took over the Old Port to yachtsmen and small fishermen, building a large commercial New Port.

Yachtsmen also dock at the city's huge wooden pier right next to the port. What is convenient - both the Old Port and the wooden pier are located right in the center of the city. The magnificent Limassol Marina also goes into operation.

Marina San Rafael in Limassol

Marina San Rafael

St. Raphael Marina is located 12 km from the center of Limassol and is part of the St. Raphael Resort 5 *. The advantageous location allows you to enjoy the silence of the suburbs and, at the same time, the proximity of the shopping and entertainment centers of Limassol. The crystal waters and golden sands attract yachtsmen to dive into the Mediterranean and relax by the calm surf. The marina is designed for 250 berths for yachts up to 30 m in length and up to 4 m draft. Yachts arriving or leaving can go through customs formalities in the marina, because here is the office of the Customs Police. The marina has a large service area with a 60t Travellift for complete maintenance and repair of yachts.

Marina St. Raphael

The captain's cabin of a huge liner towers a restaurant above the sea in the marina, owned by the hotel St. Raphael. It has all the attributes of a romantic dinner by the sea: the sound of the surf, the intoxicating aroma of the sea breeze and the exciting view of the coast from the sea - a spectacle available only to sea travelers. But not only this attracts the restaurant's regulars - owners of expensive yachts who have found shelter in a cozy marina, island residents who understand a lot about good food, and lucky tourists who have received a good recommendation on where to while away the evening. They all come here to enjoy excellent cuisine from the local chef Andreas - the virtuoso captain of his gastronomic frigate ...

Leave your car at the very beginning of the parking lot, which occupies a long pier-embankment leading to the entrance to the marina, and enjoy a short walk to the sound of the surf, the lapping of waves on the sides of dozing yachts at the docks and the creak of ship rigging.

The sun was going down as I crossed the threshold Sailor's Restdinner time had not come yet, and most of the tables in the establishment were empty. Huge stained glass windows, "airy" furniture, light colors in the interior design - everything emphasizes the "sea" theme of the restaurant, where the meal and the interior only emphasize the beauty and power of the sea element.

They say that meat is also excellently cooked here, but, of course, the main gastronomic theme of the restaurant is fish and seafood. Twice a week, fresh oysters, lobsters, crabs, king prawns and fish that are not caught in Cyprus are delivered by plane to Sailor's Rest from Holland.

I study the menu, and the waiter brings water and a basket of bread, which is baked in the restaurant twice a day. Next, a plate appears on the table with a compliment from the chef - two canapes with smoked salmon.

Marina St. Raphael

So, the menu ... First the wine! I leave the choice of French, Italian and other varieties from the Old or New World to your discretion. I am a fan of local Cypriot wines, the market for which has grown rapidly in recent years. So today another surprise awaits me: white Petritis wine from Kyperounda winery. Xynisteri Is a native Cypriot grape variety. Every local winemaker produces wine from this variety, and we enjoy Alina from Vouni Panayia, Persefoni from Kolios Winery, Agoiklima from Constantinou Winery, etc.

While I was looking at the amazing - slightly emerald - color of the wine in the glass, the waiter brought oysters, I ordered three things to try. I don't add anything to the oysters - neither lemon juice, nor raspberry vinegar: a sip of wine, and then I put the contents of the shell into my mouth ... Magical!

The wine really surprised me! This is not Xynisteri! It resembles Chardonnay. I take the bottle and read the label. Here it is! Rich fruity notes are diluted with subtle nuances of taste acquired as a result of partial aging in oak barrels.

However, enough about wine, they brought me another dish: gorgonzola salad (Gorgonzola salad). Crispy lettuce, slices of tender creamy gorgonzola, walnuts, fresh sweet pear and honey mustard dressing. There is nothing to add to this dish, except a piece of crispy bread and a couple of sips of cool white wine.

The salad quickly disappeared, and after a few minutes of the necessary pause, Maria, who served me that day, brought a snack - Prawn fritters wasabi... Four tiger prawns in a thin crispy batter on a cushion of mango salsa with a light wasabi aroma. The dish is decorated with white sauce and sweet balsamic. Such combinations of products are referred to as high culinary: sour, sweet, bitter, spicy - the components must be selected impeccably to make a masterpiece, and not a little-edible muck.

For hot, I ordered a tuna steak, which I was looking forward to. It seemed to me that I know everything about tuna, I cook it well myself, this is, no doubt, one of the fish kings, but what Maria brought me ...

Tuna steak tuna steak breaded with fennel, served with young potatoes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes. Served with sauce vierge... This is a French name, in English "Virgin sauce" - olive oil, lemon juice, fresh tomato pulp and basil.

I ordered rare rare (with blood). In my opinion, this is the only way to eat tuna steak, so as not to lose the entire palette of tastes of this fish. They brought me a piece of one of the best varieties - Albacore tuna... This fish has soft pink meat - the lighter, the fatter. The steak was surprisingly juicy and tender, with a freshly ground pepper aroma. Olives and sun-dried tomatoes perfectly complemented the delicate taste of the fish.

It was a wonderful meal, after which there was only a cup of Greek coffee left, but there are still many items on the menu, some of which will certainly make you come back to Sailor's Rest again. Maria said that the dish for two is very popular among the guests of the restaurant. Fruit de mer platter... This is an assortment of seafood: lobster, oysters, tiger prawns, langoustines, Atlantic crab and squid. Served with baked potatoes, green salad and aioli sauce. I think this is the absolute favorite for a romantic meal.

My attention was drawn to the ravioli with crab and lobster (Crab and Lobster ravioli), served with a creamy sauce; Lasagne Carchiofi: lasagna with young artichokes, goat cheese, olives and tomatoes.

