Friday 29 May 2009

Cyprus Handicraft Centre, Limassol, Cyprus


Art in Cyprus is part of the country's history and tradition. As far back as ancient times, Cyprus has been famous for its handicrafts. At the Handicraft Centre in Limossol, you can buy locally made gifts and souvenirs, such as jewellery, mosiacs, ceramic pieces and woodcarvings, all created using traditional skills by local crafts people.

All the items are government vetted and the prices are fixed, and offer a fair gauge of how much visitors may be likely to spend elsewhere.

LOCATION: 25, Themidos Str., Limassol

TEL:(05)330118

OPENING HOURS: 7.30AM TO 2.30PM DAILY
ALSO WEDNESDAYS 3PM TO 6PM - EXCEPT JULY AND AUGUST

Limassol Central Market, Cyprus


Limassol has a central market which starts each morning at ‘the crack of dawn’ and really is brimming over with great fruit, vegetables, honey, nuts and all types of other delights – not surprisingly many owners of local restaurants buy produce for their businesses there! To take a wander early in the morning around the market, is an excellent way to start the day, followed by breakfast in one of the unique outdoor cafes nearby.

The market itself is housed in a graceful pillared stone building, filled with stalls full of Cypriot delicacies such as handmade reed baskets, olive oil, and loukoumia. The stone paved square outside often becomes a venue for shows and fairs throughout the year.

LOCATION: Saripolou, in the old district near the town hall.
OPENING HOURS: 7am to 2pm MON to SAT

Saturday 23 May 2009

Sanctuary Of Apollo Hylates, Limassol


Apollo Hylates, God of the Woodland, was the protector of the city of Kourion. The cult of Apollo was celebrated here from the 8th century B.C. to the 4th century AD.

The southwest side of the temple has been restored, and excavations have also revealed other structures of this important sanctuary, such as the bath complex, the pilgrim halls, the palaistra, and a Holy precinct.

The Sanctuary of Apollo "Hylates" provides an important illustration of the religious life in the region, from the pre-Hellenic to the Hellenic and Roman eras, a total of at least 1100 years.


LOCATION:
3 Kilometres west of Kourion, on the road to Paphos.


OPENING HOURS:

Daily - 09:00-17:00
During Summer - 09:00-19:30

Kourion Archaeological Site, Limassol


An important ancient city-kingdom, Kourion is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the island of Cyprus. It features a fully restored Graeco-Roman Theatre, originally built in the 2nd century BC, now used for musical and theatrical performances, but also a marvel to see simply as it is.

The site is comprised of 5th century relics such as the House of Eustolios, originally a private Roman villa featuring baths and numerous rooms, and the Early Christian basilica, believed to have been the Cathedral of Kourion. The House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators boast intricate mosaic floors, the Nymphaeum is a Roman structure dedicated to water nymphs and the ancient theatre has been restored to its former glory.

OPENING HOURS:
WEEKDAYS ONLY
Jun-Aug 8am-7.30pm
April-May and Sep-Oct 8am-6pm
Nov-Mar 8am-5pm

LOCATION: Episkopi, 19km west of Limassol. Kourion Stadium lies 1km to the west on the right side of the road to Paphosos.

Ayios Georgios Of Alamanou Convent (Convent of St George), Limassol


Founded in the 12th century, this 800 year old convent is dedicated to Saint George. Besides their religious order, the nuns at the convent perform various tasks and activities, of which they indulge in the production of honey, the cultivation of flowers and herbs, and they also have a very respectable reputation for the high quality in religious-icon painting.

LOCATION: Off the Nicosia-Limassol road, 19 Kilometers from Limassol.

Wednesday 20 May 2009

St. Nicholas of the Cats, Limassol


The monastery, founded in AD 325, is the second oldest in Cyprus; the church dates from the 1200s. The peaceful convent in Limassol, St. Nicholas of the Cats seems to be occupied by cats instead of nuns. The little peninsula past the Akrotiri military base is still called Cape Gata ("She-Cat").

