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Limassol, also known as Lemesos, is a city in the southern coast of Cyprus, on the Mediterranean Sea. Limassol is the most populated municipality in Cyprus, with a population of 108,105 and is the second-largest urban area in Cyprus after Nicosia, with an urban population of 195,139. It's capital of the Limassol District with a population of 262,238..
Limassol was built between two ancient Greek cities, Amathus and Kourion. Its historical centre is located around the medieval Limassol Castle and the Old Port. The city spreads along the Mediterranean coast and has extended much farther than the castle and port, with its suburbs stretching along the coast to Amathus. To the west of the city is RAF Akrotiri, one of the two British Overseas Territories of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on the island.
In 2014, Limassol was ranked by Tripadvisor as the 3rd up-and-coming destination in the world, in its Top 10 Traveler's Choice Destinations on the Rise list. KPMG: Cyprus Tourism Market Report In Mercer's Quality of Living Ranking, the city was ranked 90th in 2023, and 89th in 2017. In the 2022 GaWC ranking, Limassol was classified as a "High Sufficiency" city, falling down one category from "Gamma −" (), in 2020. In 2023, City of Dreams Mediterranean opened and it became the largest Casino hotel in Europe. It spans 14 stories, with 500 rooms and houses as well as the island's largest pool area.
According to the Council of Chalcedon which took place in 451, the local bishop as well as the bishops of Amathus and Arsinoe were involved in the foundation of the city, which would be known by the names of Theodosiana and Neapolis. The acts of the Council of Chalcedon by Council of Chalcedon, Richard Price, Michael Gaddis 2006 [2] Bishop Leontios of Neapolis was an important church writer in the 7th century. The records of the 7th Synod (757) refer to it as the bishop's see. The town was known as Lemesos by the 10th century.
A year later, in 1191 Cyprus was sold for the sum of 100,000 to the Templars, rich monks and soldiers whose aim was the protection of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
The knights imposed high taxes, in order to get back the money they had paid for Cyprus. This led to the revolt of the Cypriots, who wished to get rid of the bond of promise. Richard accepted their request and a new purchaser was found: Guy of Lusignan, a Roman Catholic from Poitou, who handed Cyprus over to the French dynasty of the house of Lusignan, thus establishing the medieval Kingdom of Cyprus.
For a period of about three centuries (1192–1489), Limassol enjoyed remarkable prosperity. Cyprus had a great number of Latin bishops, which lasted until the occupation of Cyprus by the Ottoman Empire in 1570. The Latin battalions established monasteries and settled down there. The settlement of merchants in Cyprus and particularly in Limassol in the 13th century enhanced the welfare of its inhabitants. Its harbour became a centre of transportation and commerce, contributing greatly to its financial and cultural development.
In 1538 the Ottoman Empire captured the city and the Limassol Castle. The Venetian governor of Cyprus, after recapturing the castle, decided to demolish it in order to avoid its possible seizure. This destruction was completed in 1567-68. Two years later the Ottomans recaptured the city.
Some neighbourhoods, primarily to the east of the city, were predominantly Greek, while those to the west were mainly Turkish, with a mixed area around the castle. Christians lived in small, low houses that required one to bend to enter, a deliberate design to prevent Turks from riding horses into the homes. During the period of Turkish rule, Cyprus experienced a general decline. The Turks did not contribute to any development, and Greeks and Turks lived in separate neighbourhoods. The intellectual standards of Cypriots declined due to the lack of interest from the conquerors, oppression, and high taxation, which hindered the intellectual development of children.
The church played an important role in the education of Greeks during the years 1754–1821. During those years, many new schools were established all over the island, most notable in Limassol being the Laniteio Lyceum (modern-day Laniteio Lyceum). Greek history, Turkish and French were taught at schools.
From the first years of the British occupation, a post office, a telegraph office and a hospital began to operate. In 1880, the first printing press started working. It was in this printing press that the newspapers Alithia and Anagennisis were published in 1897. The newspaper Salpinx was published at the same time.
