With over 300 days of sunshine every year, Limassol and by extension Cyprus are ideal for cruising all year long. The area is famous for its hospitality and heritage and now includes a state-of-the-art cruise terminal facility. With a variety of historic and modern attractions and a vibrant city nearby, the port of Limassol is a great choice for Eastern Mediterranean itineraries.

History and architecture reign supreme in Limassol. The Phoenicians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Lusignans, Genoese, Venetians, Ottomans, and British have all vastly influenced the area throughout history. Major historical sites can be found all over, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Limassol, the Limassol Castle from the 13^th century stands as a reminder of the Crusades. It was built on the land of an even earlier Byzantine castle and today hosts a museum dedicated to Medieval history in Cyprus. Further back in history and outside of town is the most popular archaeological site in Cyprus. The Curium Ancient Theater is an uncovered amphitheater that resides inside the Kourion archaeological site. This 2^nd Century BC structure is almost completely restored and is still used for events today. The Kourion site also includes the remains of a private Roman villa famous for its 5^th century mosaic floors.

From beaches to villages, Limassol has something for everyone.  Visitors can take several walking tours in nature or discover a variety of beautiful and quaint mountain villages. In the city, guided tours are available to discover the gastronomy of the region from restaurants to wineries and beyond. For those wishing to spend time in the turquoise waters of the sea, Limassol has 16 kilometers of beachfront dotted with several beach facilities that have earned its beaches the Blue Flag label. Visitors can even enjoy a variety of watersports in the crystal-clear water. For shopping and food the self-guided way, the public Limassol Marina is the place to be. This marina offers a taste of “living on the sea” with a variety of restaurants, bars and shops, along with a spa and fitness club.

Fun fact: Cyprus is the only country in the world to still have a divided capital, Nicosia, with Greek Cypriots on one side and Turkish Cypriots on the other side.

With sunshine, white sand, history, and good food, Limassol is the port destination for discovering Cyprus.

Image Credit:  cyprusisland.net