St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, landed here in AD 328, finding the place swarming with poisonous snakes. She sent a shipload of cats to get rid of the snakes. The cats were fed a bit of meat morning and night to limit their intake of venom. The snakes were vanquished, people returned and fishermen fished. The St. Nicholas Day catch was given to the monastery to assure a good year. Ever since the cape is called Cape Gata for the cats. Monks lived in the monastery until 1570, perishing in the Turkish invasion. After several revials and periods of neglect, nuns came in 1983. They care for hundreds of cats, with government help for the food.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Ayios Nikolaos ton Gaton
LOCATION: Edge of Akrotiri village, Limassol.

Kolossi Castle, Limassol


Surrounded by rich orchards and 6 miles /10km west of the city of Limassol, stands the massive Kolossi Castle, built in 1210 by the Knights of St John.

The castle is a fine example of military architecture. It was originally constructed in the 13th century and subsequently rebuilt in its present form in the middle of the 15th century. It served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. In the 14th century it came under the domain of the Knights Templar.

OPENING TIMES:

September 1 to May 31
Mon TO Sun Open 9:00 TO 17:00

June 1 to August 31
Mon TO Sun Open 9:00 TO 19:30

Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Greek Orthodox Easter
Christmas - Christian (December 25)

Sunday 17 May 2009

The Old Neighbourhood Fresh Fish Tavern



Fresh whole fish are available according to season, and are priced by weight (Grouper, White Grouper, Silver Beam, Fangri, Lobster, etc.). You might want to call in advance to find out what fish is available, but each day you are guaranteed a wide selection of sea food to tempt your palate. A popular venue with locals as well as visitors.

All meals are served with French fries and salad.

ADDRESS: 14 Ankara Street, Limassol, Cyprus
TELEPHONE FOR RESERVATIONS: 25-376082, 99-469102
OPENING HOURS: Closed on Sundays, 6:30pm - 10:45pm

Kyani Akti Restaurant, Limassol


Enjoy the real flavour of the sea, with the real taste of fresh sea food at Kyani Akti in Limassol.

The restaurant specialize in all the classic seafood recipes, so whatever your favourite seafood meal, whether it’s Smoked Mackerel Pilaf, Shrimp Cocktail, Salmon Risotto or Prawn Avocado and Pasta Salad, you can be sure to be well catered for while enjoying a warm and friendly service.

By the time you finish your meal you will feel more than satisfied with the taste and flavour of real seafood and want to return time after time.

LOCATION: Yermasoyia, Tourist area, Limassol, Cyprus
TEL: (+357) 25 322496

Wednesday 6 May 2009

LARNACA RESTAURANTS


1900 Cafe Restaurant

Ganga Indian

House of Tang Li

Krateon Steak House

Kudeta Sea Shore Restaurant

Militjis

Stone Grill Flavours

Varoshiotis Sea Food


CLICK ON ANY LINK ABOVE TO FIND OUT MORE

LIMASSOL RESTAURANTS


Londa Caprice Restaurant

Cleopatra Restaurant


Aliada in Limassol

Kyani Akti Fish Restaurant

The Old Neighbourhood Fresh Fish Tavern

CLICK ON ANY OF THE ABOVE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Vouppa Beach, Limassol


This is a 200 meters long, sandy beach, which is found, like the adjacent Loures beach, in the east side of the Ayios Tychonas coast. It has two 100 m long vertical wave breakers on its two ends, which are largely responsible for the extensive sand quantities deposited here. The beach has a considerable capacity for visitors, as the sand extends inwards at least for 30 meters in the greatest part of the beach. The beach has been awarded the Blue flag eco-label (www.blueflag.org) and has handicap facilities.

LARNACA BEACHES


Castella Beach

Larnaca Bay

Mackenzie Beach

Phinikoudes Beach


Pyla Beach and Voroklini Beach (Dekelia)

Tuesday 5 May 2009

Kourion Beach, Limassol


About 18 - 20 kms west of Lemesos (Limassol) is the beautiful beach of Kourion. The backdrop is truly stunning - cliffs and the amazing Greco-Roman Amphitheatre of Kourion. The sea around here can at times be a bit wild so take care. It's great for sailing and handgliding and the sandy beach is perfect for relaxing or having fun on. If you're coming by bus take the No 91 from Limassol.

Due to it's popularity, it can tend to be overcrowded, so be warned !!!

Dasoudi Beach, Limassol


Dasoudi Beach is the main municipal beach and west of the new harbour is Lady's Mile Beach, which has good facilities, but can be marred by the sound of RAF jets from the nearby base.

