It’s always around this time of year that the winter blues set in as we shiver in contemplation of the long stretch of grey, gloomy days that face us over the months to come. While we shiver from November through to March, Cyprus is basking in warm sunshine – in December and January they officially experience winter but this period too is mild and fairly dry.
Cyprus has many tempting destinations for those who are searching for a spot of summer during the rainy and snowy season. Limassol is one of these and we have put together some tips for visitors who are planning to spend their Cyprus holiday in this city.
Winter Sun Activities in Limassol
Limassol Beach
Visitors to the southern coast of the island usually focus on Limassol. In winter you can take advantage of the golden beaches which during this off-peak time are calm and relatively empty.
You can even enjoy some all-year-round windsurfing and sailing thanks to the calm and predictable seas.
Lemesos Castle
When you tire of the sand and sea you can indulge your intellectual curiosity with Limassol’s collection of castles. The castle of Lemesos, with its traces of Byzantine and medieval architecture, was home to the Franks, Genoese, Venetians, Ottoman Turks and even the British over the course of its turbulent history. Today the grand architecture of the 19th-century Turkish occupiers is an imposing site.
Bear in mind that the opening hours change depending on the season: the winter hours are Monday to Sunday 08.30-17.00 between 16 September and 15 April.
Kolossi Castle
In the west of Limassol you’ll find another gem of castle architecture, the Kolossi Castle which was commissioned by the medieval order of the Knights of St John in 1210. You can even download the audio guide before your visit so that you are well prepared in advance!
Museums in Limassol
The city is truly a haven for the culture vulture. When you’ve finished with the castles you can spend time in the various museums which tell stories as diverse as the history of local Folk Art to the archaeological past of Cyprus. Open all year round, these museums are treasure troves of fascinating artefacts which visitors can enjoy at a modest entrance fee.
A Drop of Wine
And after any rewarding day on the tourist trail, visitors can take advantage of the superb wine produced in Limassol, which is renowned as the capital of Cyprus’ wine industry.
For an superb meal of authentic regional dishes the Meze Taverna Restaurant in Limassol (209 St Andrew’s Street; (+357) 25 367 333) is not to be missed if you are looking to sip your wine with some fine food.
How to Get There
The airport that most visitors use to enter Cyprus is Larnaca International Airport (LCA) situated in the suburbs of Larnaca. You’ll find that most of the major European cities (e.g. London, Birmingham, Manchester, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Milan) have connecting flights to LCA.
From the airport you’ll need transport to your final destination. Shuttle Direct provides cheap and reliable transfer services between Larnaca Airport in Cyprus and your holiday resort or hotel.
Where to Stay
Sunrise Studios – If you are watching your pennies on your winter break to Cyprus but you want to stay in a good location then you could consider Sunrise Studios. Situated in the city centre of Limassol, all guests have free WiFi and there’s a children’s playground on site for younger visitors.
Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol – For a moderate budget, you can enjoy the Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol’s direct access to the beach. In addition, guests have access to 4 swimming pools, a spa and 5 different onsite restaurants.
Elysium – Cyprus is an ideal destination for a splurge and if you are looking to indulge in ultimate luxury the you should consider the 5-star Elysium Hotel. Stay right on the beach of Paphos, next to the Tombs of the Kings in sumptuously decorated rooms and treat yourself to an overhaul in the Opium Health Spa.