At the end of the 19th century, the first hotels began to operate. Among these were Europe and Amathus. These changes that the British brought about contributed to the development of an intellectual and artistic life. Schools, theatres, clubs, art museum, , sport societies, football team etc. were all set up and meant a great deal to the cultural life of Limassol.
Limassol has become the second largest city in Cyprus and hosts the island’s main port. It is renowned for its extravagant annual events, attracting numerous visitors from both the island and around the globe.
Snow in Limassol is a very rare occurrence and usually falls mixed with rain every 7 to 13 years. Snow mixed with rain fell in February 2004, in January 2008 and in February 2012. In January 2022 Limassol registered a record low temperature of . In spring the weather is mild to warm and pleasant. It is sunny almost every day and the temperatures are around in the day and in the night. Rain showers and thunderstorms are common especially in late March and April. Sometimes during the spring dust comes from the Sahara desert which degrades air quality in the city. Summer for Limassol is the longest season of the year, and lasts about six months; it begins in May and ends in October. At this time of the year, the weather is sunny every day and rain is rare. The temperatures range between to in June and September and to in July and August. In June, sea mist can sometimes occur, usually resolving early in the morning. Autumn is warm and usually sunny. It begins in the end of November and in December. During this period of the year, temperatures range from as low as to as high as .
This season the weather differs from year to year and it can be very wet with violent thunderstorms sometimes (October 2009 rainfall was around ) or very dry (October 2007 rainfall of ). Limassol receives around of rain each year but this varies from year to year and sometimes droughts do occur (every 3–5 years). The rainy season 2009–2010 was a wet one with precipitation being as high as in some areas whilst the rainy season of 2007–2008 was dry with only of rain. Hail is rare and usually falls between October and April.
Since the 1960s, internal migration and the influx of after 1974 have significantly increased the population of Limassol and its suburbs.
Limassol is home to a large community of Pontic Greeks, who settled in Cyprus after the collapse of the Soviet Union.Neocleous, G., Apostolou, M., & Spaneas, S. (2015). Misleading perceptions with ethnic minorities: the case of Pontiac Greeks in Cyprus. European Scientific Journal, 11(8), 77-87.
The city has also become increasingly popular with Russian and other post-Soviet nationals and expatriates, earning the nickname “Limassolgrad". Today, about 17% of Limassol’s population is Russian-speaking, and 8% are Russian citizens.
The population birth rate rose by 70% during the late 19th and 20th centuries (1878–1960). The number of inhabitants increased from 6,131 in 1881 to 43,593 in 1960. The Greek Cypriot population was estimated at 37,478, while the Turkish Cypriot population was at 6,115.
In recent years, Limassol has emerged as a significant education hub, particularly for Private school and international secondary education. The city hosts sixteen private secondary schools, offering instruction in English, Greek, Russian, Ukrainian, French, and other languages. Notable institutions include The Grammar School, Foley’s School, The Heritage Private School, American Academy, Pascal International Education, The Island Private School, IMS Private School, Silverline, and Trinity Private School. These schools offer a variety of curricula, including the British curriculum (IGCSE/A-level), International Baccalaureate (IB), Waldorf education, Montessori, and other international programs.
Several new campuses have been announced or are under development. Pascal International Education is expanding with two new campuses in Limassol, one of which will offer the IB Diploma Programme starting in 2025. The Island Private School, an IB Continuum school, is expanding to include a boarding facility. In 2025, construction is expected to begin on a €50 million Jewish educational campus in the area of Polemidia, funded by the Yael Foundation and set to open in 2027 as a flagship international school for up to 1,500 students.
In addition to the various Greek and English speaking schools, the Nareg Armenian School also has a campus in the city, one of three on the island. Another notable example is Saint Mary's School, a Catholic school founded in 1923 by the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, offering primary and secondary education to students of all religions. Its curriculum places strong emphasis on Modern language—including English, Greek, French, and Italian—while gradually integrating science and commercial subjects.
In terms of higher education, Limassol is the base of Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), one of three State school University, established in 2004. The city is also home to Frederick University and the University of Limassol, which are both private universities. Many institutions of tertiary education can be found in the city.