One of the more popular beaches for serious water activities is Dasoudi Beach. Not quite as crowded as some of the other beaches, this is the place for windsurfing, para sailing, water skiing and any other active water sport you can think of. The beach also has a complete set of facilities for visitors such as sun loungers and other equipment for rent, and a couple of beachside cafés.

Monday 4 May 2009

Santa Barbara, Limassol


There is a small church with the same name on the north side of the road, at the western side of the beach, where the trail (wooden bridge part) continues. The beach is beautifully sandy beach is found in a relatively undeveloped part of the coast (except for a few luxury hotels).

Santa Barbara Beach is a sandy beach with rocks located in Agios Tychonas. Water sports and accommodation facilities are available nearby while lifeguards are on duty with lifesaving equipment from 10:00 to 17:00 hours during the bathing season. The beach is easily accessible by bus, car and motorbike.

The ancient city of Amathus is next to the beach and makes an interesting visit.

Castella Beach, Limassol


The beach is found in the western part of the Ayios Tychonas coast, and the next public organized beach in the west (more than 2 km away) is Dasoudi beach.

Castella beach has been awarded the Blue flag eco-label (www.blueflag.org) and has handicap facilities. There are also luxury hotels nearby, as well as smaller establishments to refresh in. Castella beach is an ideal sandy resort to soak up the sun and perhaps rent some water fun equipment to find further fun with. You can get to the beach by bus, car, or motorbike.

Lifeguards and lifesaving equipment are available on the beach during the bathing season between 10.00 to 17.00 hours.

Armonia Beach, Limassol


Armonia Beach, almost 600 m long and delightfully sandy. It can be found in between Onisilos beach in the west, and Aphrodite beach in the east.

The eastern part (almost 200 meters long) of the beach is the most organized, and has more sand, which extends inland on an average for 20 meters, thus giving this part of the beach a bigger capacity for sunbathers. The beach has long wave breakers parallel to it and a number of hotels nearby. You can get to the beach by bus, car, motorbike.

Lifeguards and lifesaving equipment are available on the beach during bathing season between 10.00 to 17.00 hours.

Aphrodite Beach, Limassol


The Rock of Aphrodite is a few kilometres to the west of Pissouri village. Aphrodite Beach itself is almost 500 m long, sandy, and in the middle part of the Ayios Tychonas coast, in-between Armonia beach in the west and Vouppa beach in the east.

The most eastern part of the beach that is the better organized, and has a lot more sand, which extends inland on an average for more than 30 metres, providing a large capacity for sunbathers.This beach has been awarded the Blue flag eco-label (www.blueflag.org) and has handicap facilities.

Aoratoi Beach, Limassol


Aoratoi Beach can be found at the most eastern end of Limassol's beaches, in a relatively secluded and tourist free part of the coast, not as developed as other parts as yet. The beach is about 1 km long and mostly sandy. On the east side there is fence and after that the Moni power generating plant whereas on the west, it ends at a marina, a more attractive option for sure.

It has been awarded the Blue flag eco-label (www.blueflag.org) and has handicap facilities. You can get to the beach by bus, car, motorbike.

Lifegards and lifesaving equipment are available on the beach during the bathing season between 10.00 to 17.00 hours.

Akti Olimpion Beach, Limassol


This is a 2 km long sandy beach on the east of the sea front promenade of Limassol. Officially there are 2 beaches, Akti Olympion, and Akti Olympion B, both of which have been awarded the Blue flag eco-label and have handicap facilities.

Akti Olympion is a 2 kilometres long, 40 metres wide sandy beach with moderate waves. It has pedestrian footpaths, bicycle lanes and ample parking. The sand is dark grey. The beach is accessible by car, motorcycle, bicycle and bus and on foot. Lifeguards are on duty with life saving equipment every day during the bathing season from 09:00 to 17:00 hours. Wave breakers exist along the 2 km long of the coast. The beach is surrounding with hotels, tavernas and pubs.

