PORTS OF CALL - Europe
Limassol, Cyprus
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Limassol, on the south coast of Cyprus, is the island's largest resort. The city stretches along the coast, sheltered by the Troodos Mountains, whose foothills are home to the grape vines used to make the area's famous wines. These wines are the focus of one of Limassol's biggest festivals, the Cyprus Wine Festival. Held during the first week of September each year, the festival features live music and dance, as well as free tastings of some of the finest local wines.
Don't Miss
You can't leave Limassol without seeing its remarkable medieval castle, built around 1000 A.D. by the Byzantines. On the same grounds, and dating to around the same time, is a chapel, where Richard the Lionheart is supposed to have married Princess Berengaria of Navarre in 1191. Today, the castle serves as a medieval museum, and hosts an excellent collection of artifacts dating from 400 to 1870 A.D. You'll find everything from weapons, like cannons and armor, to everyday items, like coins, metalware, pottery and glass, and even artwork, including paintings and statues.
Sporting Adventures
As in most of Europe, football (soccer) is the local passion. But locals love sport in general, and basketball, cycling, and especially volleyball are popular here as well.
Shopping for Bargains
Shopping in Limassol is a real treat, with high-end European brands offered alongside locally made crafts and produce. Saint Andrews Street, near the seafront promenade, is a fun, picturesque area of charming buildings with overhanging terraces featuring small, delightful shops. For more prestigious name brands, head to Makarios Avenue, where you'll find high-end boutiques nestled next to smaller local shops for a unique shopping experience.
Local Flavours
Limassol is home to many of Cyprus' wine makers, the most famous being Commanderia. Other notable vintners include KEO, LOEL, SODAP, and ETKO. These companies make delicious wines and brandies from the grapes that grow in the foothills of the local mountain range. Several of these wines have won numerous awards in international competitions, and are increasingly popular in Europe.
Currency
As part of the European Union, Cyprus' official currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards and traveler's checks are also widely accepted.