In 1974, the Port of Limassol became the Republic of Cyprus’s main port. Prior to that, the role had been filled by the port of Famagusta, now located in the de facto state of Northern Cyprus, which is not recognised as a legal port by any country except Turkey.
Limassol is home to many of Cyprus’s wine companies, which cater to the wine-growing regions on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, including Commandaria. Notable companies such as KEO, LOEL, SODAP, and ETKO produce award-winning wines and Brandy () in international exhibitions. These products are highly consumed by both locals and tourists, with significant quantities exported to Europe.
Limassol is the largest industrial centre in the district, hosting around 350 industrial park with 90 industry wares. These industries include dressmaking, furniture, footwear, beverages, food, printing, metalwork, electrical devices, plastics, and more.
Limassol is a key trade centre in Cyprus, partially due to the presence of the UK sovereign base at Episkopi and Akrotiri, and the population displacement following the Turkish invasion in 1974. The main trade markets are located in the town centre and the coastal tourist area, stretching from the Old Port to the Amathus area. This area is home to most of the , , Confectionery, Nightclub, and entertainment venues. Major global retail shops can be found on Anexartisias Street and Makariou Avenue, the city’s primary shopping streets, as well as at MYMALL, the largest mall in the district.
Limassol has two ports, commonly known as the Old Port (Limassol Marina) and the New Port (Port of Limassol). The New Port handles the majority of commercial and passenger traffic and is one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean transit trade and is the largest port in the Republic of Cyprus. With a depth of and breakwaters extending , can receive about ten ships, depending on their size. The Old Port, with a breakwater, can accommodate only three small ships at a time and is primarily used by fishing boats. These ports facilitate the export of grapes, wines, carobs, and citrus, as well as the import of , , machinery, textiles, agricultural medicines, fertilizer, and iron.|left|200x200px]]The Limassol Marina, built in 2014, is located west of the Limassol Castle, on the Old Port. This new development allows berthing of ocean-going yachts, having hosted its first yachts in 2013. The marina has a capacity of 1,000 vessels.
Since 2014, Limassol has experienced a construction boom driven by the tourism sector and increasing foreign investments. Public projects, such as the redesign of the Limassol Molos promenade, have enhanced the quality of life and the city’s image as a cosmopolitan destination. Infrastructure improvements, partly funded by European programs, have addressed traffic issues with new highway flyovers and roundabouts.
Limassol has become a major centre for tourism, trade, and services. The city offers numerous and archaeological sites for visitors. It attracts a diverse range of tourists, especially during the extended summer season, accommodated within a wide variety of hotels and apartments available.
The Limassol coastline, known as “The Limassol Riviera”, is undergoing a significant construction boom that began in late 2013 with new legislation encouraging development; becoming Europe's newest riviera. Since then, hundreds of new housing units and mushrooming businesses are introduced to the community annually. , over 70 buildings taller than 50m are proposed or under construction, including 32 . Among these is “One Limassol", Cyprus’s tallest tower and Europe’s tallest seafront residential building. Another notable project is the “City of Dreams Mediterranean (CoDM)”, the first and largest Casino hotel in Europe. In 2023, CoDM received the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Award for “Best New Luxury Casino Resort in the World".
The Kolossi Castle, located about west of Limassol, is a Middle Ages Fortification originally built in the 13th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. The current structure, rebuilt in 1454, features a well-preserved three-story keep and an attached rectangular enclosure. The castle played a significant role in the production of sugar from local sugarcane and is also associated with the famous Commandaria wine. Folk art Museum is located in a preserved historic house and features a collection of Cypriot folk art from the past two centuries. The collection includes national costumes, tapestries, embroidery, wooden chests, waistcoats, men’s jackets, necklaces, various light garments, town costumes, and rural tools. Established in 1985, the museum houses over 500 exhibits across six rooms. It was awarded the Europa Nostra prize in 1989. Visitors can explore Cypriot culture through these handmade exhibits.