Sunday 3 May 2009

LIMASSOL BEACHES


Akti Olimpion Beach

Aoratoi Beach

Aphrodite Beach

Armonia Beach

Castella Beach


Curium Beach

Dasoudi Beach

Governor’s Beach

Kourion Beach

Ladies Mile


Pissouri Beach

Santa Barbara

Vouppa

Why visit Pissouri Village, Limassol, Cyprus


At one time Pissouri village, on the hill, had a fishing jetty a few kilometres away down the hill, known as Pissouri jetty. Now they are two distinct communities, Pissouri village and Pissouri Beach.

No guide books or travel sites do justice to the unique character and attractiveness of Pissouri to the visitor and holiday maker. The Cypriot character has been retained, it is still very much a working village of farmers, some of whom have now become involved in farming tourists with varying degrees of success. Its very Cypriot character is what attracts the visitor, holiday maker and expatriate residents.



The motorway has brought Pissouri closer to the larger cities and resorts of Limassol and Paphos, but the distinctiveness of the area is likely to be retained. Pissouri Village has managed something which is fairly rare, perhaps almost unique, in those parts of the Mediterranean which attract western European tourists. It has managed to retain its traditional Cypriot character, while adapting very successfully to welcome visitors, and the money that they bring, to the village.

The Pissouri area is famous for growing grapes, mainly in the valley between the main roads and the sea that leads to Pissouri Beach. Visitors can find almost anything they want in Pissouri - there are several shops and just every need is available. As far as tavernas, restaurants and bars are concerned, there is an amazing number and variety - and they are all good, serving food and drink of exceptional quality. There are also two banks in Pissouri village square.

Aphrodite's Rock, Pissouri, Cyprus


The Rock of Aphrodite is a few kilometres to the west of Pissouri village. The location is especially beautiful at sunset. Its Greek name is Petra tou Romiou or ‘The Rock of the Greek’.

Legend has it that Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot. There are several versions of the story of the goddess's birth, but the most famous is that Aphrodite rose naked from the sea on a scallop shell. Blown by the wind, Aphrodite's first stop was on the island of Cythera, but this was such a tiny island that Aphrodite kept moving and eventually got to Cyprus, where she began living in Paphos.

It is said that in certain weather conditions, the waves rise, break and form a column of water that dissolves into a pillar of foam. With imagination, this looks for just a moment like an ephemeral, evanescent human shape.



There is a long narrow pebbly beach at Petra tou Romiou that extends to either side of the largest rock and its satellites.

LOCATION: You can park on the old B6 on the uphill side of the road. Pedestrian access to the beach is via an underpass.

Kyriakou Bookshops, Pissouri, Cyprus


The largest importer, publisher and retailer of English language books on the island, Kyriakou Books of Limassol, has an outlet at Pissouri Beach, one of the outlets situated next to the main entrance of the Columbia Hotel. For a wide range of items, including newspapers, magazines, and books, particularly the latest paperback bestsellers by world class authors, superb selection of Cyprus Guide books and maps, together with other items often essential to the holiday maker, do visit this excellent high quality shop and see for yourself what it has to offer to you.


LOCATION: at Columbia Beach Hotel, Pissouri.

Pissouri Beach, Limassol, Cyprus


This Cyprus beach is located in the beautiful village of Pissouri. Its waters are clean, warm and safe to swim in with a beautiful sandy, shingle beach. During the summer there are a number of water sports facilities and there is also a small diving school for anyone who would like to learn scuba diving. Rarely overcrowded, except for Sundays when the locals have the time to go to the beach. There are also many Cyprus taverns along the beach which offer delicious Cypriot delicacies. It is not an overdeveloped resort, as similar areas on Cyprus have become during the same two decades, but like Pissouri village, it has retained a Cypriot atmosphere.

Pissouri is about a 30 minute drive away from either Paphos (Pafos) or Limassol (Lemesos) for those who want to see more urban life than Pissouri can offer.

Curium Beach, Limassol


One of the most appealing beaches on the island, Curium is a beach of unspeakable beauty. The sea is rough and wild, whereas the beaches are gentle to have fun on. The ancient Roman Curium Amphitheatre, which has been rebuilt, is directly above the Curium beach, and you may see hand-gliders riding above the Curium cliffs.

This is a very popular beach and has facilities like chairs and cafes etc, easily the best facilitated beach to visit in Limassol. The beach is also a popular sailing spot but can get overcrowded with swimmers.

