Historically, the Greeks and Romans each prized the strategically important city of Limassol. Now it seems it’s the turn of British holidaymakers, who are being attracted in part by the recent revival of the old town in Cyprus’s second-biggest centre and largest resort.
Known to the locals as Lemesos, the city has evolved into a Mediterranean business and finance centre. But as Stelios Kizis, general manager of Columbia Hotels & Resorts, explains: “Where there is business there is likely to be a thriving restaurant scene – and there is here – and of course tourism is now benefiting from these good places to eat and drink.”
Kizis goes so far as to say that visitors are comparing Limassol with cities such as Prague and Berlin thanks to the surfeit of local culture and life, albeit with the added benefit of being on the coast with access to decent beaches.
Mathilde Robert, managing director of Planet Holidays, says: “It’s definitely becoming more popular. We have also seen an increase in demand for weddings and honeymoons.”
The Cyprus specialist operator is increasing capacity and adding weddings at the renovated church in Dherynia for next year.
New beginnings
A look at the names of the hip bars and clubs – Graffiti Lounge, Fabrique or Senso – will give you some idea about Limassol’s contemporary makeover.
Cocktails are more prevalent than the local Keo beer. It also has some of the best five-star hotels on the island, including Le Meridien, Four Seasons and Amathus Beach.
Take a stroll in the ancient district around the castle these days and you’ll notice a more modern vibe. A growth in the cafe culture, trendy bars and boutiques is not only giving visitors a fresh insight into the cosmopolitan side of Cypriot life but also drawing in a more discerning crowd.
Moreover, Ben Cook, product manager at Thomas Cook, says the city is attracting new visitors who are looking for something different to the established areas of Paphos and Ayia Napa.
Growth areas
Spa holidays and all-inclusive hotels are thriving in the city, with many hotels featuring discounts for single guests at certain times of year, as well as bargains for people over 65. Children are also well catered for here with hotels offering free accommodation and discounts on meal plans.
However, if your clients are looking for a hotel with some weighty culinary credentials, Olympic Holidays commercial director Photis Lambrianides suggests the five-star Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri and Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol.
“The Columbia Beach Resort has a fine dining restaurant and Cypriot taverna, and it puts a lot of emphasis on its food, and the resort’s a la carte restaurant is spot-on.” he says.
“The Four Seasons is known for the diversity of its restaurants, all of the highest standard. There’s a fish restaurant, gourmet Greek restaurant, fine dining Italian restaurant and an Oriental restaurant.”
Experiences
Limassol is not short on authentic experiences. Suggest clients visit the Carob mill complex in the old port, which is close to the medieval castle where Richard the Lionheart wed Berengaria of Navarre over 800 years ago.
Wine lovers will also feel at home in Limassol. From here you can easily visit the sun-drenched slopes above the city and learn about the island’s 6,000-year-old industry at the wine museum at Erimi.
It also helps that Limassol is in a central location from which holidaymakers can explore the island. In nearby Curium the magnificent amphitheatre, dating from the 2nd century BC, has been restored to its former glory and in the summer visitors can watch plays and concerts here. A good day trip option is to head out to the Troodos mountains.
Also suggest clients visit the castle of Kolossi. It was here that commandaria, the sweet dessert wine, was first made by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, who had their headquarters here in the Middle Ages.