The Archaeological Museum offers a fascinating collection of antiquities discovered in the district, spanning from the Neolithic to the Roman Empire. Among the notable artifacts are stone axes from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, pottery and objects from the ancient cities of Kourion and Amathus, as well as Roman , gold jewelry, coins, sculptures, , vases, earrings, rings, necklaces, and marble statues. The museum was originally located within the Limassol Castle before being relocated to a site near the Public Gardens.
Since 2024 the non-profit PSI Foundation established in an old carob warehouse located in the Tsiflikoudia hosts exhibitions of modern and contemporary art as well as history of Cyprus. First exhibition dedicated to 50th anniversary of the invasion, “Casts of an Island 2024”, was proclaimed “Cultural Event of the Year” by Thoukis awards.
The Limassol Molos, a multifunctional seaside park from land reclamation that spans , is one of the city's largest hotspots, as well as one of the largest parks on the island. Fishing, kayaking and many other watersports can be done off the piers of the park. The Limassol Sculpture Park, commissioned by the Limassol Municipality, can be found at Molos. The sculptures were created by Costas Dikefalos, Thodoros Papayiannis, Vassilis Vassili and Kyriakos Rokos from Greece, Helene Black from Cyprus, and more.
In early October, the grand Wine Festival of Cyprus takes place in the Limassol Public Gardens, running every evening from 08:00 to 23:00. During this festival, visitors can sample some of the finest Cypriot wines free of charge. The event also features Folk dance performances by groups from Cyprus and abroad, as well as choir performances and other entertainment.
Other notable festivals in Limassol include the Limassol Street Life Festival and the Flower Festival (Anthestiria) in May, the Flood Festival (Kataklysmos) and Shakespeare Festival in June, and the Festival of Ancient Greek Drama.
Additionally, Limassol introduced its first Beer festival in July 2003. This three-day seaside dance festival in the city center offers a variety of Cypriot and imported beers. The festival is free to enter, with beers sold at low prices and a mix of international music providing the soundtrack.
Limassol also hosted the sixth Junior Eurovision Song Contest at the Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Centre.
The Tsirio Stadium with a capacity of 13.331, was the home base of the three aforementioned football teams of Limassol as well as the Cyprus national football team in the past. It is also used for athletics. Other than the two previously mentioned stadiums, many others also exist in the city.
The Apollon Limassol Basketball Stadium, hosted the 2003 FIBA Europe South Regional Challenge Cup Final Four. The Apollon BC and the AEL BC competed, with the latter becoming the first Cypriot sport team to win a European Trophy. In 2006, Limassol hosted the FIBA Europe All-star game in Spyros Kiprianou Sports Centre, as it had the year before. Cyprus Rally which was hosted for the World Rally Championship and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge were both hosted in the Limassol district. In 2025, Limassol will host the EuroBasket.
The Limassol Marathon is part of an annual race series which takes place in Limassol. It was first run in 2006 and is still organised to this day. 2024 was a key year for the marathon since the participation record was broken with over 17.000 runners from more than 70 countries around the world participating. There are various races including a marathon, a half marathon, a Energy Race, a Corporate Race and a Youth Race.
Limassol also has an independent civilian rugby union team, the Limassol Crusaders, who play at the AEK Achileas Stadium and participate in the Joint Services Rugby League. There is a professional handball team, APEN Agiou Athanasiou.
Rowing and canoeing are rapidly becoming very popular in Limassol, due to the three nautical clubs in the city of Limassol. The Germasogeia dam is the place for both practising and competitions.
The European People's Party held an extraordinary party summit in Limassol in 2013. The list of participants in the summit included European Council members, government representatives, European Commission representatives, opposition members and leaders, and European Parliament representatives. The summit's agenda included topics such as the EU's multi-annual financial framework for the period 2014–2020 and the preparation for the 2014 European elections.
Notably, Andreas Christou, an AKEL member, was re-elected mayor of Limassol in December 2011 to serve his second five-year term.
The table below lists the new municipalities and the previous authorities from which they are composed, which now become municipal districts with deputy mayors.
