Escaping Heat: Your Ultimate Guide To Exploring Limassol

by Bilal Muhammad

Escaping Heat: Your Ultimate Guide To Exploring Limassol

20 May 2024

So, you have already read guides about Germany or London, but we are not stopping there. Have you ever thought of travelling to the neighbouring city of Limassol? Steeped in culture and history, welcome to your ultimate travel guide from Dubai to the serene shores of Limassol. Get ready for an adventure filled with diverse landscapes, intriguing history, and unforgettable moments.

Whether you are drawn to explore Limassol's sun-kissed beaches, indulge in mouthwatering Cypriot cuisine, or simply want to unwind, this guide is your companion to ensure every moment of your trip is both delightful and hassle-free.

How to get

Your journey begins with a flight from the bustling city of Dubai to the welcoming shores of Larnaca. After a flight of 4 hours, you will touch down at Larnaca International Airport, where the Mediterranean breeze will welcome you to Cyprus with open arms.

From Larnaca, hop into your rental car and embark on a scenic drive to Limassol. It is a journey of approximately 45 minutes, but with so much beauty along the way, time will fly by. As you wind through charming villages and gaze out at the azure Mediterranean Sea, you will experience something exceptional. Price: 542 AED for the week

Where to stay in Limassol

Once you’ve touched down in Limassol, you will be needing a place to rest your head. We’ve got the five best options for you to lay your weary head:

Alasia Boutique Hotel

In the heart of Limassol, the Alasia Boutique Hotel is like a haven, situated among vibrant gardens and lush greenery. The outdoor pool glimmers invitingly, promising lazy afternoons basking in the sun, while the scent of blooming flowers lingers in the air, soothing the senses. With each step, you discover new pockets of tranquillity, from the cosy corners of the restaurant serving up tantalising dishes to the spa's therapeutic pool, where worries melt away with every dip.

Price: from 800 AED per night

Royal Apollonia by Louis Hotels

Staying at the Royal Apollonia by Louis Hotels is like staying in a tranquil haven. Enjoy waking up to the gentle lull of the sea and taking in the breathtaking vistas from your balcony. Whether you are sharing laughter over drinks by the pool or relishing the exquisite flavours of Mediterranean cuisine, each experience is a celebration of life's simple joys.

Price: from 1,200 AED per night

Instagram: @royalapollonia

Olympic Residence Deluxe Apartments

If you’d rather opt for a serviced apartment, where you can cook, rest and enjoy a home away from home experience, look no further than Olympic Residence Deluxe Apartments. The spacious, beautifully appointed apartments invite you to unwind and settle in, with every modern convenience at your fingertips. Whether you are lounging on your private balcony, taking a refreshing dip in the pool, or exploring the vibrant streets of Limassol, these apartments are perfect for families. Don’t feel like cooking? Venture to one of the many nearby restaurants offer a tantalising array of culinary delights to satisfy every craving.

Price: from 1,200 AED per night

Amathus Beach Hotel

With its own private beach, the 5-star Amathus Beach Hotel has been an elite retreat since 1973, consistently ranking among the island's top hotels - in our opinion, maybe the best. As you step into its welcoming embrace, you are greeted by a sense of timeless elegance and warm hospitality. The gentle sea breeze whispers through the palm trees, inviting you to explore its pristine beachfront and lush gardens.

Price: from 1,400 AED per day

The City of Dreams

Experience the epitome of luxury at City of Dreams Mediterranean, an integrated resort you will never have to leave. With lavish rooms, four restaurants offering tantalising dining options, a rejuvenating spa, an exciting casino and a host of exceptional amenities, this extraordinary hotel offers an unforgettable experience for eager travellers seeking the pinnacle of luxury. Let yourself be pampered and elevate your stay to new heights of luxury.