When deciding to visit Sailor's Rest, do not forget to book a table in advance by calling +35725834242. Bon appetit (Article courtesy of the magazine CYPRUS INFORM kiprinform.com)

Old port in Limassol

The old town is the historical center of Limassol, where colorful houses huddle together and winding streets that have survived numerous earthquakes and restructuring

Usually walks in Limassol start from the Old Port. There is a small marina with pleasure boats and fishing boats, as well as an iconic landmark of Limassol - a medieval fortress with a museum. From the fortress deep into the city, branching out ancient picturesque streets, along which curious tourists like to wander. They lack the decorativeness and fabulousness of glossy postcards, but it is here that the spirit of true Cyprus soars.

Closer to the embankment, there are the main magnets for tourists - souvenir shops and shops, in which shelves are filled with beautiful boxes with Turkish delight and sweets made from nuts. Guests of the city are fed and watered in numerous British and Irish pubs, Chinese and Thai food restaurants, stylish European cafes and, of course, traditional Cypriot taverns.

Behind the Old Town, residential quarters begin with individual houses, duplexes and town houses, as well as small apartment complexes for tourists. Along the coast from the Old Port, there is a tourist area with a landscaped promenade, hotels, resort apartments, bars, clubs and city beaches. The streets and squares of this wonderful city can be safely attributed to the section of attractions.

There is a 250 m long breakwater in the Old Port and the port is only able to accommodate three small ships, so small fishing boats usually use it. The depth of the water area of the new port is 11 m, and the length of its breakwaters is 1300 m. It can simultaneously receive about ten ships (depending on their size).

Limassol New Port

Limassol is a major shipping center in the European Union. The largest international port in Cyprus is located here. It is located in the bay Akrotiri... From here ships go to Israel (the port of Haifa), Egypt (the city of Port Said), Libya, Greece (the port of Piraeus and the Greek islands of Patmos, Crete and Rhodes) and many other countries. Cruise ships call in Limassol, there is a ferry service.

In 2012, the reconstruction of the new port was completed: a new terminal for passenger cruise ships appeared, the harbor was deepened; the southern berth was extended by 500 m. The entire infrastructure of the port was modernized. The new seaport of Limassol is the largest in the entire eastern Mediterranean. Additionally, a road has been built connecting the new port with all highways leading to Paphos, Nicosia, Larnaca and Troodos. But that's not all!

Exclusive yacht marina in Limassol

A few steps from the Old Port, a unique project is being implemented - a new Limassol marina for yachts, boats and boats and a new road along the sea.

Limassol Marina is an exclusive coastal real estate project designed by a team of internationally renowned architects and engineers. Bringing together an elegant residential complex, a state-of-the-art yacht harbor and a wide range of boutiques, restaurants and shops, it gives rise to a unique lifestyle at sea.

The architectural design of the marina allows it to blend seamlessly with the historical area of the city, the old port and the medieval castle that adorn the nearby city center of Limassol. With its laid-back style, stunning views and exceptional variety of services, the resort Limassol Marina is destined to become the most exclusive seaside resort with its own harbor in the Mediterranean and one of the best in the world.

Limassol Marina is a yachtsman's dream. Enjoy sea life in a villa with panoramic views of the bay and yacht harbor. You can drive up to one of the doors of your house by car, go to the sea from the other, or just go down to the beach from your own garden.

Number of berths in the new Limassol Marina project:

up to 15 m - 433 seats

15 m - 30 m - 173 seats

30 m - 100 m - 47 seats (mega yachts)

The operation of the marina has been entrusted to one of the oldest and most prestigious yachting companies - the company Camper & Nicholsons, the foundation of which dates back to 1782. Specializing in offshore projects for over 40 years, Camper & Nicholsons is at the forefront of the yachting industry.

Sculptural coastline project Limassol Marina designed for life at sea, offering a rich variety of choices to all its residents and guests. The harbor offers a tempting mix of traditional taverns, stylish international restaurants and waterfront bars. Limassol Marina serves as a thriving shopping and dining center in the heart of the city with a comprehensive offer of shopping malls, fine boutiques, designer stores and service points. There are high-end shops, cultural and leisure facilities right at your doorstep, and just a few minutes away there is a wide range of entertainment options for all tastes.

From Limassol, yachts can easily reach the most picturesque and popular coastal resorts in Cyprus, including Larnaca, Paphos, Latchi, Protaras and Ayia Napa. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean winter (with an average air temperature of 14 degrees from November to February) The yachting season in Cyprus is almost uninterrupted and a safe marina can be found at: Larnaca harbor, St. Raphael, Latchi Harbor, Limanaki Harbor in Paphos, Konnos Bay, Pissouri Bay, Coral Bay, Fontana Amoroza Bay. Further, the sea voyage can be continued to the shores Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Greece and the Greek Islands, and reach the exit to the Red Sea through the Suez Canal.

Travel tips:

1. Almost all major restaurants and supermarkets accept credit card payments. With enough cash, you should go to the markets as well as to shops that are located far from the center. It should be noted that it is most profitable to pay for purchases in national currency.
2. Several large car rental centers have been opened in Limassol, renting a day will cost customers about 25-30 euros. To rent a car, you must have a passport and an international driver's license. Services may be denied to persons whose driving experience is less than a year.
3. Divers should remember that it is forbidden to lift any archaeological and historical values while diving from the bottom. Also, in no case should the corals be damaged, for all violations there are serious administrative penalties.
4. It is best to buy wine here in the shops that are located next to the wineries. They offer the most attractive prices, and before buying, guests are sure to be offered to taste the wines of interest.

Text: Tatiana Lisetskaya 

07.01.2013