Saturday 2 May 2009

The Lambouri Winery, Limassol, Cyprus


On 15/09/2006 the winery celebrated a Grand re-opening. After 5 long years, the Lambouri Winery emerged as the first Luxury Boutique Winery of Cyprus, located in the heart of Kato Platres.

For over 300 years, the Lambouris family’s long traditionof wine making, an unbroken drive for perfection, and the joint effort of the Lambouris and Wig – Annenkov families, has made Lambouri Wine a household name for exquisite wines.

An additional feature of the Lambouri Winery will be the cultural nurturing of artists, offering them an opportunity to exhibit their art pieces on the premises for a month in the exclusive ambience, gratifying all senses in the Troodos Mountains.

OPENING TIMES:
Mon-Fri: 10:00-15:00
Sat: 10:00-14:00


Directions from Limassol (Lemesos)

1. On Roundabout of Polemidia, take the road to Troodos.
2. Follow the road approximately 37 Km passing the villages of Alassa, Lania, Trimiklini, Saitas and Moniatis.
3. After Trimiklini, turn left towards Pera Pedi (Flower shop on your right, and Supermarket on your left).
4. Continue for about 8 Km until you reach Kato Platres. You will find our winery on the right side of the main road.



"It is recommended to drink Lambouri wine on any occasion in any amount at any time." Quote from Lambouri Winery

Kaplilio village, Limassol, Cyprus


Kaplilio is a small picturesque wine village in the Limassol district, situated 550 metres above sea level, in a green area among pine trees and vineyards, through which the river Ambelikos flows. It is built on a low hill and consists of small stone houses that lend it an exceptional quaintness.

East of the village lies the ancient church of Agios Georgios o Tropeoforos (St George the Triumphant) dating from the 12th Century. Other small churches are Panayia I Ambeloudjiotissa (Virgin of the Vineyards) and Panayia I Hamadjiotissa (Virgin of the Baths) that are celebrated on Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday respectively. On the north side of the village stands one of the oldest buildings. It belonged to Kykos Monastery and was used by the monks as the monastery’s dependency.



The inhabitant’s main occupation is the cultivation of vineyards, almond trees, olive trees and fruit orchards. Up to the 1980s Kaplilio was well known for the production of Cyprus Peaches.

Another tradition that is still being followed is the procession, on the anniversary of St George, of the Saint’s ancient icon from house to house, ending at the village square where, according to tradition, St George and St Mamas, from the neighbouring village, met while riding their stallions.

Ypsonas (Ipsonas), Limassol, Cyprus



Also known as Ipsona, Ipsonas, İpsona


Ypsonas is one of the largest villages in the district of Limassol and is located about 7 kilometres west of the city of Limassol. The south part of the village is within the administrative borders of the British military base of Akrotiri - Episkopi.

Although Ypsonas is considered by many as having been created during recent years by the inhabitants of other villages (mainly Lofou), which owned land in the region, things are not quite so. Ypsonas existed as a settlement since medieval years. De Masse Latri includes Ypsonas among the villages that belonged to the King of Cyprus himself during the era of the Frank domination. The village is marked under the name Ipsona in old maps. The village probably must have been destroyed in 1426 when the Mamelukes of Egypt invaded Cyprus through the bay of Avdimou, unsuccessfully attacked Episkopi, marched toward Limassol which they seized. Then again it could have been destroyed in 1570 with the invasion of the Turks in Cyprus as they landed in Limassol which they sacked and then -burning and looting -arrived at Polemidia.

After that many inhabitants of Lofou would seasonally migrate to Ypsonas so as to cultivate or harvest the crops of their fields in the region. Thus, for many years, people from Lofou inhabited the village for a few months per year. These people vacated Ypsonas from January until March and from the middle of August until November. Finally, many of the migrating farmers remained permanently in Ypsonas, abandoning Lofou and the other neighbouring villages.

A place that should surely be visited if going to Ypsonas is Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church.

Friday 1 May 2009

Old Port Sea Sponges Exhibition Centre, Limassol, Cyprus


The best place on the island for those people, who may want to find out the history and process of sea sponges, obscure but never the less interesting. This small but fascinating exhibition centre located in the old port area of Limassol offers a wide collection of sea sponges, loofahs and soaps and some of them are available on sale.

LOCATION: Agias Theklis 3 3042 Limassol
TEL: +357 25 359933