Price: from 2,000 AED per night

Instagram: @cityofdreamsmediterranean

Where to eat

Dionysus Mansion

Dionysus Mansion is one of our favourite spots to eat in Limassol, it is not just a restaurant — it is an event. Housed in a charming old mansion at the heart of the city, Dionysus effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern flair. With colourful uplighting, large trees in the centre of the restaurant and stylish decor, it welcomes you in like an old friend. The star of the show? The food! Dionysus puts a gourmet twist on traditional Cypriot dishes. From the crispy halloumi tempura salad to the slow-cooked lamb Kleftikom the dishes are a revelation. With generous portions and impeccable presentation, dining at Dionysus Mansion is an experience you won't soon forget.

Price: around €60-70 per person

Instagram: @dionysusmansion

Malindi Beach Bar & Restaurant

Specialising in Greek and Mediterranean cuisines, this restaurant impresses with its well-executed dishes. Indulge in tasty king prawns and succulent salmon, or satisfy your sweet tooth with their delicious waffles and perfectly cooked flija. Our favourite? The refreshing frappes, fresh juices, and aromatic teas served by the attentive waitstaff. The homely atmosphere and charming decor provides the perfect setting to unwind. Despite its high quality, the prices remain affordable, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Price: around €30-40 per person

Living Room Cook and Drinks

Living Room Cook and Drinks brings a distinctive dining concept to Limassol, combining inspiration from Greek traditions with a relaxed dining setting. Open daily until 6pm, the local eatery offers freshly cooked dishes - must haves include the living room spirit salad and fried zucchini while indulging your sweet tooth with the dessert of the day. You can order a selection of traditional drinks including tsipouro, ouzas, and zivania, accompanied by complimentary meze for an authentic taste of Cyprus. Set within a charming garden ambiance, you can indulge in flavorful appetisers and meats, promising a memorable culinary journey that celebrates the richness of Greek cuisine.

Price: around €15-25 per person

Gelato Fabio Old Port

Upon entering the charming gelateria, you are greeted by a colourful array of gelato flavours, each more enticing than the last. From classic favourites like creamy vanilla and indulgent chocolate to exotic creations like tangy passion fruit and refreshing lemon sorbet, there is something to satisfy every craving.

Price: around €5-12 per person

Instagram: @gelatofabio

Uluwatu Specialty Coffee

Taking inspiration from Turkish Coffee, Cypriot coffee is a traditional beverage deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Cyprus. This aromatic brew is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans in a special long-handled pot called a briki, along with sugar, if desired. What sets Cypriot coffee apart is its intense flavour and thick, frothy texture achieved through the unique brewing process. Once brewed, the coffee is typically served in small cups with a glass of cold water on the side to cleanse the palate.

Price: around €5-10 per person

Exploration in Limassol

Immerse yourself in Limassol’s rich history at The Limassol Castle

From its origins as a mediaeval fortress built by Guy de Lusignan in 1193 to its transformation into an Ottoman stronghold in 1576, the Limassol Castle has witnessed a myriad of historical events. Steeped in tales of conquest, reconstruction, and cultural exchange, this castle-turned-museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Today, as the Medieval Museum of Cyprus, it showcases a diverse collection of artefacts. The castle's atmospheric halls, adorned with gothic arches and historic relics, provide a captivating backdrop for exploration and reflection.

Price: One day entry for €8,50 per person

Embark on a journey through the ancient city of Kourion

Calling all history buffs... Visiting Kourion is like stepping into a living storybook, where each cobblestone and weathered wall whispers tales of the countless lives that have passed through its streets. The layers of history in Kourion are tangible. From the resilient spirit of the Greek settlers to the bustling marketplaces of the agora, every corner holds a piece of the past waiting to be discovered. But it is not just the grand amphitheatre or the majestic ruins that capture the imagination; it is the small details—the worn steps of the bathhouses or the quiet courtyards where families once gathered—that truly bring the ancient city to life.

Price: One day entry for €8,50 per person

Take a leisurely stroll along Limassol Marina

For those seeking a blend of modern leisure and traditional charm, a stroll through the Limassol marina is an absolute pleasure. As you amble along the pier, lined with quaint shops offering an array of souvenirs and trinkets, you are treated to a feast for the senses. Whether you are on the hunt for unique mementos or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, there is something to captivate everyone.

by Bilal Muhammad