"20 New Municipalities" (in Greek) on Ministry of the Interior website - www.gov.cy/moi/20-neoi-dimoi/ - retrieved Aug 2025
"These are the 20 new Municipalities - The reform was voted on"
Modern day
Due to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 the Turkish Cypriots inhabitants of Limassol were transferred to the north of Cyprus. Accordingly, many Greek Cypriots refugees settled down in the city. When Famagusta was occupied by Turkish troops, Limassol experienced rapid growth fuelled by the large population increase and the need for housing. Many luxury hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues were built, making Limassol the new commerce centre of Cyprus, the role which had been filled by Famagusta.
Geography
Municipalities and quarters
Today, the Limassol urban area includes the Limassol Municipality and the municipalities of Kato Polemidia, Mesa Geitonia, Agios Athanasios, Germasogeia, and Ypsonas. For administrative purposes, the municipalities of Limassol are divided into quarters, with the exception of Ypsonas.
+ Map of Limassol's Municipalities and their quarters
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Climate
Limassol has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification: Csa), closely bordering a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification: BSh), with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters, which are separated by short springs and autumns which are generally warm and sunny. From December to March, the weather is unsettled and can be rainy and windy. Sunshine averages around 6 hours a day. During this season there are a few days when the daytime highs might not exceed and the night time lows might be as low as but usually the temperature ranges from to in the day and from to in the night. Rain tends to be heavy this time of the year and thunderstorms occur often though they usually do not last for a long time.
+Average sea temperature Limassol average sea temperature – seatemperature.org
Demographics
is the 2nd most populous district in Cyprus, with 262,238 residents as of the 2021 Cyprus census, while the city itself has 198,558 residents. The district population’s citizenships in 2021 was 77.7% Cypriot, 8.6% EU citizen, 13.1% Foreign citizen, with 0.6% not stating their nationality. Between 2011 and 2021, the district gained 26,827 residents.
Historical
Historically, Limassol had a mixed population of Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, and Armenian Cypriots. Most Turkish Cypriots moved to the north in 1974-1975. Consequently, many Greek Cypriots from the north, who became refugees following the Turkish invasion, settled in the city. In the 1990s, several Cypriot Romani people (considered Turkish Cypriots according to the constitution) returned from the north to the Turkish quarter of Limassol. Armenians remained in Limassol, residing around the Sourp Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church and maintain the Nareg Armenian School (). There is also an Armenian village in the Limassol district called Armenochori ().
Education
Limassol has a comprehensive educational infrastructure, encompassing primary, secondary, and tertiary education. There are over a hundred public educational institutions in the city, with instruction primarily in Greek. Laniteio Lyceum, the oldest lyceum in the city and the largest on the island, was originally founded in 1819 as the "Greek School" and played a leading role in advancing education during periods of limited public provision.
Economy
Tourism in Limassol began to flourish after 1974, following the occupation of Famagusta and Kyrenia, the principal tourist resorts of Cyprus, during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Limassol has many beaches, suitable for sunbathing and swimming. A bathing beach with all the necessary facilities, provided by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, operates in the Dasoudi area.
Landmarks
Archaeological sites
Amathus
Amathus is an ancient city-kingdom, located about east of Limassol, dating back to 1100 BC, with a rich history with various influences by various civilisations. The most notable ruin is considered to be the Temple of Aphrodite, a major centre of worship and a sacred place for ceremonies and offerings, sitting atop the Acropolis of Amathus. Many tombs dating to the Iron Age can be found, as well as remnants of public baths and other buildings in the ancient Agora. One of the most remarkable finds from Amathus is a large limestone amphora, now housed in the Louvre in Paris. This vase dates back to the 6th century BC and weighs .
Kourion
Kourion is another ancient city-kingdom, situated west of Limassol, with a rich history dating back to the Neolithic, with significant developments during the Hellenistic, Roman Cyprus, and Early Christian periods. The centerpiece of Kourion is the Greco-Roman theatre, originally built in the 2nd century BC and expanded in the 2nd century AD. It has been restored and is still used for open-air performances, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates was dedicated to Hylates, the god of the woodland. It includes the remains of a temple, a bath complex, and a palaestra (wrestling school).
