Erasmus+ training course location: Limassol, Cyprus

LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

Limassol is the second largest city of Cyprus with a population of approximately 180,000. The city of Limassol has a rich history that goes back to around the 2nd century B.C. The city of Limassol is situated between the ancient cities of Amathous to the east and Kourion to the west. Limassol was inhabited since the very ancient years and tombs discovered there date back to around the 2nd century B.C., while others date back to around the 8th and 4th centuries B.C. The few ancient finds that were discovered show that a small settlement existed there which did not manage to develop and flourish. The city, in the 10th century, was known as Nemesos and the Byzantine emperor, Constantine Porphyrogenitus, refers to this city with this name. The history of the city is mainly known for its events in 1191 A.D., which marked the end of the Byzantine Rule in Cyprus.[1]

TRANSPORT INFO

How to get to Limassol

Air

Limassol is about a 40 minutes drive from both Larnaca and Paphos international airports. There is a regular shuttle bus service from Larnaca and Paphos airports.

Larnaca Airport

Paphos airport

Getting around in Limassol

Taxi

www.cyprustaxi.com

There are 2 types of taxi services in Cyprus. The private taxi that we all know about. You can flag down these kinds of taxis in the street or order them to have them pick you up from your home or hotel and take you anywhere you wish. In Cyprus, there are also line taxis or shared taxis that run on a regular pre-arranged schedule during the day between the main areas and towns. Do not forget that you need to pay for the start, distance and waiting of the taxi!

DOREA recommends Valentinos Taxi +357 96 577 370

Car

Driving a car around Limassol can be a frustrating experience, particularly in the tourist areas and old town. Driving in Limassol is akin to UK that follows left hand side of the road. There are convenient car parks all along the seaside. You can expect to pay around €1.25 per hour.

Bus

www.cyprusbybus.com

Intercity buses - These buses travel several times a day between the major resort towns and the capital of the island.

Emel provides an urban-wide and regional network of buses. Fares cost €1.50 per journey, €5 per day or €15 per week within the district of Lemesos, including rural villages. The main Emel Bus Station is located 1km north of the central port area.

The main bus in Limassol is bus No.30. Its route runs from the most distant area from the center of the city at Le Meridien hotel and moves along the tourist area to the major shopping center My Mall, which is located not far from the water park Fasouri. Along the way there is the old town, the promenade and the main shopping street. When you reach the city center you can walk to different places of interest for tourists.

Bicycle

www.nextbike.com

The beach road has a dedicated bicycle lane stretching from the Old Port to Dasoudi area. Keep in mind that in summer it gets very hot.

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Practical tips – Need to know

Language: Greek

Currency: EUR Euro

Time zone: GMT + 2

Country code: + 357

Voltage: 240 V

Electrical socket: British BS

Tourist Contacts:

+357 22 691 100

Internet Resources:

www.limassol.com
www.limassoltourism.com
www.allaboutlimassol.com
http://www.visitcyprus.com

General emergency number: 112

Explore city centre

Limassol Castle

There is no doubt Limassol Castle occupies a dominant position in the landmark and tourist attractions in the city. This imperial castle, now home to Limassol's Medieval Museum, used to serve as a prison during the old days of Ottoman rule. Richard the Lionheart is said to have married and crowned the Lord of Cyprus in this incredibly regal fortress. The castle itself presents an extremely simple, archaeological view but the scenic gardens and an old olive press are a remarkable sight to explore. Admission: € 4.50. Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9 am - 5 pm, Sun: 10 am - 1 pm.

Municipal Gardens & Twin Cities Park

The Municipal Gardens along the coastal road have a rich bounty of green and shady space where visitors relax or take a stroll down the pathways. The nearby area plays host to several family attractions like the Lemesos Zoo Garden and Dinosaur Park. This also includes a large open-air garden theatre where several events take place throughout the year. The Twin Cities Park, on the coast embankment close to the Municipal Gardens, presents a series of public sculptures by Greek, Cypriot and international artists.

Amathus Ruins

The ancient city of Amathus on the southern coast of Agios Tychonas is one of the oldest imperial cities on the island. There have been many myths behind the origin of this city, one of them believing in Cinyras as the city's founder, whose son Adonis named the city after his mother Amathous. Hellenic myth would have Amathus built by one of the sons of Heracles who was worshipped there. The city had a very special place for Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love. Visitors at the ruins can perceive an era that existed 3000 years ago through the mythical excavations and artefacts.

Kolossi Medieval Castle

The Kolossi Medieval Castle is situated in the village of Kolossi, 11 kilometres west of Larnaca. A renowned archaeological site, the castle was built in the 15th century by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem on a land gifted by King Hugh I. Earlier, it used to be home to a 13th century fortress whose ruins are still visible in the castle. Later the castle was occupied by the Richard I of England and the Knights Templar. Admission: € 2.50. Opening hours: Sep 16 - Apr 15:, Mon - Sun: 8:30 am - 5 pm, Apr 16 - Sep 15: Mon - Sun: 8:30 am - 7:30 pm.

Kourion Archaeological Site

The Kourion Archeological Site is a stunning archaeological excavation, famous for its impressive Greco-Roman theatre, stately villas, spectacular floor mosaics, an early Christian Basilica and other kingly treasures. Built in 2nd century B.C. Kourion at its various ruins reflects public life in Early Christian period.

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