Museums
|left]]The Middle Ages Limassol Castle is one of the ten castles of Cyprus, constructed by the Byzantine Empire around 1000 AD. A chapel was also built on the site during the same period. It is believed that Richard the Lionheart married his fiancée, Princess Berengaria of Navarre, at this location in 1191 after her ship was grounded nearby while she was accompanying him to the Third Crusade. The castle served as a prison from 1790 to 1940 and now functions as a medieval museum. The museum’s collection spans from 400 to 1870 AD, showcasing a variety of exhibits including , 17th and 18th-century , paintings, Gravestone, statues, suits of armor, coins, terracotta, metalware, pottery, glass, and marble artifacts.
Parks
The Limassol Public Gardens, located along the coastal road, boasts a diverse array of vegetation, including eucalyptus trees, Pine, and cypresses. Within the garden, visitors can explore the Limassol Zoo that houses deer, Mouflon, , , , , , , , and various other animals and birds. The Patticheio Municipal Museum and an open theatre, which has been renovated to host international performances, can also be found within the gardens.
Culture
Festivals
Limassol is renowned in Cyprus for its vibrant festivals, most notably the Carnival and Wine Festival. The Limassol Carnival, a ten-day event filled with joyful and amusing masquerades, has ancient roots tracing back to Paganism rituals. Over time, it has evolved into a purely entertaining spectacle with widespread popularity. The festivities kick off with the entrance parade of the King (or Queen) Carnival, followed by a children’s Costume party competition. The Grand Carnival parade on Makariou Avenue attracts large crowds from across the island, who come to watch the floats, , and various masqueraded groups. Each night, numerous hotels host fancy-dress balls and parties.
Sports
at Limassol Molos |left]]The Alphamega Stadium, also known as the Limassol Stadium, is the second largest football only stadium on the island. With a capacity of 11.000, it is the home base of the city’s three major football clubs in the city, AEL Limassol, Apollon FC and Aris FC. The two former ones are the largest sport clubs in Limassol, which have football, basketball, and volleyball teams, as well as other sports. In football, all three teams play in the First Division. AEL Limassol and Aris FC were two of the eight founding members of the Cyprus Football Association (CFA). There are also many other teams in athletics, bowling, cycle sport, and other sports.
Transport
Limassol is one of the island's main transportation hubs. The city is home to the largest port on the island, which handles almost exclusively all passenger traffic inbound and outbound the island.
Bus transport
EMEL (Limassol Passenger Transport Company) (), is the main operator of buses in Limassol. , its network consists of around 53 bus lines, spanning the Limassol district, making up a fleet of approximately 150 buses, 35 of which are electric. National and regional bus links are provided by InterCity Buses from the Limassol Port passenger building.
Ferry
, 2011]]The Port of Limassol is the largest port in Cyprus. Commercial and passenger cruises make frequent stops at the port.
Motorways
The city is a highway hub, crossing the following motorways:
Airports
While Limassol is not home to any airports, the city is close to two international airports; Larnaca International Airport (situated north-east from the city) and Paphos International Airport ( north-west). Bus links connect both airports with the city, served by Limassol Airport Express from Chavouzas station.
Government and politics
Politics
The first Marxism groups in Cyprus formed in Limassol in the early 1920s; in 1926, the Communist party of Cyprus was formed in the city. Its successor, Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL), has dominated municipal elections since the first free elections in 1943, won by Ploutis Servas.
Local Government Reform
Following local government reform in 2024 there were a number of administrative changes.
- retrieved July 2025
Note: Column "Pre" indicates previous status: M (municipality), C (community) or S (settlement)
24 1 1 8 2 1 1 3 7 30 24 5 1 20 16 4 20 1 1 3 2 1 3 1 3 5
International relations
Twin towns – sister cities
Limassol is Sister city with:
Consulates and consulates general
, Limassol hosts 6 consulates general and 33 consulates.
Notable people
See also
Notes
External links
Further reading
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